Rockford, IL – The wait is almost over. GoRockford is ready for its inaugural RockYard Music Fest, presented by Foresight Bank, Friday and Saturday, August 14-15, at Davis Park in downtown Rockford.
The free, two-day festival will feature a full lineup of live music, throwback field day competitions, yard games, art activities, food, drinks and vendors. Friday night will conclude with fireworks over the Rock River, while Saturday night will close with a Rockford-themed drone show.
Created as part of Rockford’s America 250 celebration, RockYard also marks the first sneak peek of the soon-to-be-completed Davis Park. The park will officially open later this fall once construction is complete.
“This weekend is about the power of live music to bring people together,” said John Groh, GoRockford president/CEO. “There’s something special about experiencing great music outdoors along the Rock River. We created RockYard to showcase what’s possible at Davis Park, activate the riverfront and build new summertime traditions in downtown Rockford. We hope RockYard will become a new tradition that our residents can enjoy and that gives visitors another reason to spend time in our community.”
Two-Day Live Music Experience
Live music is at the center of RockYard, with free performances beginning at 4 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday. The two-day lineup offers crowd favorites and regional talent spanning a variety of genres. Among the featured performers are Trippin’ Billies: A Tribute to Dave Matthews Band and One More Time: A Tribute to Daft Punk, along with local and regional performers.
RockYard Music Lineup:
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FRIDAY |
SATURDAY |
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4 p.m. The Lone Canary 4:45 p.m. Swingbilly 7:30 p.m. David Cook 8:45 p.m. Tripping Billies The Dave Matthews Tribute Band (Headliner) |
10 a.m. Emily Hurd 10:45 a.m. Emilio Salinas 11:30 a.m. Saij 12:15 p.m. Rock & Roll Institute 1 p.m. Clark Kelly 1:45 p.m. DJ Freedom Bennett 2:45 p.m. The Vince Chiarelli Band 3:30 p.m. Lee Kanehira 4:45 p.m. Wayne Baker Brooks 6 p.m. Dueling Pianos w/ Anthony Jay Sanders 7:15 p.m. Grand Groove Hotel 8:45 p.m. One More Time: A Tribute to Daft Punk |
“RockYard offers plenty of ways to make the most of a summer day along the riverfront, whether that’s discovering a new favorite band, grabbing dinner at the RockYard Bar & Grill, challenging friends and family to a field game, or simply relaxing and taking it all in,” said Kristen Paul, GoRockford executive vice president. “Our hope is that this first weekend is the beginning of a new tradition that people look forward to year after year.”
“Rock Yard is a great way to close out our local America 250 celebration while giving the community a sneak peek at the finished Davis Park and a chance to experience this incredible space in a whole new way,” said City of Rockford Mayor Thomas McNamara.
“Foresight Bank is proud to be part of this new festival that will bring our community together in the heart of downtown Rockford,” said Jeff Hultman, Foresight Bank president/chief banking officer. “RockYard gives residents and visitors a new way to experience our riverfront, enjoy time with family and friends, and celebrate everything that makes the Rockford region special. We’re excited to be part of the very first RockYard and to help welcome the community back to Davis Park.”
Fireworks and Drone Shows
Festivalgoers can stay for fireworks over the Rock River at 9:45 p.m. Friday, sponsored by Hard Rock Casino Rockford, and a spectacular Rockford-themed drone show at 9:45 p.m. on Saturday, sponsored by Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 23.
“We’re proud to sponsor the drone show and help create a memorable finale for the first RockYard Music Fest,” said Ryan Tracey, Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 23. “Our members are part of this community, and we believe in supporting experiences that bring families, friends and neighbors together. We’re excited to see downtown Rockford and the riverfront come alive this weekend and help end the celebration with something special.”
Pancake Breakfast
Saturday morning’s festivities kick off with a RockYard Pancake Breakfast from 7 - 9:30 a.m. Festivalgoers can enjoy pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, orange juice and Fire Department Coffee. Proceeds benefit both RockYard Music Fest and CASA, helping support free community programming and advocacy for children in our community. The breakfast also pairs with the RAMP River Run, giving runners, walkers, and spectators a place to gather before diving into the rest of Saturday’s RockYard and 815 Day festivities.
Pancake breakfast tickets are available at rockyardmusicfest.com for $8.15 through August 13. After August 13, breakfast tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children under 12.
RockYard Bar & Grill/Vendors
The RockYard Bar & Grill will serve up summer festival favorites throughout the weekend, including hamburgers, hot dogs, refreshing lemonade shake-ups and more. Even better, a portion of proceeds will support local organizations, so festivalgoers can enjoy a bite while giving back to the community.
For something sweet, Dairyhäus has created an ice cream flavor exclusively for the inaugural RockYard Music Fest: Lavender Blueberry with White Chocolate Flakes. The limited-edition flavor will only be available during RockYard weekend. Food trucks and retail vendors will be at RockYard, providing delicious options to eat at the festival and shop locally. RockYard Bar & Grill beverages are sponsored by LaMonica Beverages and cups are sponsored by Trekk.
Art Activity Tent
The RockYard Arts & Activity Tent will give festivalgoers of all ages a chance to take a break from the music and create something of their own. Free activities include sand art, button making, hat and bag decorating, painting maracas and other musical instruments, and suncatcher crafts. The activity tent is sponsored by Illinois Arts Council, Dean Alan Olson Foundation, Brubaker Charitable Trust, and Rockford Area Arts Council. Activities are available while supplies last.
Field Game Competitions
Attendees can take part in free field game competitions and challenges throughout the weekend, with prizes awarded to winners. Throwback games will include gunny sack races, pie-eating contests, musical chairs, and more. Field game competitions are sponsored by Collins Aerospace and Murphy’s Pub & Grill.
Field Game Schedule
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FRIDAY |
SATURDAY |
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4:15 p.m. Ball Grab
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10 a.m. Bucket Walk 2 p.m. Ball Roll Challenge |
Yard Games
RockYard will also feature free yard games available for open play throughout the festival, giving guests an easy way to challenge their friends, kids, coworkers, or fellow festivalgoers between performances. Yard games are sponsored by Aetna Building Solutions and Embassy Suites Rockford.
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CharmQuest 815
Festivalgoers will want to keep their eyes open while exploring Davis Park Saturday morning. Beginning at 8 a.m., more than 20 handmade ceramic art pieces will be hidden throughout the park as part of Womanspace’s CharmQuest 815. Find one, and it’s yours to keep, adding a little art-inspired treasure hunting to the RockYard experience.
RockYard Schedule
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FRIDAY |
SATURDAY |
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4 – 10 p.m. RockYard Bar & Grill
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7 – 9:30 a.m. Pancake Breakfast (ticketed, fee) 8 a.m. Activity Tent Opens Charmquest815 Art Pieces |
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9:45 p.m. |
10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Music on Main Stage Yard Games and Competitions
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9:45 p.m.
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Sustainability at RockYard
RockYard Music Fest is partnering with Sustain Rockford to help keep Davis Park clean and reduce waste throughout the weekend. Sustain Rockford will support recycling efforts with volunteers sorting recycling, making it easier for attendees to properly dispose of recyclable materials while enjoying the event.
Community Partnerships & Sponsors
RockYard Music Fest is made possible through the support of sponsors, partners and community organizations. Their support helps bring the free, two-day celebration to downtown Rockford and gives residents and visitors opportunities to experience music, art, family activities and community connection along the riverfront.
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Presenting Sponsor |
Gold Sponsors
Friend |
