Come early to enjoy the space and to grab your spot before the show starts. Food vendors will be onsite. Lawn chairs, blankets, coolers and picnics are welcome.
5:30 p.m. | Sheep for Wheat
Much like the popular board game the band was named after (Settlers of Catan), Sheep for Wheat has 4 players, is deceptively simple and playfully modular. The band came together at Winona State University in the mid-2010's and has been sporadically active all over the driftless region in their years as a band. After over-hearing a concert goer once describe their music as “Midwest Surf” they have since adopted this as their unofficial genre category; more so their music has influences of classic rock, bluegrass, blues, jam, among others. All members contribute composition, melody, and lyrics to the songwriting process. With songwriting that balances the complexities of nostalgia with a straightforward celebration of joy, Sheep for Wheat is the old friend at the neighborhood bar who you are glad to see. And as the music plays you may turn your head, tap your toe, and ask them back for another show.
6:30 p.m. | Loreweavers
Loreweavers is dedicated to introducing tavern and fantasy soundtracks to a larger audience. They take inspiration from music that is featured in games such as The Witcher and Skyrim, as well as traditional Irish melodies and sea shanties. Their performances transport their audience to a world of enchantment and adventure.
These talented musicians showcase a wide range of talents, including traditional Irish instruments such as uilleann pipes and bodhrán, as well as guitar, accordion, and mandolin. Their performances are captivating and fun for all ages!
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.
CART captioning will be available here or via QR code in the park. Please bring a data-connected digital device (phone, tablet, laptop) to access this streaming service.
Assistance with CART will be available at the Public Music tent. Please contact Public Music for questions about additional accessibility accommodations.
when
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
Music begins at 5:30 p.m. and concludes between 7:45 and 8 p.m.
Food vendors will be onsite at 5 p.m. Come early to get food from local vendors and choose your spot in the park!
cost
Concerts are free and open to the public!
seating
Space in the park is available on a first come, first served basis. Come early to choose your spot! We do not allow the use of ropes or stakes to reserve space.
We encourage you to bring lawn chairs or blankets to the events; seats are not provided.
Items to bring
Coolers, food, drink, lawn chairs, blankets, and other items to make your experience more comfortable are welcome and encouraged. Please leave grills at home.
Concessions
Local food, craft beer, and beverage vendors will have a variety of options for sale. Vendors will be onsite at 5 p.m.
Surveys
Share your feedback to win a prize pack! Fill out a digital survey to be entered to win. The survey will be open from 5 PM until 7 PM day of show and can be accessed here, at Public Music tent, or via QR codes posted throughout the park. The winner will be announced from stage during the headlining act. Must be present to win.
Smoking
Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is strictly prohibited.
Weather Policy
Concerts will take place outdoors rain or shine. In the case of threatening weather, the concert may be delayed, postponed, or, as a last resort, cancelled.
For weather related updates the day of the event, please check our event updates page or social media accounts.
Bike Racks
Are available in the parks. Space is limited and will be available on a first come, first served basis.
Restrooms
Portable restrooms will be available in the park.
Soliciting
In order to make our events enjoyable for all, we respectfully request that public and private parties refrain from campaigning or soliciting at the FORWARD concerts. We appreciate your consideration.
Opportunities
Bands
Every year, Rochester Public Music invites local and regional bands to apply to be opening acts for the FORWARD shows. Learn more here.
Vendors
Every year, Rochester Public Music invites local and regional food and beverage to apply to participate in the FORWARD events. Learn more here.
Other Opportunities
Are you looking for ways to contribute, sponsor or volunteer with Rochester Public Music? Visit the Support Rochester Public Music page to learn more.
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.