Rockford City Market is returning this summer with live music, local vendors, food, kids activities, nonprofit organizations and more every Friday from May 15 through Aug. 28, 2026.
The market runs from 4 to 8:30 p.m. rain or shine at 116 N. Madison St. in Rockford.
Here’s a look at who’s performing on the main stage this season, along with acoustic stage performers each week.
May 15: The Jodi Beach Trio: A Rockford-based jazz trio, Jodi Beach tours the country performing music from the Great American Songbook. Acoustic stage: Kayla Seeber
May 22: Lone Canary: A Rockford Americana duo made up of longtime collaborators Jesse Fox and Heather Camacho that plays folk and Americana. Acoustic stage: Reed Between the Notes
May 29: Nivel 15: A group of Rockford musicians featuring Jose Montoya on accordion and vocals and Johnny Montesdeoca on guitar and vocals, bringing norteño sounds. Acoustic stage: Emilio Salinas
June 5: Patten Pending: A jazz-funk fusion band based in Beloit, Wisconsin, founded by trumpeter and vocalist Naomi Patten. Acoustic stage: Jim Thomas Music
June 12: SAIJ: A Rockford-area band that plays grunge and rock music. Acoustic stage: Cole Brandt
June 19: Soul Review: A Rockford band known for a range of music consisting of R&B, smooth jazz, funk and pop from as far back as the 1960s through today. Acoustic stage: DJ Proper from EBC
June 26: Rollin’ Whiskey: Formed in 2009, Rollin’ Whiskey is one of the area’s most sought-after bands, playing with high energy everything from new country to classic country and even some rock and roll. Acoustic stage: Andrew Robinson
July 3: Some Friends of Mine: An 815-based cover band performing music spanning eight decades. Acoustic stage: Eli Parker
July 10: Rock & Roll Institute: A Rockford nonprofit that uses rock and roll music as a vehicle to educate and inspire young musicians, putting on high-energy performances featuring some of the area’s finest instructors and emerging talent. Acoustic stage: Emily Wendy
July 17: The Vince Chiarelli Band: Blending classic Italian favorites with flamenco rhythms in a style they call “Flamenco Italiano.” Acoustic stage: Clark Kelly
July 24: Long-Shot: A trio featuring twin brothers Brad and Dustin Long alongside Darren Corirossi, blending indie rock, country and acoustic blues. Acoustic stage: David Hayes
July 31: Vandwellers: A southern Wisconsin-based band performing oldies through today’s hits at venues and festivals across the region. Acoustic stage: Justine Ewald
Aug. 7: 3 Good Men: A Rockford band playing funk, pop and classic rock from the 1970s to today. Acoustic stage: Lady and the Tramp
Aug. 14: Random AF: A Rockford cover band performing funk, classic rock and pop hits from the 1970s to today. Acoustic stage: Redwood
Aug. 21: Shuffle This: This band plays rock, pop and dance music across Northern Illinois. Acoustic stage: Somethin’ Simple
Aug. 28: Swingbilly RFD: A Rockford band playing 1940s and ’50s honky-tonk and Western swing. Acoustic stage: Nick Evans
About Rockford City Market
Rockford City Market runs from 4 to 8:30 p.m. every Friday from May 15 through Aug. 28 at 116 N. Madison St. in Rockford. The event is free and open to the public.
For more information, visit rockfordcitymarket.com.
Jack Ivanic is a freelance contributor to the Rockford Register Star.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Here’s who’s performing this summer at Rockford’s City Market
Reporting by Jack Ivanic, Special to the Rockford Register Star / Rockford Register Star
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