Live Music. Big Names. No Tickets.

Riverside Music Series

Riverside returns to Mayo Park in July and August with five free Sunday evening concerts.

Bring a chair or blanket, come early for food trucks, and settle in for the kind of live music that makes summer feel like summer.

2026 Riverside Music Series

July 12 – Vertical Horizon with Hair of the Dog
July 19 – Tank and The Bangas with Danger Club
July 26 – Mackenzie Carpenter with Kevin Daniel
August 2 – Sister Sledge with Adam Bohanan
August 9 – Better Than Ezra with Marina City

All concerts are free and open to everyone. No tickets required.

At a Glance

Cost: Free
Tickets: No tickets required
Location: Mayo Park, behind the Mayo Civic Center
Music: Opening acts begin at 7:00 p.m. Headliners begin at 8:00 p.m.
Seating: Bring a chair or blanket
Food: Food vendor details may vary by event

2026 Riverside events

See what Riverside feels like

Watch a short video about the Riverside Music Series and get a feel for Sunday nights in Mayo Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside concerts are outdoor events in Mayo Park. Use the information below to plan ahead and feel comfortable when you arrive.

The 2026 Riverside Music Series runs Sunday evenings from July 12 to August 9.

Food trucks open at 6:00 p.m. Opening acts begin at 7:00 p.m., and headliners begin at 8:00 p.m. Most concerts wrap up by 9:30 or 10:00 p.m.

Come early to grab dinner, find your spot, and enjoy the park before the music starts.

All Riverside concerts take place in Mayo Park, behind the Mayo Civic Center in downtown Rochester.

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 possible, we encourage guests to walk, bike, roll, carpool, or use nearby parking to help reduce congestion around the park.

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

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

For full details, visit the Mayo Civic Center parking page.

Food trucks and beverage vendors are onsite each week starting at 6:00 p.m. Options vary by week and usually include meals, snacks, and drinks.

Guests are also welcome to bring their own picnic or cooler. Alcohol is allowed in the park. Please drink responsibly.

Seating is first come, first served. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and choose a spot that works for you.

To keep the park welcoming and accessible for everyone, please do not use ropes, stakes, or other items to block off space.

Grills are not permitted.

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

Portable restrooms are also available 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 the Accessibility at Our Events page or contact us in advance so we can help you plan a safe and comfortable visit.

We work to make every Riverside concert welcoming and accessible.

CART captioning is available at every show. 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 to help with questions, wayfinding, and guest support.

For more information about physical accessibility, sensory supports, or parking access, visit the Accessibility at Our Events page.

Riverside concerts are held 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 weather conditions occur, performances may be delayed, shortened, or canceled. Event staff 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 Event Updates & Alerts page or follow Rochester Public Music on Instagram or Facebook.

Giveaways and meet & greet opportunities may be available during the 2026 Riverside Music Series.

Details will be announced closer to each concert when available.

Riverside concerts take place in a public park and are open to everyone. 

During the events, we ask individuals and organizations to refrain from campaigning, soliciting, distributing materials, collecting signatures, fundraising, or promoting outside causes.

This helps support a welcoming event environment, and preserves Riverside as a music-first gathering for the community. Thank you for helping us make the park a place to relax, connect, and enjoy the evening together.

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

Vendor participation is limited and based on event needs, available space, permits, and approval. Interested vendors should apply through the Mayo Civic Center’s vendor process.

Interested in supporting Riverside as a sponsor or community partner? Visit the Supporters & Partners page or contact Rochester Public Music at publicmusic@rochestermn.gov.

 

2026 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.

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

Media Partner

Minnesota 97.5

Quick Country 96.5 logo

Media Partner

Quick Country 96.5

Y 105 FM logo

Media Partner

Y-105 FM

City Partners

Thank you to Rochester Parks & Recreation, Rochester Public Works, the Rochester Police Department, and Mayo Civic Center for their 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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