These Big Rockford-Area Events Happening Before Back-to-School Season

As the calendar turns to August, it's still summer, but the back-to-school countdown clock has already started for many Illinois and Wisconsin families, so you'd better be making the most of every weekend.

The Back-to-School Countdown is Officially On

With classrooms reopening in just a few weeks, the number of festivals, fairs, and family outings is quickly dwindling. Fortunately for those of us in the Rockford area, there are still plenty of opportunities to squeeze every last bit of fun out of the season.

From Italian food and live music to carnival rides, agricultural traditions, and community celebrations, August has several can't-miss events happening before we turn in our beach towels for backpacks.

Festa Italiana Kicks Off This Weekend

One of the Rockford region's biggest summer traditions is happening this weekend on the Boylan Catholic High School grounds as Festa Italiana runs through Sunday, August 2, hosted by the Greater Rockford Italian American Association.

This annual festival celebrates Italian heritage with authentic food, live entertainment, carnival rides, family activities, cultural exhibits, and a Sunday Mass. Festival hours run all day Saturday and Sunday through the evening.

National Night Out Brings Communities Together

Here's a free night of entertainment that families can take advantage of on Tuesday, August 4, as the National Night Out celebrations are planned in many communities around the Stateline.

Rockford Police Department is hosting its night out at the City Market Pavilion (116 N. Madison Street) from 5 to 8 p.m., featuring a 360-degree photo booth, a train ride, family-friendly activities, and free food throughout the evening.

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The Winnebago County Sheriff's Office and Loves Park PD will host their event from 5 to 7 p.m. at Machesney Park Town Center (8750 N. Second Street). A classic car show, free food, a magician, an inflatable hockey rink, children's activities, and a helicopter landing are planned.

Winnebago County Fair Right Around the Corner

Summer traditions will continue in Pecatonica with the Winnebago County Fair returning August 19 through 23.

Visitors can enjoy carnival rides, livestock exhibits, live entertainment, fair food, and activities for all ages across the 108-acre Winnebago County Fairground campus.

Don't Let Summer Slip Away

Parents are getting happy, and students are getting sad as the end of summer fun is closing in, but before school buses start rolling again, enjoy some of these summer traditions happening close to home.

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