Live Music. Big Names. No Tickets.

Riverside Music Series

Est. 1992

Thank you to the thousands of fans, the musicians, and our partners who made the 2025 season unforgettable!

Save the dates - we'll be back in July and August 2026 with another five weeks of free concerts in the park. Lineup announcement coming spring 2026.

Riverside Music Series Logo - Dark Yellow

For more than 30 years, the Riverside Music Series has brought big-name bands and big summer energy to Mayo Park on Sunday nights.

Highlights from 2025

  • Family activities: New in 2025, guests could stop by the Rochester Art Center’s patio for low-key, drop-in fun. Each week included a rotating mix of bubbles, sidewalk chalk, and other kid-friendly play items.
  • First-time performers: All five headliners were new to the Riverside stage this year, including Blind Melon, Caylee Hammack, and Hoobastank.

Follow @rochesterpublicmusic on Instagram or Rochester Public Music on Facebook for updates.

What is the Riverside Music Series?

This short video captures the spirit of the series.

Frequently Asked Questions

The 2025 season ran from July 13 to August 10. The 2026 schedule will be announced in spring.

Concerts start at 7:00 p.m. Most shows wrap up by 9:30 or 10:00 p.m., making for a relaxed summer night downtown.

Come hungry! Food and beverage vendors begin serving at 6:00 p.m. Arrive early to grab dinner, find your spot, and enjoy the park before the music starts.

All Riverside concerts take place in Mayo Park, right behind the Mayo Civic Center in downtown Rochester. The park connects directly to city trails and walking paths.

Whenever you can, we encourage you to walk, bike, or roll to the shows. Walking or biking is especially convenient if you're coming from nearby, and a great way to enjoy the evening.

Map of Mayo Park and Riverside concert area

Note: This map reflects information about 2024. And updated 2025 map will be posted soon.

Mayo Park is connected to Rochester’s trail system and can be reached by foot, bike, or wheelchair, though conditions may vary by route. Whenever it works for you, we encourage you to walk or bike. Coming from close by? Walking or biking makes it easy, and sets the tone for a great evening.

Free parking is available on evenings and weekends in nearby City-owned ramps, surface lots, and metered street spots, all within walking distance of the park.

Accessible parking is available in all ramps, with additional designated spaces along Civic Center Drive, closest to the Mayo Civic Center entrance. From there, guests can access Mayo Park via level sidewalk and paved trail routes.

For full details, visit the Mayo Civic Center parking page or view our parking map below.

Map showing Mayo Park and nearby parking options for Riverside Music Series

Note: This map reflects information about 2024.

Every Riverside show is free and open to the public. No tickets. No sign-up. Just come and enjoy the music.

You're welcome to bring coolers, picnics, lawn chairs, and blankets. Many guests bring their own food and drinks to enjoy during the show.

Alcohol is allowed in the park. Please drink responsibly.

Grills are not permitted. Service animals are welcome, but we ask that pets stay home.

All seating is first come, first served. Bring a blanket or lawn chair to settle in and enjoy the show comfortably.

To keep the park welcoming for everyone, please don’t use ropes, stakes, or other items to block off space.

Indoor restrooms are available inside the Mayo Civic Center. Look for entrances on either side of the stage at Doors 16 and 19.

We also provide portable restrooms in Mayo Park for convenience, including at least one larger unit intended for accessible use at each event.

If you have specific accessibility needs, please visit our Accessibility page or contact us in advance so we can help you plan a safe and comfortable visit.

Each week, a rotating lineup of local food trucks and beverage vendors will be onsite starting at 6:00 p.m. Options vary by week and usually include meals, snacks, and drinks.

You're also welcome to bring your own picnic or cooler if you prefer.

The Riverside Music Series happens rain or shine. If rain is in the forecast, we recommend bringing a poncho instead of an umbrella to help keep sightlines clear for others.

If lightning, high winds, or other unsafe conditions occur, performances may be delayed, shortened, or canceled. Event staff monitor the forecast closely and will respond as needed to keep everyone safe.

For real-time updates, visit our Event Updates page or follow us on Instagram or Facebook.

Smoking and vaping are not allowed in the park during Riverside events.

We aim to make every Riverside concert welcoming and accessible to all guests. CART (real-time captioning) is available at every show, and staff are on site to help with wayfinding, questions, or guest support.

To follow along with live captions, scan the QR code in the park or visit streamtext.net/player on your phone or tablet.

For more details on physical accessibility, sensory supports, or parking options, visit our Accessibility page.

In 2025, Rochester Art Center provided free, drop-in play activities on their patio during the concerts. Activities varied by week and included fun items like bubbles, sidewalk chalk, and jump ropes. Activities were free and open to all.

Giveaways will return in 2026. Details announced with the lineup in spring.

Backstage passes will return in 2026. Details announced with the lineup in spring.

The Riverside Music Series takes place in a public park and is open to everyone.

While this is a shared community space, we ask that individuals and organizations refrain from campaigning, soliciting, or distributing materials during the event.

Our goal is to keep the atmosphere music-focused, welcoming, and free from pressure. Thank you for helping us make the park a place to relax, connect, and enjoy the evening together.

Rochester Public Music partners with the Mayo Civic Center to coordinate food and beverage vending for the Riverside Music Series.

Vendors interested in participating should apply directly through the Mayo Civic Center’s process.

Find vendor details on our Get Involved page.

Supporters & Partners

The Riverside Music Series is funded primarily by the City of Rochester. Support from sponsors, funders, and community partners helps us grow the series, welcome more people, and keep the music free and accessible for all.

2026 sponsorship opportunities are now available. Visit our Supporters & Partners page or email publicmusic@rochestermn.gov to learn more.

2025 Funding Partners

think bank logo

Title Sponsor since 2008

Minnesota State Arts Board & Clean Water Land & Legacy Amendment logos

Grant Support

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

Minnesota 97.5 Greatest Hits logo

2025 Media Partner

Minnesota 97.5

Quick Country 96.5 logo

2025 Media Partner

Quick Country 96.5

Y 105 FM logo

2025 Media Partner

Y-105 FM

rochester art center logo

2025 Family Activity Partner

Rochester Art Center

City Partners

We’re also grateful to Rochester Parks & Recreation, Rochester Public Works, the Rochester Police Department, and the Mayo Civic Center for their partnership and support.

Contact Us

City of Rochester

201 4th Street SE
Rochester, MN 55904

PHONE: 507-328-2311
FAX: 507-328-2901

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