April showers bring May flowers and lots of fun in the Stateline! There are a bunch of awesome things to look forward to this month. Here are our favorite family things to do in May and exciting news for families in the Stateline!

Exciting News & Business Openings

• Rockford Rivets kick off their season on May 31st. You can view a list of Stateline baseball teams and their upcoming games here.
  
• The Rockford Speedway is back in action for their last season ever! This iconic Stateline staple will be sold and demolished after the season ends. If you haven’t been yet, be sure to plan a day there before it’s gone. You can get tickets here.
  
• Rockford City Market kicks off on May 19th in downtown Rockford. As always, there will be live music each week.
  
• Discovery Town in Discovery Center Museum will be closing its doors on May 29th. Be sure to visit the exhibit before it goes!

Food Truck Tuesdays

Food Truck Tuesdays are back at Nicholas Conservatory in Rockford on Tuesday, May 2nd! Every Tuesday until late October, more than 14 food trucks offering up the best local cuisine will be parked at Nicholas Conservatory and the surrounding area. You can find a list of participating vendors and a map of locations here. 

Star Wars Day

May the Fourth be with you! Star Wars Day is celebrated on May 4th every year. Celebrate at home with a movie marathon or head to one of these fun events in the Stateline!

Family-Friendly Live Shows & Concerts

There are some fantastic family-friendly shows happening in the Stateline in May! Here’s a list of what you can go see!

• May 16 and 17: Paw Patrol Live! at the Coronado Performing Arts Center

Free Comic Book Day

Free Comic Book Day is always on the first Saturday in May. This year it happens to fall on May 6th. Free Comic Book Day is a chance to support local comic books stores and get a free comic, or other items, when you visit.

There are two participating comic book stores in the Stateline.

• Top Cut Comics (5600 N. 2nd Street, Loves Park)
• CT’s Hobbies (508 S. State Street, Belvidere)

The Rockford Public Library is also holding a virtual event for Free Comic Book Day led by Jarrett J. Krosoczka, illustrator of the Jedi Academy books. You can sign up to attend the event on May 6th here.

Farmers Markets

The Stateline region has 11 Farmers Markets happening throughout the Spring and Summer each year. Here are the ones starting back up in May.

• April 29: Woodstock Outdoor Farmers Market
• May 3: Edgebrook Farmers Market
• May 5: Forest City Farmers Market
• May 6: Beloit Outdoor Farmers Market & Janesville Farmers Market
• May 19: Rockford City Market
• May 20: North End City Market

We’ve also put together a schedule of the local Farmers Market in the Stateline that you can print and hang on your fridge. (Coming soon!)

Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is coming up on Sunday, May 14th. Not sure what to get mom or want to drop some hints to your husband? Copy and paste this gift idea list!

*We earn commission on Amazon items listed*

• Tickets to Urban Farmgirl’s Main Street Market on May 20th
• Tickets to Mother’s Day Baby Goat Snuggle Session on May 14th
• Shark FlexStyle Hairstyler
• Jewelry cabinet and mirror
• Towel (or blanket) warmer
• Changeable artwork picture frame
• Bamboo cutting board with meal prep containers

Neighborhood Garage Sales

Garage sales are kicking off with some of the area’s biggest happening this month. 

The Edgewater neighborhood sale (located in Rockford, Illinois) will be happening on May 6th. There are often many houses participating in this historic Rockford neighborhood.

The Churchill’s Grove neighborhood sale (located in Rockford, Illinois) is also happening on May 6th from 9 am – 3 pm. The atmosphere of the sale is “flea market meets block party” and you’re sure to find some unique items for sale!

The Annual Chicory Ridge neighborhood sale (located in Roscoe, Illinois close to the North Second Street / Bridge Street intersection) is happening May 19 – 21. They have 83 houses participating and will have two food trucks (Windsor Pizza Parlor and Fuego) at the pond. There’s also a great playground you can check out there.

Kids Building Wisconsin

Do your kids like construction equipment? Bring them to Fitchburg, Wisconsin for a fun and educational day of building fun! Kids Building Wisconsin is happening May 20th and includes over 50 interactive and hands-on exhibits for kids to enjoy. This event is free, but you do need to register in advance. 

Rockton Pelican Fest

Rockton is an eclectic town that hosts the best unique events all year long! May brings Rockton Pelican Fest which celebrates the annual return of the American White Pelicans and other migrating birds to the Rock River Valley. This free event is full of fun including educational talks, an early bird walk at Nygren Wetland, booths, an art show and lots more. Put May 20th on your calendar and visit Rockton between 10 am – 4 pm! 

Memorial Day

One of the ways that the Stateline honors the memory of those who sacrificed their lives for our country is through parades! There are numerous Memorial Day parades happening in the Stateline with one in almost every city / town. If you want to attend a Memorial Day parade, here’s where you can go. (List coming soon!)

No Mow May

If you’re looking for a reason to keep the mower in the garage this Spring, No Mow May is pretty convincing! The idea originated in the UK and was adopted first in the US by Appleton, Wisconsin a few years ago. Not mowing, or mowing less often, in May helps early-season pollinators (bees and other insects) get a chance to create a habitat and gather resources. This is especially important in urban areas! The City of Beloit has relaxed their “long grass” ordinance to allow city residents to participate in No Mow May if they choose. Residents can also get signs at the Community Development Department (100 State St.) to display in their yards.

Pools Opening

Spring in the Stateline can get hot! If you’re looking to cool off, here are the pools that are opening this month.

• May 27: Woodstock Water Works

Get Outside and Play

Enjoy the warmer weather at one of the Stateline’s local playgrounds. Spend time at an old favorite, or try a new-to-you playground, this month! You can see a list of Playground Profiles organized by city here.

Have a marvelous May!