Dinner on the Dock featuring Miles Nilesen & The Rusted Hearts

A Rockford 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.

August 14 – Miles Nielsen & The Rusted Hearts

• Seating Opens: 4 PM 
• Live Music: 6–9 PM
• Kitchen Open Until: 10 PM
• Drinks Flow Until: 11 PM or later

Rockford-based Miles Nielsen has spent nearly a decade captivating audiences with music that blends Western-influenced rock and classic ’60s soul. Drawing influences from Otis Redding’s soul and Jellyfish’s power pop, Nielsen has released two critically acclaimed albums—his 2009 solo debut and 2012’s Miles Nielsen and the Rusted Hearts. The band’s chemistry has grown over the years, transforming Nielsen’s past solo songs into vivid, full-band anthems. Raised in a musical family, Miles’ background in classical voice and recording engineering shines through in his heartfelt vocals and pristine production. His work is a testament to his talent as both a musician and songwriter.

What to Expect

Seating Options:

• Table Reservations: Premium tables on the upper dock with tableside service
• Host Seating: First-come, first-served tables with tableside service
• Open Seating: Lounge and lower dock seating (self-serve) or BYO lawn chair
• Boat Slips: Reserved and open slips available

 Food & Drinks:

• Brewpub Menu: Order with your server or grab to-go from the Ice Cellar or Brewpub
• Sizz N Fizz: Order online or visit the truck in the south parking lot
• Bar Service: Drinks available at Dockside Taproom, Ice Cellar, and Brewpub

FAQs & More Info:

Frequently Asked Questions

Want to Lock in Your Spot?

For those who want a little extra comfort, we offer:

Table Reservations

• • Reserved seating with an umbrella (please note, tables 50-56 do NOT have umbrellas) and a dedicated DOD server
  • Check in at the south dock hostess stand
  • Choose from 2, 4 or 6-top tables (umbrella seating is limited) starting at $40
  • Reservations close the Wednesday before each event at 11:59 PM

• Your reservation price does not go towards your food or beverage purchases

Boat Slip Reservations

• Reserved boat slip from 11 AM – 11 PM on your event date and a dedicated DOD server.
• Pricing: $50-60 per slip
• Slip reservations close the Wednesday before each event at 11:59 PM
• No overnight docking. Reserved slips are for Dinner on the Dock only.

Cancellation & Weather Policy

• Full refunds available up to two weeks before the event
• Within two weeks: No refunds, but we’ll transfer your reservation to another date if available
• If rescheduling isn’t possible, we’ll issue a gift card for the amount of your reservation
• If Dinner on the Dock moves inside, your reservation moves with it. Boat slip reservations will receive a table inside.
• If the event is canceled after 6 PM (once the band has started), refunds cannot be issued

For changes or questions, call (815) 277-9427 or email dinneronthedock@psbrewingco.com.