Our organization works to bring new life to downtown Rockford by establishing a weekly tradition that draws people into the heart of the city, creates a vibrant community center, increases business at downtown shops & restaurants, and serves as an incubator for new businesses.
We hope you join us in the goal and meet us at the Market.
The Outdoor City Market opened for its first season on June 11, 2010, welcoming nearly 1,000 visitors including families, young professionals, kids and seniors.
We’ve spent the past decade organizing, planning, and hosting this large outdoor city market every Friday night spanning the entire summer. This is where our heart is. We love Rockford and we love Rockford’s local makers, crafters, dreamers, and artisans. Nothing gets us more excited than bringing them all together under one pavilion roof, adding in a couple craft beers and some local musicians, and celebrating all the good things that Rockford has to offer.
By the end of the first season the market had a total of nearly 20,000 visitors and 40 vendors. The second season grew to 40,000 visitors and 60 vendors, and the third season had almost 60,000 visitors and 70 vendors. Today, we have increased our space and layout, and have grown to over 70 vendors and around 100,000 visitors per season.
So with one decade complete (and many more to come!), we invite you to wander downtown and check out this weekly taste of Rockford. Come say hi and meet us at the market.
To provide a weekly ritual in downtown Rockford for residents and visitors to enjoy.
To promote the sale of locally grown or produced products.
To grow jobs and businesses by offering the opportunity for local entrepreneurs to test and refine their products, thereby encouraging business incubation or expansion of local businesses to downtown Rockford.
To provide an educational forum for patrons to learn the uses and benefits of quality, locally grown or prepared food products.
To make locally grown and produced food and other goods accessible to the community.
