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FORWARD Park Concerts

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FORWARD logo 2024

FORWARD: Local Music. Local Parks.

Est. 2019

The free, Wednesday evening FORWARD Park Concerts highlight local bands and regional headliners. 

Concerts are held in six different walkable, pet friendly, and bike trail connected parks - one in each City ward.

Come for local food trucks, plus family-friendly fun with Rochester Public Library's Bookmobile, and interactive games with Rochester Parks & Rec’s Go! Play! Explore! Mobile Rec Trailer!

Save the dates - we'll see you next year! 2025 dates:

  • June 4, 2025
  • June 11, 2025
  • June 18, 2025
  • August 13, 2025
  • August 20, 2025
  • August 27, 2025

CANCELED: The Avey Grouws Band

@ John Withers Sports Complex

Update as of 8:45 a.m. - Tonight's FORWARD Concert featuring the Avey Grouws Band has been canceled due to expected rain and possible storms.

When: Wednesday, August 14 | 5:30 - 8 p.m.

Where: John Withers Sports Complex

Cost: Free!

RPM Forward-Cover_Avey Grouws2

Schedule

5 p.m. | Get ready!

Come early to enjoy the space and to grab your spot before the show starts. Food and beverage vendors will be onsite. Lawn chairs, blankets, coolers and picnics are welcome.

5:30 p.m. | Bugle Boys

The Bugle Boys feature Clay Fulton and Nick Novotny - two members of the Rochester-based roots rock group Clay Fulton & The Lost 40. With a stripped down approach to Lost 40 favorites, as well as new takes on classic tunes, the Bugle Boys put on a show that captures the intimate storytelling, catchy choruses, and all the vocal harmonies you have come to expect from the Lost 40. 

Grab your favorite flavor of Bugles, the best snack for putting miles in to a show, and come party with the Bugle Boys! 

6:30 p.m. | The Avey Grouws Band

The Avey Grouws Band has a raw, powerful roots rock sound, infused with blues and soul. Led by dynamic vocalist Jeni Grouws and guitarist Chris Avey, the band’s two top ten Billboard charting albums, "Tell Tale Heart" and "The Devil May Care," showcase their gritty style and impressive songwriting. In 2023, Avey Grouws Band embarked on a national tour, captivating audiences across the country.

Learn more about the Avey Grouws Band on their website.

Food and Beverage Vendors

  • The Bleu Duck Truck
  • Infuzn Foods
  • The Wandering Scoop
  • Little Thistle Brewing

About FORWARD Park Concerts

These free, Wednesday evening concerts highlight local bands and regional headliners.

Concerts are held in six different walkable, pet friendly, and bike trail connected parks - one in each city ward. The music starts at 5:30 and wraps up by 8 pm. Come early to enjoy the park before the show, visit the bookmobile, and grab a coloring sheet and crayons for the kids!
Everyone is welcome! Picnic baskets, coolers, well-behaved pups, and blankets are encouraged, and here will be local food and beverage vendors on site.

Closed captioning will be available with your data-connected smart phone or tablet.

FORWARD: Local Music. Local Parks.

 

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Additional Information

Accessibility
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seating
Items to bring
Concessions
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Smoking
Weather Policy
Bike Racks
Restrooms
Soliciting
Opportunities


FORWARD has been sponsored by Mayo Clinic since 2020.

Presented in partnership with Rochester Parks & Recreation and the Rochester Public Library.

 

SEMAC Legacy Logo

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.