FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 28, 2025
ROCKFORD, IL — With winter weather expected to arrive just in time for Stroll on State, presented by UMB Bank, organizers are embracing the season and preparing to welcome residents and visitors to the first truly snowy Stroll on State. While site and schedule adjustments are being made, the festival remains a snow-or-shine event, and the community is encouraged to bundle up, plan ahead, and enjoy the charm and excitement of a snow-covered downtown celebration.
“Our team has been working closely with the City of Rockford to prepare for this winter weather,” said John Groh, President/CEO of GoRockford. “Stroll on State is a tradition built on joy, community, and resilience. Santa delivers in the snow, and so will Stroll—if anything, it adds to the wonder of the day. We encourage everyone to plan ahead, dress in layers, and come enjoy the first snowy Stroll on State.”
Consolidating the Footprint for a Cozier Experience
Some attractions and vendors are being shifted slightly — not canceled — to make them easier to reach and better protected from winter weather.
Retail vendors scheduled to be at the Merry Market West location will now be under the Rockford City Market pavilion, which provides shelter from the snow and offers guests a warmer, more comfortable shopping experience. Mery Market West food vendors will move just south of State Street, bringing them closer to the Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Snowmuch Fun with the Rockford Park District will move to the parking lot behind CJ’s Lounge at E. State and Madison St., while Santa visits & s’mores scheduled outside Memorial Hall will shift to the 100 block of N. Main St.
The musicians scheduled to perform on the Silver Bell Stage will perform on the covered patio in the 100 block of N. Main outside GoRockford.
The Drone Show will be rescheduled to a later date; think of it as giving our high-tech holiday elves a rain check, because water and technology don’t exactly mix. Stay tuned for a future night when the drones can light up the sky exactly as planned.
Accessibility, Parking & Roadway Notes
To improve convenience for attendees, especially in snowy conditions, additional on-site parking options will be available following the Dasher Dash 5k. The municipal surface parking lots outside of Memorial Hall and across from the RPL Nordlof Center will remain open for parking.
After 1:30 p.m., after the Dasher Dash 5k, the following roads will reopen, including:
- Mulberry St. between Church and River Ln will remain open
- N. Main St. between Jefferson St. and Mulberry St. will remain open
- N. Wyman between Jefferson St. and Mulberry St. will remain open
Please NOTE: Memorial Hall will remain open, hosting performances by Rockford Dance Company, Ms. LeMasters School of Dance, and FAB Dance.
Park & Ride Made Easy: Use RMTD Shuttle Service
To help make your arrival and departure as smooth as possible — especially in snowy or crowded conditions — attendees are strongly encouraged to use the free Park & Ride shuttle service provided by the Rockford Mass Transit District (RMTD). Three remote lots offer free parking and shuttle service every 20 minutes from 1:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Remote Parking Lots (with shuttle service)
- YMCA — 200 Y Boulevard
Includes accessible/paratransit shuttle service - Crusader Community Health — 1200 W. State Street
- Bethesda Covenant Church — 2101 E. State Street
Includes restrooms and hot cocoa while you wait
Stroll on State remains one of the region’s most beloved holiday traditions. Organizers encourage attendees to dress warmly, allow extra travel time, and soak in the unique atmosphere as downtown Rockford transforms into a festive winter wonderland — snow and all.
About GoRockford: GoRockford is responsible for promoting the Rockford region as an attractive travel destination and enhancing its public image as a dynamic place to live and work. Through its impact on travel, GoRockford strengthens the region's economy and provides opportunities for people in our communities. www.gorockford.com
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