Are you getting sick of winter? We are too! Spring is coming and there’s a great way to celebrate it in the Stateline. Save the date for Rockford Meltfest 2019!
This is the sixth year that Meltfest is happening in Rockford. This year the event will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2019. This event is family-friendly and has something for everyone. Come to downtown Rockford and celebrate the start of Spring!
Meltfest Events and Schedule
There are a ton of low-cost and free things happening at Meltfest this year! There is something for every member of the family to enjoy.
Meltfest Schedule
All events without a star are free.
10 am: Hammy Hustle 5k*
11 am: Kids Fun Run
10 am – 3pm: Ice skating and skate rental at Riverview Ice House (324 N Madison St)
10 am – 3 pm: Merchandise and food vendors at Prairie Brewhouse (200 Prairie St)
10 am – 3 pm: Melt the Blocks shopping downtown
3 pm: Downtown bike ride with Team Fur Bandit. Bring your bike for a fun 5-6 mile ride. This ride is free. Shirts will be available for $15 each. Register here.
4 pm – 7 pm: Beer tasting* (21+ only) at Owly Oop (305 S Madison St) with live music from Josh Logan and the Sunset Strip
6 pm: Rockford IceHogs vs. Milwaukee Admirals game*. All participating runners receive a free ticket to the IceHogs game that must be claimed in advance.
Hammy Hustle 5K Run/Walk and Kids Run
Hammy Hustle begins at 10 am, Kids Run begins at 11 am
Want to start your day with an invorgiating jog through downtown Rockford? Sign up for the Hammy Hustle or Kids Run!
All entrants will receive a race shirt and finisher medal. Medals will also be awarded to the top male and female finishes in each age group. The race is chip timed and there will be post race snacks available. Every runner receives a complimentary IceHogs ticket for that evening’s game against the Milwaukee Admirals. Cost is $31 with $5 of each entry going to GiGi’s Playhouse. Register for the 5K here!
Kids will run varying distances based on their ages with awards for every participant. The kids run is FREE! Only 100 kids will be able to participate. Shirts are available for $10 each. Sign up for the Kids Run here.
Kids Activities
Although most of the fest is kid-friendly, there are some special things planned just for the little ones to enjoy.
11:00 am – Kids Fun Run
10:15 am – 2:45 pm: Pickles the Clown performing
10 am – 3 pm: Magic shows, juggling, stilt walking, science shows, princess and hero performances, crafts and activities. Activities including art, drawing, crafts, science booths, hair braiding, balloon creations, passport/scavenger hunt, make-and-take activities, and more.
Adult Activities
If you’re 21 and older, stay a little later and enjoy beer tasting and live music.
4 pm – 7 pm: Beer tasting at Owly Oop (305 S Madison St) with live music from Josh Logan and the Sunset Strip
Vendors
Check out these local vendors who will be selling goods and services during Meltfest.
- Annie’s Locker
- BMO Harris Bank
- Canine Crunchery
- C Kindstrom Jewely
- Country Scent
- FleetFeet Rockford
- Follysome Prints
- Kyle Olson
- Lularoe –Nichole Erb
- Oh Yay Crochet!
- ONCE Upon a Dream Performances
- PAS Backyard Games
- River District 12 Bike Event
- Rocktown Adventures
- Rockford IceHogs
Meltfest 2019 will be a great time for the entire family. We’ll see you there!
All photos via Meltfest Facebook page.
