Mayor Malik Evans reveals an expanded and highly anticipated 2026 Volvo Cars Rochester Party in the Park concert lineup set to energize downtown all summer long

Rochester, New York – The rhythm of summer in Rochester is set to return once again, as city officials prepare to launch another season of one of its most recognizable traditions. This week, Mayor Malik Evans unveiled the much-anticipated lineup for the 2026 Volvo Cars Rochester Party in the Park concert series, signaling the countdown to warm evenings filled with music, crowds, and a familiar downtown buzz.

Now entering its 29th year, the long-running series will once again transform Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park into a lively outdoor venue. Opening night is scheduled for Thursday, July 9, with a lineup designed to appeal to a wide range of musical tastes. Headlining the kickoff is Seven Wonders, while the opening slot will be filled by Highway Boys, a tribute band celebrating the sound of Zac Bryan.

For city leaders, the event is more than just a concert—it is a reflection of Rochester’s identity. “Party in the Park has proven to be a community favorite for 29 years, and I’m thrilled to welcome Volvo Cars Rochester as our new series title sponsor,” said Mayor Evans. “This year’s lineup has something for everyone. I invite the entire community to come Downtown and enjoy the world-class entertainment that has put this event front-and-center as an example of our longstanding love for music and community.”

That sense of continuity, paired with fresh additions, is at the core of this year’s announcement. The partnership with Volvo Cars Rochester marks a new chapter for the series, bringing renewed investment and visibility. Organizers say the collaboration will help elevate the overall experience while preserving the accessible, community-driven spirit that has defined the event for nearly three decades.

Behind the scenes, Rochester Events continues to handle production, working to balance affordability with high-quality entertainment. “Music brings people together, and you don’t get any better than this,” said Jeff Springut, CEO of Rochester Events. “Two amazing acts each week for only $7, all in beautiful Downtown Rochester, the heartbeat of the city. We’re ready for a great summer!”

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The affordability of the series remains a central feature. General admission is set at $7, while children 12 and under can attend free of charge—an approach that keeps the concerts within reach for families and younger audiences. For those seeking a more upscale experience, VIP Ultra Lounge tickets will be available for $35, offering added comforts such as premium seating, private restrooms, and table service.

Sponsors also see the event as an opportunity to strengthen local ties. “Volvo Cars Rochester is proud to support Party in the Park and invest in an event that brings our community together year after year,” said Jon Eplin, General Manager of Volvo Cars Rochester. “As the only new-car dealership located within the city of Rochester, we believe in going the extra mile for the city we call home and are excited to celebrate music, connection, and community all summer long.”

The concert series will run weekly every Thursday through August 13, with gates opening at 5 p.m. and performances beginning at 6:30 p.m. Over six weeks, the stage will host a diverse mix of tribute acts, established performers, and genre-spanning artists. Highlights include Almost Queen paired with Philadelphia Freedom, a tribute to Elton John, as well as Samantha Fish and The Adam Ezra Group. Later in the series, audiences can expect performances by Smash Mouth and Shamarr Allen and the Underdawgs, followed by a closing night headlined by Blackberry Smoke, with a special guest still to be announced.

This year also introduces a new feature designed to expand the event beyond the main stage. A space known as the Cantina will be set up in the lower level of the park, offering drink specials, food options, and a more relaxed social atmosphere. Organizers say it will include traditional Los Angeles-style street tacos from Neno’s and El Kapitan food trucks, alongside local craft vendors and a live DJ—an effort to create a festival-like environment that extends throughout the venue.

Logistics remain an important part of the planning process, especially as large crowds are expected to return. Parking will be available in several nearby garages, including Washington Square Garage, Court Street Garage, East End Garage, and The Strong Museum. For added convenience, metered street parking will be free after 6 p.m. on concert nights.

At the same time, organizers are emphasizing clear guidelines to maintain safety and comfort. Attendees will be allowed to bring one sealed bottle of water, but items such as lawn chairs, bicycles, skateboards, and pets will not be permitted inside the concert space. A strict no-smoking policy will also be enforced, reflecting broader efforts to ensure a family-friendly environment.

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Accessibility remains a priority as well, with all closing acts set to include American Sign Language interpretation, ensuring that the performances can be enjoyed by a wider audience.

As Rochester looks ahead to another summer season, Party in the Park stands as both a tradition and a gathering point—one that blends music, community, and the simple appeal of shared experience. With a new sponsor, a fresh lineup, and nearly three decades of history behind it, the 2026 edition appears poised to carry that legacy forward, one Thursday night at a time.