10 must-visit fall festivals near Rockford, Illinois (2025 Edition)

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — As the leaves turn and the air starts to get crisp, the Rockford area starts to come alive with fall festivals.

Whether you’re into craft beer, handmade goods, or classic small-town parades, there’s something for everyone in the stateline.

Here are 10 can’t-miss fall festivals to add to your calendar.

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1. St. Stanislaus Polish Fest

📍 201 Buckbee St., Rockford | 📅 Aug. 17

Celebrate Polish heritage with pierogi, potato pancakes, smoked sausage, Polish beer, bingo, raffles, kids’ games, and all-day music and dancing. Admission is free.

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2. Greenwich Village Art Fair

📍 Rockford Art Museum | 📅 Sept. 13–14
This juried art fair features regional artists, live entertainment, and delicious food. A great spot to find unique pieces and support local creatives.

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3. Lena Lions Fall Festival

📍 Downtown Lena, IL | 📅 Sept. 5–6
Known as “The Cadillac of Small Town Festivals,” this beloved event features a parade, live music from Grass Attack and Ukulele Express 815, food vendors, and family-friendly entertainment throughout the weekend.

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4. Screw City Beer Festival

📍 Riverview Ice House parking lot, Rockford | 📅 Sept. 6
Now in its 15th year, this outdoor beer fest features 30–40 regional breweries, local food, and live music along the Rock River. The event runs from noon to 4 p.m. and maintains a smaller, more intimate format with 1,500 attendees.

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5. Apple Fest at Valley Orchard

📍 Cherry Valley | 📅 Opens Aug. 25
Kick off apple season at this beloved family-owned orchard. Enjoy apple picking, fresh cider, baked goods, and fall-themed fun for all ages.

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6. Roscoe Lions Fall Festival

📍 Leland Park, Roscoe | 📅 Sept. 5–7
One of the longest-running fall festivals in the stateline, this event features carnival rides, two parades, live music, bingo, karaoke, food vendors, and a pancake breakfast.

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7. Cider N’ Cinnamon Arts & Crafts Fair

📍 Edgebrook Shops, Rockford | 📅 Oct. 4–5
A Rockford tradition for over 50 years, this indoor/outdoor fair features more than 75 vendors offering handmade goods, fall treats, and live music. Admission is free.

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8. Corn Fest – DeKalb, IL

📍 Downtown DeKalb | 📅 Aug. 22–24
One of Illinois’ last free music festivals, Corn Fest features over 80 vendors, carnival rides, a corn boil, and a throwback concert with Color Me Badd, Rob Base, and Young MC.

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9. German Society of Rockford Oktoberfest

📍 Loves Park Festival Grounds | 📅 Oct. 4–5
Celebrate German heritage with authentic food, beer, stein-holding contests, cultural booths, live music, and the crowning of Miss Oktoberfest. A festive favorite for families and beer lovers alike.

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10. Stillman Valley Fall Festival

📍 Stillman Valley | 📅 Sept. 27–28
A small-town favorite with a parade, indoor craft show, car and tractor displays, horticulture exhibits, and the beloved Pedal Pull competition.