Special Events

Sock Hop

Fun, Music, and Games! Calling all Byron 3rd-5th grade students, it's time to grab your crazy socks and show off your dance moves to the musical entertainment of DJ Shine Productions. Back again is the very popular 5th grade lip sync contest! All lip sync groups must sign up at the Park District office and music must be pre-approved. Please send all music to Aydin Coffey at acoffey@byronparks.org no later then 6/1. A maximum of 6 groups will be allowed to perform and will be honored in the order received. This event will take place at the Byron Middle School Gymnasium. Registration deadline is 6/1. Please help us provide the best experience possible by registering early and planning transportation in advance.

Schedule:
  • 6:00-6:15 pm Drop Off: Parents are welcome to stay and take photos until 6:15 pm.
  • 7:00 pm Lip Sync: Parents of lip sync participants are welcome to return to facility to view the lip sync contest.
  • 7:45-8:00 pm Pick Up: An authorized pick up person must come in to the facility for pick up. Participants will not be released to anyone not listed on the registration form. Any changes will need to be provided in writing authorizing the change.
Parent Volunteers: Parent volunteers are needed to assist with chaperoning. All volunteers must complete volunteer forms prior to attending. Contact Nick Warrner at nwarrner@byronparks.org to sign up and complete necessary paperwork.

Date: Friday, June 14, 2024
Time: 6:00-8:00 pm
Location: Byron Middle School Gymnasium
Fee: $20
Grades: 3rd-5th (2023-24 school year)


Johnson Park Grand Opening

Come join us for the grand opening of Johnson Park! The first 200 people will receive food and drinks.

Schedule:
  • 5:10 pm: Ribbon Cutting
  • 5:15-6:15 pm: Byron Dance Academy & Byron Civic Theatre performances
  • 6:30-8:30 pm: 28 Days Performance
About 28 Days: Formed in 2006, 28 Days emerged as a dynamic force in the Midwest music scene, captivating audiences with their high-energy performances and diverse repertoire. This four-piece cover band has become synonymous with electrifying live shows and a commitment to delivering an unforgettable musical experience. One of the defining features of 28 Days is their ability to cover hits from a wide range of musical styles, making each performance a journey through the greatest songs across genres. From rock anthems to pop classics, dance beats to soulful ballads, 28 Days masterfully weaves together a setlist that resonates with fans of all ages and musical tastes. Learn more about the band at www.28daysband.com.

Date: Tuesday, June 18, 2024
Time: 5:10-8:30 pm
Location: Johnson Park, 850 N. River Drive


Byron Fest 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run

2024 RRR Circuit Race

Online registration closes Friday, July 12 at noon. Participants must be pre-registered by Friday, June 21 at noon to be guaranteed a race shirt. For the 5K, plaques will be awarded to the overall male and female 1st place finishers. Medals will be awarded to the top 3 male and female finishers in each age division youth to adult. For the Fun Run, all participants will receive a participation medal. This event is non-refundable.

Date: Saturday, July 13, 2024
Registration/Check-In: 7:00-7:45 am
Location: Byron Forest Preserve Jarrett Prairie Center
5K Run/Walk Start Time: 8:00 am
Fun Run Start Time: 8:05 am
5K Fee*: Adult $30/Youth $20
Fun Run Fee: $10

*10% Discount for Rockford Road Runners or Rockford Wildcats Members

Register Online


Inaugural Byron Fest Pickleball Tournament

NEW THIS YEAR! Join us for the inaugural Byron Fest Pickleball Tournament! Scramble Format (32 people max) This format will have participants play with a new partner each round.

Duper ratings divisions: 3.0, 3.5, 4.0

Date: Saturday, July 13, 2024
Time: 9:00 am
Location: Byron Outdoor Pickleball Courts
Ages: 18+
Fee: $35/$45


Movie in the Park & Bike Parade

Saturday, August 24, 2024 at Blackhawk Meadow Park
  • Bike Parade at 7:00 pm
  • The Wizard of Oz at dusk
  • FREE popcorn & drinks during the movie!
More info coming soon!


Tiger 10 Miler Trail Race

Presented by Byron Bank

Join us for the 7th annual Tiger 10 Miler Trail Race presented by Byron Bank! This exciting race will take runners on ten miles of twists, turns and hills within the Byron Forest Preserve and the more secluded Nardi Equine Prairie. All participants will receive a custom finisher's medal, shirt and our unique age group awards go 3 deep in 5-year brackets. Overall male & female winners and also male and female masters winners will receive awards and a cash prize. Special awards will be given for five-year finishers of the Tiger 10 Miler. Those five years don't have to be consecutive, just five total finishes. This is a "cup free" race so please bring your handheld water bottle or hydration pack as we won't have paper cups at our three aid stations in order to keep our trails clean and be environmentally friendly.

Following the race, the after party will be held at the Hairy Cow Brewing Company from 10:00 am to Noon. Race participants will kick back and enjoy a complementary meal while awards, cash prizes, and door prizes are distributed! Like or follow us on the socials @Tiger10Miler for updates and pictures of the course.

*Walkers are welcome and will start at 7:30 am. The early start is assigned by performance and is not done by or for convenience to competitors. Byron Park District reserves the right to decide entry or not to early start. 18 minute mile pace will finish the course in 3 hours. The early start is out of respect to our volunteers and hopefully will shorten the amount of time they spend working on race days.

Age groups: 0-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75+
Early Packet Pickup: Friday, September 20 from 5:00-8:00 pm at the Byron Park District front desk, 500 N. Colfax St. Byron, IL 61010, Door #55
Date: Saturday, September 21, 2024
Race Day Registration/Check-In/Packet Pickup: 7:00-7:45 am
Location: Byron Forest Preserve Jarrett Prairie Center
Start Time: 8:00 am (Walkers start at 7:30 am)
Fee: $60/person before July 7; $70/person July 8-August 31 (August 31 is the last day to guarantee a shirt); $80/person from September 1-race day

*Online registration closes at noon Friday, September 20

Register Online


To register or for a complete list of our current program offerings including dates, times, and fees, please visit our online registration site here:

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