Dinner on the Dock

Rockford's Favorite Summer Tradition

Join us every Thursday for Dinner on the Dock (DOD), where great food, cold beer, and live music come together on the riverfront. Set against the backdrop of the Rock River, this weekly event is all about community, good vibes, and summer nights done right.

There are plenty of options to soak up the DOD atmosphere, whether you’re sitting down for dinner, relaxing in the lounge, finding a spot on the lower dock, or pulling up by boat—there’s no better place to be on a Thursday night.

DOD Schedule

  • Thursdays | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
  • May 14 – September 3, 2026
  • Live Music | 6:00 – 9:00 PM

Event Dates

  • Dinner on the Dock – Featuring Indika

    Prairie Street Brewing Co. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, IL, United States

    Indika Reggae Band, formed in 1990, is one of the Midwest’s most influential reggae bands, blending reggae, soca, calypso, R&B, jazz, and more. Led by the dynamic Uroy Mushla, the band’s diverse lineup and energetic performances have earned them numerous awards. After expanding in 2010, Indika became the premier backing band for artists like Bushman, Gregory Isaacs, and Lady Saw. They’ve played iconic venues such as The Wild Hare and Navy Pier and performed at festivals across the Midwest and southern U.S.

  • Dinner on the Dock – Featuring Random AF

    Prairie Street Brewing Co. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, IL, United States

    Random AF is a high-energy cover band from Rockford, Illinois, known for their electrifying performances that blend Funk, Classic Rock, and Pop. With a dynamic mix of favorites and hidden gems from the 1970s to today, the band creates an atmosphere of pure fun and excitement, keeping the crowd moving all night long. As the 2024 People's Choice and Funk/R&B RAMI award winners, Random AF has made their mark in the local music scene, bringing infectious energy and diverse sounds to every show. With a nomination for Female Vocalist in the 2025 RAMI awards, they’re set to continue their journey of musical success and high-energy performances.

  • Dinner on the Dock – Featuring Jon Bon Stamos

    Prairie Street Brewing Co. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, IL, United States

    Jon Bon Stamos is a 6-piece fastgrass band that plays "stolk folk" AKA high-energy-banjo-fiddle-driven rock.

  • Dinner on the Dock – Featuring Swingbilly RFD

    Prairie Street Brewing Co. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, IL, United States

    Swingbilly RFD is a Rockford, Illinois based band that plays straight-up 40's-50's honky-tonk and Western Swing.

  • Dinner on the Dock – Featuring That Gurl

    Prairie Street Brewing Co. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, IL, United States

    That Gurl is your backstage pass to the ultimate ladies’ night throwback—rocking the best female-led anthems from the 70s, 80s, & 90s. Awarded RAMI’s “Classic Rock/Retro Band” and What Rocks Rockford’s “Best Band”.

  • Dinner on the Dock – Featuring Sunset Strip

    Prairie Street Brewing Co. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, IL, United States

    Sunset Strip, the ultimate 80s Hairband Tribute from Rockford, Illinois, brings the glory days of big hair, leather, and rock 'n' roll back to life. Known for electrifying performances across the Midwest, they’ve played everything from colossal festivals to intimate clubs, earning rave reviews for their high-energy shows. Along their journey, they've shared the stage with 80s legends like Bret Michaels, L.A. Guns, Vince Neil, and Kip Winger, solidifying their place in the rock scene. A multi-year recipient of the prestigious Rockford Area Music Industry (RAMI) Awards, including a 2019 induction into the RAMI Hall of Fame, Sunset Strip’s commitment to authenticity and showmanship is undeniable. With their flamboyant stage presence, killer riffs, and nostalgic anthems, Sunset Strip stands as a tribute to the enduring spirit of 80s rock, unleashing the grit, glam, and irresistible energy of a bygone era.

  • Dinner on the Dock – Featuring Harlan Jefferson

    Prairie Street Brewing Co. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, IL, United States

    Harlan Jefferson is a versatile saxophonist, flutist, vocalist, composer, and actor known for his soulful artistry and heartfelt performances. Blending jazz, hip hop, and funk, Harlan creates soothing music that combines melody with spontaneous expression. Recently, he has made his mark on the Chicago scene with his neo-soul group So So Tight, performing at venues like Anthony's Jazz Club, the Cotton Club, and The Back Room. Harlan's 2004 appearance on BET’s The Bobby Jones Show launched his career, and he continues to grow with upcoming college tours and corporate gigs.

  • Dinner on the Dock – Featuring Tom Mac Group

    Prairie Street Brewing Co. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, IL, United States

    The Tom Mac Group in various forms has been around since the days of On the Waterfront and Rockford’s First Night. TMG’s 7-member line-up brings passionate expression, precise harmonies, unexpected twists of well-known compositions, and soaring guitar solos to the Prairie Street Brewing Co. Their music covers upbeat compositions from artists such as James Taylor, Rod Stewart, Paul Simon, Bruce Hornsby, Grateful Dead, Sting, Eric Clapton, and more.

  • Dinner on the Dock – Featuring Rebel Hearts

    Prairie Street Brewing Co. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, IL, United States

    Rebel Hearts is a collaboration of musicians with decades of experience - playing alternative rock, pop, and more from 70's to today!

  • Dinner on the Dock – Featuring Soul Review

    Prairie Street Brewing Co. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, IL, United States

    Soul Review is known for their dynamic range of music consisting of R&B, smooth jazz, funk and pop from as far back as the 60's as well as music of today.

  • Dinner on the Dock – Featuring The Beaux

    Prairie Street Brewing Co. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, IL, United States

    The Beaux ("Bo") play a wide selection of Classic Rock Hits from the '60's - '90's. The band is distinctive because of its strong vocals from all 6 members.

  • Dinner on the Dock – Featuring STEREOtype

    Prairie Street Brewing Co. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, IL, United States

    STEREOtype is a high-energy pop-punk and rock band hailing from Rockford, Illinois. Since forming in 2019, they’ve been injecting hits from every decade with their own secret blend of energy and attitude—while delivering the pop-punk and rock anthems that defined the ’90s and 2000s. Their electrifying performances create the perfect recipe for a night of dancing, nostalgia, and unforgettable fun with friends.

FAQ’s

Is Dinner on the Dock free?

Free and open to all ages.

Can I bring a lawn chair?

Absolutely! We recommend setting up on the lower dock or north end of the dock for BYOLC – Bring Your Own Lawn Chair seating.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome on the dock. Keep in mind, the event is lively and can get crowded, so consider if it’s the right setting for your pup.

Where do I park?

Park in any of our three lots or grab street parking nearby.

Can I pull up by boat?

Absolutely! Limited slips are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

What if it rains?

If the weather isn’t cooperating, we may cancel the event. Follow us on social media for the latest updates.

Come As You Are, Stay As Long As You Like

Dinner on the Dock is all about good people, good times, and good vibes on the river. Whether you’re coming straight from work, meeting friends for a night out, or just looking for a place to soak up summer, you’re in the right place.

See you Thursday!

Join us on September 25th for a spectacular night of j. henry & cigars

Join us for Whiskey Enthusiast Club on September 26 from 6–8:30 PM in the Ice Cellar. Ashley from J. Henry will guide a tasting of four signature whiskeys, with cocktails from our mixologist, cigars on the patio, and the full Prairie Street menu available. Tickets are $25 and include four large pours.