Experience Beloit
Our signature events draw crowds from miles around. Whether you’re a movie buff, an artist, or a sports fanatic, Beloit has something for you! And did we mention shopping? Beloit’s vibrant city center features specialty boutiques, galleries, unique resale shops, and hosts our award-winning farmers market.
BELOIT INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
The Beloit International Film Festival is a 10-day event that showcases independent films from around the world. Every year, visitors flock to the Beloit area to view more than 120 films in all genres held in a dozen venues ranging in size from 40 seats to 700. It’s also a chance to meet more than 100 filmmakers who come from as far away as Europe and China. BIFF was inspired by Diane and the late Ken Hendricks who approached several community cultural leaders with the suggestion of a festival as they became involved in film production. Diane Hendricks remains an active supporter and advisor to the Festival leadership.
BIFF has received broad national attention and has been called the “next big thing” by Moviemaker Magazine and has been listed as one of a half dozen alternatives to “Sundance” by the New York Times.
POPS ON THE ROCK
When it comes to celebrating America’s birthday, the Beloit community goes all out. Every Fourth of July, more than 2,500 families, friends and visitors get together in Riverside Park for “Pops on the Rock,” a special evening highlighted by a free concert performed by the Beloit Janesville Symphony Orchestra, and fireworks that light up the sky.
“It’s a big draw for Beloit and its residents to have this type of show every year,” says Rob Tomaro, Beloit Janesville Symphony Conductor and Music Director. “Everyone looks forward to it. ‘Pops on the Rock’ brings people together from all over the country.”
Visit Beloit Janesville Symphony Website
DOWNTOWN BELOIT FARMERS’ MARKET
For nearly 50 years, large crowds have turned out for the always-popular Downtown Beloit Farmers’ Market, held every Saturday from May through October on the corner of State and Grand avenues. Each week, the market, the second largest in the state, draws close to 10,000 people and more than 130 vendors selling local produce, organics, baked goods, honey, jams and jellies, bedding plants, fish, meat, eggs & cheese, fresh flowers, artisan crafts, skin care and more. The market features live music and new this year are live cooking and craft-making demonstrations.
“It’s really the vendors that make the market fun and unique,” says El-Amin, “All vendors are local and most of them are growing and cultivating the product themselves. They put blood sweat and tears in what they do. You can see it in their products.
Visit Downtown Beloit Association Website
BELOIT SKY CARP BASEBALL
America’s favorite pastime at its best! Enjoy major league fun at minor league prices at a Beloit Sky Carp game, the High A affiliate of the Miami Marlins. Sky Carp games give you an opportunity to get up close and personal with baseball stars of the future! Spend a fun summer night watching the Snappers play under the bright lights of ABC Supply Stadium. With its fabulous fireworks shows, great deck parties, fun giveaways and theme nights, there’s always something special going on.
Visit The Beloit Sky Carp Website
SHOPPING IN BELOIT
Beloit’s vibrant city center features specialty boutiques, galleries, unique resale shops, and hosts our award-winning farmers market May-October. The greater Beloit area is also center hub to over a hundred regional antique nooks and malls. We are considered a “pick” area for vintage treasure hunters, and wish you well as you discover your own special find. And did we mention our galleries and museum gift shops? You literally can shop ’till you drop.
