An annual summer tradition, Rochester Civic Music’s Down by the Riverside is a free, public outdoor music festival held on Sunday evenings in downtown Rochester along the banks of the Zumbro River.

This family-friendly community event features must-see national acts as well as standout local opening artists. Down by the Riverside also features local food vendors, craft beer, and giveaways – something for everyone!

Food and beverage vendor list: True Smoke BBQ, Rey de la Birria, Heimstead, B-Lo Zero Sno Cones & Minnie Donuts, Indigo Acai Bowls, Popus Gourmet Popcorn, LTS Brewing Co., Four Daughters Vineyard & Winery

GIVEAWAYS: At each concert, Think Bank gives away a FREE electric guitar autographed by the headliner. Enter the giveaway by completing a survey by 7:45 p.m. on show day. Surveys can be completed at the Civic Music tent, by clicking here, or by scanning a QR code at the event. Must be present to win.

Fill out a survey any time from the start of show on Sunday through the following Thursday at noon for a chance to win a City prize pack! Must provide name and email address to be contacted as a winner.

MEET AND GREET: Interested in meeting the headliner? We work with local partners to give away FREE backstage passes. For a chance to win a pass to meet Charlie Parr, follow The Rochester Posse.

CART CAPTIONING SERVICES: CLICK HERE to access CART captioning services. CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation) services sponsored by Think Bank. 

Charlie Parr is an incorruptible outsider who writes novelistic, multi-layered stories that shine a kaleidoscopic light on defiant, unseen characters thriving in the shadows all around us. Parr has released 14 studio albums and tours the globe performing at legendary venues like Newport Folk Festival, The Kennedy Center, The Troubadour, and Bowery Ballroom. But he hasn’t moved to LA or Nashville; he’s stayed in the cold grey north of Minnesota, because that’s his home. Parr has a new record with only his name on it, and it isn’t shiny and perfect and commercial and catchy. It’s him. It’s pure Charlie Parr and that’s enough.