Riverside Sounds Concert Series in Roswell: A Summer Guide for Atlanta Locals

The Riverside Sounds Concert Series in Roswell is one of the metro Atlanta area’s most popular free outdoor music traditions. If you live in Atlanta, or you’re visiting and want a low-key night of live music by the river, this series is an easy, family-friendly option that doesn’t require driving all the way to a major venue downtown.

Below is a practical guide to how Riverside Sounds works, where to go, what to bring, and how it fits into your summer entertainment options around Atlanta.

What Is the Riverside Sounds Concert Series?

Riverside Sounds is a free outdoor concert series held in Roswell, just north of Atlanta. It typically runs on select Saturday evenings during the warmer months, with live bands performing in an open-air setting along the Chattahoochee River.

Key features most Atlanta residents care about:

• Free admission
• Outdoor lawn seating – bring your own chairs or blankets
• All-ages and family-friendly
• Located in Riverside Park along the Chattahoochee River
• Easy to combine with a day on the river, shopping, or dining in Roswell

If you already enjoy other metro-area summer events like concerts at Piedmont Park, City Green in Sandy Springs, or Suwanee Town Center, Riverside Sounds fits nicely into that same casual, community-focused vibe.

Where It Takes Place and How to Get There

Location

Riverside Sounds is held at:

Riverside Park
575 Riverside Road
Roswell, GA 30075

This is along the Chattahoochee River corridor, a short drive from many parts of Atlanta, Sandy Springs, and East Cobb.

You’ll be in a park setting with:

• A large lawn where people spread out blankets and chairs
• Nearby walking paths and river access
• Restroom facilities in the park

Getting There from Atlanta

If you’re coming from Intown Atlanta (Midtown, Virginia-Highland, Old Fourth Ward, etc.):

• By car, allow roughly 30–45 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Common approach is via GA-400 North toward Roswell/Alpharetta, then exiting toward Riverside Road / Roswell.

If you’re coming from:

• Buckhead / Brookhaven: Expect around 20–30 minutes, mostly via GA-400.
• Decatur / East Atlanta: Plan closer to 35–45 minutes, depending on your cross-town route.
• Marietta / East Cobb: You may come in more directly via local roads into Roswell.

There is no MARTA rail station within easy walking distance of the park, so most attendees drive or use rideshare.

Parking and Accessibility

Parking

Riverside Park has on-site parking lots, but these can fill quickly on concert evenings. It’s common for Atlanta-area attendees to:

• Arrive 30–60 minutes before the show to get a better parking spot
• Be prepared for short walks from overflow parking areas if the main lots fill

Some seasons, additional parking or shuttle arrangements may be announced by the City of Roswell or the Roswell Recreation & Parks Department. If you’re driving up from Atlanta for a specific show, it’s wise to check event details the week of the concert for any parking updates.

Accessibility

Typical park amenities that may be available:

• Accessible parking spaces near the main park areas
• Paved paths from parking lots into portions of the park
• Permanent restroom facilities

If mobility, wheelchair access, or seating areas are a concern, you can contact:

City of Roswell – Recreation & Parks Department
38 Hill Street, Suite 100
Roswell, GA 30075
Phone: 770-641-3705

Ask about:

• Accessible entry routes into Riverside Park
• Recommended arrival times
• Any designated viewing areas for mobility devices

When the Concerts Are Held

The Riverside Sounds Concert Series is seasonal, typically scheduled on select Saturday evenings during the late spring, summer, and early fall.

While exact dates and times vary by year, you can generally expect:

• Late afternoon or early evening start times
• Events scheduled once a month or on certain recurring weekends during the season

Because music series schedules can change from year to year, Atlanta residents usually check the City of Roswell events calendar or Roswell’s official communications shortly before the season for:

• The current year’s concert dates
• The start and end times for each show
• Any weather-related backup plans or cancellations

What the Concert Experience Is Like

Music and Atmosphere

Riverside Sounds tends to feature a mix of regional and touring acts, with genres that might include:

• Rock and indie
• Americana and folk
• Jazz, blues, or soul
• Singer-songwriter performances

The atmosphere is:

• Relaxed and casual – no assigned seating, no formal dress
• Family-friendly – kids often play on the lawn while adults enjoy the music
• Social – many people meet friends or neighbors and treat it like a community outing

If you enjoy the outdoor session feel of concerts at Candler Park, Grant Park, or Sunday shows at local Atlanta breweries, Riverside Sounds will feel very familiar—just with a river backdrop.

What to Bring (and What to Leave at Home)

Essentials to Bring

Most Atlanta-area attendees treat Riverside Sounds like a picnic-style event. Common items include:

• Blanket or camp chairs – low-profile chairs are considerate of people behind you
• Refillable water bottles – staying hydrated is key in Georgia summer heat
• Light layers – hot when the sun is up, cooler by the river after dark
• Bug spray – being near the river can mean mosquitoes, especially at dusk
• Small flashlight or phone light – helpful for walking back to your car after dark

Food and Drink

Riverside Sounds often has:

• Food trucks or vendors on-site at many concerts, or
• Easy access to local restaurants in Roswell before or after the show

Many people from around metro Atlanta choose to:

• Pick up food from Roswell’s dining spots in the Historic District or along Canton Street, or
• Pack picnic-style snacks and non-alcoholic beverages

Rules about outside food and drinks can vary by season and by event. It’s helpful to verify whether:

• Outside coolers are allowed
• Glass containers are prohibited (this is common in many Atlanta-area parks)
• Alcohol policies are in effect (some events prohibit outside alcohol or limit on-site consumption)

Items to Avoid

To keep the event safe and comfortable, attendees are generally encouraged to avoid:

• Large tents or structures that block views
• Grills or open flames (unless explicitly allowed)
• Pets, if event policies or crowd size make it unsafe
• Drones or other devices that can interfere with the event

Because rules sometimes change, checking any posted park regulations at Riverside Park or official event notices is a good step before you pack your car.

Family-Friendly Details for Atlanta Parents

Riverside Sounds is often seen as a family-friendly evening outing that’s easier than a late-night, ticketed concert in Atlanta’s bigger venues.

Parents from all over metro Atlanta typically appreciate:

• Open lawn where kids can move around
• Earlier evening timing, making it more realistic with bedtimes
• Restrooms and park amenities close by
• River views and green space as a change of pace from city streets

Helpful tips for families:

• Bring a separate blanket or mat for kids so they have their own space to sit and play
• Pack ear protection for younger children if they are sensitive to noise
• Have a change of clothes or light jacket for when the temperature drops after sunset
• Plan your drive home to avoid pushing too far past bedtime, especially if you’re coming from Intown neighborhoods

Weather, Cancellations, and Backup Plans

Atlanta’s summer weather can be unpredictable, with pop-up thunderstorms and high humidity. For Riverside Sounds:

• Concerts are outdoors, so conditions are weather-dependent
• Light rain may not automatically cancel a show, but severe weather could lead to delays or cancellations
• Any rain policies or reschedule plans are typically announced by the event organizers

If you are driving from Atlanta, especially from farther neighborhoods like South Fulton or Decatur, it’s worth:

• Checking the forecast for Roswell specifically, as conditions can differ from downtown
• Looking at the day-of event updates from the City of Roswell or the park system to avoid unnecessary trips if weather looks questionable

How Riverside Sounds Fits into Atlanta’s Summer Event Scene

For Atlanta residents, Riverside Sounds is one piece of a larger summer entertainment mix that might also include:

• Movies and concerts in the park in neighborhoods like Midtown, Grant Park, or Westside
• City Green Live concert series in Sandy Springs
• Community events in Alpharetta, Marietta, Decatur, and other nearby cities

What makes Riverside Sounds distinct:

• The riverfront setting at Riverside Park
• The free admission and family focus
• A location close enough to Atlanta to feel like an easy evening trip, but far enough to feel like a mild escape from city traffic and high rises

Many Atlantans build a low-key weekend around it: a daytime visit to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, lunch or early dinner in Historic Roswell, then the Riverside Sounds concert in the evening.

Who Organizes Riverside Sounds and Where to Get Details

The series is organized in connection with the City of Roswell, typically through its parks and cultural programs.

For current-year information, including:

• Concert dates and times
• Artist lineup
• Specific rules on food, drinks, pets, and parking
• Weather and cancellation notices

You can contact or check information through:

City of Roswell – Recreation & Parks Department
38 Hill Street, Suite 100
Roswell, GA 30075
Phone: 770-641-3705

If you live in Atlanta, it can help to check the season’s schedule at the start of summer, then mark the dates you care about. Many people plan rideshares, carpools, or meetups with friends from different parts of the metro area in advance, especially for the most popular shows.

Quick Reference: Riverside Sounds at a Glance

Riverside Sounds offers Atlanta-area residents and visitors a straightforward way to enjoy free live music by the Chattahoochee, without the cost or formality of a major ticketed concert. With a short drive, a blanket, and a bit of planning around weather and parking, it can be one of the easier and more enjoyable summer evenings you can put on your Atlanta calendar.