Get ready to twist, jive, and monkey around—Sock Monkey Madness is back for its 21st year, and this time it’s a full-blown Sock Hop. Bring your favorite sock monkey to the dance floor as the beloved annual festival returns to Midway Village Museum in Rockford. Inspired by 1950s teen dances, this year’s theme has our monkeys kicking up their heels, swinging to the beat, and celebrating more than two decades of monkey-themed mayhem.
It’s a must-attend tradition that’s still cooler than ever.
Plus, discover the importance of the iconic sock monkey to Rockford’s Industrial past. Learn how a simple sock led to the growth of a city and the creation of a universally recognized symbol.
In keeping with this year's theme for Sock Monkey Madness, Sock Hop, visitors are encouraged to come in their favorite 1950s outfits!
Thanks to our generous sponsors, Kegels Bicycle Shop & Aqua Aerobics!
Admission:
$12 Adult
$8 Child (5-12)
$25 Make-A-Monkey Workshop Kit
Children Age 0-4 are FREE
Member admission is FREE
Event Highlights:
Our Sock Monkey mascot Babs will be in attendance to take pictures with you and join in the fun! Come pose next to a 1955 Ford Custom, and be sure to bring your appetite for burgers, hotdogs, and root beer from Bing’s Food Truck!
> Make-A-Monkey Workshop ($25 material fee). Sock Monkey Kit colors in: Traditional Brown, Red, Green, Pink, Blue, Tie-Dye Purple, Tie-Dye Blue, Tie-Dye Orange, Pink with Stripes, Cream with Stripes, and Yellow with Stripes*
*Midway Village Museum has a limited number of pre-made Sock Monkey kits available; colors will be first come, first served.
> A Variety of Sock Monkey-themed Crafts and Games for Kids – including Paper Sock Sewing, Sock Monkey-Tac-Toe, Masks, Cards with Stamps & Stickers, and more!
> Shopping and Unique Rockford-themed Gifts
> Sockford General Hospital — Bring Your Own Sock Monkey in For Expert Repair
> Guided Tours of The Missing Link Sock Monkey History Exhibit (15-minute tours every 30-minutes, from 9am-12pm & 1-3:30pm; 9:15, 9:45, 10:15, 10:45, 11:15 -- 1:15, 1:45, 2:15, 2:45, 3:15)
Learn about Rockford’s own Camp Grant, which was constructed as an Army Training Camp in 1917 and re-activated when the United States entered WWII. One of the many topics covered in this exhibit is soldier leisure time and sports at the camp during both World War I and II – including dancing! Guests will be invited to test their skills at our interactive obstacle course and take a polaroid photo with Nelson in our replica WWII Jeep.
Other Activities & Organizations Attending:
> Sockford Public Library, presented by the Rockford Public Library – Sock Monkey Library Cards
> Moonspinners & Castle Creations – Fiber Arts Examples & Antique Knitting Machine
> Rockford Peaches Reenactors, presented by WWII Girls Baseball Living History League, from 12-4pm
> Midway Marvels 4H Club – Facepainting & Temporary Tattoos
> Westside Children’s Therapy – Birth Certificate Stamping and Prizes
Tickets can also be purchased at the door when you arrive. The last time to begin the Sock Monkey kit workshop is 3pm. The event closes at 4pm.
Questions? Call us at 815-397-9112.
Also check out other Workshops in Rockford, Kids events & activities in Rockford, Festivals in Rockford.
