Rockford’s On the Waterfront, Inc. (OTW) is a Labor Day weekend music festival that has become a tradition for the northern Illinois area.

For the 25th year, Illinois’ largest music festival returns with bigger acts and better food. Last year the festival attracted over 70,000 people from around the country.

“This year we’ve got plenty of surprises that I’m not exactly able to talk about,” says Caitlin Smith, marketing manager for OTW. “But they are sure to revamp the Waterfront experience.”

While the ticket prices have increased over the years, OTW has brought bigger names to its stages.

OTW features seven musical stages throughout the downtown Rockford area which will highlight all genres of music.

This year’s pre-festival kick off performance will be held on Aug. 28, and the performer will be the ’70s band Styx, a band widely known for its hits “Come Sail Away” and “Mr. Roboto.” Styx, in previous years at OTW, has sold more tickets than any other featured performer.

Another big act this year is “High School Musical” star Vanessa Hudgens, who will be performing on Aug. 30, at 2 p.m. Both Styx and Hudgens will require separate admissions tickets which, if still available, can be purchased at a special booth set up next to the stage area.

Popular rock bands Puddle of Mudd and Finger Eleven will hit the stage Sunday, Aug. 31, and are sure to draw big crowds of alternative fans.

Also joining the other 130 performers are the Grammy award-winning rock band Los Lonely Boys, and country music duo Montgomery Gentry.

Beyond the music scene you’ll be able to find plenty more opportunities for a great time. With over 50 food booths ranging from the classic carnival style standbys to exotic foods from around the globe, anyone who goes will be able to find something to snack on. OTW also features many carnival rides and games that the entire family can enjoy.

Smith says not to worry about OTW changing what has given them such success because there are still plenty of fan favorites returning to the stages and booths scattered around Rockford’s downtown area.

Cost of attending the festival is $15 per day. Once inside the gates you will be able to purchase tickets for the wide array of food and rides located throughout the festival. OTW will kick off Thursday night with Styx and run through Sunday evening.

So with the largest festival of the year happening less than 45 minutes away, you’ll want find a way out of town to check it out.

For more information and a map of the festival check out OTW’s Web site at www.onthewaterfront.com