The ELEMENT Rockford

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The ELEMENT Rockford The Element is committed to making & marketing Rockford as a place to enjoy life!

10/08/2026

🎨 Creativity doesn’t stop at the canvas.

Creatives are curious, engaged, and often deeply connected to what’s happening around them, from neighborhood meetings to community conversations and beyond.

McNamara Bernsten shares why that curiosity matters to a thriving community.

🎙️ Ford The Rock Podcast with Edward McCullough.

Where do you see creativity making a difference in your community?

#815

10/05/2026

đź’­ What if changing a community starts with changing the way we see it?

McNamara Bernsten shares her thoughts on arts, culture, changing mindsets, and building a stronger, more inclusive community.

What would you change to help Rockford move forward?

#815

Things to do this month in Rockford!
10/01/2026

Things to do this month in Rockford!

09/14/2026

Artists create the work, but community gives it life.

Mary McNamara Bernsten of the Rockford Area Arts Council shares how COVID impacted the creative sector and why artists need more than a space to create. They need audiences, connection, and community.

Because when the arts thrive, the community thrives with them.

🎙️ Catch the conversation on Ford The Rock YouTube Channel.

#815

09/13/2026

Sometimes, all someone needs is for another person to believe in them.

In this conversation, we talk about creating a pathway forward for people who may not yet believe that they can succeed and what can happen when someone finally tells them, “You can do this.”

When people have the opportunity, the support, and someone who believes in them, they can take off.

🎙️ Ford The Rock Podcast
Hosted by Edward McCullough
Brought to you by The Element of Rockford.

Watch the full conversation on YouTube or listen on Spotify.

Tonight!The Music Box: An Evening withSarah KellyTue, Aug 4, 7:30pm.The Music Box, 218 E State St, Rockford,A lover of w...
08/04/2026

Tonight!
The Music Box: An Evening with
Sarah Kelly
Tue, Aug 4, 7:30pm.
The Music Box, 218 E State St, Rockford,
A lover of wild things— plants, animals, people, and music, Nashville native Sara Jean Kelley crafts songs that combine upbeat, pop-inspired country hooks with thoughtful, often philosophical lyrical themes that explore our human connection to the natural world. 18+ event.Tickets: themusicboxrockford.com/The Music Box: An Evening with
Sarah Kelly
Tue, Aug 4, 7:30pm.
The Music Box, 218 E State St, Rockford,
A lover of wild things— plants, animals, people, and music, Nashville native Sara Jean Kelley crafts songs that combine upbeat, pop-inspired country hooks with thoughtful, often philosophical lyrical themes that explore our human connection to the natural world. 18+ event.Tickets: themusicboxrockford.com/

Inscape Collective Presents: The Tom Mac Group in ConcertSat, Aug 8, 2-3:30pm.Inscape Collective, 201 7th St, RockfordRo...
08/04/2026

Inscape Collective Presents:
The Tom Mac Group in Concert
Sat, Aug 8, 2-3:30pm.
Inscape Collective, 201 7th St, Rockford
Rockford favorite Tom Mac Group plays music from the early 1900s to the present day. Expect passionate Grateful Dead-soaked guitar solos along with 4- part vocal harmonies. Their music covers works by James Taylor, Woody Guthrie, Rogers & Hammerstein, Sting, Paul Simon, Leonard Cohen, and more. Free admission. Inscape is open 11am-4pm. inscapecollective.org/events

43rd Annual Polish FestSun, Aug 16, Noon-7pm.St. Stanislaus Kostka (church grounds) 201 Buckbee St., Rockford, IL 61104J...
08/04/2026

43rd Annual Polish Fest
Sun, Aug 16, Noon-7pm.
St. Stanislaus Kostka (church grounds)
201 Buckbee St., Rockford, IL 61104
Join us in celebrating the rich traditions of Polish life and culture through exhibits, music, dancing, cuisine, and more. Presented by St. Stanilaus Kostka Roman Catholic Church. Free admmission. Mass at 11am.
st-stanislaus.org/news/

Rockford Symphony Orchestra:Season Preview ConcertFri, Aug 21, 7:30-9:30pmCoronado Theatre, 314 N Main St., RockfordExp...
08/04/2026

Rockford Symphony Orchestra:
Season Preview Concert
Fri, Aug 21, 7:30-9:30pm
Coronado Theatre, 314 N Main St., Rockford
Experience the Rockford Symphony Orchestra through this FREE concert to sample what the 2026/27 RSO Season has to offer. This performance is an amazing opportunity to enjoy a night of engaging music and to enjoy the RSO and the Coronado for free!
No reservations are required. rockfordsymphony.com/26-27-preview

105th Winnebago County FairAug 19-23, see website below for timesWinnebago County Fairgrounds500 W First St, PecatonicaW...
08/04/2026

105th Winnebago County Fair
Aug 19-23, see website below for times
Winnebago County Fairgrounds
500 W First St, Pecatonica
We’ve got your favorites, like the Ferris Wheel and Carousel. For those seeking a rush, check out our high-energy coasters and rides like The Fireball or The Zipper.
Would it even BE the fair without drool-worthy dishes? From the fair classics like funnel cakes and cotton candy to new editions like street tacos, you can expect to find a flavor to savor around every corner.
Rodeos, demolition derbys, games, magic shows, and so much more happen daily at the Winnebago County Fair!
For the complete schedule with times and ticket information, go towinnebagocountyfair.com/fair
(photo by Kate)

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Downtown Rockford, IL
61101

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