"We Built This City On Rock And Roll"
Rock the River is Saskatchewan’s premier classic rock festival, uniting generations of music fans for unforgettable live performances in an outdoor riverfront setting. A cornerstone of Saskatoon’s summer event calendar, the festival celebrates iconic artists and timeless rock anthems.
After 11 years at Bess Gardens, Rock the River moves to an exciting new home in 2026 at Rotary Park in Saskatoon, offering a refreshed riverside experience with enhanced space and amenities while keeping the classic rock spirit fans know and love.
Festival Policies
- Rock the River will take place RAIN or SHINE. All acts of advertising have confirmed their appearance; however, acts are subject to change without advanced notice. There will be no refunds or exchanges resulting from festival schedule changes. ALL SALES ARE FINAL. Rock the River is not responsible for lost, stolen, or forgotten passes.
- No photo, video, or audio recording equipment aside from CELL PHONES are allowed (no detachable lenses, tripods, selfie-sticks).
- Bags larger than 12″ x 12″ x 12″ are not permitted. All bags are subject to search.
- The festival venue is a non-smoking venue, except in the assigned designated smoking area.
- No outside food & beverages allowed. Food trucks, concessions and bars are available.
- No glass containers
- Guest may bring empty reusable water bottle. There will be free water refill stations within the festival site.
- No public nudity or lewd conduct will be tolerated, if in violation you will be removed from the festival site.
- No pets allowed.
- Children are allowed but must have an admission ticket.
- No large umbrellas, carts, wagons or coolers.
- Lawn chairs are allowed. Bring your seating as none is provided or available for rent. Limited lawn chairs are sold at the merchandise tent.
- No weapons and fireworks allowed.
- Rock the River reserves the right to refuse entry to anyone at our discretion.
- Help keep the festival site looking great by cleaning up your trash and empties throughout the day.
- All patrons are subject to being searched as a condition of entry.
- Re-entry wristbands are non-transferrable.
- All people attending Rock the River do so at their own risk. No liability is assumed by owners, managers, promoters, sponsors or others associated with the event.
- Any unauthorized use or resell of Rock the River branding/logos is strictly prohibited.
PARK & RIDE SHUTTLE SERVICE, BIKE VALET & ROAD CLOSURE
Park & Ride Locations:
Loop 2
Shuttle Operating Times:
- 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
- 4:30 p.m. to 11:15 p.m.
- 2:00 p.m. to 11:15 p.m.
- 2:00 p.m. to 11:15 p.m.
- Shuttles will operate on two continuous loops throughout the event.
- Buses will stop briefly at each pickup location before continuing along the route.
- Each loop is expected to take approximately 15 minutes to complete.
- Multiple buses will be operating on each loop to help minimize wait times.
- Guests are encouraged to consider cycling to the festival and take advantage of the free on-site bike valet.
FAQ
Where is Rock the River located?
Rotary Park is set along the scenic banks of the South Saskatchewan River in the heart of downtown Saskatoon, offering a stunning riverfront backdrop for Rock the River. Located in the vibrant River Landing / Nutana area, the park is just steps from the water and easily accessible from downtown, Broadway, and nearby neighbourhoods. With its central setting along Saskatchewan Crescent East, Rotary Park delivers one of the city’s most iconic and picturesque outdoor locations an ideal 2026 home for Saskatchewan’s classic rock festival.
Is the event all-ages?
Yes — Rock the River is an all‑ages festival, welcoming music fans of every generation to enjoy Saskatchewan’s classic rock experience together.
What Happens if it rains or there's bad weather?
Rock the River is a rain or shine event, and performances will continue in most weather conditions. Fans are encouraged to dress for the forecast and come prepared for changing weather, as the festival takes place outdoors.
In the event of severe or unsafe weather (such as lightning, high winds, or extreme conditions), programming may be delayed, paused, or adjusted to ensure the safety of guests, artists, and staff. Any weather‑related updates will be communicated on‑site and through Rock the River’s official website and social channels.
What happens if there are line-up changes?
Artist appearances are confirmed at time of festival announcement; however, the lineup is subject to change without advance notice. All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges will be issued due to schedule or lineup changes.
Where do I enter once I arrive at Rock the River?
All guests will enter Rock the River through the main festival entrance on Saskatchewan Crescent East, located near the Victoria Avenue Bridge.
VIP Early Entry Package holders will have a dedicate line, come to the front of the line at your access time.
Where are my tickets? And other box office support questions.
3-Day Packages are printed tickets only.
Have Will-Call tickets? Visit the Box Office tent located in Rotary Park. The box office will be open ONE HOUR prior to show time to assist you with your tickets.
Is the site accessible for guests with mobility needs?
Yes, Rotary Park is accessible.
Can we leave the festival site during the day?
Staying in a downtown hotel? Forgot something in the car? Need to run home to let the dog out? No problem, before you leave ensure you swap your festival ticket for a wristband at one of the entrances. Wristbands are different each day.
What will there be for food and drinks at rock the river this year?
Rock the River will feature a variety of food trucks, concession stands, and fully licensed bar locations throughout the festival site, offering plenty of options to refuel between sets. Fans can expect a diverse selection of festival‑favourite eats, quick bites, and crowd‑pleasing classics, along with cold drinks, beer, and bar service available at multiple locations for easy access.
Food Vendors:
Al’s Kitchen Incorporated
BeaverTails Price Albert Mobile
Lt. Dan’s Ice Cream Shack
Romiz Kitchen
Pop Shawarma
Wild Pies
The Frying Deutschmann
La Poutinerie
How do I get there + where do I park / rideshare / drop‑off?
Rock the River takes place at Rotary Park, located along the South Saskatchewan River in Saskatoon. The festival grounds are easily accessible from downtown Saskatoon and surrounding neighbourhoods.
Leave the car behind, walk, bike or jump on the Park & Ride Shuttle
IS THERE A FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE TO AND FROM THE FESTIVAL?
There is a free park and ride service to Rotary Park made possible by SGI.
Hours of operation:
- August 14: 4:30 p.m. – 11:15 p.m.
- August 15: 2:00 p.m. – 11:15 p.m.
- August 16: 2:00 p.m. – 11:15 p.m.
Locations:
Loop 1:
- Gather Local Market (414 Avenue B S)
- Sobeys Varsity Common (1550 8 St E)
Loop 2:
- Delta Bessborough Hotel (601 Spadina Cresent E)
- Holiday Inn / TCU Place (123 Auditorium Ave)
The shuttle service will operate on two continuous loops. The shuttle will wait for a few minutes at each stop before proceeding to the next stop. Each loop will take approximately 15 minutes.
Am I able to bike to the festival and lock it up?
Yes! Saskatoon Cycles will be providing a bike valet at Rotary Park.
Does the merchandise booth take cash?
Yes, cash, debit and credit are all accepted at the merchandise booth.Staying in the hotel? Forgot something in the car? Need to run home to let the dog out? No problem, before you leave ensure you swap your festival ticket for a wristband at one of the entrances. Wristbands are different each day.
What do I bring to Rock the River?
- A reasonably sized lawn chair.
- Empty reusable water bottle.
- Sunscreen, Bug spray, sunglasses.
- Bring a jacket and warmer items for the evening. It’s always cooler than you think.
- A plastic rain poncho could also come in handy.
- A portable charger for your phone. There are no chargers on-site.
- Bring all the fun!
Where can I smoke or vape?
Smoking or vaping is prohibited in the festival grounds. And yes, you will be asked to leave. Good news! There is a designated smoking area adjacent to the park. We kindly as you to smoke and vape only in this area.
What if I need help at Rock the River?
The Rock the River team (and other Rockers too) are always happy to help, but we don’t read minds so don’t be afraid to ask for assistance if you need it. Not feeling well? Don’t be afraid to ask any of the team in red shirts to call for first-aid. The first-aid tent is located on the south side of the park.
What were the 50/50 numbers?
Friday, August 14
Winning Number: RR3-209723
Winning Amount: $10,100 | Take home: $5,050
Saturday, August 15
Winning Number: RR3-341142
Winning Amount: $24,060 | Take home: $12,030
Sunday, August 16
Winning Number: RR3-411736
Winning Amount: $11,210 | Take home: $5,605