Good morning, Rockford.

The Threads of Triumph denim fashion show will be held on Thursday, June 26 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at The Standard, 214 East State Street in Rockford to raise funds for Rockford Sexual Assault Counseling.

Board member Sana Ahmad said the event will include a cocktail hour, raffles, and keynote speakers — all planned to support local survivors.

The Strong House Summer Block Party took place June 9 at 312 Irving Avenue and offered free food, games, a DJ, haircuts and on-site health screenings to local residents.

Resource tables from groups like United Way and Rockford Police provided additional support—while drop-in hours continue on Monday and Tuesday afternoons throughout the summer.

A kitchen fire in a Rockford home on the 1500 block of Jackson Street occurred overnight on June 10th and was controlled within four minutes, causing an estimated $5K in damage—firefighters said the resident evacuated safely after the smoke detectors went off.

Zammuto’s in Rockford—founded in 1925—will host a block party on Saturday, June 14 to mark its 100th year in business.

The family-run granita stand continues a tradition with its original Sicilian recipe and sells its treat in local stores like Woodman’s and Beloit.

Rockford-area businesses are urged to submit details on extended hours and specials—ranging from food promotions to retail deals—via the GoRockford website by June 13 for the city’s inaugural IRONMAN race, which is expected to draw over 10,000 visitors.

The promotions will be featured online and on social media as part of the IRONMAN welcome campaign.

Rockford is known for its manufacturing past and rich legacy as the hometown of 30 notable figures who made marks in fields such as archaeology, fashion, sports and film.

The list highlights locals like archaeologist James Henry Breasted — the first American in Egyptology, designer Virgil Abloh and NBA player Fred VanVleet.

On June 10, the Rockford Sun sent a FOIA request to Winnebago County seeking electronic records on property tax relief for veterans with disabilities and their surviving spouses for tax years 2024 to now.

The request asks for details on various exemptions under Illinois law — a step intended to promote government transparency.

The Women's Baseball World Cup will come to Rockford in 2026, with group stage games scheduled at Rivets Stadium from July 22 to 27.

Rockford University will host an Olympic village–style camp for players and coaches as plans begin to improve historic Beyer Stadium for future events.

The Rockford region will welcome over 2,500 athletes and more than 7,500 visitors for the inaugural IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon on Sunday, June 22, with local businesses offering exclusive deals through a new Passport program at 36 stops—participants will earn a limited-edition Rockmen lapel pin after five check-ins. Organizers say additional local events, including a downtown market activation and a bike route watch party, will bring the community together around the race.

Portillo's Golden Apple Give Back Day

Golden Apple Foundation will receive 20% of the receipts for purchases from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 18, at 6090 E. State St., Rockford. Join us for some great food and drinks! Order online or in-app for pickup using code PORTILLOS36 before checkout in the “Coupon Code” field or let the cashier know when ordering at the restaurant. Valid on drive-thru, pickup, kiosk and in-restaurant orders!

Rockford Job Fair

10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Radisson Hotel & Conference Center Rockford — Free entry — Connect face-to-face with several employers hiring in the Rockford area.

Lifescape 4th of July Classic Run/Walk

7:00–11:00 a.m. — Riverview Ice House — Registration required — Celebrate Independence Day with a classic run/walk through downtown Rockford.