GoRockford

What:   GoRockford and Rockford Park District are pleased to welcome back the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) All in Volleyball Opening Weekend Tournament (OWT) to the Rockford region on August 20 – 23. The tournament will fill an estimated 1,875 hotel rooms with visitors projected to spend $1.2 million. OWT is the largest two-year college women’s volleyball tournament in the U.S. with teams comprised of athletes ages 18-21.

As summer of 2026 is coming to an end, the GoRockford interns are looking back at all of the fun adventures we got to do this summer. From going paddle boarding to planning cornhole tournaments, we are so grateful for our time at GoRockford. As we plan to head back to our everyday lives, we wanted to look back at some amazing things we did this summer. What We Worked On We can confidently say that every day as an intern here looked different, and we are so thankful for that.

From natural to local history, from fun activities to informational tours, from dinosaurs to architecture to art, Rockford has it all when it comes to museums. Museums are a great way to get a glimpse into the past, and the high-quality museums here in Rockford are no exception. Whether you’ve never heard of them or been there a thousand times, the museums on this list are always a great experience.

Looking for your next taco Tuesday destination? Rockford is home to a variety of taco spots offering authentic flavors and unforgettable meals. We as the GoRockford interns made it our mission this summer to try a new taco place in Rockford each week. Here are a few of the many taco shops we were able to try. Olivo Tacos Our first stop on the taco tour was Olivo Tacos! With three restaurant locations and several food trucks, it's easy to see why this local favorite has such a strong following.

Matcha has become one of the most popular café drinks, and for good reason. Made from finely ground green tea leaves, it has a smooth, earthy flavor that pairs well with ingredients like vanilla, strawberry, and brown sugar. If you're trying matcha for the first time, a vanilla or classic matcha latte is a great place to start before exploring more unique flavor combinations. Whether you're new to matcha or already a fan, these Rockford coffee shops offer plenty of ways to enjoy this vibrant drink.

The Rockford region is welcoming athletes, fans, families, and baseball legends from around the world as Women's Baseball Week in Rockford features three signature events celebrating the past, present, and future of girls' and women's baseball. Women's Baseball Week is expected to generate more than $2.8 million in economic impact, attract approximately 6,900 attendees, and fill more than 3,550 hotel room nights.

Rockford is proud to host an exciting week celebrating women's baseball, with several can't-miss events happening throughout the city. As the hometown of the legendary Rockford Peaches, our city's connection to women's baseball runs deep. Before planning your visit, take a look at our Rockford Peaches page to learn more about the team that inspired the movie A League of Their Own and generations of women's baseball players.

Planning your trip to RockYard Music Fest in Rockford, Illinois? We've got you covered with everything you need to know about your new favorite summer tradition. This free, two-day music festival takes over Davis Park in downtown Rockford on Friday, August 14, from 3 to 10 p.m. and Saturday, August 15, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. with a ticketed pancake breakfast on Saturday from 7 to 9:30 a.m. It's a great way to close out your summer with live music, great food, and family-friendly activities.

Skip to main content Jul. 01, 2026

What: GoRockford and the Rockford Park District are pleased to welcome the 5th Annual Team Illinois Lacrosse Summer Invitational & Showcase to the Rockford region. The event begins with the Individual Showcase featuring boys college atheletes, followed by the Summer Invitational Team Tournament. The tournament brings together more than 300 boys' and girls' youth, high school, and college teams from across the Midwest and beyond.