About Rockford

The Rockford region is a Real. Original. City of Gardens and rivers, and a wonderful place to spend a life - or a weekend. Our Rockford Calendar of Events is full of plenty of things to do and see. Explore one of our museums, visit some unique shops, grab a bite to eat at one of our many restaurants, take in some arts and culture, or relax at one of our hotels.
You'll be In Good Company in Real. Original. Rockford!

Rockford Events

Art Exhibition - "Bold...

Oct. 11, 2019 - Jan. 26 // 2020

Rockford Art Museum (RAM) opens new art exhibition Bold Abstractions: Paintings from the Thoma Collection on Friday, October 11, with a gallery walk 5:15–6 p.m., members preview 6–7 p.m.,...

Oct

Jan

Holiday Tree Lighting & Open House

Nov. 22 - 23 // 2019

Get in the Holiday Spirit with Edgebrook's annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Open House! Friday - 5 - 6:30 p.m. Tree Lighting At the annual Tree Lighting Festivities, mingle with Santa and enjoy...

Nov

Light Up the Parks Holiday Parade

Nov. 24 // 2019

A family holiday tradition! The Light Up the Parks Holiday parade begins at the GE Aviation parking lot on Clifford Avenue in Loves Park, travels north on Elm Avenue. Manyt homes on Elm Avenue will be...

Nov

Festival of Lights

Nov. 29 - Dec. 31 // 2019

The Festival of Lights is celebrating its 30th year in Sinnissippi Park! The park will open on November 29 and run through every weekend in December with extended hours on Christmas Eve and Christmas...

Nov

Dec

7th Annual "Stroll on State"...

Nov. 30 // 2019

Stroll on State is always held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving and is Rockford, Illinois' kick-off to the holiday season. The free community event in downtown Rockford features a tree lighting,...

Nov

Rockford Choral Union, 74th Annual...

Nov. 30 - Dec. 1 // 2019

The Rockford Choral Union presents the 74th annual performances of George Frederic Handel's "Messiah." The “Messiah.” The “Messiah” goes through the biblical story of Christ including prophesy, birth,...

Nov

Dec

All Aglow at Nicholas Conservatory

Dec. 1, 2019 - Jan. 5 // 2020

Celebrate the holidays at Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens! Come see sparkling holiday lights and beautiful floral displays inside the warm tropical conservatory. Regular admission rates apply to...

Dec

Jan

35th Annual Rockton Christmas Walk

Dec. 6 - 8 // 2019

The Rockton Christmas Walk is a holiday tradition for thousands of area residents.The first weekend of December is set aside for the holiday fun, and has been a delight for families for 35 years. Area...

Dec

A Christmas Story, the Musical

Dec. 6 - 15 // 2019

Our Traditions Series is meant to create memories for your family, chosen or by birth; nostalgia for your soul to come back to, year in and year out. “A Christmas Story” is the perfect holiday yule of...

Dec

First Fridays - Art, Music, Food...

Dec. 6 // 2019

Each month, downtown art galleries, shops, music and theater venues work together to stay open late providing great new art, music and goods. Visit the website for a complete schedule.

Jun

A Local Holiday Market 2019

Dec. 7 // 2019

This one-of-a-kind shopping market is FILLED ENTIRELY with LOCAL businesses! Winnebago Buy Local is putting 30+ LOCAL businesses into ONE place to let the folks in our community support their local...

Dec

J. R. Sullivan's Hometown Holiday

Dec. 13 - 15 // 2019

J. R. Sullivan's Hometown Holiday, one of Rockford's favorite holiday traditions, is a seasonal variety show featuring holiday-inspired storytelling, comedy and seasonal and popular songs. This year's...

Dec