Riverside Music Series Itinerary
A Perfect Sunday in Downtown Rochester: Riverside Music Series Itinerary
Spend your Sunday soaking up summer time at the Riverside Music Series by Rochester Public Music in Mayo Park. Here’s an itinerary to use to enjoy your afternoon and evening in Downtown Rochester, Minnesota.
Afternoon: Relax on Peace Plaza
Head Downtown early to spend a relaxing afternoon on Peace Plaza. Grab some dinner to go and enjoy the live music of Acoustic Soul from 4-6pm. Your kids can run through the scrim pool or you can check out the nearby local shops before walking over to Mayo Park.
Evening: Riverside Music Series
Being one of Rochester's favorite traditions for over 30 years, Riverside Music Series, put on by Rochester Public Music, is an amazing way to enjoy your Sunday evening with family and friends for no cost!
6:00 PM – Settle in at Mayo Park
Arrive early for prime lawn seating. Grab your blanket or chair, and maybe a bite from a local food vendor. Parking is plentiful with nearby lots, ramps and street parking - all FREE on weekends and after 5pm.
7:00 PM – Concert Begins
Enjoy live performances by top artists—the lineup includes Blind Melon, Caylee Hammack, The Wailin’ Jennys, Tone Loc, and Hoobastank across five Sundays between July 13 and August 10. Each show wraps up around 9:30 PM.
What to Bring
Pack a cooler, blankets or lawn chairs. Food and beverage vendors open around 6:00 PM—perfect timing for grabbing something to eat or drink before the show starts.
Good to Know
- No stakes and ropes to reserve space—so show up early instead
- No pets (except service animals), grills, or smoking devices permitted
- In case of severe weather, follow updates via Rochester Public Music’s website or social media
Family-Friendly Fun
Kids (and the kid at heart) can enjoy bubbles, chalk and jump ropes near the Rochester Art Center as part of the “Art Stop." Captions via CART are accessible via QR code, and restrooms are available both inside the Civic Center and at portable units in the park.
The Lineup
You can start listening to the lineup now with this Riverside 2025 Season Sampler playlist on Spotify, put together by Rochester Public Music.
Post-Concert: Nightcap Options
Wind down with a stroll back Downtown and grab a nightcap or dessert at one of Rochester’s cozy cafés or bars. Here are a few spots that are open late on Sunday nights:
Café Steam - open until 10pm
Fuzzy’s Italian Ice and Ice Cream - open until 10pm
Lucky’s Bar & Grill - open until 1am
The Tap House - open until 11pm
Kathy’s Pub - open until 2am
For more information about this year's Riverside Music Series, visit https://www.rochestermn.gov/departments/rochester-public-music/events/riverside-music-series
