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Music With Roots. Sounds That Travel.
Thanks for joining us for Passport Sessions 2026.
Passport Sessions returns in summer 2027 with free public concerts celebrating musical traditions shaped by culture, heritage, place, and story.
| DATE | ARTIST | LOCATION | TIME |
| Thursday, June 24 | To be announced | To be announced | 7-8:15 p.m. |
| To be announced | To be announced | To be announced | 7-8:15 p.m. |
| Thursday, July 29 | To be announced | To be announced | 7-8:15 p.m. |
Artists and stage locations will be announced in 2027.
Public Passport Sessions concerts are presented during Thursdays Downtown and are free and open to everyone.
Cost: Free
Tickets: No tickets required
Location: Thursdays Downtown in downtown Rochester
Time: Public concerts begin at 7 p.m.
Seating: Limited; most guests stand, stroll, or stop briefly to listen
Youth performances: Presented through Rochester Public Schools’ Summer SACC program; not open to the public
Passport Sessions concerts are casual, outdoor performances held as part of Thursdays Downtown. Come ready to listen, discover new sounds, and experience music shaped by culture, place, story, and connection.
Public concerts take place within the Thursdays Downtown street festival, with food vendors, community booths, activities, and other downtown programming nearby.
No registration is needed.
No upcoming events.
Plan Your Visit
Passport Sessions public concerts are part of Thursdays Downtown. Use the information below to plan ahead and feel comfortable when you arrive.
Passport Sessions public concerts are free outdoor events. No tickets or registration are required.
Bring water, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and anything you need to be comfortable in an active downtown festival setting.
Thursdays Downtown is a lively outdoor event with music, food, vendors, activities, and community booths. Most guests stand, stroll, or stop briefly to listen.
Public Passport Sessions concerts take place during Thursdays Downtown, beginning at 7 p.m.
Concert locations may vary by date. Check the individual event listing for the stage location, address, and any location-specific notes.
Summer SACC performances are held earlier in the day for students in Rochester Public Schools’ Summer SACC program and are not open to the public.
Thursdays Downtown concerts: Free and open to all.
Summer SACC performances: Free but not public-facing.
No tickets or registration are required.
Thursdays Downtown includes food vendors, community booths, activities, and local businesses throughout the event area.
Offerings vary by date and may include food trucks, handmade goods, nonprofit booths, art, services, and community information.
For full event details, including vendor maps and restroom information, visit the Thursdays Downtown website.
Passport Sessions concerts are held outdoors as part of Thursdays Downtown.
Events may be delayed, shortened, or canceled in the case of storms, extreme heat, or other unsafe weather conditions.
Because weather can change quickly, please check for updates before heading downtown. For the latest schedule updates, visit our Event Updates page.
Accessibility conditions may vary by location within Thursdays Downtown.
If you have accessibility questions before attending, contact Rochester Public Music at publicmusic@rochestermn.gov.
If you need a seat for comfort or accessibility, you’re welcome to bring a small folding chair or portable stool. Please place it out of walkways, vendor spaces, and emergency access routes.
Need a break from the heat or crowd? The Family Nook, located near the Discovery Walk stage, offers a quieter space with family-friendly amenities. For details and features, check the Thursdays Downtown event map or ask Rochester Downtown Alliance staff on site.
Your feedback helps us improve Passport Sessions.
Rochester Public Music may share survey cards or QR codes near the concert area. We appreciate your time and ideas. Your input helps shape future programs.
Thursdays Downtown is Rochester’s largest summer street festival, featuring live music, food vendors, activities, and community booths.
Passport Sessions public concerts are presented as part of Thursdays Downtown in partnership with the Rochester Downtown Alliance.
For full event details, visit the Rochester Downtown Alliance.
Past Passport Sessions
Explore past Passport Sessions artists and performances. Each summer, the series brings globally rooted music to Rochester through free public concerts and youth engagement opportunities.
June 25 — Los Rebeldes
Thursdays Downtown
July 16 — Brass Queens
Thursdays Downtown
July 30 — La Manga
Thursdays Downtown
During the 2026 season, Passport Sessions artists also connected with Rochester-area youth through the series’ summer outreach programming.
June 26 — Thomas X
Thursdays Downtown
July 17 — LADAMA
Thursdays Downtown
July 31 — Guvenc & Burk Orchestra
Thursdays Downtown
During the 2025 season, Passport Sessions artists also connected with Rochester-area youth through the series’ summer outreach programming.
June 27 — Chinobay
Thursdays Downtown
July 18 — La Dame Blanche
Thursdays Downtown
August 8 — JigJam
Thursdays Downtown
During the 2024 season, Passport Sessions artists also connected with Rochester-area youth through the series’ summer outreach programming.
June 22 — Blackbird
Rochesterfest
July 20 — Feufollet
Thursdays Downtown
August 10 — JigJam
Thursdays Downtown
During the 2023 season, Passport Sessions artists also connected with Rochester-area youth through the series’ summer outreach programming.
Supporters & Partners
Passport Sessions is a City-funded program presented by Rochester Public Music. Support from funders and community partners helps extend the series through free public concerts and youth performances that invite listening, learning, and cultural connection.
2027 sponsorship opportunities are now available. Visit our Supporters & Partners page or email publicmusic@rochestermn.gov to learn more.
2026 Funding Partners
Grant Support: Los Rebeldes
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.
2026 Venue Partner
Presented in partnership with Thursdays Downtown
2026 Youth Program Partner
Host sites for youth concerts through Summer SACC
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