Rochester, MN
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201 4th St. SE
Suite 170
Rochester, MN 55901
Phone: 507-328-2200
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Mon-Fri: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
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About Rochester Public Music
Rochester Public Music brings people together through concerts, cultural programs, and music education. Our events are free and public by design.
We turn parks into concert venues, bring artists into classrooms, and share music across neighborhoods. Our work is rooted in shared experience, local connection, and the belief that music belongs to everyone.
Music with Purpose.
Rochester Public Music is a department of the City of Rochester.
Our Programs
- FORWARD Park Concerts: Free summer concerts in Rochester parks. Local bands, local food, and space for everyone to gather.
- Riverside Music Series: Live music. Big names. No tickets. Large-scale concerts featuring chart-topping acts and rising stars.
- Sound School: In-school residencies where students explore rhythm, movement, and musical identity — from hip hop and taiko drumming to close-harmony singing.
- Passport Sessions: Free outdoor concerts during Thursdays Downtown, celebrating culture and connection through sound.
4th Fest
Rochester, Minnesota’s Official 4th of July Celebration
- Date: 07/04/2023 6:00 PM - 10:30 PM
- Location: Soldiers Field Park
300 7th St SW
Rochester, Minnesota 55902 - Introduction: FREE - NO TICKETS REQUIRED!
- Artist Website URL https://www.rochestermn.gov/government/departments/rochester-civic-music/events/4th-fest-independence-day-celebration
4th Fest Independence Day Celebration, Rochester’s official 4th of July celebration and fireworks display will take place at Soldiers Field Park (300 7th St SW, 300 7th St SW, MN 55902), on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, starting at 6:00 p.m.
4th Fest is a free, annual community event featuring live music, poetry, and fireworks. With local food vendors, craft beer, giveaways and more, 4th Fest is a fun-filled celebration for the entire family. Celebrated local musician and non-profit volunteer Mitch Stevenson will serve as emcee for this year’s event.
2023 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
6:00 PM: Rochester Community Band: Patriotic and Traditional Concert Band Music
7:00 PM: DJ Aventus and Virtual Pet Parade
8:25 PM: Jean Prokott, Rochester Poet Laureate
8:30 PM: The Lonesome Losers: A Tribute to Yacht Rock
10:00 PM: Fireworks!
The first 100 photo entrants will receive a limited-edition Civic Music pet bandanna. To submit an entry, email civicmusic@rochestermn.gov. Please include “4th Fest Virtual Pet Parade” in the subject line, and include your pet’s name in the body of the email or directly on the photo. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, June 28.
Food and beverage vendor list: The Compadres, Infuzn Foods, Minne Street Rolls, True Smoke BBQ, Thai Garden, Flapdoodles, Minne "Snow" Da Shave Ice, Little Thistle Brewing Co., Thesis Beer Project.
Sponsored by Affinity Plus Credit Union. Presented by Rochester Civic Music in partnership with Rochester Parks & Recreation, the Rochester Fire Department, and the Rochester Police Department. Stage and video wall sponsored by Fette Productions. Water refill station sponsored by Culligan.
City Parking Options for 4th Fest at Soldiers Field Park
All City and residential side streets, unless marked otherwise.
- 3rd Street Parking Ramp (100 3rd St SW)
- Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial Parking Lot (7th St. SW)
(NOTE: The entire west half of this lot will be designated as accessible parking) - Soldiers Field West Parking Lot (Soldiers Field Dr. SW)
- Roy Sutherland Playground Parking Area (Soldiers Field Dr. SW)
- Soldiers Field East Parking Lot (Soldiers Field Dr. SW)
- Soldiers Field Parking Lot, Across the River (Broadway Ave S)
- Street Parking (Soldiers Field Dr. SW, George Gibbs Dr. SW)
- Street Parking (1st Ave SW, Near YMCA)