Rockford Day, otherwise known as 815 day, is Sunday, August 15th! Since it happens on a weekend this year, Rockford businesses have decided to make it a weekend-long event with specials, deals, and sales!
There are a lot of things happening for families on Rockford Day. Take a look at the list below.
Rockford Day events
Friday, August 13th
815 Day kicks off at Rathskeller Rockford (1132 Auburn St.) at 8:15 am with free coffee and pastry for those who attend.
At Rockford City Market (E. State and Water St.) from 3:30 pm – 8:30 pm, you can get a Rockford City Market koozie if you’re one of the first 200 people who purchase a beer, wine or cocktail at the market hall bar or LaMonica Beverages tent.
Saturday, August 14th
Get a free t-shirt print and celebrate Rockford Day at the RAD Street Party at Rockford Art Deli (402 E. State St.) from 10 am – 7 pm. There will be live music from 12 pm – 4 pm, food trucks, and a live print.
Participate in the Shop the Mile Scavenger Hunt at the shops on the Miracle Mile (4500 E. State St.) from 10 am – 5 pm. Pick up a scavenger hunt passport, visit at least 12 stores, find the hidden bowling pin at each shop, take a picture, and get a stamp on your passport. Leave the passport at the last stop or bring it to the after-party on Saturday at 4 pm. This event continues through Saturday. More information here.
Attend a Rockford Day Book Reading at Rockford Public Library East Branch (6685 E. State St.) from 11 am – 12 pm. Kids ages 2-7 can listen to Rockford author Kayla Clark read her books You Be Mommy and You Be Daddy and make a craft. Masks are required for this outdoor event.
Stop by the Life Decisions Block Party at Dahlquist Park (3251 Oak Grove Ave) from 3 pm – 7 pm for free family fun including food, carnival games, family resource vendors and a youth talent show.
Sunday, August 15th
Head to Prairie Street Brewing Co. (200 Prairie St.) to attend the Release the Quackin’ Party from 12 pm – 4 pm. You can launch ducks from a giant slingshot into the river to try to hit a target and win prizes. Enjoy food, live music, and games.
Attend the opening of the new Coach Lee Marks exhibit at the Ethnic Heritage Museum (1129 S Main St) from 2 pm – 4 pm. The exhibit honors Lee Marks, the former track and field coach for Guilford High School. There will be a presentation from Karen Marks and Harlan Jefferson.
Rockford Day specials
Many local businesses are offering deals and sales for 815 Day. You can view all of the local business sales here.
Other ways to celebrate Rockford Day
If you’d prefer to stay socially distanced and celebrate Rockford Day your own way, here are some ideas!
Image credit: Go Rockford
Take a walk downtown and check out all of the beautiful murals.
Take a selfie with the Symbol and the Rock Men on the Rock River Recreation Path.
Visit Nelson the Sock Monkey at Midway Village. Take a tour while you’re there.
Book some time at the Discovery Center Museum.
See the artwork at Rockford Art Museum! Admission is FREE until September 26th!
Visit the carnivorous plants exhibit at Nicholas Conservatory.
Visit Burpee Museum and check out its newest East Africa exhibit as well as updates and renovations.
Enjoy one of the many forest preserves, parks, and playgrounds in Rockford.
Visit Beyer Stadium (245 15th Ave., Rockford) the former home of the great Rockford Peaches.
