FORWARD Park Concerts

FORWARD concerts are free, outdoor events. No tickets or registration are required.

Bring a chair or blanket, water, sunscreen, bug spray, and anything you need to be comfortable in the park. Seating is first come, first served.

Please help keep the park welcoming for everyone by cleaning up after yourself and following posted park rules.

Food vendor details may vary by event and will be shared closer to each concert when available.

Portable restrooms are available at every FORWARD concert. We aim to include at least one larger unit designed for accessible use at each event.

Seating is not provided. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, or other portable seating.

FORWARD concerts take place in different parks across Rochester. Parking and arrival options vary by location.

Each park has a free parking lot available for concert guests, but space is limited and may fill quickly, especially at smaller neighborhood parks.

At each concert, Rochester Public Music sets aside reserved parking near the concert area for guests with mobility needs. These are standard-size parking spaces located as close to the stage area as possible. They may not meet formal ADA parking-space requirements.

If you have mobility needs or access questions, visit our Accessibility page or contact Rochester Public Music before the event. We’re here to help.

Check the event listing for the park address and any location-specific notes. When possible, consider walking, biking, rolling, carpooling, or using nearby parking to help reduce congestion around the park.

CART captioning is available at every FORWARD concert. CART provides real-time captions that you can view on your phone or tablet during the event.

To view captions, scan the QR code in the park or visit the Public Music real-time captioning page. Bring a phone or tablet with internet access to follow along.

Staff are onsite at each concert to help with questions, wayfinding, or support.

Soliciting, Campaigning and Materials

FORWARD concerts take place in public parks and are open to everyone. During the event, we ask individuals and organizations not to solicit, campaign, distribute materials, collect signatures, fundraise, or promote outside causes within the concert area.

This helps keep pathways clear, supports a welcoming event environment, and preserves FORWARD as a music-first gathering for the community.

Partnering With Us

We welcome collaboration with community partners whose work aligns with the spirit of FORWARD and adds value for attendees. Participation is selective and based on event needs, available space, staffing, and fit.

Partners are generally considered when they do one or more of the following:

• Offer a free, inclusive activity that invites public participation
• Support the event through sponsorship, staffing, or logistical help
• Provide a facilitated experience that builds community, such as interactive art, games, or creative activities

FORWARD does not typically include information tables, promotional booths, or tabling that is primarily focused on outreach, marketing, or solicitation.

Space is limited, and participation is not guaranteed. To start a conversation, contact Rochester Public Music at publicmusic@rochestermn.gov.

Interested in becoming a sponsor or community partner? Visit the Supporters & Partners page to learn more.

Vendor Opportunities

Rochester Public Music coordinates food and beverage vending for FORWARD concerts. Vendor participation is limited and based on event needs, available space, permits, and approval.

Interested in vending at a future event? Visit the Be a Vendor at Our Events section on our Supporters & Partners page.

FORWARD concerts are held rain or shine. If rain is in the forecast, we recommend bringing a poncho instead of an umbrella to help preserve sightlines for others.

If lightning, high winds, or other unsafe weather conditions occur, concerts may be delayed, shortened, or cancelled. Event staff will monitor conditions closely and respond as needed.

Because weather can change quickly, please check for updates before heading to the park.

For updates, visit the Public Music event updates page or follow us on Instagram or Facebook.