RockYard Music Fest Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about RockYard Music Fest below, including information on parking, schedules, activities, accessibility, and more. Whether you are planning your visit or looking for event details before you arrive, our FAQ section is here to help you make the most of your festival experience at Davis Park on August 14 and 15.
Is RockYard family friendly?
YES! We pride ourselves on being a family friendly event that is put on for the community and by the community. All of our attractions are designed for families, students, couples and seniors alike.
How do I plan my time a RockYard?
Use the website! RockYardMusicFest.com this is the very best tool to map out your time at RockYard. The website will be updated throughout the summer and have the latest maps available for download.
Can I bring my pet to RockYard?
We know pets are like family, however, pets/animals are not allowed within the RockYard footprint. If you are found with a pet, you will be asked to leave the festival grounds. This policy is due to the overall festival environment; the presence of food and drink is often stressful for animals and has led to bites and other incidents. It is hot, crowded, and loud. This environment can be very stressful for animals and a usually well-behaved pet may feel the need to protect its owner by attacking another person or animal. Anyone bringing an animal to RockYard will be responsible for and liable for any damage or injury caused by the animal. Traveling into Rockford with your pet? Be a responsible and loving dog-parent by leaving them at an animal kennel before the festival hours. For Americans with Disabilities Act info, please see the “SERVICE ANIMALS” section below.
Service Animals
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the definition of “service animal” is limited to a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability who is in attendance. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person’s disability. Under the ADA, “comfort,” “therapy,” or “emotional support animals” do not meet the definition of a service animal. – U.S. Dept. of Justice. Unfortunately, we have had people abuse the right to have a service animal with them at the festival and these dogs have caused problems on-site. These pet-owners are taking advantage of people with disabilities, threatening the health and safety of all people and of service animals. If you have a certified service animal that you are always required to have with you, you will be required to have your service animal with you and ON LEASH at all times. Under the ADA, service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the service animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents using these devices.
Can I bring a chair or blanket for lawn seating RockYard?
Yes. Guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets for seating in designated lawn and patio areas throughout the festival grounds.
Please note that RockYard Music Fest is not responsible for lost, stolen, or unattended items. Guests are asked to be respectful of shared space and only use the area needed for their group. RockYard reserves the right to remove unattended items or adjust seating areas as needed to support event operations, crowd flow, and guest safety.
Can I have a bike, scooter or skateboard at RockYard?
Due to space and safety reasons, bikes, scooters and skateboards are not allowed within the RockYard footprint. If you are onsite with one of these items, you will be asked to remove it from the festival grounds and store it offsite at your own risk.
Where do I park?
Please refer to the RockYard map. There are many surface lots, parking decks and street parking available throughout the weekend.
How much does it cost to attend RockYard?
RockYard has no admission cost and all attractions are free! The only fees are for food, drinks and merchandise. You can have a great time and not spend any money at all!
Weather
RockYard is a “Rain or Shine” event but in the rare case of severe or threatening weather or other emergencies, the RockYard management, in consultation with the City of Rockford, may choose to cancel or close the event.
Security
Security personnel are on duty throughout the grounds for the entire event. Your cooperation with them is greatly appreciated! Please report any incident to an Event Staff employee.
First Aid
First Aid is available at volunteer check in on the patio of Embassy Suites. Staff is equipped to handle minor injuries, accidents and other emergencies. An emergency service vehicle will be on site to handle any other medical emergencies.
Notice of Filming and Photography
When you enter, photography, audio, and video recording may occur. By entering the event premises, you consent to being photographed, and for GoRockford to use festival images.
Trash
Please dispose of all litter and recycling in the appropriate receptacles. Every little bit helps, and we appreciate your consideration in properly disposing of trash. We have a group of volunteers changing trash bags and picking litter up throughout the day, but your consideration is greatly appreciated!
Lost Child Procedure
Contact Event Staff or on-site emergency personnel immediately to report a lost child. All updates will be reported to volunteer check in on the patio of Embassy Suites. Event staff will work directly with the City of Rockford Police department for all reports of a lost child.
Will there be handicap accessible facilities?
Absolutely! Event Staff is happy to assist with anything that you need. Volunteer check in on the patio of Embassy Suites is great place to ask any questions. Please note, much of the festival grounds is open lawn, but there are pathways and concrete space also available.
Alcohol
YOU MUST BE 21 YEARS OF AGE to consume alcohol within the festival grounds. ID’S WILL BE CHECKED. Bring your ID to drink.
No outside alcoholic beverages will be allowed on the grounds; there will be alcoholic beverages available in the Bar & Grill tent. Last call will be 30 minutes before the beer tent closes.
All alcohol purchased at an outdoor beer tent will be served in a designated festival cup and is in compliance with the downtown Social District guidelines.
What can I find to eat at RockYard?
RockYard Music Fest will feature a variety of food and beverage options throughout the weekend, including the RockYard Bar & Grill serving burgers, hot dogs, chips, ice cream, and more. Purchases from the RockYard Bar & Grill directly support the festival and help fund future years of the event.
Additional food vendors will also be available throughout the festival grounds.
Visitors are also encouraged to explore Rockford’s downtown restaurants and local favorites during the weekend. Reservations are recommended, as many locations are expected to be busy throughout the festival.
Who pays for RockYard?
RockYard relies heavily on generous community sponsors.
Cash or Credit?
RockYard Bar & Grill accepts cash and credit. Some vendors may have different policies. ATMs are available onsite.
How can I be involved?
RockYard is always looking for volunteers! If you love the event, become apart of it and volunteer! Visit our volunteer page for more information on ways to volunteer.
Code of Conduct
RockYard is committed to creating a safe, comfortable and fun experience for every one of our guests.
For the safety of RockYard guests, protesters and/or demonstrations of any kind will not be permitted within the RockYard footprint. Individuals or groups may not disrupt, impede, or block flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic or be disruptive in any way to the event or guests. Amplified sound and/or megaphones may not be used. Protest signs or gear may not be held or attached/ to any building or property within the footprint. Additionally, protesting, including but not limited to rallies, marches, chalking, panhandling, pamphlets, posters, or handouts of any kind will not be permitted within the RockYard festival footprint. Any removal of or damage to RockYard decorations will be prosecuted.
These actions can get you removed from RockYard:
- Irresponsible or unsafe use of alcohol.
- Accessing restricted areas without proper credentials.
- Taunting, abusive or offensive language.
- Obscene or offensive gestures, including the use of obscene or offensive gestures through imagery or symbolism including banners, signs and other means of visual propaganda.
- Possession/use/sale of illegal drugs.
- Public urination or defecation (outside of a proper and/or public restroom).
- Fighting or engaging in any action that may harm, endanger, threaten or bring discomfort to anyone.
- Damage, destruction, vandalism or theft of any property.
- Participating in any activity that humiliates anyone or insults their human dignity.
- Any individual who violates this Code of Conduct will be removed from the festival grounds and law enforcement may/will be notified.
