As Fall approaches, don’t fall off the live music bandwagon. September and October promise a plethora of opportunities to catch some inspiring musical performances in the heart of Rochester. From small neighborhood bars to local breweries, and historic theaters to civic centers, our area venues have some musical surprises in store.
Catch Minnesota favorites like hip-hop hero Nur-D or guitar slinger Chris Koza. From Americana music to the dulcet four-part harmonies of barbershop-style choirs, the Med City music map will lead the way to some of our town’s best live music. We’ve got the shows that will tickle your eardrums.
Happy Together Tour 2026
DATE + TIME: Saturday September 5 | 7:00pm
LOCATION: Mayo Civic Center | 30 Civic Center Drive SE, Rochester
TICKETS: $55.50+ at Ticketmaster
For 17 years, The “Happy Together” Tour has been traveling across America bringing the music of the ‘60s and ‘70s to audiences everywhere. If you “Cherish” the “Windy” musical memories of decades past, The Association’s part of The “Happy Together” Tour will be perfect. Besides The Association, the show will also include The Troggs and Jason Scheff, lead singer for Chicago from 1985-2016. Gary Puckett, The Fortunes, and Ron Dante will also be part of the bill.
If you lived through the ‘60s and ‘70s, and your mind didn’t completely succumb to the psychedelic era, this show promises to include music you will know. The performers and bands included in the tour are responsible for more than 60 Billboard Top 40 songs. If songs like “Sugar, Sugar,” “Bang-Shang-A-Lang,” “Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again,” and “This Girl Is a Woman Now” are stuck in your brain, this is the show you’ve been waiting for.
Punch Brothers Unsung North American Expedition
DATE + TIME: Tuesday September 15 | 7:30pm
LOCATION: Mayo Civic Center | 30 Civic Center Drive SE, Rochester
TICKETS: $61.70+ at Ticketmaster
For the last 20 years, the Punch Brothers have been taking a unique swing at acoustic string band music. The band was founded by mandolinist Chris Thile, and now includes Chris Eldridge on guitar, Paul Kowert on bass, Noam Pikelny on banjo, and Brittany Haas on violin. The Punch Brothers won a Grammy for Best Folk Album in 2018 for their record “All Ashore.”
The Punch Brothers released its seventh album, The Unsung Adventures of Punch Brothers, this past July. One unique feature about the band’s newest record is that it includes all instrumental tracks. It is also the first record including the band’s new violinist Brittany Haas. If you are ready to hear some first class pickin’, then this show is one that is worth stickin’ around for.
Zumbro Valley Chorus 60th Anniversary Concert
DATE + TIME: Sunday September 26 | 3:30pm
LOCATION: Historic Chateau Theatre | 15 1st St SW, Rochester
TICKETS: $15
If you think the world needs some more harmony, help the Zumbro Valley Chorus celebrate their 60-year anniversary with some sweet barbershop sounds. The group of women sings four-part a cappella harmony and is a chapter of the Sweet Adelines International organization. The concert will include performances of music ranging from the ‘60s to contemporary hits. The show will also feature costumes and historical artifacts.
This concert will provide both the full chorus’ barbershop harmony and harmonies from guest quartets. The guest quartets that will be joining the full chorus include: Hall Pass, Elevator Music, Med City Remedy, and The Lady Slippers. Get ready to be entertained by this long-time Rochester barbershop institution.
Heading Up North Music Festival
DATE + TIME: Friday, October 2 | 6:00 pm
LOCATION: Historic Chateau Theatre | 15 1st St SW, Rochester
TICKETS: Advance Tickets $40 or $50 day of show
Get ready to find your true musical north at the Heading Up North musical celebration hosted by the Lost Forty. In its second year, this festival-style concert promises to be full of fabulous acts including Humbird, Maygen & The Birdwatcher and LaPlant Road. Held in the castle-like surroundings of the Historic Chateau Theater, besides beautiful harmonies, there will be a cool medieval vibe in the show’s bones.
In addition to Clay Fulton and The Lost Forty’s gritty roots rock music, Humbird will deliver some haunting melodies while Maygen and The Birdwatcher will bring the twang of lap steel and banjo. LaPlant road will round out the night with the sound of Emily LaPlant and Liz Ashworth’s lifelong friendship drawing listeners in like a hug. Heading Up North will provide a well-rounded night of music with both local favorites and some new groups to check out.
The Shabby Road Orchestra Performs Abbey Road
DATE + TIME: Saturday, Oct. 3 | 6:30 pm
LOCATION: Historic Chateau Theatre | 15 1st St SW, Rochester
TICKETS: Advance Tickets $25 or $35 day of show
It’s time to “Come Together” to hear “Something” from one of the region’s top Beatles tribute bands. Performing the Abbey Road record in its entirety, the Shabby Road Orchestra provides a live experience of Beatles songs with a full twelve-piece ensemble including strings and winds. This band plays Beatles songs live that the Beatles never could.
Settle in for a magical night full of the Beatles’ memorable songs alongside your neighbors and be transported back to 1969. With beverage service by Bleu Duck Kitchen and Dry Run Mocktails, this will be a night to celebrate with music, perhaps a tear or two, and of course some laughter.
Chris Koza & Ryan Traster
DATE + TIME: Sunday October 18 | 5:00pm
LOCATION:The Shoe Beverage Bar | 908 N Broadway Ave, Rochester
TICKETS: $20 available at The Shoe
If you like your music intimate and your cans of Hamms for $3, then you should definitely catch Chris Koza and Ryan Traster at The Shoe Beverage Bar. The venue is a small room set amidst 120-years of working-class history in a converted shoe-repair shop, and has sole than you’ll know what to do with.
This listening room style show will let you get up close and personal with some talented singer-songwriters. Chris Koza splits his time between Minneapolis and Denver and plays both solo shows and with the band Rogue Valley. He’ll be stripping things down with a raw set of his original tunes for this show. Koza will share the stage with New York-based singer-songwriter Ryan Traster. Get ready for an evening of chills down your spine and an earful of creativity.
Nur-D’s Halloween Party with special guest Jae Havoc
DATE + TIME: Friday Oct. 30 | 7:00 pm
LOCATION: Thesis Beer Project | 1929 2nd St. SW Rochester
TICKETS: $20
If you want to hear a typical hip-hop artist, then don’t come to this show because Nur-D is anything but typical. Nur-D brings it at every performance with high energy, non- stop motion and an eclectic range of musical influences that encompass everything from ‘80s glam rock to funk. Nur-D has graced stages alongside such greats as Tyler The Creator and even fronted the Minnesota Orchestra.
The night will also feature an opening set from Rochester’s own Jae Havoc. With a bit of punk and a pinch of jazz, Jae Havoc crafts songs that take on their own unique arcs. Get ready to have some Halloween fun with this incredible show while supporting your local brewery and tasting some of the best brews in town!
