Dinner on the Dock featuring Rare Element

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.

May 22 – Rare Element

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

Madison-based Rare Element is a high-energy funk powerhouse known for electrifying live performances. This seven-piece band, featuring a dynamic three-piece horn section, delivers an explosive mix of groove-driven originals and classic funk influences. Drawing inspiration from legends like Fred Wesley, The Meters, Clyde Stubblefield, and Herbie Hancock, Rare Element brings deep-pocket rhythms and soulful melodies that keep the dance floor moving. Dubbed “Madison’s Newest Super Group” by Maximum Ink Magazine, this band is a must-see for any funk fan.

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
• Petritz Board Room: Reserve our private Board Room that overlooks the Dinner on the Dock stage and has seating for 14.

 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 day of each event at 11:59 AM
• 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 day of the event at 11:59 AM
• No overnight docking. Reserved slips are for Dinner on the Dock only.

Petritz Board Room Reservations

• Overlooks the Dinner on the Dock stage and Rock River
• HDTV in a private, temperature controlled environment
• Dedicated server
• Order directly from our Brewpub Menu with full service from our staff
• Or pre-order from our Events Menu with shared appetizers and creative bites
• Board Room reservations close the day of the event at 11:59 AM

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.