ROCKFORD, IL — Live at Levings is returning to Levings Park in Rockford this summer with a series of free outdoor events featuring live music and competitions on select Sundays from June through August.
All events run from 5 to 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
Here’s a look at what’s happening this season.
June 7: Southern Soul Party: Part 3: The Southern Soul Party series returns for its third time, featuring live soul music.
June 14: Crossroads Blues Society featuring Mike Wheeler, Chicago Blues Band: Bernard Crump, a guitarist with more than 50 years of experience in blues, jazz, R&B and gospel, joins Chicago Blues Hall of Fame inductee Mike Wheeler, known for traditional Chicago blues with soul and jazz, for a live performance presented by the Crossroads Blues Society.
June 19 (Juneteenth): Talent Show at Juneteenth Celebration: 4 to 5:30 p.m: A community talent show with cash prizes awarded to top finishers: $1,000 for first place, $500 for second, $300 for third and $200 for fourth.
June 21 (Father’s Day): 100 Men Father’s Day Event: A celebration bringing together fathers and families from across the 815 area for an evening of music and live performances.
July 11: 2nd Annual Rockford Jazz Festival: Featuring saxophonist Harlan Jefferson, known for playing jazz, R&B and rock; the Phil Seed Band, a Chicago group performing R&B and jazz; and Liquid Soul, a Chicago-based band combining jazz, funk, soul and hip-hop.
July 12: Kort Community Showcase: Rockford’s Best Dance Crew: A family-friendly dance competition inspired by “America’s Best Dance Crew,” celebrating Rockford’s dance culture with performances, live music and $500 in cash prizes.
July 19: The Hype DJ Battle: Hosted by Vic Rivera, this DJ competition features head-to-head performances with a $1,000 first-place prize and a live reggae performance by Ulroy Indika.
Aug. 9: Battle at Levings: A one-on-one, elimination-style breakdance competition featuring dancers from Rockford, Chicago and surrounding areas competing before judges, with special guest performances.
Aug. 16: Crossroads Blues Society featuring Sheryl Youngblood: Sheryl Youngblood is a Chicago Blues Hall of Fame inductee and performer who plays blues, gospel and R&B.
Aug. 23: Talent Show Finals: The summer talent show concludes with a final showcase featuring top performers, along with a live performance by Pure Soul, a Chicago-based Frankie Beverly and Maze tribute band performing classic R&B.
All events are free and open to the public and take place at the Levings Unity Pavillion at Levings Park in Rockford, except for the Juneteenth event, which takes place at Sinnissippi Park.
Events run from 5 to 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
For more information, visit rockfordparkdistrict.org.
Jack Ivanic is a freelance contributor to the Rockford Register Star.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Here’s what Live at Levings has in store for summer 2026 in Rockford
Reporting by Jack Ivanic, Special to the Rockford Register Star / Rockford Register Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Jack Ivanic, Special to the Rockford Register Star | USA TODAY Network
