CRE8IV Music and Arts Fest

CRE8IV Music & Arts Fest will take place in downtown Rockford near the intersection of First Street and E. State Street and will include live music and creative performances on two stages, mural painting, local food trucks, creative interactive activities, mural tours and more. Artists and bands from around the country, as well as local favorites, are set to create new murals and perform on stage.

The festival will include a variety of fun activities including free take-home art activities available for all ages and abilities. Attendees can also expect a Craft Beer & Distillery Tent, food trucks, street performers (including magicians, balloon artist, face painting, glitter tattoos) and more.

Art vendors will be on-site and downtown stores will offer specials discounts and an “Art of____” series featuring what they do best. This will include pizza making demos, beer tastings, book readings, print screening and more! Visitors and residents can add to the community with chalk art taking place on in alleyways and sidewalks. To cap off Saturday night’s festivities, Rockford’s first drone show will take place with 150 drones performing in synch to music.

Over the three days of CRE8IV Mural & Arts Fest, Rockford will witness a wide array of music genres as national touring bands from across the US mix with our favorite locals bands. Genres include New Orleans style jazz and hip hop, Rock, pop, funk, soul, country and bluegrass music.

Highlights include: 

Smoking Popes: legendary Chicago rock band Smoking Popes bring their high energy mixture of melodic vocals and driving guitars to Rockford on Friday May 31. They burst on the scene in the mid 90’s with song “Need You Around” featured in major motion picture Clueless.

One More Time: A Tribute to Daft Punk: experience a love letter to the music of renowned French Electronic/Pop music duo Daft Punk and their innovative, iconic, futuristic sound come to life through California based duo One More Time.

Kelly Steward: Rockford favorite Kelly Steward brings her exciting, passionate blend of classic country music, Rock and Pop