Make-A-Monkey Workshop • Games and Crafts • Exhibit Tours • & More!

When: Saturday, March 7 - Don't Miss The Fun!

Where: Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, IL

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!

Event Highlights:

Our Sock Monkey mascot Babs will be in attendance to take pictures with you and join in the fun! 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, Blue, Tie-Dye Purple, Tie-Dye Blue, Tie-Dye Orange, Tie-Dye Pink, 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
★ Sock Hop Dance Area!
★ Sockford General Hospital — Bring Your Own Sock Monkey in For Expert Repair
★ 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!
★ 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)

Other Organizations & Activities:

★ Sockford Public Library, presented by the Rockford Public Library - Sock Monkey Library Cards
★ Moonspinners & Castle Creations – Fiber Arts Examples & Antique Knitting Machine
★ Midway Marvels 4H Club - Facepainting & Temporary Tattoos
★ Rockford Peaches Reenactors, presented by WWII Girls Baseball Living History League, from 12 -4 pm
★ Westside Children’s Therapy – Prizes & Birth Certificate Stamp

Explore Sock Monkey History!

Plus, at our award-winning museum, kids can even explore Sock Monkey history as they step back in time and discover the importance of the iconic Sock Monkey to Rockford’s industrial past. They'll see how a simple sock led to the growth of a city and the creation of a universally-recognized symbol that is still popular today.

You’re in the Army Now: Camp Grant, Rockford’s Legacy

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 boxing, football, baseball, and more! 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.

Questions? Call Kristine Adams-Wedemeyer at 815-397-9112, ext. 104, or email her at kristine.adams-wedemeyer@midwayvillage.com

The last time to begin the Sock Monkey kit workshop is 3pm. The event closes at 4pm.

Click on the Sock Monkey Madness flyer
to download it in PDF format!