Rochester Public Music

Tonight's Riverside Music Series concert featuring Mackenzie Carpenter is scheduled to continue as planned with additional heat safety measures in place.

As of 12:42 p.m., July 26, 2026, Rochester Public Music is continuing to monitor conditions and has consulted with Rochester Emergency Management and the National Weather Service. A National Weather Service Extreme Heat Warning is in effect for Rochester from noon to 9 p.m. today.

High humidity will make it harder for the body to cool itself through sweating. Drinking fluids is important, but hydration alone is not enough. Guests who attend should take regular breaks inside the air-conditioned Mayo Civic Center rather than remaining outdoors for extended periods, even while sitting in the shade.

Everyone should consider the conditions and their individual health needs when deciding whether to attend. Infants and young children, older adults, pregnant people, and individuals with other health conditions or taking medications that affect the body’s ability to manage heat should take additional precautions. Staying home may be the best choice for guests who are especially sensitive to heat or unable to take regular cooling breaks.

Planning for the Heat

Guests who attend are encouraged to:

• Bring a refillable water bottle and drink regularly, beginning before arriving at the event. Free water will also be available inside the Mayo Civic Center.
• Take a cooling break inside the air-conditioned Mayo Civic Center at least every 30 minutes, even when sitting in the shade.
• Drink water regularly and consider an electrolyte beverage when appropriate.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
• Limit unnecessary physical activity.
• Pay attention to signs of heat illness and seek help promptly if they begin to feel unwell.

The concert begins after the peak afternoon heat, and portions of the audience area will be shaded during the evening. However, shade does not eliminate the risk from high heat and humidity.

The Mayo Civic Center will remain open throughout the event, with air conditioning, restrooms, and free drinking water available just inside Door 19 from water coolers and cups. Door 19 is to the left of the stage when facing the stage. An A-frame sign will mark the water station, and staff will monitor and refill it throughout the event. Guests are still encouraged to bring a refillable water bottle. Additional bottled water and electrolyte beverages will also be available for purchase.

Rochester Fire Department personnel will be onsite for emergency medical response, along with the Rochester Police Department. Heat safety reminders will also be shared during the event.

Guests are encouraged to learn what an Extreme Heat Warning means, and review the National Weather Service's heat safety guidance before heading to the event.

Rochester Public Music will continue monitoring conditions with the National Weather Service throughout the day. If the event schedule or status changes, an update will be posted on this page and in the Public Music App.

Last updated: 12:42 p.m., July 26, 2026.

Riverside Music Series is scheduled to continue as planned.

As of 1:30 p.m., July 19, 2026, Rochester Public Music is monitoring air quality and sharing parking and wayfinding information to help guests plan for tonight’s event at Mayo Park.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert for Rochester and other areas of Minnesota due to wildfire smoke. Air quality is expected to reach the red, or unhealthy, category. The alert is currently in effect until 11 a.m. Monday, July 20.

Everyone should consider current air quality and their individual health needs when deciding whether to attend. Guests are encouraged to limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity. Children, older adults, pregnant people, and people with asthma, heart or lung conditions, or other air-quality sensitivities should take additional precautions.

Review the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency air quality alert and current air quality conditions before heading to the event.

Parking and Wayfinding

Construction near the Mayo Civic Center may affect some streets, sidewalks, and usual routes. Guests are encouraged to allow extra time and review the City’s live Downtown Construction Navigation map before heading downtown. The map opens in the “Pedestrian” view, showing sidewalk and crosswalk impacts near Mayo Park and the Mayo Civic Center.

Free evening and weekend parking is available in nearby City-owned ramps, surface lots, and metered street spaces. Guests may also walk, bike, roll, carpool, or use downtown parking options within walking distance of Mayo Park.

For additional parking information, visit the Mayo Civic Center parking page.

If the event schedule changes, an update will be posted on this page.

Last updated: 1:30 p.m., July 19, 2026.

·   Please note that downtown construction may add a few extra turns to your trip, and some walking and biking routes near Civic Center Drive and the bridge remain closed. We encourage everyone to review the Downtown Construction Map to plan your route.

The Riverside Music Series returns to downtown Rochester this summer with five free Sunday night concerts at Mayo Park, featuring nationally recognized artists alongside regional and local opening acts across a range of musical genres. Concerts run from July 12 through August 9 and are free and open to the public. 

Rochester Public Music announces the 2026 FORWARD Concert Series, a free summer series bringing live music to neighborhood parks across Rochester. FORWARD returns on select Wednesday evenings in June and August, with performances rotating through parks in different parts of the city.