2026 Volvo Cars Rochester Party in the Park concert series kicks off this Thursday with six weeks of live music in downtown Rochester

Rochester, New York – Music will once again fill downtown Rochester as the 2026 Volvo Cars Rochester Party in the Park concert series opens this Thursday, July 9, bringing live entertainment back to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park for another summer season.

The popular outdoor event will kick off with headlining act Seven Wonders, while Highway Boys, a Zac Bryan tribute band, will open the evening. The first concert marks the beginning of a six-week run that will continue every Thursday through Aug. 13, offering residents and visitors a mix of tribute performances and nationally recognized artists.

Each concert will take place at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park, located at 353 Court St. Gates will open at 5 p.m., giving attendees time to explore the venue before live performances begin at 6:30 p.m.

The remainder of the concert schedule features a variety of musical styles. On July 16, fans can enjoy Almost Queen alongside Philadelphia Freedom, an Elton John tribute act. Samantha Fish and The Adam Ezra Group will perform on July 23, followed by Start Making Sense and The Dip on July 30. The Aug. 6 show will feature Smash Mouth with Shamarr Allen and the Underdawgs. The series will conclude on Aug. 13 with a performance by Blackberry Smoke.

Admission remains affordable, with general admission tickets priced at $7. Children ages 12 and younger can attend free. Guests looking for a more upscale concert experience can purchase VIP Ultra Lounge tickets for $35. The upgraded option includes premium seating, private restrooms, table service, a full cash bar, and additional amenities.

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Tickets are available online through RochesterEvents.com, at the Auditorium Theater, located at 885 E. Main St., or at the entrance on concert nights. Organizers also noted that all closing performances throughout the series will include American Sign Language interpretation to improve accessibility for concertgoers.

This year’s event introduces a new attraction inside the lower level Cantina at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park. Visitors will find drink specials, traditional Los Angeles-style street tacos served by Neno’s and El Kapitan food trucks, local craft vendors, and music from a live DJ, creating an expanded entertainment experience beyond the main stage.

Guests planning to attend should be aware of several venue policies. Each person may bring one sealed bottle of water into the concert area. However, lawn chairs, bicycles, skateboards, in-line skates, and pets are not permitted inside the event space. Organizers will also enforce a strict no-smoking policy throughout the venue.

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Several nearby parking facilities will be available for attendees, including Washington Square Garage on Woodbury Boulevard, Court Street Garage, East End Garage on East Main Street, and parking at The Strong Museum. In addition, metered street parking will be free after 6 p.m. on concert evenings, providing another convenient option for those traveling downtown.

The Volvo Cars Rochester Party in the Park series is presented as a City of Rochester event and is produced by Rochester Events and Springut Group Inc. Support for the annual summer concert series comes from sponsors including Genesee Brewing, Labatt Blue Light, Tiny Fish Printing, Native Eatery and Bar, and GO MINI’S.

With six consecutive Thursday evenings of live music, food, and entertainment planned, the 2026 series is set to once again offer Rochester residents a lively gathering place throughout the summer while showcasing a diverse lineup of performers in the heart of the city.