Carnival

Produced by Skinners Amusements, Inc.

Located at Jefferson and Madison at the Riverview Ice House, this carnival has rides for all ages! It features thrilling rides like the Zipper, Orient Express coaster, as well as the traditional favorites like the Ferris Wheel, tilt-a-whirl, merry-go-round, roller coaster, parachute drop and many more.

Adventure Alley

Once again, inflatables will be available for the kid in all of us. An interesting array including the Bungee Pull and the Giant Slide beckon your inner child to come out and play. Don’t miss the great fun!

Midway Madness

Saturday, September 4 and Sunday, September 5
11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

All carnival rides and inflatable activities are just two tickets or $1.50 per ride!!! You can’t beat it!

Hole in One

Tee up at the On the Waterfront Hole in One Shoot-Out,  if your over 18, hit the hole and win two round trip tickets to anywhere ALLEGIANT AIR flies! Not 18 yet? Try for a Wii game system! Anyone who hits the green gets lunch on us and is rewarded with food tickets!  Tee up at the Oasis Stage and aim for the green located on a pontoon floating in the Rock River. Open to all amateur golfers  all festival hours until dark. FORE!

ComEd Kid’s Castle

Sponsored by ComEd

The Festival’s most popular children’s attraction returns this year! Children under 12 can take part in over 30 interactive and make-and-take activities.  Watch Billy the Balloon Guy twist balloons into your favorite toy or animal. Play Bingo with the other kids, learn to mini putt and you can even create a masterpiece with stamp art! Don’t forget to listen to all the fascinating stories read by the Rockford Public Library team, and enjoy entertainment on the  Kids Court Stage with performances during Kids Castle hours. See ya there!

Coordinated by ComEd and On the Waterfront, inc. the Kid’s Castle is located in the Wyman and Elm Street parking deck and is open Saturday and Sunday from Festival open until 6:00 pm. Activities will be provided by several Rockford businesses and organizations. The Kids’ Castle is a smoke-free and alcohol-free environment.

Kid’s ¼ Mile Fun Run

Saturday, September 4
9:00 a.m.

Immediately following the Waterfront 5K at the Trolley Station near the Riverview Ice House. Free registration from 8:15 a.m. to 8:50 a.m. the day of the race at the Trolley Station.

Rockford Chariots Wheelchair Basketball

Saturday, September 5 - 1p.m. and 3 p.m.
Sunday, September 6 - 3 p.m.

Established in 1986, the Rockford Chariots Wheelchair Athletic Association works to provide programs for developing the athletic potential of individuals with lower limb impairments. These gifted athletes compete against local celebrities and city officials in a long-standing and friendly rivalry which goes back many years. Exhibition games are Saturday at 1p.m. and 3p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Come watch this hilarious rivalry unfold yet another year!

Winnovation

Saturday, Sept. 4- noon- 4:00 p.m.

Winnovation, Winnebago’s High School Robotics Team, invites you to see Robotics in action.  Several of these teams won regional championships.  High school students built these robots in six weeks to compete in USFIRST competitions back in March. Come see these amazing machines at play!

Hot Air Balloon Fly Over

Saturday, September 5
Approximately 6 p.m.

This event is visible from anywhere in the festival. See sixteen brightly colored hot   air balloons soar overhead Saturday evening. Watch for special entries this year. A real crowd pleaser!

Urban Street Market

Shop the weekend away at this unique collection of outdoor vendors. The Urban Street Market is filled with colorful booths overflowing with art, jewelry, clothing, carvings and other rare finds from exotic locales from all over the world.