AirFest Frequently Asked Questions

Will seating be provided? Specific seating will not be provided. Airshow attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs. We will also be renting chairs on the AirFest grounds for $3 each or 2 for $5. A Preferred Seating Area will also be set up on the flight line; entrance into this area will be $5 per person. Tickets to this area will be available for sale inside the show grounds.

Will there be entertainment for the kids? Yes. A Kids' Fun Area will be set up with various inflatable rides and the Rockford Fire Department's Safety Fest will also provide entertainment for kids. Click Here for additional information on performers and things for kids to do and see.

Can my kids bring their bike or skateboard? No. Bicycles and skateboards will not be allowed on AirFest Grounds.

Can I fly my own airplane in to the AirFest? Yes. Pilots are invited to fly-in to attend Rockford AirFest 2008. The airport has two full service FBOs listed alphabetically below. Pilots are advised to check with Flight Service to make sure that they are not interfering with Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) -  a TFR will be in place Wednesday through Sunday, June 4 – June 8, 2008. Emery Air Inc. 815-968-8287. North American/Pride 815-969-7740

Is each ticket good for one day? Each ticket is good for any ONE day of entry into the AirFest. You can purchase an advanced ticket now and decide later which day/s you would like to attend.

Are credit cards accepted at the gate? Yes. We will have credit card machines at all ticket booths.

Can I leave and re-enter the AirFest grounds? Yes.We will have security at entry/exit gates using stamps to allow re-entry on the same day.

Are pets allowed? No. Pets are not allowed on the AirFest grounds and pets will not be allowed in any vehicles in the parking lots. (Exception: service animals)

Are cameras allowed?Yes. We encourage you to bring your camera. Some of the best photos submitted to us last year were taken by “non professionals” attending our air show.

What are the entry restrictions? Patrons’ bags will be searched upon entering the ticket gates.

How do I purchase a block of tickets? You can purchase a block of tickets by calling the airport at 815-969-4000 and asking for the Finance Department.

Is there a Preferred Seating Area? Yes. A Preferred Seating Area will be located on the flight line for $5 per person. Tickets to this area will be available for sale inside the show grounds.

What happens if it rains or I am unable to attend after I purchase a ticket? Our policy is that no refunds will be issued. Your ticket purchased is good for any one day of the show. If weather is not good on Friday or Saturday, you can attend on Sunday.

Can I bring beer, soda, or food into the AirFest grounds? No. Food or drinks are not allowed into the AirFest grounds. Parents of small children will be allowed to bring in water for formula and special food for small children.

Should I bring hearing protection? Yes. We would encourage you to bring ear plugs. Also, Hamilton-Sundstrand will be handing out free ear plugs at the AirFest.

Is tailgating allowed? No. Tailgating is not allowed.

Is smoking allowed? For safety reasons, smoking will only be permitted outside of the AirFest grounds in a designated location.

Do I need an ID? If you are planning on purchasing alcohol, wristbands will be given to those adults presenting proper identification.

Can I bring folding chairs? Yes. Folding chairs and other “chairs in a bag” are permitted. Also, chairs will be available for rent at $3 each or 2 for $5 inside the main entrance.

Can AirFest accommodate special needs? Yes. We will have a location for special needs patrons. AirFest will also have a designated ADA parking lot with a separate entrance. Click Here for a map.

Is there Handicapped Parking? AirFest will have ADA parking with a separate ADA entrance on the cement. For a Parking Map Click Here.

Is there Motorcycle Parking? Yes, the Kegel Korral will be available for motorcycle parking for the first 75 bikers each day. Click Here for a map.

Can I bring my RV? Yes; however, all RVs will be required to park at the RV Park. Click Here for information.

Are there any discounts for military? Yes. As a special tribute to all the men and women who have served or continue to serve in our Armed Forces, RFD will offer current members of the military and veterans free admittance into AirFest on Friday, June 6. Armed Forces members can receive their FREE admission ticket by visiting the RFD Administration Office, 60 Airport Dr., Rockford (during business hours Mon - Fri) or by contacting Leticia at 815-969-4467 or lcamarillo@flyrfd.com by Wednesday, May 28, 2008. Active and retired military will be required to present a copy of their military ID or their DD214 discharge orders and a photo ID prior to receiving their free ticket.

Can you provide me with a list of area hotels? Yes, Click Here for a list of area hotels.