The first event takes place on Thursday, July 2nd as part of Rock Falls’ Independence Day celebration and the community’s America 250 festivities. Admission is free, with visitors only paying for food and purchases from vendors.
The celebration begins at 4 p.m. with approximately 15 food trucks, dessert vendors, drink vendors, local businesses, and craft vendors filling RB&W District Park. Live music starts at 5:30 p.m. with The Solution performing a mix of hits spanning the 1960s through the 1990s, followed by Got Your Six, which brings a rock-focused set featuring favorites from the 1980s through the 2000s.
In addition to the music, visitors can enjoy a fire ring performance by Mike Baker of The Ink before the evening concludes with the Sterling-Rock Falls Jaycees fireworks display at dusk. Families are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the festivities along the riverfront.
Jones also highlighted several parking options for the event. The Jaycees will offer parking in the lot across from RB&W District Park in exchange for donations that support the organization. Visitors may also park in the Avenue A lots or near First Avenue and take advantage of a golf cart shuttle, which is especially helpful for those with mobility concerns or families with young children.
Those who prefer to walk can use the recently opened riverfront pathway beneath the First Avenue Bridge, which connects nearby parking areas directly to the park. The new walkway offers a scenic, well-lit route to the festivities.
A second Eats & Beats event is scheduled for Friday, July 18th, offering another evening of live music and food along the Rock River. While this event will feature a smaller selection of food trucks and beverage vendors without the business and craft vendors, it will showcase performances by Drew Cagle and the Reputation, followed by local rock band Alborn.
Visitors are encouraged to check Visit Rock Falls Tourism’s website and Facebook page for the latest schedule and event updates.
As part of the America 250 celebration, Visit Rock Falls Tourism will also distribute free American flags and pocket copies of the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence while supplies last during the July 2 event. Commemorative America 250 T-shirts featuring Rock Falls branding will also be available for purchase for $15.
Although July features only the two Eats and Beats events, Jones noted that the tourism office has an even busier schedule planned for August following an active June filled with multiple community events.
For more information about upcoming events, visit their website at visitrockfalls.com.
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