Rockin' On the Mon summer concert series kicks off with RiverFest
Nothing feels more like summer than listening to live music on the water. If spending time with friends and singing along to your favorite songs while you feel the breeze of the river is your thing, you will want to put the Rockin’ on the Mon summer concert series at the Monongahela Aquatorium on your 2024 bucket list. A venue like no other in the region, the Noble J. Dick Monongahela Aquatorium is an outdoor amphitheater located right on the banks of the Monongahela River.
Built in 1969, the Monongahela Aquatorium was renovated in 2012 and the concert series launched in 2013. Now a summer tradition in the Mon Valley, the Monongahela Aquatorium is powered by Aquatorium Innovations, an organization comprised completely of volunteers who have a passion for bringing the community together with live music.
“We are so proud to have this incredible venue in our city. Our board of directors works tirelessly to secure talent and entertainment that will drive tourism and be an economic force in Monongahela,” Tanya Chaney, President of Aquatorium Innovations said.
With bleacher seating for 3,700 guests, additional space for approximately 1,300 camping chairs, and an L-dock so boaters can dock their boats concert side and enjoy the festivities, the Monongahela Aquatorium is the focal point of summer fun in the Mon Valley.
The 2024 concert season kicks off June 21-22, with the first ever Rockin’ on the Mon RiverFest presented by the Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency. Headlined by Bon Journey on Friday and The Commonheart on Saturday, this two-day, family-friendly festival will showcase an exceptional lineup of bands, food trucks and hopefully summer sunshine. Doors open at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, June 21 and at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 22. DJ A.J. Fresh will keep the entertainment going between acts. While you wait for the next big performance, challenge your friends to a round of cornhole or any one of the other yard games available on the festival grounds.
Other talented acts slated for RiverFest include the powerhouse country group, Stampede; rockin’ country cover band, Buckwild; legendary cover band, Day One; new-to-the-scene rock band, Broom and Pittsburgh native rock band, Gene the Werewolf. You won’t want to miss a single epic performance.
Jeff Kotula, President of the Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency, relayed the importance of cultivating new events and the impact of the Monongahela Aquatorium as a live music venue on the Mon Valley and throughout the county. “The agency is committed to growing our county’s tourism industry, and we are proud to support the efforts of Aquatorium Innovations in creating this new event to drive incremental visitation to the Mon Valley. The Monongahela Aquatorium is a special place that highlights both the beauty and thriving live music scene in Washington County, and we are excited to share it with visitors,” Kotula stated.
The show doesn’t stop after the festival, the weekly Rockin’ on the Mon concerts begin on June 29 and will take place every Saturday through August. Expect to see a blend of your favorite nationally known tribute bands and local acts grace the stage every week. Eagles tribute band 7 Bridges, Bob Seger tribute band Hollywood Nights, Beatles Tribute Band Come Together and southern rock band Six Gun Sally are just a sampling of the acts slated to headline this year. Follow the Monongahela Aquatorium on Facebook to keep up on the 2024 concert lineup.
Be sure to bring your appetite when you come to the Monongahela Aquatorium. Though outside food and drinks are not permitted, there are always at least two food trucks and beverage sales on site at each show. Keep in mind that the concerts happen rain or shine, so don’t let those rainy nights keep you away!
The gates open every Saturday at 6:00 p.m. and the acts take the stage at 7:30 p.m. There is a $10 per person cover for the concerts. Tickets can be purchased in advance though monaquatorium.com and will also be on sale at the gate on show nights.
Though the concert series comes to a close at the end of August, the Monongahela Aquatorium keeps the events coming. The annual Monongahela Aquatorium Street Food Festival will take place on September 7. Mark your calendar to stop by for a day of music, entertainment and over ten food trucks from across the region. There is no cover charge for this family friendly event.
Get in the Halloween spirit at the final event of the year at the Monongahela Aquatorium with WitchFest on October 19. Halloween enthusiasts from all over make a trip to this unique, adult-only event that is the perfect combination of fun and eerie. Enjoy the food trucks, the music, and over fifty vendors selling their Halloween and witch-themed items. Let your inner witch out and participate in one of the highly anticipated witch-themed contests. Win an award for best dressed, best hat and even best cackle. Though dressing the part isn’t a must, you will want to run home and grab your broom when you are dazzled by the unique costumes all around.
Whether you visit in the summer or let your spooky side out this fall, the Monongahela Aquatorium is a hot spot that you won’t want to miss!
