Your Guide to Rochester’s Free FORWARD Park Concerts This Summer

Did you know that going to live concerts could actually make you live longer? A study published by behavioral scientist Patrick Fagan showed that just 20 minutes of watching live music can significantly increase your sense of well-being, potentially boosting your lifespan by up to nine years.

Rochester is already famous for the life-saving health advancements at Mayo Clinic, but the city also offers a fantastic, community-driven dose of life-extending live music all summer. We're treated to performances at Thursdays Downtown, the Riverside Concert Series, and the neighborhood-hopping FORWARD Park Concerts.

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The 2026 FORWARD series kicked off its season under absolute picture-perfect condtitions Wednesday night at Mayo Park, and the crowd was treated to a spectacular performance by Kasson native and The Voice standout, Cori Kennedy.

After capturing the national spotlight on Team Reba during Season 28, where she earned a national following and her own hometown holiday, Cori returned to her Southeast Minnesota roots tonight to rock the park. Her high-energy performance set an incredible tone for the summer.

If you missed tonight's amazing opener, don't worry, the FORWARD Concert series is just getting started, and every single event is completely free with no tickets required.

The concerts are scheduled in neighborhood parks throughout the summer from 5:30 to 7:45 p.m. and feature food and drink vendors, games and activities, and great music.

Rochester 2026 FORWARD Park Concerts

• Wednesday, June 10 (5:30-7:45 p.m.): Davina & the Vagabonds at Cascade Lake Park
• Wednesday, June 17 (5:30-7:45 p.m.): Sleeping Jesus at Allendale Park
• Wednesday, August 12 (5:30-7:45 p.m.): Jeremy Messersmith at John Withers Sports Complex
• Wednesday, August 19 (5:30-7:45 p.m.): Raynes at White Oaks Park
• Wednesday, August 26 (5:30-7:45 p.m.): Me Like Bees at Cook Park