The Rockford Fringe Festival is a free "rain or shine" outdoor celebration of theatre and the performing arts at Walker Park. It is part of the City of Rockford's "Forward for Fun" initiative. The Fringe will be hosted by comedian Rebecca Ann Carver and will feature comedy songmaker Robbie Ellis as the opening act. Local and regional artists will perform their original short plays, dances, musical acts, poetry and performance art, one after the other, on an outdoor stage. Whether the audience wants to stay all day or just check out a couple performances, the Fringe is for everyone. Bring your own chair and consider wearing a hat and sunscreen.