Rockford is bursting into life with the vibrant energy of summer!
Whether you crave the thrill of live music under the stars, the bounty of fresh produce at a bustling farmers market, or a family-friendly afternoon spent picnicking in the park, Rockford offers a smorgasbord of events guaranteed to make your summer unforgettable.
Here are some fun events happening in the Rockford area through August.
Through August
Rockford Rivets — 4503 Interstate Blvd., Loves Park; part of the Northwood League; see website for schedule, tickets; northwoodsleague.com/rockford-rivets/
Tuesdays, through Aug. 27
Food Truck Tuesdays — Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, Stroll up and order from delicious kitchens on wheels; 4-9 p.m.; nicholasconservatory.com
Wednesdays, through Oct. 30
Edgebrook Farmers Market — 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford, fearing area’s best seasonal finds from fruits to flowers as well as fresh baked treats, cheeses, honey and more, 9 a.m.-1p.m., edgebrookshops.com/events/farmers-market/
Fridays, May-September
City Market — Water Street at East State Street; Shop and stroll through the market and enjoy the lively atmosphere; 4-8:30 p.m.; rockfordcitymarket.com/
Saturdays, May-October
North End City Market — near Auburn and North Main; start the weekend at this busy market that has been a staple in the community for more than 20 years; 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; rockfordcitymarket.com
July 12-13
Alpine Kiwanis Brat Days —Blain’s Farm & Fleet, 7300 E. Riverside Blvd.; Kiwanis fundraiser; options include a brat, hot dog, meatless options too; entertainment during lunch, dinner; $8; alpinekiwanis-il.com and Facebook
July 14
Woodsong Summer Concert — Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford; bring a chair or blanket and enjoy music; gates open at 4 p.m.; $15 admission; klehm.org and Facebook
Live at Levings: Red Day Featuring Jamecia Bennett — Levings Park, 1420 S. Pierpont Ave., Rockford; live musical performances; 5 p.m.; gorockford.com and Facebook
July 19
Music on the Mall — Center Court of the Mall, Edgebrook 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford; featuring music 3 Good Men; 6:30-8:30 p.m.; edgebrookshops.com/events/music-on-the-mall/
July 26
Music on the Mall — Center Court of the Mall, Edgebrook 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford; featuring music by Abbie Thomas & The Crazy Hearts Band; 6:30-8:30 p.m.; edgebrookshops.com/events/music-on-the-mall/
Friday Night Flix in Davis Park — 320 S. Wyman St.; park opens at 6:30 p.m., movies begin at dusk; concessions available; free; bring lawn chairs and blankets; see Facebook ‘Friday Night Flix’
July 28
Woodsong Summer Concert — Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford; bring a chair or blanket and enjoy music; gates open at 4 p.m.; $15 admission; klehm.org and Facebook
Live at Levings: Soul in the Park — Levings Park, 1420 S. Pierpont Ave., Rockford; live musical performances; 5 p.m.; gorockford.com and Facebook
Aug. 2
Music on the Mall — Center Court of the Mall, Edgebrook 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford; featuring music by The Grand Groove Hotel; 6:30-8:30 p.m.; edgebrookshops.com/events/music-on-the-mall/
Aug. 3
Cars & Coffee Rockford — 502 Seventh St.; vintage to new cars at this monthly event; coffee and doughnuts by Katie’s Cup, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. free; carsandcoffeerockford.com
Aug. 11
Woodsong Summer Concert — Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford; bring a chair or blanket and enjoy music; gates open at 4 p.m.; $15 admission; klehm.org and Facebook
Live at Levings: Gospel in The Park — Levings Park, 1420 S. Pierpont Ave., Rockford; live musical performances; 5 p.m.; gorockford.com and Facebook
Aug. 11
Polish Fest — St. Stanislaus Church, 201 Buckbee St.; music, dancing, food and more; times TBD; st-stanislaus.org
Aug. 14-18
Winnebago County Fair — Winnebago County Fairgrounds, 500 W. First St., Pecatonica; livestock, 4-H exhibits, music, carnival and more; admission varies by day; winnebagocountyfair.com
Aug. 16
Music on the Mall — Center Court of the Mall, Edgebrook 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford; featuring music by The Beaux Band; 6:30-8:30 p.m.; edgebrookshops.com/events/music-on-the-mall/
Aug. 19
Full Moon Hike — Severson Dells Nature Center, 8786 Montague Road, Rockford; explore the evening and walk the trails; admission $5; advance registration required; 7:30-9:30 p.m.; seversondells.com
Aug. 23
Music on the Mall — Center Court of the Mall, Edgebrook 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford; featuring music by Nauti-Nauti; 6:30-8:30 p.m.; edgebrookshops.com/events/music-on-the-mall/
Aug. 25
Woodsong Summer Concert — Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford; bring a chair or blanket and enjoy music; gates open at 4 p.m.; $15 admission; klehm.org and Facebook
Aug. 24-25
Tough Mudder Chicago — Rockford International Airport, 6100 Beltline Road, Rockford; distances of 5K, 10K, 15K and Infinity (8 hours); advance registration required; 8 a.m.-12 p.m.; toughmudder.com/events/chicago
Aug. 30
Music on the Mall — Center Court of the Mall, Edgebrook 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford; featuring music by Soul2Soul; 6:30-8:30 p.m.; edgebrookshops.com/events/music-on-the-mall/