By McKinsleigh Smith
Photo by Zach Collier
Rooftop Concert Series will return to downtown Provo on May 15, 2026 – bringing live music back to the heart of the city with a renewed sense of purpose. The announcement, made yesterday, confirms what many in the local scene have hoped for years.
This season will feature five shows stretching from May through September, all hosted at the familiar Nu Skin Plaza at Center Street and 100 West. The kickoff show features I Don’t Know How But They Found Me, Sego, and Pinguin Mofex.
The return didn’t happen by accident. Plans were initially floated by Provo Mayor Marsha Judkins earlier this year, and organizers moved quickly to make it a reality. Rooftop CEO and co-founder Sarah Wiley credits a combination of city support, internal momentum, and backing from a generous benefactor for bringing the series back to life.
This benefactor is the McGowan Family. If our research is correct, this is the same McGowan family connected to Jason McGowan. He’s the Co-Founder and CEO of Crumbl – and is known for previously helping reduce Utah’s school lunch debt after BYU’s win over the University of Utah. Last month, he casually asked for community opinion about Rooftop on X, which seems to support this conclusion.
Regardless, the majority of responses about the past concerts were positive. When Rooftop first launched in 2010, its mission was clear: energize a struggling downtown. But Provo in 2026 is a different place, and the festival’s vision has matured along with it. Their new emphasis on community and in-person connection is timely given the rise of AI and the algorithmic fragmentation of society. Honestly, it couldn’t have come back at a better time.
That intention resonates with the community that never quite let go of what Rooftop was. Interest in reviving Rooftop has been steady for years. Now we have the chance to celebrate the city and the creative energy that continues to define Provo, Utah.
Come see I Don’t Know How But They Found Me, Sego, and Pinguin Mofex on May 15, 2026 on Center Street at 7 PM. This event is free for the community. Keep your eyes out for more information about the artists performing on June 26, July 24, August 21, and September 18.
Make sure to follow Rooftop Concert Series on Instagram. You can hear “WHAT LOVE?” by IDKHow below.