Believe it or not, the 4th of July is just over a week away! In my eyes, the 4th always symbolizes the heart of summertime, which means it’s time to take a day or two and enjoy yourself with friends and family! This year, just like any other year, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the holiday in the Rockford area. Regardless of how you like to spend the holiday weekend, there are plenty of events fit for different celebration styles. Here’s a rundown on a few events you might want to check out!  

4th of July runners

LET’S GET ACTIVE 

If you’re a morning person and enjoying getting a good workout in to start your day, then you’re in luck. This year, you can participate in the Lifescape 4th of July Classic Run/Walk. Whether you’re an experienced runner or you just want to get out and have some fun with the family, this is the race for you. Lifescape is giving racers the choice of running an 8k, a 2-mile, or participating in the 1-mile family fun walk. This event is a wonderful way to support a local nonprofit and celebrate our country, very fitting for the 4th of July. Following the race, participants are invited to the Downtown Rockford City Pavilion to enjoy all you can eat pancakes! All proceeds will benefit Lifescape’s programs and services.  

Fireworks

FIREWORKS 

It wouldn’t be the full 4th of July experience without seeing some fireworks! There are a few different spots to watch the firework show this year in the downtown area. In previous years, viewing the firework show somewhere along the river has been a personal favorite of mine. There are plenty of spots to meet with friends and family and enjoy the 30-minute show. A few spots include the Chestnut Street Bridge, State Street Bridge, Davis Park, Embassy Suites (reservations required), and more! If you plan on spending most of the day on the river, making a stop at the docks of the Prairie Street Brewhouse would be a great place to enjoy some dinner, drinks, and the fireworks! Don’t come too late though, I’m sure there won’t be many open dock slots around the start of showtime. The firework show will be synchronized to a soundtrack filled with patriotic, love, and unity themed music. And by the way, this isn't your average backyard firework show. Multi award winning pyro company, Melrose Pyrotechnics, will oversee all fireworks this year. Melrose Pyrotechnics is considered one of the most premier pyrotechnics companies in the entire United States! Most shells will explode to the size of 2 football fields wide and up to 800 feet in the air! If you’re in the downtown area, you can’t miss this show (literally).  

Cheap Trick

THE MAIN EVENT 

Concerts are back! If there’s one thing to get excited about this summer, I’d say it’d be for the Long Play music fest at the Rockford Rivets Stadium! Star Events has spent the last 18 months putting together an event featuring more than 20 bands. From July 1st to the 4th there will be live entertainment at the Rivets stadium from 12pm – 10pm. This is a great opportunity to get away from your busy work life and enjoy some time with your friends or family. Some of the best restaurants in the area will also be in attendance, grilling up your favorites. There will also be a carnival with multiple rides and games to play. Most importantly, Rockford’s very own, Cheap Trick will be here! On the final day of the event (July 4) Cheap Trick will take the stage starting at 8pm. Following their performance, there will also be a firework show starting at 10pm to ensure everybody gets the proper 4th of July experience! If you’ve never had the chance to see one of their concerts in person, this is a great opportunity! Great bands, great food and drink, and a great time. You won’t want to miss out!  

There’s so much to do in the Rockford area this year for the 4th of July. Whatever it is you decide to do, I hope you enjoy yourself and stay safe and healthy!