Summertime in Rockford is full of great events and activities. To help you make the most of the rest of summer, here are nine ideas to add to your end-of-summer bucket list: 

Listen to the Sounds of Summer 

  • Enjoy the beautiful “Sounds of Summer” with performances at Sinnissippi Music Shell in Sinnissippi Park and Levings Unity Pavilion in Levings Park. Both outdoor music venues are the perfect place to enjoy live music during the last August summer days.  

phantom regiment at music in the park

Visit a Farmers Market 

  • Attending one of Rockford’s many farmers markets is a great summer activity. If you are free on a Friday night, going to Rockford City Market is a must. Other farmers markets in Rockford include Edgebrook Farmers Market on Wednesday mornings, Rockford Midtown Market on Thursday mornings, and the North End City Market on Saturday mornings. 

Eat Lunch at Beats and Bites 

  • A great event to attend before the end of August is Beats and Bites. Every Thursday, throughout the summer from 11 am- 2 pm, there are games, giveaways, music, and local food trucks in Downtown Rockford (118 Church Street, Lot 5). With only two weeks left, Beats and Bites is not something you want to miss! 

Attend Food Truck Tuesday 

  • If you love the food scene in Rockford, Food Truck Tuesday is a fantastic addition to your summer bucket list. Every Tuesday throughout the summer and until October, Nicholas Conservatory hosts up to 15 food trucks each Tuesday that serve a wide variety of foods. At this event, you can take in the beauty of the gardens and the Rock River while supporting local Rockford businesses. 

Enjoy Outdoor Dining 

  • The summer is the best time to enjoy outdoor dining in Rockford. If you’re looking to enjoy food outdoors with live entertainment, Dinner on the Dock at Prairie Street Brewhouse needs to be added to your bucket list. Another must-try outdoor dining experience is at the newly opened Disco Chicken which offers dining with stunning views of downtown Rockford from its rooftop.  

Swim at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor 

  • There is still time to have fun at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor. This water park has lots of fun activities including a wave pool, a lazy river, multiple water slides, and splash zones making it fun for all ages. If you’re looking for a way to cool off this summer, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor is a must.  

six flags hurricane harbor

Get in on the Water Sports Fun at Rock Cut 

  • One of the many activities offered at Rock Cut is water sports. There you can rent paddle boards, kayaks, canoes, and row boats on Piece Lake. This is an excellent way to get exercise while taking in the stunning nature scenes Rock Cut has to offer. Additionally, the park offers a beach for swimming and volleyball at Olson Lake. 

Cheer on the Loves Park Ski Broncs 

  • Time remains to catch a Loves Park Ski Broncs show at Shorewood Park. These water ski shows occur every Wednesday and Friday until the end of August, so come out while you still can. The shows are free to attend and each features a different theme.  

ski broncs

Explore Rockford with the Adventure Trail 

  • A fun and interactive way to explore Rockford that is perfect for any age is through Rockford’s new Adventure Trail. This digital passport can help you discover over 30 local sites and attractions in Rockford. Visit more attractions to accumulate points and redeem prizes.