Looking for something to do in the Freeport area this weekend? Here are 9 upcoming events

John’s Plants Mother’s Day Weekend Plant Sale

What: Shop for many types of plants for your garden, Mother's Day gifts, catnip and toys for your cats, succulents, perennials, natives, ground covers, hostas, tomatoes, green pepper and herbs.

When: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Friday, May 10; 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 11 and Sunday, May 12

Where: John’s Plants, 645 W. Cleveland, Freeport

Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue

What: Miami’s sassiest seniors are on stage for one more hurrah. We find Sophia out on bail after being busted by the DEA for running a drug ring for retirees. Blanche and Rose have founded CreakN, a sex app for seniors. Dorothy is trying to hold it all together with help from a new (much) younger sex-crazed lover. Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue allows audiences to relive the hilarity of the four ladies who never stopped being best friends. This professional stage show/Golden Girls tribute was written by Robert Leleux and directed by Eric Swanson. The cast includes Ryan Bernier as Dorothy, Vince Kelley as Blanche, Adam Graber as Rose, Christopher Kamm as Sophia, and Jason Bowen as Stanley/Burt.

When: 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 10

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

Cost: $45-$205

20th Regional Juried Exhibition Opening

What: This annual competition is open to artists living in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan, Indiana and Wisconsin. The annual Regional Juried Exhibition’s mission is to offer established and emerging artists the opportunity to debut work created in the last two years. Opening May 11, the show runs through July 20. The regional show continues a tradition of displaying works by Midwestern artists showcasing a wide range of ideas and forms.

When: 5 p.m. Saturday, May 11

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

Baby Goat Snuggle Session

What: Come to the farm and snuggle spring kids. Leave your pets at home, as we are a working farm. We keep the snuggle sessions small to ensure everyone has time with a baby goat and the goats remain comfortable. Our farmstore will be open after the snuggle session. Everyone must have a ticket. No refunds in case of inclement weather; we will offer an indoor barn space if it rains or we can move you to a future snuggle session in case of inclement weather. Please bring bug spray and sunscreen.

When: 1-2 p.m. Saturday, May 11

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

Cost: $19

Fourth Annual World Migratory Bird Day Event

What: There will be ongoing educational activities and crafts at the Oakdale Pavilion and/or Mogle Building including a migratory obstacle course that fits this year’s theme and giveaways while supplies last. On each hour at 10 and 11 a.m. and noon, there will be outings starting at the Pavilion to take the trails to bird watch and also look for insects. The University of Illinois Extension will offer games to learn about insects and their life cycles and a take-home rubbing template of insects. Kelly (leader of Wee Naturalists) will have a bird beak adaptation or migration game. Amanda from the Freeport Public Library will have a take-home craft of bee plant markers for gardens. Wear appropriate footwear in case we explore the water for aquatic insects. Bring binoculars; some will be available to borrow. This is a rain or shine event open to all. World Migratory Bird Day 2024 focuses on insects and their importance to bird life.

When: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, May 11

Where: Oakdale Nature Preserve, 4433 S. Cranes Grove Road, Freeport

Cost: Free

Pretzel City Winefest

What: This wine-tasting event features Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa wines. Get your tastings at more than 25 participating boutique and shopping locations. Check-in at Hilldale Deli (30 W. Stephenson St.) the day of the event to receive your tasting glass.

When: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 11

Where: Downtown Freeport

Cost: $25 admission includes souvenir wine glass and a gift

Ensign Jade Acres Spring Craft Fair

What: Bring the family for food, snacks and local vendors. There will be raffles, a special raffle just for moms and $10 Mother’s Day/spring photos.

When: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, May 11

Where: Ensign Jade Acres, 7111 W. Dublin Road, Freeport

Cost: Free admission

Mother’s Day Plant Sale

What: Celebrate Mom, get ready for summer and support the shelter.

When: 9 a.m. Saturday, May 11 until noon or until sold out

Where: Friends Forever Humane Society, 966 W. Rudy Road, Freeport

Mother’s Day Flower Cart

What: While you’re here, pick Mom some fresh flowers from Schlachter Farm Flowers’ flower cart starting at 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. or until they’re all gone.

When: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sunday, May 12

Where: Lena Brewing Company, 9416 W. Wagner Road, Lena

Coming next week

Monday Murders Book Club: Rules of Prey by John Sandford

What: Discuss the first in Sandford's "Prey" series (now on number 34) and see if it is a fitting beginning to his series. Everyone is welcome for this book group. No registration. Pick up a copy of the book on the second floor of the library.

When: 1-2 p.m. Monday, May 13

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

Basic Skills Photography Class

What: Learn to use your camera in manual, covering the basics of exposure, focal length, aperture, shutter speed, ISO, lighting and flash. Limited spots; email chellesillustrations@gmail.com to register.

When: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 14

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

Cost: $125

Zento wine dinner

What: The Great Debate hosts this four-course pairing dinner with wines from Italy.

When: 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, May 15 (doors open at 5:45 p.m.)

Where: The Wagner House, 1 E. Spring St., Suite 4338, Freeport

Cost: $85. Must be purchased in advance.

One Book One Freeport planning meeting

What: Anyone is welcome to attend and assist in this planning meeting for One Book One Freeport 2025.

When: 6-7 p.m. Thursday, May 16

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

Cost: Free

Silent Auction

What: The silent auction includes items from more than 80 local businesses, with self-care baskets for yourself, your car and your pets, art pieces and more. Stop by the welcome center to get your bidding number and start bidding.

When: 9 a.m. Monday, May 13 through 6 p.m. Thursday, May 16

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

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: 9 things to do in the Freeport area this weekend