Supporters & Partners

Want to help behind the scenes? Volunteers play an essential role in making our events welcoming, inclusive, and successful.

Opportunities include:

• Greeting guests and helping audiences feel at home
• Assisting with artist logistics, surveys, or giveaways
• Joining our small, dedicated team that brings music to public spaces across the city

To learn more, email publicmusic@rochestermn.gov.

Looking to make a meaningful impact while connecting with the Rochester community?

We partner with businesses, organizations, and media outlets that believe in the power of live music to bring people together.

Sponsorships help us:

• Keep concerts free and open to all
• Offer artist meet & greets, giveaways, and family-friendly activities
• Celebrate and promote community-minded partners

To start a conversation, email publicmusic@rochestermn.gov.

Supporters & Partners

We’re deeply grateful to the funders, sponsors, and partners who help make these programs possible — and who show that music matters in Rochester.

2025 Funding Support

Rochester Public Music receives foundational operating support from the Minnesota State Arts Board, made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

Grant Funding

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.

2025 Riverside Music Series Partners

Founded in 1991, Riverside is a beloved Rochester tradition. These partners help us bring thousands of people together each summer for unforgettable nights of free music, shared joy, and community pride.

Title Sponsor since 2008
Media Sponsor	Media Sponsor	Media Sponsor	Family Activity Partner

2025 FORWARD Partners

Launched in 2019, FORWARD brings live music into Rochester’s parks and neighborhoods. These partners help keep it deeply local, widely accessible, and rooted in community.

Grant Support

Exclusive Media Sponsor

Sponsor of The Art Stop at FORWARD (Part of the Mayor’s Year About Youth)

2025 Passport Sessions Partners

Since 2010, Passport Sessions has featured cross-cultural performances in public spaces. These partners help foster musical connection and global curiosity.

Public Concert Venue Partner

Youth Concert Venue Partner

2025 Sound School Partner

Founded in 1990, Sound School brings professional musicians into Rochester classrooms for a week of hands-on learning, cultural exchange, and musical discovery. These partners help us spark creativity and open minds — one school at a time.

School Partner

We are especially grateful to partners who support multiple Rochester Public Music programs throughout the year.

Each year, we invite local and regional bands to apply for opening slots in our summer concert series. One application covers both FORWARD and Riverside.

Applications for the 2026 season are available here: https://bit.ly/3Jy4DBp.

In the meantime, learn more about the series:

• FORWARD
• Riverside Music Series

We welcome food and beverage vendors to help create a fun, festive atmosphere at Rochester Public Music events.

Applications for summer 2026 are now closed.

• FORWARD: Managed by Rochester Public Music
• Riverside Music Series: Managed by Mayo Civic Center

Future opportunities will be posted here as they become available.

To learn more or ask a question, email us at publicmusic@rochestermn.gov.

Interested in being part of FORWARD as a community partner or activity booth?

We reserve space for partners who meet one or more of the following:

• Offer non-commercial, mission-aligned activities that are free, fun, and inclusive
• Support the event through sponsorship, staffing, or logistics
• Provide hands-on engagement that adds value for attendees (e.g., art stations or games)

We do not host passive info tables, campaign materials, or commercial promotions. FORWARD is a music-first event, and space is limited.

Think your activity is a good fit? Email us to start a conversation: publicmusic@rochestermn.gov

You don’t have to be onstage or behind a booth to be part of Rochester Public Music. Whether you're a neighbor, a local business, or part of a community group, there are many ways to get involved.

• Volunteer: Help greet guests, support logistics, or assist with special activities
• Sponsor a Program: Provide financial or in-kind support to keep concerts free and accessible
• Collaborate: Have an idea that fits our mission? Email us to start a conversation

To make a contribution, visit our Support Public Music page.