Rockford City Market Kicks Off 6th Season Friday

Having had a great time at previous Rockford City Market gatherings, many of us eagerly anticipate Friday's 6th season opening of the Rockford City Market. Plus, you won't want to miss the opening ceremony and ribbon cutting to get the party started.

Got a note from our friends at The Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (RACVB):

The Rockford City Market will kick off its 6th season in downtown Rockford with an opening ceremony and ribbon cutting to highlight the newly constructed market pavilion. In 2014 the Rockford City Market drew more than 75,000 people, making it the largest attendance for the market since it began in 2010.

Some of the highlights of the 2015 season include:

- 65 vendors to start the season (up from 57 in 2014)
- 12 new vendors
- 2nd acoustic stage
- Later shift in hours from 3-8 p.m. to 3:30-8:30 p.m.

Opening Ceremony will begin Friday, May 22 at 4pm, at the Intersection of Water Street and E. State Street, downtown Rockford.

Rockford City Market takes place every Friday from May 22 through October 2 along Water Street between State and Jefferson Streets in downtown Rockford. The market runs from 3:30 – 8:30 p.m. before Labor Day and 3:30 – 7:30 p.m. after Labor Day. The market includes local growers and vendors who sell natural products, including vegetables, fruit, meat, cheeses, flowers, herbs, baked goods, wine and healthy snacks, as well as artisans and vendors with unique offerings and live entertainment by a variety of performers.

Rockford City Market is a collaborative effort of several agencies, including the Rock River Development Partnership, Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the City of Rockford.

Here's a look at some of the fun had last year at The City Market: