Rocktoberfest to Bring Halloween Fun, Shopping and Community Fundraisers to Downtown Rockford

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ROCKFORD — Downtown Rockford will celebrate Halloween with vendors, food trucks, children’s activities and community fundraisers during Rocktoberfest on Saturday, October 31.

Lacey Stephenson and David Trisel discussed the event during Thursday’s edition of WCSM’s Spectrum with host Kevin Sandler. Main festival activities will run from noon to 4 p.m., followed by village trick-or-treat from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and costume judging at the Rockford Fire Department at 7 p.m.

The guests said Rocktoberfest began in fall 2020 as a way to bring people together and has continued to grow. The vendor market has expanded from approximately 30 vendors in its first year to about 65 this year.

Shoppers can browse handmade crafts, woodworking, honey, soaps, crocheted items, tumblers and baked goods. A new hat bar will allow visitors to customize hats with patches, beads and other decorations.

Downtown businesses will also participate. Grains of Love plans to stay open later than its normal Saturday hours and offer festival specials, while Tasty Twirl will mark its final day of the season. Food truck alley will feature five food trucks, a drink truck and an ice cream truck.

Children’s entertainment will include a DJ, a mime, balloon artists, face painting and games. Most ticketed children’s activities will cost $1. A miniature pumpkin scavenger hunt will give children a chance to find pumpkins redeemable for free activity tickets.

Rockford United Methodist Church will provide a bounce house and miniature golf, along with a brisket fundraiser supporting its building fund. Olive Branch Church will offer pumpkin painting.

The festival’s car show, sponsored by Tranquility of Rockford, will begin registration at 11:30 a.m. Organizers said the entry fees will be divided between a cash drawing winner and the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

Rocktoberfest is the chamber’s largest annual fundraiser, helping support scholarships and community improvements.

Hayrides donated by Farmer Vaughn of Schoolhouse Farms will take visitors through the community to enjoy the fall scenery. Riders will board near Ohio’s Edge Realty and Kore Construction along Main Street and return to the same location.

The popular Rockford Catsup sale will also return, with Mississippi barbecue sauce available as well. The guests said the Fremont Company’s donations help the chamber raise money.

Before the downtown festivities, a zombie-themed benefit run will begin at 10 a.m. behind Second Crossing Brew Co. Participants can choose a three-mile run or a 1½-mile run/walk, with registration available that morning. Organized by Audrey Hamrick of Tenacity Wellness, the event will help a family with an infant facing a rare medical condition. Raffle baskets will also support the fundraiser.

Following the afternoon festival, New Horizons Community Church will host additional activities, including pony rides, a free community meal and trunk-or-treat.

Families are encouraged to wear costumes and stay for the village’s evening Halloween activities, concluding with costume judging at the fire station.

Additional information and updates are available through the Rockford Chamber of Commerce Facebook page and its Rocktoberfest event listing.