Lake Area Tech’s Rock the Block Returns to Downtown Watertown with Free Lakeview Concert
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Downtown Watertown will come alive next month as Lake Area Technical College welcomes students back for the second annual Rock the Block, a free outdoor concert and community celebration set for Wednesday, September 9 on Maple Street next to the Goss Opera House.
The event serves as Lake Area Tech’s official welcome‑back celebration while inviting alumni, residents, employer partners and industry supporters to kick off the new school year.
This year’s concert is presented by First PREMIER Bank/PREMIER Bankcard and Watertown Ford Chrysler, which is marking its 25th anniversary serving the Watertown community.
Lakeview to Headline
Headlining the 2026 event is Lakeview, a fast‑rising independent country duo from Nashville. The group has surpassed 230 million career streams and built a following of more than 800,000 across social media. Their hit single “Wreck My Night” has become one of the most requested tracks on SiriusXM’s The Highway, and the duo is bringing its nationwide Wreck My Night Tour to Watertown for the celebration.
Local favorite My Monday Regret will open the show at 7:00 p.m., with Lakeview taking the stage at 8:30 p.m.
Community Celebration
Lake Area Tech President Tiffany Sanderson said Rock the Block highlights the college’s strong connection to the community.
“Rock the Block is our way of welcoming students back while bringing together alumni, employer partners and our community to celebrate a new year at Lake Area Tech,” Sanderson said. “It’s a great reminder that student success is truly a community effort.”
Watertown Ford Chrysler owners Scott and Jodi Driscoll said their dealership’s 25‑year milestone reflects the community that has supported them.
“Celebrating 25 years in Watertown is really about celebrating the people and community that have supported us,” they said. “We’re proud to help welcome Lake Area Tech students back and invest in an event that brings our entire community together.”
Mark Dunn, Vice President and Market Leader for First PREMIER Bank in Watertown, echoed the community focus.
“Rock the Block is more than a concert, it’s a celebration of community,” Dunn said.
Food and beverages will be available for purchase, and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. In case of inclement weather, the concert will move indoors to the Goss Opera House.
Event Details
· What: Second Annual Rock the Block
· When: Wednesday, September 9 • 7:00–10:30 p.m.
· Where: Maple Street, next to the Goss Opera House, Downtown Watertown
· Featuring: Lakeview
· Admission: Free and open to the public
Rock the Block is supported by First PREMIER Bank/PREMIER Bankcard, Watertown Ford Chrysler, the Lake Area Technical College Alumni Association, LATC Student Activities, the Goss Opera House, and Lake Area Technical College.
