There are plenty of things for you, your family and friends to do the first weekend of February.

You can check out the 50th annual Boat Show, 815 Ale Fest or do a wine tasting for the Rockford Area Arts Council. There are also multiple art shows, two wedding expos and a Black History Month exhibit.

Here are 23 things we found to do this weekend and a few for next week as well.

50th Annual Rockford Boat, Vacation and Fishing Expo

What: New 2024 boats, boating equipment, motors, and trailers will be exhibited. Everything from docks to pro-fishing boats, personal watercraft, and pontoons will be displayed with representatives on hand to answer any questions. The show will have charters and guide services to book your next fishing trip. There will also be representatives from fishing and vacation resorts to plan the perfect getaway. Anglers will have their choice of the latest tackle and more.

When: 3 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 4

Where: Mercyhealth Sportscore Two, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park

For more: 815-997-1744

815 Ale Fest 2024

What: Confirmed 2024 pours: Pig Minds Brewing, Urban Forest, More Brewing, Prairie Street Brewing Co., Generations, Lena Brewing, Revolution Brewing, Carbliss, Hairy Cow, New Belgium, Bells, Pecatonica Brewing, Hop District, Galena Brewing Co. and Firestone Walker.

When: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3

Where: Tebala Event Center, 7910 Newburg Road, Rockford

Cost: $10-$60

For more: Katy Chadwick: 815-874-7861, ext 1006 or kchadwick@rmgmwf.com

Dude Dad Live

What: Taylor Calmus, aka “Dude Dad” is a Colorado-based video creator who has become a viral sensation through his family-based comedy videos. A father of four kids and husband to wife Heidi, Calmus taps into the relatability of parenthood to help parents laugh at their own struggles. He also stars in Magnolia Network's "Super Dad," in which he helps other dads make their kid's backyard dreams a reality. Recommended for ages 18 and older.

When: 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2 (doors open at 7 p.m.)

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

Cost: $35

For more: 815-968-5222

Sight Unseen Art Exhibit: meet artist Norm Knott

What: "Sight Unseen" is a moving exhibit of 17 mixed-media drawings by Norm Knott, created during a very challenging time in his life. Meet him as he creates a new work and talks about his journey. The show will run through April. Refreshments will be served.

When: 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2

Where: Emanuel Lutheran Church Art Gallery, 920 Third Ave., Rockford

Cost: Free

For more: 708-845-7207

Concerts on the Creek Series: Buddy Holly, Big Bopper, Ritchie Valens, and Dion - Winter Tour Retrospective

What: Concerts on the Creek hosts a "fantasy concert" featuring some of the songs that Buddy, Bopper, Ritchie, Dion and other stars would have performed at Moorhead, Minn. Armory if their plane had not crashed. The concert will include a history of the tour promoters and organizers. Dancing space will be provided. Soft drinks and light refreshments will be available. Goodwill donations from the audience pay the musicians and help to defray the church's event hosting costs.

When: 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2 (doors open at 6 p.m.)

Where: Spring Creek Church, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford

Cost: Free admission; $10 free-will donation encouraged

For more: 815-979-1949

First Friday Wine Tasting: Rockford Area Arts Council

What: Help raise money for the Rockford Area Arts Council. We will be sampling 24 wines from around the globe. The Arts Council provides Winnebago, Boone, Ogle, and DeKalb Counties with organizational resources, collective advocacy efforts, and critical arts and cultural resources for our communities, with a special focus on our disadvantaged and underserved populations.

When: 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2

Where: Artale Wine Co., 6876 Spring Creek Road, Rockford

Cost: $20 cash/check donation to the Arts Council

For more: 815-877-9463

Rockford IceHogs

What: Friday, the IceHogs take on the Grand Rapids Griffins. Saturday, they are back against the Manitoba Moose on the 25th annual Fleece Blanket Night.

When: 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2 or Saturday, Feb. 3

Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford

Cost: $16.50-$32

For more: 815-968-5222, icehogs.com

Dueling DJs for charity

What: Come kick it as DJs ILL-Chay and Jordan Chance bring the heat with classic hip-hop and RNB songs. All proceeds go to charity.

When: 8:30 p.m. to midnight Friday, Feb. 2 and Saturday, Feb. 3

Where: Union Event Space, 112 N. Second St., Rockford

Cost: $40; tickets available on Eventbrite

For more:Dueling DJs for charity on Facebook

Valentine's Market

What: Annual Valentine's Market pop up will help you celebrate the season with gift items from local makers, seasonal drinks and live music from Kayla Seeber.

When: 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2

Where: Indoor City Market, Water Street at E. State Street, Rockford

For more: 815-315-1337

Rockford New Words: What I Learned from My Ex

What: Ten plays, poems, monologues, and stories by writers from Rockford and beyond will be presented in a staged reading. We asked writers to dig deep into their personal lives and consider what, if any, positives or humor they might have gleaned from what is perhaps the most difficult part of any relationship.

When: 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2 through Sunday, Feb. 4

Where: West Side Showroom, 1414 N. Main St., Rockford

Cost: Free; goodwill donations encouraged

For more:wssr.org

2024 Wedding Open House at the Market

What: This in-person event will be held at the Rockford City Market. Whether you're getting married soon or just love weddings, this is the perfect opportunity to explore and get inspired. Discover a wide range of vendors, from florists to photographers, and find everything you need to plan your dream wedding. Don't miss out on this exciting event where you can connect with local wedding professionals and find all the resources you need for your special day. Each ticket purchased in advance includes one free drink from the bar.

When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3

Where: Indoor City Market, Water Street at E. State Street, Rockford

Cost: $10

For more: 815-315-1332

Cupid Crush Craft & Vendor Show

What: Come out and shop with 40 plus crafters and vendors. You’re sure to find an array of items for Valentine's Day, your personal needs/wants and services.

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3

Where: Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford

For more:Cupid Crush Craft & Vendor Show on Facebook

Nicholas at Night: Lunar New Year

What: Celebrate Lunar New Year at Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens with cultural sights, sounds, food and activities for the whole family. Enjoy the decorations throughout the conservatory and learn more about the many ways various cultures celebrate this holiday. Pre-registration encouraged.

When: 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3

Where: Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens, 1354 N. Second St., Rockford

Cost: $0 to $10

For more: 815-987-8858

Contemporary Fashion through the Decades: How to Identify our Ancestors

What: A visual review of clothing styles and historical influences unique to each period—late 1700s through mid-1900s. Learn how to identify the year your ancestor wore the clothing and determine their dates. Bring photographs, pictures, or historic clothing for me to analyze afterwards, if you wish.

When: 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3

Where: Rockford Public Library, 6685 E. State St., Rockford or on Zoom

For more:Winnebago and Boone Counties Genealogical Society on Facebook

As Above So Below Tarot Readings

What: Michelle has 25 years of experience though Romanian gypsy ancestral culture and is licensed and certified to cast tarot. She offers tarot readings, custom spell casting and spiritual deliverance from past negative reflective energy and has been in the spiritual community with two brick and mortar shops in Rockford. Create and affirm though spell craft and cleansings. No reservations are needed; walk in and put your name on the sign-up sheet to be read next.

When: Noon to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3

Where: Wolf Hollow, 3800 E. State St., Rockford

Cost: $20 per reading

For more: 779-256-2972

Drippy Bear Workshop

What: Whether you're a pro artist or a first timer, our DIY Paint Event is designed for all skill levels. Each family or couple will have their own paint station, stocked with all the necessary supplies. Light snacks and refreshments available.

When: 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3

Where: MeshWorks Rockford, 4751 Harrison Ave., Rockford

Cost: $40

For more: 815-985-1232

Veterans Memorial Hall Ghost Investigation

What: Join Jack Chavez and Tony Szabelski explore this historic building built in 1901. Veterans Memorial Hall is one of the oldest museums in Winnebago County. Although initially conceived to honor Winnebago County veterans of the Mexican War, Civil War, and Spanish-American War, supporters of the hall adapted it to honor Winnebago County veterans of all decades. Stories arose many years ago of a ghostly woman walking various floors. A security guard has heard whispers when he was alone. Shadows are seen on the different floors.

When: 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3

Where: Veterans Memorial Hall, 211 N. Main St., Rockford

For more: Veterans Memorial Hall Ghost Investigation on Facebook

ACFA Championship & Household Pet Cat Show

What: See a variety of breeds, ask questions from experienced cat owners and breeders and learn which breed is the right one for you.

When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 4

Where: The Bricks Venue Center, 125 Walnut St., Cherry Valley

Cost: $5

For more: 417-725-1530

The Twisted Tulip 4th Anniversary Open House

What: Whether you're looking for a way to make your wedding stand out from the crowd or feeling a little overwhelmed by all the planning, this is the place for you. Join us for an afternoon of drinks, hors d'oeuvres and mingling with some of the best wedding pros in the area. VIP ticket includes early access to event, two additional tickets at no cost, VIP goodie bag and 1 free drink ticket per guest.

When: 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 4

Where: The Twisted Tulip, 7901 Burden Road, Machesney Park

Cost: $13.50-$18.50

For more: 815-742-2121

Rockford Fairytale Ball

What: Join princesses for stories, songs, dances, crafts and photos. Make wishes, join the princess parade and get autographs. Little ones are encouraged to wear their favorite princess dress or costume. Please let them wear something they feel comfortable and happy in. Everyone must have purchased tickets to attend. This Pretty Princess Parties event begins with the Royal Entrance of Fairytale Friends. After princesses have been introduced, we play large group games to relax and get to know everyone before the ball goes into full swing. Tickets are non-refundable unless the event is canceled.

When: 10 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 4

Where: Tebala Event Center, 7910 Newburg Road, Rockford

Cost: $20-$35

For more:Rockford Fairytale Ball on Facebook

DIY Cotton Candy Glitter Bomb Party

What: Bring your Galentine's, Valentine's, co-workers, friends and children to make your own cotton candy glitter bombs. See your creation come to life in one of our cocktails, mocktails or a glass of champagne.

When: Noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 4

Where: 8th Ward Pub, 3905 Broadway, Rockford

Cost: $30 for 3 glitter bombs and a cocktail; $25 for 3 glitter bombs and a mocktail or glass of champagne

For more: 815-708-6523

Black History Month Exhibit Opening

What: For Black History Month this year, the African American Gallery of the Ethnic Heritage Museum will unveil its newest exhibit, “The Divine 9.” This exhibit will go on display Feb. 4 and will run until the end of April. The Divine 9 is the nickname of a group of nine historically black Greek lettered fraternities and sororities. This exhibit showcases each group and their service to the community. The museum will host a special reception featuring the Divine 9 members at 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

When: 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 4

Where: Ethnic Heritage Museum, 1129 S. Main St., Rockford

Cost: Free; donations appreciated

For more: ethnicheritagemuseum.org

Boutique Pop-Up

What: This boutique pop up will feature several local vendors.

When: 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 4

Where: MeshWorks Rockford, 4751 Harrison Ave., Rockford

For more:MeshWorks on Facebook

Coming next week:

Come From Away

What: This musical takes you into the heart of the true story of the people of the small town in Newfoundland who opened their homes to 7,000 stranded travelers on Sept. 11, 2001. During that fateful week, cultures clashed and nerves ran high—but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night and gratitude grew into enduring friendships. Celebrate the best of humankind and the best in all of us.

When: 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6 (doors open at 7 p.m.)

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

Cost: $35-$139

For more: 815-968-5222

Bags in Belvidere

What: Throughout the winter months, Airmail 815 hosts bags (cornhole) every week indoors. Your weekly buy-in will guarantee you six games, including four games of rounders followed by a double elimination tournament. Your partner for the tournament will be assigned after the rounders. The tournament features 100% payouts. There is also a raffle to win a cash prize every week.

When: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6

Where: VFW Post 1461, 1310 W. Lincoln Ave., Belvidere

Cost: $20

For more:Bags in Belvidere on Facebook

2024 Rockton Yeti Fest

What: Snow sculpting, dog sledding demonstrations, yeti scavenger hunt, adults only onesie pub crawl, family-friendly hot cocoa crawl and more.

When: Wednesday, Feb. 7 through Saturday, Feb. 10

Where: Downtown Rockton

Cost: See Facebook for posts about individual event costs and details

For more: 815-624-0935, Rockton Yeti Fest on Facebook

Kathi Edwards is a freelance correspondent.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: 815 Ale Fest one of 23 things happening this weekend in Rockford