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Bookerfest 2025 – This Is Us!
July 18 @ 1.00 - July 20 @ 7.00
Join us for Bookerfest 2025—a 3-day celebration of culture, community, and excellence. From soulful sounds and spirited games to fashion, dance, and spiritual uplift, this year’s festival has something for everyone. Duel it out to become the Spades, Bid Whist, Tonk, or Dominoes Champion—and come hungry to enjoy delicious soul food all weekend long.
Friday, July 18 – Blues, Jazz & R&B Celebration
Festival Hours: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Festival Hours: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
A tribute to the rich traditions of Blues and Jazz, spun all day by DJ ROC NOIZY
Official Festival Welcome & Community Kickoff
Meet the Contestants – Introduction of all Miss Bookerfest participants: Lil Miss (Grades 4–5), Jr. Miss (Grades 6–8), and Sr. Miss (Grades 9–10)
Game Tournaments Begin: Spades, Bid Whist, Tonk & Dominoes (Finals on Saturday)
Black History Gallery Experience opens—running all weekend, featuring Black history, inventions, culture, local businesses, and community heritage
Saturday, July 19 – R&B & Dance Day
Festival Hours: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Festival Hours: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
DJ ROC NOIZY spins the best of 1980s–2000s R&B
Community Line Dances: Electric Slide, Casper Slide, and more
Miss Bookerfest Pageant Finals – Lil Miss, Jr. Miss, and Sr. Miss compete for the crown
Cleta’s Stay & Sew Fashion Show – Bold, original designs from local creators hit the runway
Live Dance Performance by Fab Academy
Finals: Spades, Bid Whist, Tonk & Dominoes champions crowned
Sunday, July 20 – Gospel Explosion: “The Great Invitation”
Festival Hours: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Festival Hours: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Led by Demorris “Da Minister” Flannigan
Inspiring guest preachers deliver messages of hope and renewal
Special performance by Rockford’s Gospel Choir, lifting voices in praise and unity
Breakout Sessions to Empower the Community
Step into one of our focused sessions designed to uplift and connect you with real-world opportunities:
Step into one of our focused sessions designed to uplift and connect you with real-world opportunities:
Adult Education Access – Learn how adults 21+ can earn an accredited high school diploma
Workforce Pathways – Explore trades and apprenticeship careers with real pathways to success
Employment Assistance – Receive resume tips and job-search guidance from experienced community partners
Cultural Enrichment – Join a Black History Discussion led by Deacon Eldredge Gilbert, reflecting on the past and inspiring the future
Vendor Spotlight: “How You Do!” Podcast
All participating vendors will be featured in our official festival podcast—highlighting your mission, story, and community impact.
All participating vendors will be featured in our official festival podcast—highlighting your mission, story, and community impact.
Don’t miss this powerful weekend of celebration, education, culture, and connection.
Bookerfest is where Rockford comes together.
Bookerfest is where Rockford comes together.
Learn more: aarcatbooker.com
Call: 815.962.9117
Contact: Leon Smith, Bookerfest Event Coordinator – bookerfest2025@gmail.com
Call: 815.962.9117
Contact: Leon Smith, Bookerfest Event Coordinator – bookerfest2025@gmail.com