Rockin’ 4 Heroes Brings Oro Valley Together to Honor Service and Sacrifice
ORO VALLEY, Ariz. – The annual Rockin’ 4 Heroes Concert is returning to James D. Kriegh Park on Sunday, November 9, 2025, with a free community celebration honoring first responders, active duty military, veterans, and Gold Star families. This beloved Oro Valley tradition combines great music, food, and local pride with a powerful message of gratitude for those who serve.
Watch the official introduction video for the Rockin’ 4 Heroes concert — a celebration of our first responders, active military, veterans and Gold Star families.
The event, now in its fifth year, is organized by the Light Up Lives Charity Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting heroes through its Hero Fund and scholarship initiatives. What makes Rockin’ 4 Heroes unique is its all-inclusive approach to honoring every branch of public and military service. Attendees come from across Southern Arizona to enjoy an afternoon of live music, food trucks, community connection, and heartfelt appreciation.
Where and When to Join the Celebration
This year’s concert will be held at James D. Kriegh Park, located at 23 W Calle Concordia in Oro Valley. Gates open at 1:00 p.m., and admission is completely free. Families are encouraged to bring folding chairs or blankets for lawn seating and settle in for an afternoon of live entertainment and camaraderie under the Arizona sun.
The headliner for the 2025 concert is the nationally known Lexington Lab Band, recognized for their high-energy performances that span decades of classic rock and pop. More than a dozen food trucks will be serving meals and snacks throughout the afternoon, and local beer and wine vendors will be on site for refreshments. Raffles, merchandise booths, and donation opportunities will also support ongoing hero-fund initiatives throughout the year.
Rockin’ 4 Heroes began as a simple idea: to host one day where all hero communities could be honored together. Since its founding, it has grown into a cornerstone Oro Valley tradition that brings together residents, service members, and visitors for a shared moment of appreciation. The Light Up Lives Charity Foundation has expanded the program beyond the concert to include scholarships such as the Jacob Dindinger Memorial EMT Scholarship at Pima Community College, which helps future emergency medical professionals pursue education and service careers.
Through donations, sponsorships, and ticketed raffles, Rockin’ 4 Heroes funds programs that directly benefit those who protect and serve our communities. The event serves not only as a musical tribute but also as a vital fundraising platform to keep these efforts going year-round.
Supported by the Community
The Oro Valley Voice has proudly supported Rockin’ 4 Heroes since its earliest days, standing alongside other local organizations that value service and community spirit. As a publication deeply rooted in Oro Valley, we believe that supporting local charities is one of the most important ways to build a stronger and more connected town. Every year, we see firsthand how events like Rockin’ 4 Heroes remind residents that community service and mutual respect are at the heart of what makes Oro Valley special.
We encourage our readers to attend, volunteer, or spread the word. Whether you are a veteran, a first responder, or simply a resident who believes in honoring those who serve, this concert provides an opportunity to show up, have fun, and make a difference.
How to Support and Get Involved
In addition to attending the concert, there are several ways to get involved:
- Volunteer: The organizers rely on volunteers for setup, hospitality, parking, and community outreach. Volunteers help make the day smooth for attendees and honored guests.
- Donate: Contributions go directly to the Hero Fund and related scholarship programs supporting EMTs, firefighters, police officers, military members, and their families.
- Become a Sponsor: Local businesses can take part by sponsoring parts of the event such as stage setup, food zones, or memorial areas. Sponsorships help cover event costs while connecting businesses with the community.
- Spread Awareness: Share event details through social media and local groups to help reach families, veterans, and first responders who may not know about it.
To learn more about these options or to contribute, visit rockin4heroes.org or contact the Light Up Lives Charity Foundation directly. Every donation, volunteer hour, and shared post helps the cause grow stronger.
Why Oro Valley Supports Its Heroes
Oro Valley is a community known for its civic pride and neighborly spirit. Many local residents are veterans, law enforcement officers, or family members of those who have served. The Rockin’ 4 Heroes concert is more than an event; it is a living thank-you letter from the community to those who give their time and lives in service.
Each year the concert lineup evolves, but the core mission remains unchanged: to recognize the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of those who protect others. The event provides a moment of reflection amid the music and laughter, reminding attendees why honoring service is so important. It is an annual highlight of Oro Valley’s cultural calendar, showing that gratitude can be joyful, loud, and shared across generations.
Media and Coverage
Several local outlets have featured Rockin’ 4 Heroes in recent years, reflecting the event’s strong community ties and growing popularity:
- Marana Chamber of Commerce Event Page
- Town of Oro Valley Official Event Listing
- KGUN9 News: Community Inspired Journalism Coverage
- KOLD News 13: Tucson Now Feature
Each of these outlets highlights how Rockin’ 4 Heroes has evolved into more than just a concert. It is a symbol of unity that bridges generations, professions, and experiences within Oro Valley. The event honors the past, celebrates the present, and invests in the future through continued community support.
Plan Your Visit
Parking will be available on site at James D. Krieg Park, but early arrival is recommended. The park offers spacious lawns, shaded areas, and access to restrooms. Since the concert takes place in early November, weather conditions are typically sunny with cool breezes, ideal for an outdoor festival. Bringing sunscreen, hats, and bottled water is encouraged.
The concert typically wraps up by sunset, making it family-friendly and accessible for all ages. Pets are welcome if leashed and well behaved, though the music volume may be high for some animals. There will also be a moment of silence and flag ceremony honoring fallen heroes, providing a solemn reminder amid the celebration.
Community, Music, and Meaning
The Oro Valley Voice is proud to promote events that uplift our neighbors and celebrate the shared values that define this region. Rockin’ 4 Heroes embodies everything we stand for: community involvement, respect for service, and a love for local music and togetherness. Supporting local charities, organizations, and cultural events is how we strengthen the bonds that hold our town together.
As the lights come up and music fills the park, attendees are reminded that gratitude is more than words; it is action, participation, and community presence. This November, Oro Valley once again proves that honoring heroes can be both heartfelt and full of joy.