Your guide to Fourth of July fireworks and events in the Rockford region
Compiled by Chelsea Meyer
B103 Rockford
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ROCKFORD — Independence Day is a time for celebration, and every year the Stateline hosts several spectacular fireworks shows that light up the night sky and bring communities together in patriotic festivity.
Here’s a guide to all the Fourth of July fireworks shows and festivities around the area starting as early as this weekend.
More news: Title-winning taco truck to open first brick-and-mortar taqueria in south Rockford
June 29
Belvidere Heritage Days
Enjoy various activities and festivities and culminate with a fireworks show. There will be a 5K race at Doty Park with proceeds going toward keeping the festival going for years to come. There’s also a free kids’ race at 9 a.m. within the park, covering approximately 400-500 meters on the circle path.
The parade steps off at 5 p.m. with the fireworks show starting at dusk. This event is a great opportunity to celebrate the community and the rich history of the area.
When: Heritage Days’ festivities starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 29. Fireworks at dusk.
Where: Downtown Belvidere
Hinkley Good Time for All Festival
Enjoy a day full of music, outdoor activities, food, and fireworks in Hinkley, about an hour southeast of Rockford. Other activities include a cornhole tournament, music bingo followed by a DJ, craft vendors, activities for the kids and more.
When: Festival begins at 3 p.m. Saturday, June 29. Fireworks at dusk.
Where: 700 E. Lincoln Hwy, Hinckley
Star Spangled Saturday in Janesville
Celebrate the Fourth of July with the Rock Aqua Jays Water Ski Show Team. Enjoy a full day of amusement rides, live music, a ski show and other special acts.
When: Noon on Saturday, June 29. Fireworks at dusk.
Where: Traxler Park, 600 N. Main St, Janesville
July 3
Davis Junction Independence Day Fireworks
Head out to Davis Junction for an Independence Day movie night and fireworks. Movie still pending, check The Village of Davis Junction‘s Facebook page for more updates.
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 3. Fireworks at dusk.
Where: Community Park, 101 Lincoln Ave., Davis Junction
Edgerton Lions Fireworks Festival
The Edgerton Lions Fireworks Festival includes live music, a tug of war competition, kids activities and a petting zoo, food and beverages at the concession stand starting at 4 p.m. and fireworks at dusk.
When: 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 3. Fireworks at dusk.
Where: Racetrack Park, 900 Stoughton Road, Edgerton, Wis.
Rockford Symphony Orchestra Star Spangled Spectacular
The Rockford Symphony Orchestra performs a variety of American favorites and the always popular tribute to our community’s veterans. Plus, the food trucks will start rolling in at 6 p.m., so you can grab some delicious bites before the concert kicks off at 8 p.m.
When: 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 3
Where: Rock Valley College’s Starlight Theatre, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford
Mount Morris Let Freedom Ring Festival
This multiday event takes place July 3-5 with a patriotic program at the bandshell, food, bouncy houses, live music and the ringing the Freedom Bell of Illinois at 1 p.m. July 4, simultaneously with ringing the famous Liberty Bell in Philadelphia.
The fireworks show will take place at dusk behind David L. Rahn School on July 4.
When: Wednesday, July 3 through Friday, July 5; Fireworks on July 4 at dusk.
Where: David L. Rahn School, 105 W. Brayton Road, Mount Morris
Village of Winnebago Fireworks
When: Fireworks at dusk on July 3
Where: The village of Winnebago
July 4
Byron’s Fourth of July Fireworks
This 20-minute fireworks show is set to music, and there will be food trucks, ice cream, and more.
When: Gates open at 6 p.m. on July 4; Fireworks at dusk.
Where: 7287 N. River Road, Byron
DeKalb Park District Fourth of July Celebration
Festivities begin at 2 p.m. in Hopkins Park on the Fourth of July. The fireworks will begin 30 minutes after sunset on July 4.
When: Fireworks on July 4 at dusk.
Where: Hopkins Park, 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb
Durand Fourth of July Festival
Enjoy an ice cream social and pork chop dinner, Durand Charm Duck Races, Bulldog Bolt 5K, the Fourth of July Bottle Flip Championship, and more at Durand’s Fourth of July Festival.
When: Wednesday, July 3 and Thursday, July 4; Fireworks on July 4th at dusk
Where: 200 W. South Street, Durand
Milton Rhythm and Boom
Milton’s Fourth of July Festival takes place July 3-7 with tons of patriotic activities. Miss Wisconsin meet and greet, food truck court and beer garden, carnival, live music, Papa Doc’s Axe Throwing, and more.
The parade steps off at 1 p.m. and the fireworks start at 8:30 p.m. on July 4.
When: Wednesday, July 3 through Friday, July 7.
Where: Schilberg Park, W. High Street, Milton, Wis.
Pops on the Rock in Beloit
The city of Beloit and the Beloit-Janesville Symphony Orchestra are hosting the annual patriotic concert and fireworks show on the Fourth of July.
The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Harry Moore Pavilion followed by fireworks display at dusk. Attendees bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the awesome free show or drive up on your boat.
When: Wednesday, July 3 and Thursday, July 4; Fireworks on July 4 at dusk.
Where: Riverside Park, 1160 Riverside Drive, Beloit, Wis.
Rochelle Independence Day Parade and Fireworks
Parade: 11 a.m. on July 4 in downtown Rochelle.
Fireworks and festivties: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, July 5. Fireworks at dusk
Where: Atwood Park, Tenth Ave. and 20th Street, Rochelle, Illinois
Rockford Fourth of July parade and fireworks
Activities begin at 7 a.m. July 4 with the Lifescape Classic 5 K run, followed by the Patriotic Prayer breakfast at 8:30 a.m. in Beattie Park. The motorcycle parade begins at 4:40 p.m. followed by the parade – which follows past years’ route – at 5 p.m.
When: Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. with a soundtrack broadcast on B103, found at 101.3 FM on your radio dial.
Where: Downtown Rockford; special event gathering in Davis Park, 320 S. Wyman St. Davis Park opens at 4 p.m.
Full schedule: Go HERE
July 6
Kirkland Lions Club 76th Annual Fourth of July Celebration
This three-day celebration starts on July 3 with a bags tournament, live music, 50/50 raffle, pancake breakfast, and more. The parade steps off at 11 a.m. on July 4. The fireworks show will start at 9:15 p.m. on Saturday, July 6.
When: Festival; July 3rd-July 6th; Parade, 11 a.m. July 4. Fireworks show 9:15 p.m. July 6
Where: Kirkland
July 7
Dixon Petunia Festival
Carnival runs daily throughout the Festival on Lincoln Statue Drive between Dixon High School and the Riverfront. The parade will step off at 1 p.m. on Sunday, July 7 at St. Mary’s Catholic School, moving north on Peoria Avenue and ending at Dixon High School. Fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m.
When: Wednesday, July 3rd – Sunday, July 7th; Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 7.
Where: 77 S. Hennepin Ave. Dixon
July 13
Freeport’s Tutty Baker Fest
Travel to Freeport for its Tutty Baker Fest from July 12-14. Craft vendors, interactive bubble stations, magic shows, petting zoo, live music, food trucks, and more. Firework shows starts at dusk on Saturday, July 13.
When: Friday, July 12 – Sunday, July 14; Fireworks on Saturday, July 13, after dusk
Where: downtown Freeport
Compiled by Chelsea Meyer. You can reach her at chelsea@b103rockford.com.
