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About Rock the River
There's no better way to spend a hot, sticky August afternoon and evening than at the lush grounds of Saskatoon's Delta Bessborough Gardens for some killer classic rock. One of Saskatchewan's biggest summer music festivals, Rock the River debuted to a sold-out crowd on the waterfront lawn of the plush Delta Bessborough Hotel in 2014, and continues to bring in rock fans of all ages every summer. Presented by Rock 102 FM, the three-day event occurs each year in mid-August and offers a lineup of bands with the type of hits that will bring on some serious nostalgia, especially for lovers of 1970s and ‘80s rock.
This is a rare chance to hear beloved tunes like Loverboy's "Working for the Weekend," Quiet Riot's "Cum on Feel the Noize," Men Without Hat's "The Safety Dance," and Blue Oyster Cult's "(Don't Fear) The Reaper." Other Rock the River performers have included The Romantics, Pat Travers, Colin James, Nazareth, Platinum Blonde, Little River Band, Chilliwack, Kim Mitchell, Trooper, Sweet, Streetheart and Honeymoon Suite, Toronto, Nick Gilder and Sweeney Todd, Mark Farner of Grand Funk Railroad, and more. All performances happen on one stage, meaning you can see every band on the lineup if you desire. Aside from the music, there will be plenty of good food and drinks available to keep you satiated from early Friday evening to late Sunday night.
The festival's central downtown location is ideal for anyone making a full trip to Saskatoon for the weekend. It's even possible to book a room right at the Delta Bessborough Hotel for easy access to each day's events. You can purchase a single day pass or devote the whole weekend to rocking out with a three-day pass. Every year, both sell out quickly, so be sure to nab tickets for the upcoming Rock the River festival as soon as you can.
Found the venue very over crowded. Parking was a nightmare. Happy there was proper food this year. Unhappy with the drink kiosk closing so early. Without warning, it was closed and we were left with many drink/water tickets.
Music was just ok this year. Streetheart and April wine were fabulous, rest of bands on Friday Sat were just ok. Didn’t have tickets to Sunday as no one interested me. Friday ticket lineups and bars were not acceptable. My husband missed all of streetheart waiting in line. Not a happy camper. Only one side of bathrooms made for a very congested area. It was a disappointing weekend to say the least.
Had a great time. Always a great venue and entertainment year after year!
Remember having a station wagon with a track radio. We had cruised around blasting Nazareth
Enjoyed most of the bands, Nazareth was a complete disappointment, maybe the promoter should hear the bands prior to booking,
The event was fantastic.All the artists gave good to fantastic performances. Concessions need to be improved.lLining up for tickets then lining up for food and drinks is so 1970s .
Rock the River was again a great event. The venue is always hard to beat. The musical line up was also great. The only complaint I have is the cost of alcoholic beverages. I know we all have a choice as to buy, or not buy anything. Maybe the high prices are to discourage drinking to excess, I don’t know. But $8 for a drink, or can of beer is absolutely crazy, and taking advantage of people.
Awesome weekend with great bands. Saskatoon and the Delta Bessborough definitely know how to put it on. Many other cities could learn alot from this. Had a great time - had to spend 2 days recuperating and it was only a weekend. Will be doing this again in 2 years (already have plans for next year).
I enjoyed the music, the coffee truck and lemonade stand..would appreciate the bathroom portables to NOT be on a slant next year. Intoxicated ppl + bathroom on a slant = puddles not caused by rain.
Great event for Cruise Weekend with all the classic cars, it's just fitting too have Classic Rock Bands playing the Castle on the river. This is by far one of the best weekends to be in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
we completely love the hole weekend the bands for the most part were perfect . Not sure what happened to April Wine though i have to say that my hero's he Stampers were great an as always Trooper put on the best show by far this band for all he 50 years have always gone above and beyond to please there fans and this venue was was just another example of just how profesional an great they really are. GREAT JOB Rock 102 i am looking forward to next year already
Excellent concert & venue! The bands rocked the night!! I hope you do this every year
This was one of the best festivals I have ever been to. The line ups moved quickly. Everything was well organized and the music was awesome !!
Everything was fabulous, great venue, etc. & amazing work organizing the entire event! Next year for sure!!!! :)
