Don't Miss These Rockford Labor Day Weekend Events

If you’re a Rockford-area mom like me, Labor Day weekend always feels like summer’s last big hurrah. The kids are back in school, sports are in full swing, and suddenly the calendar is packed again.

Typically, my family heads to our cabin in Wisconsin on Labor Day weekend, but this year we're staying home.

So, where should we go for some family fun in the Rockford area this weekend?

Rockford's Labor Day Parade

It's been many years since I've gone to check out Rockford's Labor Day Parade, so of course that is priority number one on this weekend's to-do list.

The Rockford Labor Day Parade kicks off at 10 a.m. on Monday, September 7. The route starts at 7th Street and 5th Avenue in downtown Rockford and then heads through downtown and finishes near Davis Park. The parade is free to watch and will feature more than 25 public and private-sector unions and trade unions, along with floats, cheer groups and local high school marching bands.

This year's parade also has an important theme:

Be sure to stop by the Rockford City Market Pavilion after the parade for a community picnic featuring a car show, kids' games, live music and food available for purchase. The picnic ends at 2 p.m.

More Labor Day Weekend Fun in Rockford

Now that we have Labor Day covered, what about the rest of the weekend?

Here are some things my family has added to our must-do list.

1. Chicago Snowballs at Rivets Stadium - Saturday, September 5 at 6 p.m.

2. Visiting our favorite local apple orchards. Nothing puts us in a fall mood better than a trip to a local apple orchard, and many of your Rockford-area favorites, including Curran's Orchard and Edwards Apple Orchard, are officially open for fall fun!

(FYI, the corn maze adventures officially open this weekend at Skelly's Farm Market in Janesville!)

3. Ben Zobrist Day at Little Cubs Field in Freeport - Saturday, September 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For me, Labor Day weekend is always a little bittersweet. I love fall, but I’m not quite ready to admit that summer is basically over. Make sure you get out there and enjoy all the local summer fun while you still can!

For more events happening in the Stateline area this weekend, check out gorockford.com.