The weather’s heating up and 4th of July is just around the corner! There are plenty of ways to celebrate the holiday in the Rockford region. Whether you’re looking for classic fireworks, music, or a good run, there are events for everyone on this patriotic day!

Fireworks

If you want a traditional 4th of July experience, you’re probably looking forward to seeing some fireworks! There are a few places in the region you can get your fireworks fix this year. On the Fourth, you can hop over to Rockford Rivets Stadium for a spectacular fireworks show! You can watch from the inside of the stadium where you will have prime viewing, access to the concessions and bar, and a live DJ and entertainment before the fireworks show. But if you’re looking for a cozier way to watch the fireworks, you can still head to Rivets Stadium, but opt for the tailgating option! Pack the family up in the car, grab your favorite snacks and drinks (no grills allowed, though), and watch the fireworks show from the comfort of your car. This is especially helpful if you have young kids, where you can hunker down in the car if the fireworks get too loud, but you can still see them! I’ve been to plenty of Rockford Rivets baseball games in past years with fireworks to know that these shows are incredible. Even on a random Friday night in June or July, these fireworks shows rival that of past 4th of July fireworks shows in downtown Rockford!

Another place you can watch fireworks is the Rockford Speedway for their Red, White & Boom Celebration! On July 4, they have a whole lineup of unique races at the racetrack (in addition to the fireworks). One of the races you can watch is the RoadRunners Midnight Ride…where they turn off the lights on the track and the cars race around in the dark! After all the racing is done, there is not a bad seat in the house to view the fireworks. Just kick back and relax and enjoy the show!

Symphony Concert at Home

If you’re having a 4th of July cookout at your house, a competitive game of bags going on, sparklers on hand, and you’re not really looking to leave the house, all you need to do to feel patriotic is to turn on the radio. At 7 p.m. on Saturday, 100FM will be playing “An American Salute” featuring music by the Rockford Symphony Orchestra! The usual Rockford Symphony Orchestra concert at Starlight Theatre is going virtual this year, so you are able to enjoy it anywhere. Songs in the concert include “American Salute” by Morton Gould, “Rhapsody in Blue” by George Gershwin, and other patriotic numbers by the Symphony.

runners on the bike path

Race Anywhere

The Lifescape 4th of July Classic is a traditional run held on the 4th of July. This year, the race has gone virtual! What does that mean, you may ask? It means that any time between June 28 and July 4, you can run or walk either an 8k, 2-mile, or 1-mile family fun walk from anywhere you choose. You could run in the early morning along the Rock River, at night in your neighborhood, or even on your lunch break on a treadmill! No matter how you race, all you need to do is track your time and send it in to the race organizers. All participants who sign up will still receive a race t-shirt and finisher medal. And just because the race is virtual this year, that doesn’t mean you still can’t dress up! Put on that patriotic tutu or red, white and blue outfit and take a photo or video to share your race experience! Be sure to use the official race hashtag, #ARaceForTheAges.

Whatever you decide to do this 4th of July, I hope you stay safe and healthy!