15 things to do this weekend in the Freeport area

Aspiring Artists 2024 opening

What: This exhibition features more than 450 works of art, showcasing the talent and creativity of students in regional elementary, middle, high schools and home-schooled students. Awards for 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place, and Honorable Mentions in each age group. The Contemporary Gallery (second floor) will feature the art of area art instructors.

When: 4:30-7 p.m. Friday, March 22

Where: Freeport Art Museum, 121 N. Harlem Ave., Freeport

Cub Brat Stand opening day

What: The Cub Cares Community Brat Stand will be kicking off its 2024 season. Calls to groups will begin soon. The Cub Cares Community Brat Stand is a charitable effort where local not-for-profits operate a food stand. The stand sells beverages, local potato chips and a wide variety of grilled sandwiches.

When: 11 a.m. Friday, March 22

Where: 1512 S. West Ave., Freeport

Easter Bunny brunch

What: Meet the Easter Bunny and enjoy face painting, games and activities. RSVP to dawn.carlson@aquinschools.org.

When: 9 a.m. – noon Saturday, March 23

Where: Aquin Schools, 1419 S. Galena Ave., Freeport

Cost: $20 per family; $5 per person

Five-Year Anniversary Celebration

What: Celebrate our anniversary. Free admission to five-year-olds (and 55-year-olds) and treats.

When: 10 a.m. Saturday, March 23

Where: Children’s Hands-On Museum of Northwest Illinois, 1233 W. Galena St., Freeport

Cost: Free

Tarot Workshop 101

What: Learn the history and origins of Tarot, how to properly use Tarot as a tool for self-development and divination, the meanings of the Major and Minor Arcana cards, methods for cleansing your deck and reading space, how to create and interpret full tarot spreads for yourself and others, common roadblocks you may experience while reading and how to address them. You’ll get to practice real readings with like-minded friends and two experienced instructors. Cost includes your own Rider Waite Tarot Deck and Guided Tarot Workbook. Limited space.

When: 10 a.m. Saturday, March 23

Where: Rootz and Branchez, 101 W. Main St., Freeport

Cost: $100

Flashlight Easter Egg hunt

What: This is an egg hunt with a twist: each attendee, ages 11-13 only, is required to bring their own flashlight because this event will be held in the dark. Kids should also bring a bag or basket and dress for the weather because we will hold the Flashlight Egg Hunt rain or shine. Parents, please stay with your child, as the event will only take a few minutes.

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 23

Where: Lions Park, 609 N. Schuler St., Lena

Pancake and Sausage Breakfast

What: Join the Pearl City Lions for an appreciation pancake and sausage breakfast. Also, bring your used eye glasses, hearing aids, and sneakers that will be donated to Lions of Illinois Foundation.

When: 8-10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 23

Where: Pearl City Schools cafeteria, 100 S. Summit, Pearl City

Cost: Free

Rockford IceHogs hockey game

What: The Hogs take on the Grand Rapids Griffins. The event includes the Steve Martinson Ring of Honor induction ceremony.

When: 7 p.m. Saturday, March 23

Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford

Cost: $16.50-$29

Pancake Breakfast

What: Pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, applesauce, milk, juice and coffee. Proceeds will be used to help the Cedarville Fire Protection District purchase rescue equipment.

When: 7-11 a.m. Saturday, March 23

Where: Cedarville Fire Protection District, 245 N. Stephenson St., Cedarville

Cost: Donations appreciated

Second Annual Aquatic Easter Egg Hunt

What: Children will be split into age groups and have the opportunity to hunt for Easter eggs in our pool.

Aquatic Easter Egg Hunts times per age group are: 9-9:30 a.m. Children younger than 4 (with parent) - Baby Pool; 9:40-10:10 a.m. age 4-6 (with parent) - both pools (parent preference); 10:20-10:50 a.m. ages 7-9 - Lap Pool; 11-11:30 a.m. age 9-13 - Lap Pool; 11:40 a.m.-12:10 p.m. age 14 and older - Lap Pool.

When: 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Saturday, March 23

Where: Family YMCA of Northwest Illinois, 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport

Goat hike

What: Enjoy a one-mile hike around the farm and through our woods with our miniature goats. There is some uneven surfaces/ground on the trail. Sturdy footwear is recommended. Please bring a water bottle, sunscreen and bug spray. There will be no refunds given in case of bad weather. A credit will be offered for a future hike. We ask all participants to sign a waiver when they arrive. Goats hikes take anywhere between 45 – 60 minutes. We have a farm store where you are welcome to purchase farm products (seasonal cheeses, raw honey, goat milk soap, hand salve and more). Everyone must have a ticket to attend hike.

When: 11 a.m. – noon Saturday, March 23

Where: Gretta’s Goats, 498 N. Farwell Bridge Road, Pecatonica

Cost: $19; free for children younger than 2 when accompanied by parent

34th Annual Depot Stove Gang Model Railroad Show and Swap Meet

What: There will be vendors and model railroads in all three school gymnasiums. Each person who visits will receive a ticket, and each hour a number will be drawn for a door prize. Make sure to check your number on the board before you leave. Food and beverages will be available for purchase in the cafeterias.

When: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24

Where: Le-Win School gymnasiums, Lena

Cost: Free; donations encouraged

Canning day

What: See how simple canning can be. Ask any questions you have as you watch us make a batch of strawberry jam. We will explain the steps and why we take them. You will also get to bring a jar home. Limited space; message us to reserve your spot.

When: 1 p.m. Sunday, March 24

Where: Here and There Farms, 602 Bridge St., Winslow

Cost: $10

March Madness bowling

What: Bowl 3 games, cut to biggest “Perfect Bracket,” then Single Elimination Bracket until we have a winner. 1:4 (lowest paid $75). House Shot. USBC Sanctioned.

When: 11 a.m. Sunday, March 24 (check-in at 10:15 a.m.)

Where: 4 Seasons Bowling Center, 1100 W. Galena Ave., Freeport

Cost: $60

One Night of Queen

What: Gary Mullen & The Works (featuring Gary Mullen on vocals, David Brockett on guitar, Billy Moffat on bass, Malcolm Gentles on keyboards and Jon Halliwell on drums) will have you dancing in the aisles during their show that pays tribute to the stage theatrics, showmanship and music of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees, Queen.

When: 7 p.m. Sunday, March 24 (doors open at 6 p.m.)

Where: Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford

Cost: $32.50-$77

Coming next week

Teens Only: Water Bottle Flipping

What: Are you a pro at water bottle flipping? Want to see if you can beat our challenges? Come test your skill at our bottle flipping challenges.

When: 4-5 p.m. Tuesday, March 26

Where: Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas St. Freeport

Craft Closet Cleanout

What: Help us use clean out our craft closet. Make another of your favorite craft, or some that you may have missed. There will be no set craft to make; you can choose.

When: 2-4 pm. Wednesday, March 27

Where: Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas St. Freeport

John Mellencamp

What: Fresh off the heels of his sold-out “Live and In Person 2023” North American tour, John Mellencamp confirms its continuation with “Live and In Person 2024.” Mellencamp will perform for one night only in 27 new cities. *This show will be sold through the AXS ticketing platform only, not Ticketmaster. Mellencamp is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

When: 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 27 (doors open at 7 p.m.)

Where: Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford

Cost: $49-$250

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: 15 things to do this weekend in the Freeport area