The Miller Lite Great Lawn has a reserved seating section and a general admission seating area.
Seats within the reserved seating area provide an up close view with a reserved seat; all reserved seats are purchased with a ticket
through the MetroCentre Ticket Outlets.
General admission seating is considered the back lawn area behind the reserved seating.
Tickets are required for general admission on Thursday for the Opening Night Concert - admission tickets are not valid until Friday. Access to the back lawn area is by Festival button Friday - Sunday. Picnic tables are available in the back lawn, and patrons can bring
their own lawn chairs. Coolers are not permitted.
NOTE: You do not need a Festival Admission Ticket to be admitted to the reserved seating section of the Miller Lite Great Lawn in Davis Park; your reserved seat ticket for that night's concert will allow you into to the Miller Lite Great Lawn and Verizon Wireless Left Bank Stage venues. You do need an admission button or wristband to access the general admission area of the Miller Lite Great Lawn and for all other Festival venues.
Although the On the Waterfront Inc. has taken all reasonable care that the information on this site is accurate at the time of publication, it is for general information purposes only and no representation or guarantee, expressed or implied, is made as to accuracy, reliability or completeness. On the Waterfront, Inc. reserves the right to change information, locations and event times without prior notification.
Styx
Thursday, August 28th
Presented by 96.7 the Eagle
Vanessa Hudgens
Saturday Afternoon, August 30th
Presented by 97ZOK
Although the On the Waterfront Inc. has taken all reasonable care that the information on this site is accurate at the time of publication, it is for general information purposes only and no representation or guarantee, expressed or implied, is made as to accuracy, reliability or completeness. On the Waterfront, Inc. reserves the right to change information, locations and event times without prior notification.
Although the On the Waterfront Inc. has taken all reasonable care that the information on this site is accurate at the time of publication, it is for general information purposes only and no representation or guarantee, expressed or implied, is made as to accuracy, reliability or completeness. On the Waterfront, Inc. reserves the right to change information, locations and event times without prior notification.
Although the On the Waterfront Inc. has taken all reasonable care that the information on this site is accurate at the time of publication, it is for general information purposes only and no representation or guarantee, expressed or implied, is made as to accuracy, reliability or completeness. On the Waterfront, Inc. reserves the right to change information, locations and event times without prior notification.
Although the On the Waterfront Inc. has taken all reasonable care that the information on this site is accurate at the time of publication, it is for general information purposes only and no representation or guarantee, expressed or implied, is made as to accuracy, reliability or completeness. On the Waterfront, Inc. reserves the right to change information, locations and event times without prior notification.
Attractions
Emerging Artists Competition
New this year!! Guzzardo Performance Music is looking for bands to compete in this summer’s Emerging Artist Competition. Anyone can enter as long as they have original music to submit.
First round: A total of 24 bands will be selected to compete on (3) separate weekends at the Rock Box (317 W. Jefferson St. Rockford, IL). Each band will play a 20-30 minute set. (9) bands will be chosen to move on to the second round.
Second round: Each band will be allowed to play no more than a 20 minute set. (3) bands will compete at the Taste of Rockford Festival June 14 th with (1) winner. (3) bands will compete at Hot Fest August 8 th & 9 th with (1) winner. (3) bands will compete at Cherry Valley Days, August 23 rd with (1) winner. The winners from each of these festivals (3) total will move on to the final round.
Final round: Each band will be allowed to play no more than a 20 minute set. (3) bands will compete Labor Day weekend August 29 th-31 st at the On the Waterfront Festival presented by Associated Bank in downtown Rockford to determine (1) grand prize winner. The bands will be judged in the final round by celebrity judges including Jerry Only from The Misfits and Brad Elvis from The Romantics.
Rules for submitting:
To enter you must stop by Guzzardo Performance Music at 3010 Charles St., Rockford, Illinois and complete an entry form and include (1) CD, cassette, or DVD with EXACTLY (3) originally composed songs of good recording quality. No cover music will be accepted. Please make sure that your submission has your band name written on it. All genres of music are welcome, and there are no age limitations for artists or band members. Deadline for submissions will be May 29 th, 2008. Emerging Artists Competition.
2008 Festival Fan Club
A limited number of upgraded tickets are available for the ultimate festival experience. Spend your weekend being treated to exclusive amenities that only you, a member of the Festival Fan Club will enjoy. Your Fan Club membership includes:
Skybox experience for 2 separate nights in the Oasis or Country stage venues on the evenings of your choice (first come first served, based on availability).
Special merchandise discounts in the festival store.
VIP shirt, credentials and lanyard.
Your choice of a beer or wine tasting one afternoon in the Admiral’s club.
VIP Parking
1 Lawn Ticket to Thursday night’s concert
$20 in Food & Beverage Tickets
Get your individual tickets today for $250 by calling the Waterfront office, 815.964.4388 or purchase online in the Festival store.
Festival Jazz Brunch
On the Waterfront brings a taste of New Orleans to the Jazz stage with a traditional Jazz Brunch on Sunday. Step into the French Quarter themed area and enjoy traditional New Orleans cuisine. Admssion to the brunch is $35 in advance only and includes a one-day Festival wristband. Call the On the Waterfront office for tickets at 815.964.4388 or purchase online in the Festival Store.
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! Located on the upper level of the Water Street parking ramp.
Skybox Experience
Far from the maddening crowds with the best view of the performers at the Oasis and Rock River Ford Country stages is where you will find yourself with the new skybox experience. Elevated above the crowd, these exclusive outdoor skyboxes can accommodate 40 guests and provide a private party setting with a multitude of amenities including a one-day Festival wristband, 2 drink tickets, complimentary soda and water, snacks and a private patio with rest facility. Get your individual tickets today for $40 by calling the Waterfront office, 815.964.4388 or purchase online in the Festival store.
Carnivals
Produced by Skinners Amusements, Inc.
On the Waterfront features two fantastic carnivals one on each side of the Rock River. Both of the carnivals close 15 minutes prior to festival closing.
Carnival East
Located at Jefferson and Madison at the Riverview Ice House, this carnival is geared for teens and adults and features thrilling rides like the Zipper, Orient Express coaster as well as a traditional Ferris Wheel.
Carnival West
Located at Wyman and Elm, this carnival is geared for younger children and features favorites like the tilt-a-whirl, merry-go-round, roller coaster, parachute drop and many more.
Dock Dogs
Back by popular demand! Who says dogs can't fly?! As seen on Good Morning, America and ESPN, Dock Dogs competition promises to be as exciting for the spectators as it is for the competitors. These Truly amazing dogs with jet-propelled hindquarters compete for Divisional Finals in their first-ever performance at OTW. Don't miss the amazing competition all daylight hours of the festival!
Hole in One
Tee up at the On the Waterfront Hole in One Shoot-Out and win a fabulous grand prize from Lou Bachrodt Auto Mall! 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 age 18 and over 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. New this year, Lowe's Home Improvement will teach young carpenters how to build bat houses, butterfly houses, napkin holders, sailboats, etc. Each child receives a Lowe's apron and a badge accompanied with a certificate of completion. Also, 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 Amcore Kids Court Stage with performances during Kids Castle hours. See ya there!
Coordinated by ComEd and On the Waterfront, 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.
United States Military
Meet our men and women in uniform as the Army Reserves, the Illinois Army National Guard, and the United States Marine Corps join us at this year's festival. View their displays, see their vehicles and equipment, participate in their obstacle courses, and have youth face painted in camouflage. Located on the banks of the Rock River just behind the Rockford Public Library off of Wyman Street.
Backstage Club
Plans are well underway for the 2008 On the Waterfront Festival presented by Associated Bank. We are inviting you to join us at the truly authentic experience of Italy -D'Agento at the Waterfront Backstage Club!
This year, The Backstage Club will bring to life the romance and beauty of Italy, by transforming the Lorden Building into the finest destination getaway you'll find this close to home! Memories will be made (and perhaps forgotten!) as you stroll through the rustic old country and out-of-this world entertainment venues found in D'Agento.
Club members can let loose and have a great time with complimentary food from some of Rockford’s finest restaurants, comfortable seating, and a full cash bar. Plus, it's the "closest place to the stars" on the Miller Lite Great Lawn stage where you'll get a "birds-eye view" of the Miller Lite Great Lawn headliners. Limited membership packages are available for $165. Each package includes two festival admission tickets, full access for two all weekend long, food samplings, give-a-ways and much more. For information on reservations call 815-964-4388 or visit our store. The discounted price of $165 is only good through June 30, 2008, so order now! We look forward to seeing you there!
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. Located on East State Street.
Yacht Club
Looking for VIP treatment all weekend long? Kick back and enjoy your VIP status in Waterfront's members-only club, the Yacht Club, located on the east side of the Miller Lite Great Lawn near the beautiful Rock River.
For just $75 per person, Yacht Club members will get a variety of amenities including a tented, roped off private area with tables and chairs, an hors d'oeuvres buffet served each night at 7:00 pm, a full cash bar and complimentary snacks, private port-o-lets and sink, a special commemorative members-only souvenir cup, and one Festival admission ticket. All that for just over $18 per day! Yacht Club is the best way to upgrade your festival experience.
Only 100 memberships are available, so get yours before we sell out! The Yacht Club is open Thursday through Sunday from 6:00 p.m. until Festival close. Purchase your Yacht Club membership online in the Festival Store or call 815-964-4388.
About On the Waterfront's Food
Food
With nearly 40 food vendors throughout the Festival, there's sure to be something to tempt your tastebuds! In fact, the plethora of Festival treats is one of the top reasons people make On the Waterfront Festival presented by Associated Bank part of their Labor Day plans. Tired of cooking? Let our fabulous not-for-profit organizations and commercial food vendors do the cooking for you and bring your family and friends down to the Festival for sweet and savory, mouth-watering delights!
Pepsi, the Official Soft Drink of On the Waterfront, has booths throughout the Festival where you can purchase 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 including a variety of wines. Each music venue has a variety of food and beverage booths.
All of the Pepsi booths and beer tents are staffed by local not-for-profit organizations. You may purchase food and beverages with 50-cent tickets, which are available throughout the Festival grounds at OTW ticket booths which are also staffed by local not-for-profit organizations. Since 1986, area not-for-profit groups have raised $9.1 million at On the Waterfront! By purchasing tickets, food, and beverages, you are supporting our volunteering not-for-profit partners. Thank you for your contribution in giving back to the Rockford community!
Click on the stage name below for more info
Miller Lite Great Lawn
ORGANIZATION
FOOD DESCRIPTION
PRICE
TICKETS
Damon's
BBQ Ribs 1/2 Rack
$7.00
14
Damon's
Add a Rib Bone
$1.50
3
Damon's
Big Burger 1/2 lb.
$7.00
14
Damon's
Cheeseburger
$5.00
10
Damon's
Hamburger
$4.50
9
Damon's
Hot Dog
$3.00
6
Damon's
Pulled Pork Sandwich
$6.00
12
Damon's
Cole Slaw or Baked Beans
$1.50
3
LT's
Anderson Toyota Tundra Country Stage
Anderson Toyota Tundra Country Stage presented by Q98.5
Styx
Vanessa Hudgens
Dave Barnes
Finger Eleven
Sponsored by ComEd 
