Held the first weekend of spring in downtown Rockford, Melfest aims to bring people together in celebrating community and saying “so long” to the cold and snow.

In addition to a 5K, food and market vendors, Meltfest will offer plenty of free, family-friendly fun like a group bike ride, ice skating and pool kayaking. Kids will love the roving entertainers, science and magic shows, games and crafts.

Hop on the trolley to ride among the event’s locations (weather permitting), and explore a thawed Rockford to the beat of live music. You’ll find something for everyone at Meltfest, which benefits the Cosmopolitan Club of Rockford this year and is sponsored by the Prairie Street Brewhouse, Rockford University and BMO Harris Bank.