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10 music festivals in the Rockford, Illinois area for 2025
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — The Rockford, Illinois region is a vibrant hub for music festivals, blending country, rock, cultural performances, and local talent.
These events combine live music with food, family activities, and community spirit.
Here is a list of 10 music festivals in the Rockford area for 2025.
Location: Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, RockfordDate: Tuesdays, May 27–August 26, 2025Time: 5:45 p.m. opener, 6:30 p.m. headlinerDescription: A summer concert series held in the serene Anderson Japanese Gardens, featuring local, regional, and national acts in genres like folk, blues, and indie. Guests bring lawn chairs or blankets for a relaxed outdoor experience. Food and beverages are Headliners: Visit for a list of weekly headlinersCost: Free admission for Premium Garden members. Non-members:Adults $13, seniors $12, students and military, $11. Kids 5 & under free
Location: Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, 1401 N. Second St., RockfordDate: Tuesdays and Thursdays, June to AugustTime: 7 A free summer concert series at the historic Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, showcasing local and regional talent across rock, jazz, and soul. Headliners: .Cost: Tickets range from $5 to $25
Location: Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, 1401 N. Second St., RockfordDate: June 19, 2025Description: Illinois' longest-running Juneteenth celebration. Organized by Rockford community activist Tommy Meeks, the festival honors Black history with live music and Free admission
Location: Settlers Park, downtown RocktonDate: June 12–15, 2025Description: Hosted by the Rockton Lions, this four-day festival features carnival rides, food stalls, and a major country music lineup, drawing crowds to downtown Headliners: Priscilla Block with Greylan James, Kameron Marlowe with Dylan Schneider, Dylan Scott with Payton Smith and Chris Cagle with Lainie Tickets are $20–$35. General admission: $6–$10, kids 12 and under free.
Location: Loves Park Festival Grounds, 100 Heart Blvd., Loves ParkDate: July 26, 2025 Time: 1-10 A free, all-day festival with live music, food trucks, a car show, vendors, and fireworks. It's family-friendly with a kids' activity area and a diverse lineup of Headliners: Nauti Nauti, Tennessee Whiskey (Chris Stapleton tribute), Petty Kings (Tom Petty tribute), Funky Monks (Red Hot Chili Peppers tribute)Details: Free admission
Location: Levings Park, 1420 S. Pierpont Ave., Rockford, ILDate: June 29, 2025Time: 3-7 A celebration of Black culture with live music, food vendors, and community engagement, highlighting local artists in hip-hop, R&B, and Headliners: Just Fine (Mary J. Blige tribute)Details: Free admission
Location: Boylan Catholic High School, 4000 St. Francis Drive, RockfordDate: August 1–3, 2025Description: A three-day festival celebrating Italian heritage with bocce tournaments, carnival rides, and authentic Italian food. Music includes traditional Italian performances, rock, country and Headliners: Visit for lineup General admission, $8. Kids 7 and under are free.
Location: Boone County Fairgrounds, 8791 IL-76, BelvidereDate: Aug. 5–10, 2025Description: A major county fair with carnival rides, tractor pulls, 4-H exhibits, and grandstand concerts, focusing on country music. It's a regional favorite with fair food and Headliner: Justin Moore with Noah HicksCost: Check for ticket prices and bundles.
Location: Winnebago County Fairgrounds, 500 W. First St., PecatonicaDate: Aug. 13–17, 2025Description: A historic fair since 1921, featuring livestock shows, carnival rides, and live music in the entertainment Headliners: TBD. Visit for $5-$15 admission
Location: Stephenson County Fairgrounds, 2250 W. Walnut Road., FreeportDate: August 19–23, 2025 (based on regional fair scheduling)Description: A regional fair with pony rides, livestock competitions, tractor pulls, and live music on the grandstand and side Headliners: Check for Admission $11.30 single day, bundles and season passes available
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