ROCKFORD, IL – Preparations are officially underway for Stroll on State, presented by UMB Bank, returning to downtown Rockford on Saturday, November 28, from 2–9 p.m.
The free community celebration brings tens of thousands of residents and visitors to downtown Rockford each year and is made possible through the support of sponsors, volunteers, businesses and community organizations. The community can now get involved in this year’s celebration.
“Stroll on State has always been a celebration created by and for our community,” said Kristen Paul, GoRockford executive vice president. “What makes it possible each year is the incredible number of people and organizations who step forward to volunteer, sponsor, participate and contribute their time and talents. With planning well underway, we invite the entire community to find a way to be part of bringing this Rockford tradition to life.”
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Businesses and organizations are invited to support Stroll on State through a variety of sponsorship opportunities. Community support helps keep Stroll on State free while making many of the event’s attractions, entertainment and experiences possible.
Sponsorships are available at a variety of levels, with opportunities to support specific attractions, activities and experiences or the event as a whole.
For sponsorship information, contact Kristen Paul, GoRockford executive vice president, at kpaul@gorockford.com.
Volunteer Opportunities Begin September 12
Santa’s Workshop opens Saturday, September 12, at 310 S. Winnebago St., kicking off the volunteer effort behind Stroll on State. Thousands of volunteer hours are needed each year to prepare for and produce the community celebration.
Workshop volunteers help create, repair and prepare decorations and displays, with shifts available Tuesdays from 6–9 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m.–noon. Additional volunteer opportunities include Decoration Days on November 21 and 22 and event-day shifts on November 28.
Volunteer information and registration are available at GoRockford.com/Stroll-On-State/Volunteering/.
Dasher Dash 5K Registration Open
The Dasher Dash 5K, presented by Bucciferro Family McDonald’s, returns at noon on November 28, giving runners and walkers a festive start to Stroll on State.
Registration is now open for $40 for adults and $25 for children 12 and under. Participants are invited to a post-race celebration featuring a finisher beer or hot chocolate, awards for top finishers and best holiday costumes, and raffle prizes before the Stroll on State parade begins at 2 p.m.
Registration and complete race details are available at gorockford.com/dasherdash.
Vendor Applications Now Open
Food, beverage, artisan, maker and specialty retail vendors are invited to apply to participate in Stroll on State’s outdoor holiday markets. Applications are due by Friday, October 23.
Applications and requirements are available at GoRockford.com/Stroll-On-State/Vendor-Applications/.
Stroll on State Parade
Businesses, nonprofits, schools, community organizations and other groups are invited to apply to have a float or display in the Stroll on State Parade, presented by The Power Connection: IBEW & NECA, which kicks off the celebration at 2 p.m. on November 28. Applications are due Monday, November 9.
Applications and additional parade information are available at GoRockford.com/Stroll-On-State/Parade-Application.
Full 2026 Event Details Coming October 28
GoRockford will announce full event details and new additions for Stroll on State 2026 during a news conference on Wednesday, October 28.
