A Forest City Dance Circle gathering · Rockford, Illinois
An evening of seasonal magic in downtown Rockford — more than 40 vendors, the Witches Dance, a drum circle, and a potion-making scavenger hunt under the turning of the year.
Sat, Oct 24, 2026 · 4–9 PM · Free admission, all ages · Costumes encouraged
The evening
The Witches Faire brings downtown Rockford an evening of seasonal magic and celebration — a marketplace of artists and makers, folk-dance performances, and the wider community, all in one place, one night. It's hosted by the Forest City Dance Circle and Bennie's Cleaners.
Schedule
Costumes encouraged — come dressed for a night of seasonal magic.
In the news ·
WIFR's Sydni Stoffregen and Alyssa Kelly sat down with us to preview the Faire: the 40+ vendors, the Witches Dance at 6:00 and 8:00 PM, the drum circle, and the potion-making scavenger hunt.
Watch the interview
The 2026 Witches Faire is sponsored by
Sponsor support helps keep the Faire free to attend and open to all ages. Hosted by the Forest City Dance Circle and Bennie's Cleaners.
Vendors · waitlist only
The 2026 marketplace is full — more than 40 vendors are confirmed, so vendor applications are now waitlist only. If a space opens, we'll reach out to waitlisted makers.
We're gathering artists, makers, practitioners, and small businesses to share intentionally crafted goods, creative work, and spiritual traditions with the community — one evening, more than 40 vendors, one very good crowd.
The Faire embraces an autumnal, mystical atmosphere, but it is not a Halloween event. Our focus is on authentic expressions of witchcraft, paganism, Wicca, folklore, herbalism, divination, ritual arts, gothic aesthetics, and nature-based spirituality. A limited number of spooky or Halloween-inspired vendors may be accepted where the work fits the vision.
Feeding a crowd on an autumn evening is its own kind of magic. Food trucks, bakers, cider and hot-drink sellers, and other food vendors are handled separately from the marketplace application — email forestcitydancecircle@gmail.com to inquire about participating, and tell us what you serve, your setup and power needs, and your licensing.
The Witches Faire is a juried event, and submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance. Our goal is a balanced marketplace with real variety, rather than many booths offering similar products. Applications are reviewed on:
Because space is limited, accepted vendors are chosen to create the strongest overall experience for attendees. The 2026 marketplace is now full, so new applications go to the waitlist and are offered spaces as they open.
8-foot vendor spaces are available. The vendor fee is $25.
Details on setup, parking, unloading, and event-day logistics are sent to accepted vendors ahead of the Faire.
Vendors are required to wear Witches Faire theme-appropriate attire. Your booth and your look are both part of the atmosphere we're building together.
There will be a $50 prize awarded to the most witchy dressed vendor — so go all in.
We value authenticity, craftsmanship, and the care each vendor brings to their work. Every participant helps create the welcoming atmosphere that makes the Witches Faire a community experience rather than just a market.
The 2026 marketplace is full. If your work reflects the spirit of the Faire, you can still apply to the waitlist — it takes a few minutes, and we'll reach out if a space opens.
Open the waitlist applicationPrefer to write directly? Email forestcitydancecircle@gmail.com.
Food vendor? Skip the marketplace application and email forestcitydancecircle@gmail.com to inquire about participating.
Good to know
Saturday, October 24, 2026, 4:00–9:00 PM at 130 N. First Street in downtown Rockford, Illinois. Admission is free and all ages are welcome.
The 40+ vendor marketplace and the potion-making scavenger hunt run all evening. Catch the Witches Dance at 6:00 or 8:00 PM, and join the drum circle at 6:45 PM — bring your drums.
Costumes are encouraged for visitors of all ages — though never required. Come as you are, or come dressed for a night of seasonal magic.
No. The Faire embraces an autumnal, mystical atmosphere, but the focus is authentic witchcraft, paganism, folklore, herbalism, divination, ritual arts, and nature-based spirituality. Some spooky or Halloween-inspired vendors may be accepted where the work fits.
The 2026 marketplace is full with more than 40 vendors, so applications are now waitlist only. Use the “Join the vendor waitlist” button above — if a space opens, we'll be in touch. The marketplace is curated and juried, and the fee is $25 for an 8-foot space.
Yes — food trucks, bakers, and hot-drink sellers are welcome, and they're arranged separately from the marketplace application. Email forestcitydancecircle@gmail.com with what you serve and your setup needs, and we'll take it from there.
More from the Circle
Forest City Dance Circle is a volunteer community folk-dance collective in Rockford. Learn who we are, book us for your event, or find another way to join in.
