What is there to do on 815 Day in Rockford? Here are 8 ways to shop and celebrate
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — The city will celebrate its unofficial holiday on Tuesday with a variety of ways to treat yourself or support local businesses.
Rockford Day, aka 815 Day, was created seven years ago as a way to promote civic pride and support the businesses and organizations that make up our community.
Here are eight ideas for things to do on Rockford Day. You can find even more events and specials at gorockford.com/rockford-day.
Downtown picnic party
About: The Rockford River District Association throwing a downtown picnic party with food trucks Cheezy’s Grilled Cheese, Kabao815 and Dairyhaus Ice Cream.
Where: North First Street and East State Street in downtown Rockford
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15
Food trucks on the Miracle Mile
About: The Miracle Mile Association will host four food trucks at the former Magna parking lot next to Don Carter Lanes. You can choose from Quixotic Bakery, Blaz’in Magic BBQ, Takeshi Blessing Asian Cuisine and A Taste of Chicago.
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15
Where: Old Magna parking lot, 3923 E. State St., Rockford
Perform a random act of kindness
About: Kim Knutson of Lallygag Boutique and the Miracle Mile Association are partnering with more than two dozen organizations to inspire random acts of kindness across Rockford.
You can go to any of the 26 locations, draw a card and follow the tip for a random act of kindness on the back. See the full list of locations at the bottom of this link.
Where: Lallygag Boutique, 4616 E. State St., and 25 other locations
More info: Go HERE.
Rockford Day kickoff event
About: Mayor Tom McNamara and others will kick off citywide celebrations and draw a kindness card. There will be refreshments provided by Rivera’s Panaderia.
When: 8:15 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15
Where: Rivera’s Panaderia, 3512 E. State St., Rockford
Free entry at Midway Village
About: Enter Midway Village Museum and its Victorian Village free of charge. You can also purchase a snow cone while you tour the grounds.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15
Where: Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford
Truckin’ Tuesday at Prairie Street Brewing
About: Prairie Street Brewing’s Truckin’ Tuesday event will take on an 815 Day theme with each truck having a twist on an 815 special. The food trucks on site are The Taco Shop 815, Little Nick’s BBQ, Cheezy’s Grilled Cheeses and The Dessert Shop 815. The dock will also be filled with games such as bags and Jenga.
When: 4 p.m. taproom opens; 5 p.m. food trucks start serving; 6 p.m. DJ Slick starts spinning on Tuesday, Aug. 15
Where: Prairie Street Brewing Co., 220 Prairie St., Rockford
Food Truck Tuesday
About: The weekly Food Truck Tuesday takes on a Rockford Day theme with a variety of games and activities in addition to the usual treats from food trucks.
When: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15
Where: Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. Second St., Rockford
Shop for specials
About: More than 60 businesses across town are offering 815 Day specials ranging from food and merchandise to activities and health services.
Where: See the full list of registered specials HERE.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
