Rochester, Minnesota is home to a vibrant live music scene.  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.

Travis Tritt at Mayo Civic CenterTravis Tritt Mayo Civic Center

 

MAYO CIVIC CENTER

This year, Mayo Civic Center in Rochester is hosting an exciting lineup of concerts featuring diverse artists:

  • Judas Priest: Rock legends known for their powerful heavy metal anthems.
  • Dropkick Murphys: Combining punk rock energy with Celtic folk influences for a lively show.
  • Billy Currington: Country star bringing smooth vocals and heartfelt tunes.
  • Avery Anna: Rising pop artist with soulful vocals and contemporary sound.
  • Folsom Prison Experience: This show features Jay Ernest as Johnny Cash and Kat Perkins as June Carter.
  • Barenaked Ladies: Canadian rock band known for their witty lyrics, catchy melodies, and dynamic performances.
  • Leonid & Friends A band renowned for their tribute to Chicago, recreating the iconic rock band's classic hits.

 

New shows are announced regularly. For the latest updates on live music and new shows at Mayo Civic Center, follow the Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter accounts and subscribe to the Mayo Civic Center newsletter.

 

Down by the Riverside concert

 Riverside Concert Series at Mayo Memorial Park

 

RIVERSIDE CONCERT SERIES

The Riverside Concert Series is returning once again, bringing five free nights of music to Mayo Memorial Park behind the Mayo Civic Center in downtown Rochester. This year's lineup features five weeks of live music on Sunday evenings, packed with legendary acts, emerging talent, and local favorites:

 

July 14: Everclear with Cindy Lawson

July 21: Elvie Shane with Aaron Simmons

July 28: Vanessa Lee Carlton with the Madison Parish Ensemble

Aug 4: Nat Myers with Molly Brandt

Aug 11: Max Weinberg's Jukebox with Orange Goodness 

 

Rochester Public Music’s Riverside Concert Series is a free, public outdoor music festival held on Sunday evenings in downtown Rochester along the banks of the Zumbro River. Be sure to bring a chair or blanket and claim your spot before the music starts at 7:00 p.m. Riverside Concert Series also features local food vendors, craft beer, and giveaways – something for everyone!

forWARD Concert Series

FORWARD Park Concert Series

 

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.

 

Aug 14: The Avey Grouws Band with The Holy North at John Withers Sports Complex

Aug 21: Loreweavers with Sheep for Wheat at White Oaks Park

Aug 28: The Shackletons with Valors at Cook Park

 

Similarly to the Riverside Concert Series, be sure to bring a chair or blanket and arrive with time to claim your spot as they are first come first serve!

 

live music at Thursdays Downtown

Thursdays Downtown Stage

 

THURSDAYS DOWNTOWN

Thursdays through August 15, 2024

1st Avenue Southwest, 3rd Street Southwest, and 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: The 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. You can view the Thursdays Downtown Entertainment Lineup here. 

 

SMOOTH SUMMER NIGHTS

There are two more Smooth Summer Nights performances this year. Smooth Summer Nights feature live entertainment on the second Tuesday of the month, and feature local food and beverage vendors. Be sure to bring a chair or blanket, as spots will fill up fast! Get out and enjoy the rest of summer.

Sargent's Gardens North

Aug 13: Clay Fulton & The Lost 40

Sept 10 Avey Grouws Band

 

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. 

 

Check Experience Rochester’s Events Calendar for more information on these live music events and even more year-round concerts throughout the city.