Riverside Music Series

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Live Music. Big Names. No Tickets.

Est. 1992

Thank you to the thousands of fans, the musicians, and our partners who made the 2025 season unforgettable!

Save the dates - we'll be back in July and August 2026 with another five weeks of free concerts in the park. Lineup announcement coming spring 2026.

Riverside Music Series Logo - Dark Yellow

For more than 30 years, the Riverside Music Series has brought big-name bands and big summer energy to Mayo Park on Sunday nights.

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Planning Your Visit

At the Park

Activities & Extras

Getting Involved & Guidelines

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Highlights from 2025

  • Family activities: New in 2025, guests could stop by the Rochester Art Center’s patio for low-key, drop-in fun. Each week included a rotating mix of bubbles, sidewalk chalk, and other kid-friendly play items.
  • First-time performers: All five headliners were new to the Riverside stage this year, including Blind Melon, Caylee Hammack, and Hoobastank.

Follow @rochesterpublicmusic on Instagram or Rochester Public Music on Facebook for updates.

Mick Sterling’s “A Grand Ole Opry Christmas”

@ Rochester Civic Music's Theatre Season

Mick Sterling’s “A Grand Ole Opry Christmas” ~ Saturday, November 26 at 7:30 p.m. at the Rochester Civic Theatre in Rochester, MN. Tickets: $30 ~ General Admission ~ TicketmasterON SALE NOW! 

The classic Christmas songs from the legendary artists of the Grand Ole Opry are honored and performed by some of the top singers and musicians in the Twin Cities, including local favorites Cate Fierro and Shalo Lee on lead vocals. Performing classic Christmas songs from Johnny Cash, George Strait, Roy Orbison, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, Glen Campbell, and many more, Mick Sterling leads this incredible band in an unforgettable, and quite charming, emotional night of Christmas classics. - https://www.micksterlingpresents.com/

Part of Rochester Civic Music's Theatre Season, an indoor ticketed concert series providing world-class artists from a broad range of genres at moderate ticket prices. This series is presented in the intimate setting of the 300 seat main hall at the Rochester Civic Theatre on the Mayo Civic Center campus. These indoor concerts will provide a more engaging, up close and personal experience, allowing attendees to delve deeper into the creative process and soak in the finer details of the artistry involved. 

Tickets available at Rochester Civic Music in City Hall (walk-in or by phone, no handling fees), the Mayo Civic Center Box Office (walk-in, no handling fees), and Ticketmaster (online). Order by phone at 507-328-2200 or 800-657-3980 or in person at 201 4th St. SE, Suite 170 (City Hall). Group rates available. More information at rochestermn.gov/civicmusic

The Rochester Civic Music Box Office hours are 9 AM - 4 PM (M-F). We are open through the noon hour. Cash, Check, Visa, Mastercard, and Discover are accepted. 

Mayo Civic Center FAQ

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Listen and watch

Listen to the 2025 Season Sampler: Relive 2025's lineup with our curated Spotify playlist.

Alumni Playlist

Explore the artists who’ve helped shape Riverside over the years with our curated Spotify mix.

What is the Riverside Music Series?

This short video captures the spirit of the series.

Additional information

See below for answers to frequently asked questions.

Schedule & Start Times
Location
Directions & Parking
Cost & Tickets
What to Bring
Seating
Restrooms
Food & Drink
Weather Policy
Smoking
Accessibility & Guest Services
Family Activities
Giveaways
Meet & Greets
Soliciting & Campaigning
Vendor Opportunities

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.

2026 sponsorship opportunities are now available. Visit our Supporters & Partners page or email publicmusic@rochestermn.gov to learn more.

2025 Funding Partners

Think Bank logo
Title Sponsor since 2008
Minnesota State Arts Board logo Clean Water Legacy logo
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.

2025 Media Partners

Minnesota 97.5 logo
Minnesota 97.5
Quick Country 96.5 logo
Quick Country 96.5
Y-105 FM logo
Y-105 FM

2025 Family Activity Partner

Rochester Art Center logo
Rochester Art Center

City Partners

We’re also grateful to Rochester Parks & Recreation, Rochester Public Works, the Rochester Police Department, and the Mayo Civic Center for their partnership and support.