Events
Freeport and Stephenson County host numerous events each year to enliven the spirt of the area, showcase our greatest attractions and welcome visitors to experience the best of our region.
Upcoming Annual Events
Pretzel City Winefest – May 9, 2026
Pretzel City Winefest has gone totally 80s!! Bring your friends, dress up in your best retro attire, and sip your way through downtown Freeport.
Wineries and wine retailers from around the region are showcased at participating storefronts in Downtown Freeport where attendees can walk around and try their favorite varieties while shopping a variety of locations they may miss on a normal trip to downtown. Pretzel City Winefest is hosted by the Greater Freeport Partnership to attract residents and visitors to downtown businesses and showcase the wonderful shops and restaurants Freeport offers.
A $30 general admission ticket includes souvenir tasting glass, wine bag and tasting hours noon – 4 pm. We will also provide you with a booklet and map of the 16 participating locations in Downtown Freeport!
Music on Chicago – June 5, July 3, August 7
Music on Chicago has been a tradition in Downtown Freeport for over 20 years because of the great music, comradery, and summer-celebration atmosphere it brings! All events take place in Downtown Freeport’s new Art Plaza at the corner of Chicago Avenue and Douglas Street. The grounds are ideal for a social gathering with friends or bring the family and blankets to take your spot on the lawn.
This year’s entertainment includes:
June 6 – Lobbin Robbins
July 3 –
August 7 – Pork Tornadoes
$5 admission includes access to the summer’s best party and entertainment by amazing musical acts. Local food vendors are available for dinner options and volunteers serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages during the event. Come join the fun in 2025!
Pretzel City Brewfest – September 26, 2026
The BEST EVENT in ILLINOIS is back! Bring your friends and enjoy the best beer-tasting event in the region! Sample beers direct from the breweries of the area in a lively event format featuring food trucks and competitive games. This is a 21 and older event that takes place rain or shine.
Participants can purchase $40 general admission ticket online which includes entry, 20 tasting tickets, and a souvenir glass. There will be a limited number of $75 VIP passes also available, which include one-hour early entry, 30 tasting tickets, access to special releases, a Brewfest t-shirt, a special VIP souvenir glass, swag bag, and VIP lounge.
Tickets can be purchased in advance with credit/debit card online. Tickets will also be available at the gate for $40 for general admission the day of the event, VIP will not be sold the day of the event. Designated driver tickets can be purchased the day of the event at the gate for $10.
All of this year’s Brewfest information can be found on the Greater Freeport Partnership mobile app. Download it for free on Google Play Store or Apple App Store for a listing of breweries attending, special releases, food vendors and other important event details.
Wine & Witches – October 10, 2026
VIP Tickets Purchased Here
Grab your best ghoul-friends and goblins and join downtown Freeport businesses for a night of shopping and tasty potions! Wine & Witches is a FREE event, but VIP tickets can be purchased for a special VIP bag of swag and downtown merchandise offers. Participating stores are open for special evening hours from 4-9 pm.
Vote for your favorite!
Check-in for the event to get your tasting cup and wristband at Rootz & Branchez (101 W. Main St) . The Freeport Festival District is also in place for the event which allows patrons to take their beverage from any restaurant or bar with them as they browse the local shops.
For more information, visit the event Facebook page.
Mistletoe Walk – November 21, 2026
It is the most wonderful time of the year – especially in downtown Freeport for the annual Mistletoe Walk shopping event from noon to 6 pm. With an emphasis on shopping local for the holidays, dozens of downtown stores, businesses, and organizations participate to create a festive, hometown environment for all to enjoy.
Arctic Ale & Art Walk – February 28, 2026
By the end of February we are all ready to get out of the house and break the cabin fever! Arctic Ale & Art Walk is your cure for the winter blues and entice you into Downtown Freeport for a sampling of local beer, shopping and exhibits by local artists and artisans all while enjoying your favorite downtown stores. Live music fills the streets at warming stations throughout downtown as you stroll during this Freeport Festival District day (link to City’s Festival District page). The cost for the tasting is $10 for a wristband and cup. It can be purchased at the Greater Freeport Partnership during the event from noon to 4 pm at 110 W. Main St, Freeport.
For more information, visit the event Facebook page
Stephenson County Home Show – March 14, 2026
Do you have your eye on a home remodeling or landscaping project this season? Come meet with contractors and suppliers all in one space! The Stephenson County Home Show is held at the Freeport Masonic Temple Ballroom on Saturday, March 14 from 10 am to 4 pm. Visit with professionals in several service industries to tackle your next home project knowing you’re in good hands. See you for the Home Show on March 14.
Interested in becoming an exhibitor? Click here for information!
Pretzel Fest – April 25, 2026
Downtown Freeport will come alive on April 25 as the Greater Freeport Partnership hosts its annual Pretzel Fest, featuring a full day of family-friendly activities, community celebration, and a brand-new, record-breaking event: The Great Pretzel Bite.
The Great Pretzel Bite will kick off the day’s festivities, with participant sign-in beginning at 10 am in downtown Freeport. All participants must be signed in to receive their commemorative button and pretzel before gathering for the main event. At 10:30 am, the crowd will come together for the official “bite,” taking a synchronized bite of their pretzels in an effort to create a record-breaking, community-wide moment in Pretzel City USA. The goal: to create a memorable, moment full of Pretzel Pride.
Running from 11 am to 3 pm, Pretzel Fest will bring residents and visitors together in the heart of downtown to celebrate the mascot, the snack food, and all things Freeport. Attendees can enjoy a lively, welcoming atmosphere filled with local flavor, entertainment, and activities designed for all ages.
Stores Are Open!
While downtown, visit these great businesses!
9:30 AM – 2:30 PM
26% off entire store
Pretzel snacks available
Open during event
10% off registration for beginner wheel throwing class
9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Magician on site
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friends Forever event from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Build Your Versa Tote event
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Vendors & Activities
Food Vendors:
Rapped with Smoke BBQ
Freeport Pretzel Co.
Smilin Dog – Hot Dogs
Sour Hour Lemonade
Activities:
Magician at ReMax Golden Girls
Stateline Bounce House
Haulin Axe – Axe Throwing
Friendly Lakeside Critters -Pettings Zoo
Freeport Athletics
Vendors:
Blooming Grace Flower Farm
Boys & Girls Club of Freeport & Stephenson County
City of Freeport
Coraline’s Dream
Elevated/Good GRADS
Family Forge
Family YMCA of Northwest Illinois
Heritage Woods
MercyHealth
ReSpun Records & Resale
Rootz & Branchez
Surf Internet
Vince Brooks
Downtown Flower 50/50 Raffle
Get your ticket during Pretzel Fest! Drawing at 3 pm!
Need not be present to win.
Sponsors
Thank you to our amazing sponsors!
Presenting Sponsors:
Rosecrance
Honeywell
The Morse Group
General Sponsors:
Re-Spun Records & Resale
Bussian Insurance
MercyHealth
Key Industries
