Events
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Nicholas Conservatory All Aglow Holiday Lights:
Yearly holiday light display at Nicholas Conservatory.
November 26th, 2025- January 11th, 2026
1354 N. Second St., Rockford, IL
Sinnissippi Festival of Lights:
Free drive through lights show, happening throughout December.
Open November 29th, 2025
1401 N. Second St., Rockford, IL
Rockford’s annual holiday season kick-off, traditionally held on Small Business Saturday.
November 29th, 2025
102 N. Main St., Rockford, IL
Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition:
Held in Sinnissippi Park each year, the Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition features snow sculptures from both high school and adult teams.
January 22nd-January 25th, 2025
1401 N. Second St., Rockford, IL
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The Polar Plunge encourages volunteers to take a quick dip in icy waters to support athletes with disabilities in Illinois! Interested plungers must have a minimum donation of $100 to plunge and receive their exclusive Polar Plunge sweatshirt.
March 1st, 2025
Olson Lake, Rock Cut State Park (7223 West Lake Rd., Caledonia, IL)
Featuring live music, local vendors, and amazing food, Main Street Market is an open-air market hosted by Urban Farmgirl.
May 13th, 2025
Boone County Fairgrounds, Belvidere, IL (8847 IL Route 76, Belvidere, IL)
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A FREE, rain or shine market held every Friday night in the summer. Located under the Rockford City Market pavilion and surrounding streets.
Every Friday May 17th-September 27th, 2025
100 N. Water St., Rockford, IL
A triathlon race along the scenic Rock River.
June 22nd, 2025
465 E Mockingbird Ln. #358, Rockford, IL 65214
A FREE event for children to try their luck at fishing!
June 2025 (exact date TBA)
Whispering Pines Shelter, 1006 West Lincoln Avenue, Belvidere, IL 61008
An annual three-day festival celebrating the history and culture of Belvidere, IL.
June 28-29, 2025
Downtown Belvidere, IL
Enjoy Johnsonville brats, hot dogs, vegetarian BBQ, and other treats.
First and second weeks of August, 2025
Edgebrook Shopping Center, Rockford, IL
A USA Boxing-sanctioned event with top amateur boxers, local police and firefighters, and an all-ages festival.
August 2nd, 2025
116 N. Madison St., Rockford, IL
A day of Polish music, games, rides, food, and cultural events.
August 11th, 2025
201 Buckbee Street, Rockford, IL
A classic county fair with rides, food, and entertainment.
August 5th-10th, 2025
8847 IL-76, Belvidere, IL 61008, Boone County Fairgrounds
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A festive parade celebrating Labor Day with community floats, music, and activities.
Date: September 1st, 2025
Parade route begins at 7th St. & 6th Ave. in Rockford and winds its way north to East State Street, west to Wyman Street and then south to the reviewing stand in front of the E. J. Zeke Giorgi Center, 200 S. Wyman St., Rockford
A festival celebrating tamales with food, music, and entertainment.
September 6th, 2025
5909 E. State St. Rockford, IL
Main Street Market is an open-air market hosted by Urban Farmgirl – nestled on the grounds of Boone County Fairgrounds.
September 13th, 2025
Boone County Fairgrounds (8847 IL Route 76, Belvidere, IL)
Spooky haunted house to get your thrill on!
Opens Friday, September 13th
5420 E. State St., Rockford, IL
German Society of Rockford’s Oktoberfest Celebration:
Annual event held by the German Society of Rockford celebrating Oktoberfest.
October 28th, 2025
100 Heart Blvd., Loves Park, IL