What is there to do on 815 Day in Rockford? Here are 12 ways to celebrate
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — The city’s unofficial holiday — celebrated each year when the calendar matches our primary area code — will put local businesses in the spotlight as dozens of shops and restaurants offer 815-themed specials and host one-day events in the annual display of civic pride.
Rockford Day, also known as 815 Day, was created in 2016 by members of the Rockford Community Partners network to showcase the best of what the city has to offer.
The celebrations kicked off at 8:15 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 15 — or 8/15 — at Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, where Mayor Tom McNamara will read an official proclamation naming it Rockford Day.
More than 20 events are scheduled for today and there are roughly 90 deals and specials being offered by local businesses.
Rain, however, does threaten to spoil a few of the outdoor events.
“Not every single event will go on as scheduled, but I can tell you none of these events are simply canceled,” McNamara said. They’ll be rescheduled, which in a way will be really special and great for all of us because we’ll be able to celebrate Rockford over the next couple of weeks as many of these events take place.”
Below are a dozen ways to celebrate, as well as a map filled with specials and events.
You can find a full list of things to do HERE.
815 Block Party
What: First Covenant Church will have carnival games, a dunk tank, inflatables, a food truck, crafts and a cornhole tournament.
When: 5 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
Where: First Convenant Church, 316 Wood Road, Rockford
Vendors at Vines & Variety
What: Vines and Variety will host 20 vendors including artists, makers and food trucks in its parking lot.
When: 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Vines & Variety, 4616 E. State St., Rockford
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1naKY3PE0DUUz6uMI6an3hUGod2czH80&ll=42.26967239999998%2C-89.03495749999999&z=10
Spread Kindness
What: the 815 Kindness Project returns for a second year with Kindness Boards posted around the region for you to pick a car with an inspirational idea to spread a wave of kindness. Organizers ask you to post on social media with #BeKind815 to encourage others to do gestures of goodwill.
When: 8:15 a.m. to 8:15 p.m.
Where: Various
Info: Go HERE
Family fun at Davis Park
What: Midland States Bank and several nonprofit organizations will host a family fun day in Davis Park with face painting, temporary tattoos, games, music, photos, financial education information and other activities.
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Davis Park, 320 S. Wyman St., Rockford
Beats & Bites
What: The River District Association will host its Beats & Bites block party with yard games, music and food trucks.
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: 330 W. State St. (the parking lot and vendor space at the corner of South Church and West State streets)
Miracle Mile festivities at Fairview
What: The Miracle Mile Association will celebrate 815 Day at Fairview Shopping Center as local artist Bryan Douglas creates a piece live inside the mall area. You can also take a celestial journey with Space Case Sarah, collect a Kindness Project card and shop at places such as Bygone Brand, which is offering several $10 deals on Rockford-themed T-shirts.
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Fairview Shopping Center, 3600 E. State St., Rockford
Music on the Mall
What: Edgebrook Shops will host a special 815 Day Music on the Mall concert featuring Center Court, an 80s hit list cover band. You can also get an $8.15 special from Lucha Cantina’s food and drink tent and grab a Kindness Project card.
When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (concert goes from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
Where: 1639 N. Alpine Road, suite 503, Rockford
Get your 815 print
What: Rockford Art Deli will host a live printing event of its classic 815 design, which was released a decade ago today. Bring your own shirt and get a print for $8.15. Or you can buy a blank shirt and get it printed for $18.15.
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Rockford Art Deli, 402 E. State St., Rockford
Soak up Rockford history
What: Midway Village Museum will hold an open house with free admission to mark 815 Day and the 50th anniversary of the museum’s opening in 1974.
When: 8 a.m. to noon
Where: Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford
Test your 815 trivia knowledge
What: Pig Minds Brewing Co. will host an 815-themed trivia night.
When: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Pig Minds Brewing Co., 4080 Steele Drive, Machesney Park
Cookout at The Bricks
What: The Bricks Venue Center will host an 815 Day celebration with live music from Yesterdays Gone, a cookout with Cattle & Cream and multiple market vendors. There will also be a bags tournament, as well as an obstacle course and inflatable ax throwing from Stateline Bounce House Rentals.
When: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: The Bricks Venue Center, 125 Walnut St., Cherry Valley
Miles Nielsen plays on the docks
What: Miles Nielsen & The Rusted Hearts perform in the weekly Dinner on the Dock series.
When: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Prairie Street Brewing Co., 200 Prairie St., Rockford
Info and reservations: Go 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
