Rochester, Minnesota is home to a vibrant live music scene, including many FREE concerts throughout the city. From intimate acoustic sets in cozy restaurants to electrifying concerts at Mayo Civic Center, here’s a sampling of locations to get your music fix in Rochester.
Riverside Music Series at Mayo Memorial Park | Photo Courtesy Rochester Public Music
RIVERSIDE MUSIC SERIES
The Riverside Music Series has brought big summer energy to Sunday nights at Mayo Park with performances from artists like Hoobastank, Vanessa Carlton, Tone Loc, and more. The series returns in 2026 with five free nights of live music at Mayo Memorial Park behind the Mayo Civic Center in downtown Rochester.
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
Be sure to bring a chair or blanket and grab your spot before the music starts at 7:00 P.M. Riverside Concert Series also features local food vendors, craft beer, and giveaways.
FORWARD Park Concert Series | Photo Courtesy Rochester Public Music
FORWARD PARK CONCERT SERIES
Another free concert series hosted by Rochester Public Music, the FORWARD Park Concerts on Wednesday evenings showcase local bands and regional emerging headliners. Concerts are held in six different walkable, pet friendly, and bike trail connected parks, one in each city ward. Local food trucks, craft beer, and family-friendly fun round out these must-attend community events.
June 3: Cori Kennedy with Clayton Ryan at Mayo Park
June 10: Davina and The Vagabonds with Mississippi Hot Club at Cascade Lake Park
June 17: Sleeping Jesus with Mike Munson & Mikkel Beckmen at Allendale Park
August 12: Jeremy Messersmith with Teeth at John Withers Sports Complex
August 19: Raynes with JoJo Green at White Oaks Park
August 26: Me Like Bees with Scorched Waves at Cook Park
Bring a chair or blanket, settle in for live music, and enjoy a summer evening with neighbors, family, and friends.
Thursdays Downtown | Photo Courtesy Rochester Downtown Alliance
THURSDAYS DOWNTOWN
Thursdays; June 11-August 13, 2026 (Except July 2)
1st Ave SW (from W Center St to Historic 3rd St SW) & Peace Plaza
Thursdays Downtown is downtown Rochester’s weekly summer festival with food, a vendor market and live music. There’s no shortage of bands at Thursdays Downtown: Two stages on opposite ends of the festival each showcase three different bands every Thursday, which means you have plenty of opportunities to catch some free, outdoor live music in the heart of downtown Rochester.
Smooth Summer Nights
SMOOTH SUMMER NIGHTS
Smooth Summer Nights feature live entertainment at Sargent's Gardens North on the second Tuesday of the month during the summer from 5-8pm. Smooth Summer Nights are free to attend and include food and beverages for purchase from local vendors.
June 9: Good Morning Bedlam
July 14: Root River Jam
August 11: Clay Fulton & The Lost Forty
MAYO CIVIC CENTER
This year, Mayo Civic Center in Rochester is hosting an exciting lineup of concerts featuring diverse artists:
August 4: Blackberry Smoke's 25th Anniversary Tour
August 8: Theory of a Deadman & Sevendust: The Dead / Seven Tour
September 5: The "Happy Together" Tour 2026
September 15: Punch Brothers
New shows are announced regularly. For the latest updates on live music and new shows at Mayo Civic Center, follow the Facebook, Instagram, or X accounts and subscribe to the Mayo Civic Center newsletter.
Forager Brewery
RESTAURANTS AND TAPROOMS
These taprooms are known to regularly have live music. Rochester is known for its amazing food and beverage scene, which also includes performances from many local musicians. Be sure to visit their websites to learn more about what events they have going on.
- Forager Brewery
- Thesis Beer Project
- Kinney Creek Brewery
- Little Thistle Brewing Co.
- Workshop Food Hall & Bar
- Bleu Duck Kitchen
- Five West Kitchen + Bar
- The Redwood Room
- SMOAK BBQ
- Mill Valley Kitchen
Check Experience Rochester’s Events Calendar for more information on these live music events and even more year-round concerts throughout the city.