Dates Labor Day weekend Founded by City of Rockford | Years active 1985-2012 | |
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Location(s) Rockford, Illinois, United States Genres Rock music, Alternative rock, Hip hop music, Punk rock, Country music | ||
On the Waterfront was an annual music festival featuring rock, country music, alternative rock, hip hop, punk rock bands, local bands, food vendors and craft booths. On the Waterfront ran on Labor Day weekend, in downtown Rockford, Illinois.
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History
In 1983, during an economic downturn in Rockford due to a decline in manufacturing, city officials approved $15,000 in financing to create a celebration of the founding of Rockford and held it on Labor Day weekend. The annual On the Waterfront Festival went on to become Illinois’ largest music festival with over 100 performers in seven music venues covering 30 city blocks. The On the Waterfront Festival includes special events, attractions and venues, as well as over fifty food booths.
It appears that 2012 was the last year of this festival. Their web site (December, 2012) appears to indicate that it is no more. They explain that they can no longer financially support it and thank those who made it a success over the past 29 years.