Weekly Events Guide
Stay connected and up-to-date with events and special attractions in Stephenson County with our weekly digital guide, ALL IN Stephenson County! When you click on an issue, be sure to enter your email address to receive weekly notifications of the latest and greatest things to do.
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Stephenson County Tourism Direct Spending Reaches $56.3 Million in 2025, Up 9.3 Percent September 10, 2026 freeport il, Stephenson County STEPHENSON COUNTY — Tourism continues to be a significant economic driver for Stephenson County, with visitors generating $56 million in direct spending in 2025—a 9.3 percent increase over 2024. The growth in visitor spending supported more than 350 direct hospitality jobs throughout Stephenson County, benefiting local restaurants, retailers, lodging properties, attractions and other tourism-related businesses. The strong performance follows continued […]
A Stronger Economy Starts with a Welcoming Community June 30, 2026 In business, we understand a simple truth: growth depends on people. Talent, entrepreneurs, and investment follow opportunity—but just as importantly, they follow communities where they feel they can belong. Across Illinois, that idea is not just a value—it’s a strategy for economic growth. Communities that are welcoming to newcomers and open to people with different backgrounds are consistently positioned to compete more effectively for jobs, investment, […]
Downtown Freeport Celebrates Successful Launch of “The Great Pretzel Bite” During Pretzel Fest May 13, 2026 FREEPORT — Downtown Freeport made history on April 25 as community members gathered for the inaugural Great Pretzel Bite, a new signature event held during the Greater Freeport Partnership’s annual Pretzel Fest celebration. A total of 216 participants joined together in downtown Freeport to simultaneously take a bite of their pretzels, officially establishing the benchmark for future Great Pretzel Bite […]
New tourism brand “Simply Stephenson County” invites visitors to discover more May 4, 2026 The Greater Freeport Partnership is proud to announce the official launch of Simply Stephenson County, a new tourism brand designed to showcase the communities, attractions, and locally owned businesses of Freeport and Stephenson County as a Midwest outdoor getaway destination. Unveiled this week to coincide with National Travel and Tourism Week, the brand reflects a growing demand among travelers for meaningful, affordable, […]