Scheduled for Saturday, July 25, from 2 to 8 p.m., Sterling Street Fest aims to become an annual signature event centered around live music, local businesses, family activities, food, and community spirit. The free event will take place along Third Street in downtown Sterling, with activities stretching into nearby areas including Dale Park and Granite Plaza.
The idea for Street Fest grew out of conversations among Sterling Main Street’s promotions committee, city staff, and community volunteers who wanted to create a larger summer event after previous festivals had come to an end. Organizers also wanted to replace the former pop-up market format with something that would encourage visitors to spend the day exploring downtown.
The event will feature three live bands throughout the afternoon and evening. Local favorite The Solution will kick off the entertainment, followed by Loesss Hills, before headliners The Breakfast Club close out the evening with an energetic 1980s tribute performance. Between sets, families can enjoy children’s dance parties featuring popular Disney songs and Taylor Swift hits while the stage is reset.
Beyond the music, Street Fest will offer a wide variety of activities for all ages. Kids can enjoy free face painting, an inflatable obstacle course, oversized yard games, bubbles, portable mini golf, and additional activities coordinated by Sauk Valley Bank, one of the event’s presenting sponsors. Every family activity is free of charge.
Food and beverages will highlight many of downtown Sterling’s restaurants and businesses. Local favorites including Dunk’s, Burritos, El Jacalito, Sundae Funday Ice Cream, Main Squeeze, Kokomo’s Shaved Ice, and the Sterling American Legion will all be part of the event, helping showcase the area’s diverse dining options while encouraging visitors to explore downtown businesses.
Shopping will also be a major part of the festival, with local makers and artisans setting up throughout the event. Businesses across downtown, including shops in Granite Plaza and surrounding storefronts, are planning special promotions and activities to welcome visitors throughout the day.
Organizers say one of the primary goals of Street Fest is to strengthen support for locally owned businesses. Community events like this introduce residents to stores and services they may have never visited before while highlighting the unique character that small businesses bring to Sterling.
The event has received strong financial support from local sponsors, allowing admission and nearly all activities to remain free. A 50/50 raffle will also be held during the festival, with proceeds helping fund future editions of Street Fest as organizers work toward making it an annual tradition.
Although this is the inaugural year, organizers already have ideas for expanding and improving the festival in the future while maintaining its focus on community, local businesses, and family-friendly entertainment.
Visitors are encouraged to stay downtown after the official event concludes, as Brink’s will continue the evening with additional live music during an after-party beginning at 8 p.m.
Event Information
Sterling Street Fest
- Date: Saturday, July 25
- Time: 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Location: Downtown Sterling, primarily along Third Street between Locust Street and First Avenue
- Admission: Free
- Features: Live music, local food, shopping, children’s activities, makers market, family entertainment, and more
For additional event details, vendor information, volunteer opportunities, and updates, visit the Sterling Main Street website, sterlingmainstreet.org, or follow Sterling Main Street and the City of Sterling on Facebook.
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