Timmins music festival still on, moving to different location

TIMMINS – Rock on the River is temporarily going back to its roots.

Originally slated to be held at Hollinger Park from July 18-19, the Timmins Festivals and Events Committee (TFEC) has announced that the 2025 edition of the two-day music festival is going to be at Participark.

“This wasn’t an easy decision,” said John Olaveson, TFEC chair, in a news release. “Hollinger Park has been a fantastic venue, but the city has a lot of important work to do there this year. Moving the festival to Participark allows that work to continue uninterrupted, while also giving us a chance to bring the event back to where it all began for 2025.”

TFEC says “significant groundwork and infrastructure improvements” are needed at Hollinger Park.

Participark is located on the shores of the Mattagami River and is where the festival started.

“Many people have asked us over the years, ‘When are you bringing it back to the river?’ Well, you got it this year,” said Olaveson. “We’re thrilled to offer fans the unique experience of enjoying live music by the water once again for this year.”

The festival lineup remains the same.

Friday, July 18, the Headstones are headlining the rock music night. Hitting the stage first are Pop Evil, Bif Naked and Failed Attempt.

Brett Kissell and Cooper Alan are the main act for the Saturday show, with Cory Marks and Mitch Jean also hitting the stage.

The Northern Roots side stage highlights regional acts.

The lineup there is Station Radio, Alloy, Invocate, The Shaftmen, Leslie Anne and the Trailblazers, Gabriella Dampier, Eric Girard and the Travellers and Claudia Charlebois.

Next year is the 10th anniversary of Rock on the River and organizers are already lining up something special.

They hope to be back in Hollinger Park for milestone.

“We’re already planning something big for next year,” said Olaveson. “But make no mistake, 2025 is going to rock just as hard.”

Tickets for this year’s shows are still available online at rotr.ca.