RiverEdge Park

The venue is very nice but very poor customer service regarding ticket disaster! Not sure if I will purchase tickets again from them!

I suppose if you are willing to arrive super early for a music festival to find a spot for your chairs, this place would be alright. Arriving halfway through (before 2 headliners), we set up on the grass in direct sun. No shade available anywhere. We were barely able to spy the screen between tree leaves. The website was unclear about concessions so we ate elsewhere to find out there were several food trucks plus Genoa Deli with food for purchase. Bummer but now we know for next time.
Here’s the problem, zero enforcement of drink limits and no clear indication of where lines began or ended, I waited in line for the entire 3^rd act. The whole set. For 2 drinks. People ahead of me were ordering 6 – 12 at a time. That held up the line considerably. If you have a drink limit in place, which River Edge does, enforce it.
Also, once crowds became heavier, the walkways were full of chairs. Huge safety hazard. I saw no staff in the crowd so I assume there is no crowd control in place.
I was excited about attending the 20^th Blues on the Fox and seeing a few of my favorite bands outdoors but the disorganized way it was run was really a turn off. We couldn’t see, couldn’t get a drink in a reasonable amount of time so I missed an entire set, and spent $$ elsewhere on food because of inaccurate information.
Allowing for growth after 20 years and making improvements on the total experience would help.

Im here now Saturday ⁷⁄₁₈. Very good music. Listening to Los Lobos now. Waiting on Tedeschi Trucks. Problem: im thirsty because THE BEER LINES ARE HUGE! I just had some wonderful rib tips now would like to wash it down but don’t want to wait in an hour long beer line! WTF? Ive been here before and it hasnt been this bad.
Its so bad i will rethink ever coming here again and all of you should too. Park mgmt get yr sh*t together.

First time here and saw Earth Wind & Fire. The show was sold out (7500) and they sounded amazing! The venue is pretty good– very clean and organized. We parked in the overflow Metra lot for a mere $ 2.36 and walked about 5 minutes to the line along Broadway. Gates open at 6 and we got in line about 5:40. The line was about a block long by then but once the gates opened it went pretty fast. They had enough staff to walk the line before 6pm and check ID’s and issue alcohol wristbands while you waited to get in=smart. You can bring unopened water bottles, your bag chairs (they check them), blankets. They check your purses. I expected all that and there was not a problem.
Got about «3^rd row» lawn seat – plenty of speakers mounted up high – sound was decent all night and the big screen showed us all that was going on up on stage. They had «crowd gates» lining the sidewalks and grass areas to help control the flow of people in and out of getting to and from their chairs. Maybe it was just who we saw, but it was a «mature» crowd and everyone around us was super nice and chill-shouldn’t complain when there’s perfect weather and EWF is on stage, people! Food and drink was OK and prices were not bad. Advice – get in, set up your stuff and get to the lines quick. Stock up in the beginning and you won’t need to go back. Everyone exited quietly and respectfully. It was a great night and we will be back!

1^st time at Riveredge Park. Earth Wind and Fire. Sold Out… because my hubby deleted the link with the tickets attached? I spent part of the day trying to find them and then print them… YOU CANNOT PRINT THEM FROM THE PARAMOUNT WEBSITE. They should put something about this on their website… unless I missed it… I had to call and find this out… because of all this fiasco we didn’t get to the venue until it was too late to find ANY PARKING. I have extensive Health Issues… I was just about ready to say FORGET IT… let’s go home… when I had my husband drop me off… a long way from the Park… I had to walk… then he had to park in the Hollywood Casino West Parking Lot and walk with chairs. Then AFTER the concert… we both had to walk back to the casino parking lot. Along the Fox River. On the DARK bike path. Why can’t Aurora put a foot bridge across the river like Pottawatomie Park in St. Charles? Terrible Parking for a Sold Out Concert. I’m not parking in some remote area that I am not familiar with and I’m pretty familiar with Aurora Area. The show was FANTASTIC… the Bugs… UGH…The food… not anymore expensive and some cases less expensive than other Concert Venues. You can bring in bottled water… not sure if I will go back or not:(

Nice venue. But you can’t bring your own food. We are arcs sold out show and food line has moved maybe 4 people in a half hour. Ridiculous slow service. Pkg is limited as well.

Nice open air concert venue. General admission seating. Just a few bench seats provided so bring lawn chairs. Plenty of capacity. Ample parking in the Metra lot across the street.

As an avid music lover, this place is one of the WORST venues around. If you want to hear the music or see the band playing, forget it. People literally RUN through the park to sit and the sit all on top of each other –disgusting. Horrible sound system, quite over crowded, nasty people, expensive eat and drinks and just overall a horrible experience. DONT do it –truly unless you can afford to WASTE your money.

Went to see Jennifer Nettles, Indigo Girls and Brandy Clark all together. It was a great show. We had VIP tickets which were amazing. The view was completely unobstructed, food was good, we loved it. So glad Aurora has such a great venue to see musical acts. Can’t wait to go again! The giant screen made viewing even better!

I attended the Jennifer Nettles concert this weekend. She had Brandy Clark and the Indigo Girls as opening acts. The concerts were great and I thought Jennifer Nettles did the best of the three. The Venue was nice. They had clean porta-​potties and offered a real bathroom in a building. The parking was reasonable ranging in price from $ 5-​$ 15 depending on which lot you found. We parked at a $ 10 lot and it was close. They allowed unopened water to be brought in which is nice. Their food and beverage prices were very reasonable and they had a good variety offered. The whole thing seemed well organized and not over-​crowded, yet there were tons of people there. I live about an hour away, but I will definitely go there again.

I’m a fan of RiverEdge because outdoor venues are some of the best spots to listen to live music, however, there were some hiccups.
We didn’t arrive until 7pm, an hour before Lady A was suppose to take the stage and boy was it packed! We came from the back of the venue and was able to maneuver for a bit until people were allowed to sit on the walkways! Safety hazard surely. We than had to proceed cutting through the crowd, trying to avoid stepping on blankets and knocking over empty chairs that were saving more spots than actual people. We tried to see if we can get 2 spots closer to the front to no avail, it was overly packed, which was quite frustrating.
We finally decided we’ll stand in line to get some food and join the crowd up front in the standing area, which I was quite surprise wasn’t packed. However, the food lines were ridiculous. I’m not sure where the «other» vendors were but the Two Brothers lines took over 45 minutes so by the time we were able to grab some beers and get our food the show was starting. We dropped our chairs off at the unattended designated chair area and was able to enjoy the concert in the standing room zone.
Lady A are amazing performers and I definitely sang my heart out! However, the show started at 8pm and ended at 9:20pm, what a short show, I was super bummed and RiverEdge seriously needs to be mindful about overselling for a show because there were hundreds if not thousands of people behind the big hill they have that surely could not have seen the stage at all.
I still give it 4 stars because I LOVE LADY A and it was reasonably priced at $ 50.

Having gone to concerts at RiverEdge Park and Northerly Island in the same week, I can definitely say «Well done, Aurora!» Even before going to Northerly Island, I was really happy with the experience I had a RiverEdge.
My cousin and I went to the Lady Antebellum concert and had a terrific time. We parked at the garage on Downer Pl and walked the few blocks to RiverEdge. It was around 7:30 and the park was packed with people; however, we were able to walk right in and up to a beverage vendor ($ 2 for water, they were also selling beer, but I don’t remember the options/​pricing — still far far less expensive than overpriced Northerly Island) and then walked right up to the front of the park where they have standing room only. We were 7 people from the edge of the stage. Not bad considering we arrived 30 minutes before the show started!
The show itself was fantastic. Kudos to Aurora for getting Lady A! They put on an awesome show and it was clear that the fans loved it. .. at least those of us in the standing section. Everyone was singing, dancing and having a great time.
I’m glad RiverEdge caters to both the standing and the sitting patrons. Frankly, I don’t think I’ve ever sat at a concert, but I can appreciate those who like to relax with friends and family while listening to great music. Sure, if you’re in the sitting area, you’re not likely to see the stage, but that’s the choice you make by sitting. The ticket prices were reasonable. Overall great experience! No complaints from me.
I hope Aurora can continue to pull in big and small acts for RiverEdge. It should be great for the community and will hopefully encourage more restaurants and businesses to move into downtown Aurora. It’s a great downtown area with a lot of potential. If RiverEdge is a catalyst for downtown growth, expansion and beautification…I’m all for it. I will definitely keep checking RiverEdge’s website for event info and plan to go back in the future.

This review is only for Irish Fest at this venue which we will never do again. $ 10.00 to get in was ridiculous! $ 10.00 for what? The first food vendor I saw was selling Polish Sausage! They said that there would be a Jameson tasting but that was another $ 9.00 to do that. We were not allowed to bring in our own water. They confiscated our water bottles and we were told that we could buy water for $ 2.00 a bottle. So, we spent $ 10.00 to get into this event and everything we were interested in, cost more money and we had to buy their water.
There were very few vendors and sponsors.
It was a beautiful day but a warm day so I really didn’t want to buy an Irish sweater.
The best thing was the Irish Wolf Hounds and the tent where you could get your name etched on a Guinness glass in just a few minutes. The line was long but well worth the wait. I would have loved to fill it with Guinness but you would have to leave the grounds to do that because they weren’t there!
WGN really did a good job advertising the festival for 3 hours that Friday but unless they make some radical changes, there will be no reason to go next year!

Yesterday, 8−7−14, I went to the Lady Antebellum concert with my husband and 2 other couples. As much as the music was GREAT and the weather was perfect, the venue was horrible. Clearly the concert was OVER SOLD and the park, as well as employees, were not prepared! If they ever do it again, they should re-​think what gates they open, staffing and placement of chairs. It was a mess! We were told via email, that there were no tables allowed, and we saw tables, no saving spaces and people saved spaces. Once you found a space, you couldn’t leave, because it was impossible to get out. You couldn’t get food, because the lines were too long. If it weren’t for the music, good company and beautiful weather, it would have been a really bad experience. Nice try RiverEdge, but you need to improve greatly!

We went there for the recent Blues on the Fox Festival. They featured artists like Jimmy Vaughan, Tab Benoit and Los Lonely Boys just to name a few. Only $ 20 to get in the park. Had to park in the Metra station and trek to the venue, but that’s to be expected with an event this large.
Venue was set up well with food and other vendors near the entrance. Walk around them to get to the seating area. We found our parcel of grass and parked our chairs. Bring lawn chairs and an umbrella, we needed both. Plenty of clean Porta-​Pottys and hand wash stations which I consider a plus.
For folks on the lawn there is a giant screen behind the sound and light booth. Makes it nice since your a good 50+ yards from the stage itself. You do have good sight lines from the grass.
Only problem with this event was the planning. At around 8pm most of the food was gone and so was the beer. Giant mistake! How do you run out of beer? They did have bud light, which I don’t consider beer at all, so for all intents and purposes they were out. I think they ran out of bottled water, too.
I’d definitely go back and I hope the planning committees and vendors learn from the mistakes made during this event.
Cheers!

Love this venue. The shows are reasonable, and even food and drink is not expensive. The main vendor is Two Brothers, and their pulled pork sammy is delish! I digress… The stage is high enough that you can see everything from everywhere,
This park is actually a city park open to the public and right on the river path every other day of the week, so they would have to take down any equipment like that after all shows. The sound is AMAZING, as there are this high tech digital speakers scattered all over. The kids can keep playing behind the grassy mound and your favorite folding chair or a familiar blanket is your seat for the performance. What a lovely way to spend an afternoon or evening. I am sure there will be something this summer that you will love to see…

I am so happy that a place like this is right down the block from me. Where some huge names have already played.
This place is awesome, and I expect it to just get better.
They have root beer floats that are crazy good because usually the sun is hitting the back of your neck making you feel like you are standing in hell… and that root beer and ice cream are so cold and yummy!
I had bleacher seats, so the sound was great… but I have heard others complain that if you’re not sitting in just the right spot that the sound quality sucks. I wouldn’t know.
Parking is easy and cheap across the street. Or if you’re from out of town you could just take the train here and it’s across the street from where the train lets out.
You’re right on the Fox River so the view is awesome.
If you want to see the July 4^th fireworks from here park your car at the top floor of the casino’s parking and you don’t even have to go here to see them. It’ll give you a higher perspective and you’ll be a lot closer to the fireworks this way.

This venue is just ok for a concert. We went to see Frampton there and he put on a very entertaining show but I was disappointed by the venue. First off the ticket booth we went to had a computer go down or something after waiting in line for several minutes they finally tell us to go to another booth. Then to get in is such a hassle, they put a wrist band on you for some reason and then if you want to buy alcohol you have to get another one.
Then the lines for any food or beer were a mile long and didn’t die down until Framptom’s show started. We were sitting way in the back and couldn’t hardly see the stage. They should have large screens for this purpose.
Give me Ravinia any day or even the venue down in Tinley park.

What a beautiful outdoor concert venue RiverEdge Park has! And I didn’t realize it just opened early this year!
New to the area, I didn’t know about the summer concert series at RiverEdge Park until I received a Groupon email about Frampton’s Guitar Circus three days before the event. I jumped on the half-​off offer and apparently many others did the same thing, as we arrived 1.5 hours before the concert to pick up tickets with Groupon vouchers and saw folks with same vouchers in hand. Parking across the park at the Metra Lot for $ 5 (event parking) was a breeze.
There were two small windows for Groupon ticket pickup, one for last names A to J, the other for K to Z which had a much longer line. After getting the tickets, we lined up again to get in. By the time the gates were open (a few minutes later than the stated time), lines were long and crowd grew impatient. Staff at the gate put wristbands on attendees one by one, which slowed down the whole process – wouldn’t it be quicker if we were given the wrist bands when getting the tickets and put them on ourselves? Cameras were not allowed (but cell phones ok) and bags were checked.
We set up our lawn chairs in the front rows of the general admission area and it was near perfect: clear view of the elevated stage, in the shade and close to restroom. The concert started right on time and rocked on for hours. I actually felt bad for paying only $ 17 to see so many talents all in one place: Sonny Landreth, Peter Frampton, Larry Carlton, Rick Nielson and some young hands definitely played some magic guitars! Oh, where else can you hear BB King sing You Are My Little Sunshine? («The Thrill Is Gone» was more like it.)
Food was mediocre, as expected in this kind of venues. Beer was plenty, and the line outside of men’s room was long towards the end of the concert.
Despite some growing pains, the Pavilion at RiverEdge Park is a kick-​ass outdoor music venue and I can’t wait to attend another concert here!

My friends and I went to RiverEdge Park for the Idina Menzel show this weekend. I definitely recommend checking out different websites (ie Goldstar) or even the Paramount box office for discounted or complementary tickets– I was able to get free reserved seats for Idina!
Our evening started at Two Brothers Roundhouse which is just across the street. I noticed a lot of people going there after the show as well. We left our car in that lot as we walked to the pavilion. Many people parked at the Metra station and while it is very convenient, you will literally be in gridlock after the show. Park at your discretion.
They have a pretty good concession stand, as well as many beverage options at pretty standard event venue prices. They do bag check, but you are allowed to bring water in.
My only complaint is that there are no jumbotron monitors. Especially since the back of the general admission lawn area is pretty far from the stage, you’re definitely just listening to the concert at that point, as you will not be able to see anything. It would still be cozy and fun though– bring lawn chairs/​blankets!