WATERVILLE, Maine—The Waterville Opera House and Waterville Creates are excited to announce the return of Waterville Rocks, a free, outdoor summer concert series held annually at Head of Falls Park in Waterville, Maine.
Waterville Rocks kicks off with The Shizzle with Adam Babcock July 10, coinciding with the opening night of the Maine International Film Festival (MIFF), which will see over 100 films screened across 10 days in the Maine Film Center and the Waterville Opera House. The double-header opening night serves as an opportunity to celebrate the start of the festival and summer by welcoming thousands of patrons to Waterville. The series continues on three Fridays, July 24, 31, and August 7, with The Brothers Comatose, Sparks the Rescue, and Zepparella, respectively.
Waterville Rocks is free and open to all.
This year also sees the return of Art Rocks—free, fun art activities for all ages run by Waterville Creates at Waterville Rocks each week. Activities include making musical instruments, monogrammed necklaces, masks, and headbands. Learn more at watervillecreates.org/waterville-rocks/art-rocks.
Visitors are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets, take in the summer evenings, enjoy the beer garden, and, of course, rock out to some great live music.
Learn more about the series and the bands at operahouse.org/waterville-rocks.
Friday, July 10—The Shizzle with Adam Babcock
Celebrate the opening night of MIFF with The Shizzle. This five-piece band, based in Central Maine, has been bringing the energy since the summer of 2013. Blending popular dance tracks with classic hip-hop favorites, their sound is equal parts party-starting and nostalgia-inducing. Whether you’re on the dance floor or just tapping your foot, The Shizzle guarantees to deliver a good time.
Friday, July 24—The Brothers Comatose
Fusing old school string band instrumentation with rock-and-roll exuberance, The Brothers Comatose cement their status as standard bearers of a thriving, innovative West Coast roots movement on their intoxicating new album, Golden Grass. Recorded with co-producers Greg Holden and Tim Bluhm, the collection is as diverse and enthralling as the California landscape itself—at times carefree and breezy, at times wild and rugged—with lush, organic arrangements full of rich vocal harmonies and driving guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin, and upright bass.
Friday, July 31—Sparks the Rescue
Toby McAllister, Ben Briggs, and Nate Spencer formed a band in 1999, while still in junior high school. After years of local shows and Battle of Bands competitions, they added Patrick O’Connell on guitar and vocals and Marty McMorrow on synthesizer and vocals. The band changed its name to Sparks the Rescue and started shedding its skate punk aesthetic—gaining popularity and playing shows throughout New England. Alex Roy joined as lead vocalist in 2006, and the band eventually signed with Fearless Records. They toured constantly from 2009–2014. They notably participated in the 2010 Vans Warped Tour and toured Europe and the UK with The All-American Rejects. 2026 finds them releasing new music and getting back out on the road.
Friday, August 7—Zepparella
Drummer Clementine is the founding member of Zepparella. She tackles the best rock drumming ever written with her own emotionally powerful style, bringing the Motown influence of the Bonham groove to the forefront. Playing with tireless passion and constantly seeking out new challenges, guitarist Gretch Menn’s projects are often unconventional, genre-bending expressions combining elements of classical, rock, progressive, jazz, and metal. Bassist Holly West began her musical journey full-steam ahead. Her unstoppable will and drive have truly propelled her to this moment. A self-taught bass player, she is also a blossoming vocalist with rich rock pipes. Singer Anna Kristina is a soulful, fiery, and rocking vocal powerhouse who has stepped into Zepparella’s Plant spot for a second time. Now more than ever, Zepparella explores their own improvised magic within the framework of Zeppelin’s mighty songs!
The beer garden opens at 6pm each week, with music starting at 7pm. In the event of rain, the music will move inside to the Waterville Opera House.
Waterville Rocks 2026 is sponsored by the City of Waterville, the 29th Maine International Film Festival, North Atlantic Seed Co., Central Maine Chevrolet, KSW Federal Credit Union, and The Proper Pig.
About the Waterville Opera House
Waterville Opera House (WOH) has been bringing the magic of the performing arts to audiences of all ages since 1902. This beautifully restored, 810-seat theatre hosts high-quality community theatre, dance, concerts, and educational programming. As part of the artistic community working to make Waterville a key arts destination, WOH encourages an appreciation for the performing arts and its creative expression by consistently producing exceptional performances for residents and visitors. We firmly believe that art and culture have the power to enrich lives, strengthen community bonds, and serve as an economic engine. For more information, visit operahouse.org.
About Waterville Creates
The mission of Waterville Creates is arts experiences for all. Offering diverse programming for all ages, Waterville Creates is building a thriving, connected, and equitable community through shared experiences in the arts. For more information about Waterville Creates, visit watervillecreates.org.