On the Waterfront (festival)
On the Waterfront was an annual music festival featuring rock, country music, alternative rock, hip hop, punk rock bands, local bands, food vendors and craft booths. On the Waterfront ran on Labor Day weekend, in downtown Rockford, Illinois.
| On the Waterfront | |
|---|---|
 An entrance into the festival. | |
| Genre | Rock, Alternative rock, Rap, Punk rock, Country music |
| Dates | Labor Day weekend |
| Location(s) | Rockford, Illinois, United States |
| Years active | 1985-2012 |
| Founded by | City of Rockford |
| Website | http://www.onthewaterfront.com |
History
In 1983, during an economic downturn in Rockford due to a decline in manufacturing, city officials approved $15,000 in financing to create a celebration of the founding of Rockford and held it on Labor Day weekend. The annual On the Waterfront Festival went on to become Illinois’ largest music festival with over 100 performers in seven music venues covering 30 city blocks. The festival includes special events, attractions and venues, as well as over fifty food booths.
It appears that 2012 was the last year of this festival. Their web site (December, 2012) appears to indicate that it is no more. They explain that they can no longer financially support it and thank those who made it a success over the past 29 years.
On the Waterfront lineups by year
2010
- "Weird Al" Yankovic, Billy Idol, Hinder, Allison Iraheta & Adam Lambert, Dierks Bentley, Trombone Shorty, Candye Kane, Lil' Ed and the Blues Imperials
2009
2008
2007
2006
- Pat Benatar, Buddy Guy, Cheap Trick, Ted Nugent, Cherry Poppin' Daddies, Richard Elliot, John Lee Hooker, Jr., Buckwheat Zydeco, Reggie Sears
2005
- Alice Cooper, Cheap Trick, John Waite, Bad English, Julie Roberts, Sonny Landreth, Robert Cray and Lonnie Brooks and the Brooks Family Band