Join Mayor McNamara at 8:15 a.m. on Friday, August 15, at the Rockford Public Library, 215 N. Wyman Street, as he kicks off our citywide Rockford (815) Day celebrations.

Immediately following the news conference, the library will keep the festivities going with a hands-on activity to color a vintage-style postcard featuring library locations throughout history—complete with colored pencils, vintage stamps, and ink pads for a nostalgic touch. Plus, join the fun with an Rockford Day Scavenger Hunt! Pick up a special passport, complete fun tasks and earn raffle tickets for a chance to win exclusive RPL swag.

There are more than 100 deals, specials and events planned for the day. Here are just a few of those events:

• GoRockford, Rockford Art Deli and River District Association - Join the Rockford Day Block Party in downtown Rockford at State and First Streets from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Get ready for tons of activities, games, giveaways, DJ, vendor fun, delicious food + beverages, a RAD live print, deals and more! 
• Severson Dells Nature Center- Free guided hike from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Severson Dells Nature Center.
• Ernie's Midtown Pub – Ernie’s is hosting a Muralfront Party from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. There will be a photo opportunity in front of Rockford sports teams mural, and Rockford Swag Basket giveaways every 2 hours.
• The Standard - Free popcorn and sodas will be available during the Rooftop Cinema Series showing of A League of Their Own at 8:30 p.m.
• SWIFTT and Miracle Mile – The organizations are hosting a free, guided bus tour to showcase the city’s history and landmarks. Participants will board at Don Carter Lanes at 8:45 a.m., depart at 9 a.m., and travel a narrated route with stops at Nicholas Conservatory & Sinnissippi Gardens, Chávez Mexican for lunch, the Ethnic Heritage Museum & Ginestra House, and Klehm Arboretum, returning at 3 p.m.
• Kith and Kin Art Collective - Kith and Kin Art Collective, 510 E. State Street, will celebrate Rockford Day with its 8-1-LIVE event on August 15 from 6 to 9 p.m. The evening includes live painting from collective artists Drew Eurek and Jessica Quam, live music from local musicians, and pop-up vendors Cloth and Canvas and Odd Oddities.
• Inscape Collective - Celebrate Rockford Day with Inscape Collective, 201 7th Street! Stop by between 4–7 p.m. to draw or write a memory of Midtown—or share your dreams for its future. Enjoy live music by Tom Mack from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and refreshments from local Midtown neighbors.
• 815 Silent Disco - Celebrate Rockford Day in style at Top Dollar Slots! From 8:15 to 10:15 p.m., 815 Silent Disco will host a one-of-a-kind silent disco event.
• Edgebrook - Shop the mall sidewalk sale from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., then stick around for a live concert by Nauti-Nauti in Center Court from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Think Big - Celebrate Rockford Day and Black Business Month at the Think Big Rockford Mixer, 1311 N. Main, from 5 to 9 p.m. Connect with 20 local vendors, enjoy live music, and end the night with a DJ set.

For a complete list of events, visit https://www.gorockford.com/rockford-day/rockford-day-events/

For a complete list of specials, visit https://www.gorockford.com/rockford-day/rockford-day-specials/