General Information

Festival Hours

Thursday, August 30, 2012
Waterfront Opening Night Kick Off Concert
Great Lawn Venue Only
Gates open at TBA
Carnival Kick Off 5-9 p.m. Unlimited ride wristband

Friday, August 31, 2012– 5:00 p.m. to Midnight

Great Lawn gates open at 6:00 pm

Saturday, September 1, 2012– 11:30 a.m. to Midnight
5K Race registration at 6:30 a.m., race at 8 a.m.

Great Lawn gates open at 6:00 pm

Sunday, September 2, 2012– 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Great Lawn gates open at 6:00 pm

Festival Rules and Restrictions

For everyone’s safety, and to ensure an enjoyable time for all Festival patrons, please abide by the following guidelines:

• No bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, roller blades or weapons of any kind are allowed on Festival grounds
• No animals or pets except for personal assistance animals are allowed
• No outside food or drink is allowed onto the grounds
• Unauthorized distribution of handbills or advertising is also prohibited on Festival grounds
• Please bring your photo ID if you plan to purchase alcoholic beverages.
• Festival patrons are reminded to park in public lots and decks only. Private property and other areas listed as “tow away” will be enforced.
• On the Waterfront discourages patrons from bringing backpacks or large bags and all bags are subject to search.

Food and Beverages

On the Waterfront is known for having a variety of delicious foods to tempt and satisfy the taste buds of our patrons. The majority of these tasty delights are provided by local not-for-profit organizations that use the proceeds from their sales at the Festival to fund their activities year round. Since 1986, area not-for-profit organizations have raised over $9.9 million at on the Waterfront. By purchasing tickets, food and beverages at On the Waterfront you are directly supporting those individual organizations and their activities. Pepsi, the official soft drink of On the Waterfront, has booths throughout the Festival grounds where you can purchase a variety of soft drinks, juice and water. There are also beer tents located in many of the stage venues where you can buy a cold beer or other alcoholic beverages. All of the Pepsi booths and beer tents are also staffed by local not-for-profit organizations.

Answer Tents

If you have questions about the Festival, stop by one of the Answer Tents located in all areas where food is served. Each tent is staffed by trained Waterfront volunteers during all festival hours and is your one stop for all current Festival information on entertainment, special events and food.

Waterfront Ambassadors

Once again, On the Waterfront’s Ambassadors will be stationed at each gate to welcome you to the Festival, provide schedules, answer questions and assist you with other needs.  This group of dedicated volunteers is easy to find as they always sport bright blue Ambassador shirts. If you are interested in becoming an On the Waterfront Ambassador, call 815-964-4388, ext. 51.

Volunteers

The success of On the Waterfront is dependent on the hard work and talents of its incredible volunteers. Each year, over 2500 people come together to volunteer their time and talents to make each successive On the Waterfront festival a success. If you are interested in volunteering and would like to find out more please check the volunteer page at www.onthewaterfront.com.

Lullaby Lounge

Located close to the center of all activities, this area is for parents and their little ones who just need a few moments of quiet time. Breast feeding stations, changing tables, and a play area await the smallest of festival goers. Their older siblings will enjoy toys, games, and TV/VCR with 30 minute tapes. This family location offers air-conditioned quiet with diapers, water and juice available for a modest fee.

Parking

Public parking is available on the west side of the Rock River at the lot on the corner of Green and Church Streets, at the ramp on Church Street between Elm and Chestnut Streets, and at the ramp on North Main Street between West Jefferson and Park Streets. On the east side of the Rock River, parking is available at South Second and Walnut Streets. Handicapped parking is available in the ramp on Church Street between Elm and Chestnut Streets and in the lot on First Street between East State and Walnut Streets. An excellent alternative to downtown parking is our RMTD shuttle (please see above for details).

First Aid Stations

On the Waterfront provides a first aid stations in the unfortunate event that you have a minor injury. The  tent is located on East State Street at Water Street.

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