Looking for something to do this weekend in the Freeport area? Here are 10 upcoming events
Stephenson County Restaurant Week
What: Stephenson County Restaurant Week is back with specials, treats and a full listing of all the restaurants our region has to offer.
When: 10 a.m. Friday, April 26 – 10 p.m. Sunday, May 5
Where: See Greaterfreeport.com/restaurantweek for participating locations
Arbor Day Celebration
What: The third annual tree-planting event is sponsored by the Freeport Park District, Kiwanis K Kids, Builders Club, Key Club, City of Freeport and Freeport District 145. Kiwanis Kids groups from local elementary schools will help plant trees near Kids Kastle. This education-focused event offers hands-on learning. Rain or shine.
When: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Friday, April 26
Where: Krape Park, 1799 S. Park Blvd., Freeport
Home Show
What: This Home Show is for the Davis, Durand, Lake Summerset, Dakota, Pecatonica, Roscoe and Brodhead areas. There will be local vendors, drawings for giveaways, face painting for kids, free cotton candy for kids, free snacks and free games with cash prizes for kids.
When: 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Saturday, April 27
Where: Durand American Legion, 211 N. State St., Durand
Beach Party
What: This is a fundraising event by the "Friends of the Freeport Masonic," a not-for-profit organization. Proceeds go to the Freeport Masonic "Restore, Preserve, and Improve" building fund. Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band/Trop Rock, South of the Border. Beverage service by Rafters. 50/50 raffle, photo opportunities, silent auction and a lei greeting. Hawaiian shirts, flip flops, grass skirts, board shorts and coconut shell tops are all encouraged.
When: 7-10 p.m. Saturday, April 27
Where: Freeport Masonic Ballroom, 305 W. Stephenson St., Freeport
Cost: $25; $20 in advance; reserved tables of 8 for $200; VIP sponsor table for 8 $500
Drug Take-Back Day
What: Bring unused prescription and over-the-counter medicines for safe drive-thru service. (The site cannot accept liquids or needles/sharps, only pills or patches.) The service is free and anonymous; no questions asked.
When: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, April 27
Where: Freeport Police Department, 320 W. Exchange St., Freeport
Cost: Free
Celebrity Dinner
What: United Way of Northwest Illinois Celebrity Dinner is a unique event that turns attendees into the celebrities. Table hosts and their guests create themes to compete for the Best Table and appoint their “Celebrity Waiter” to serve them and help raise dollars by engaging other attendees with games, trivia and event-wide challenges. There will also be a silent auction. Proceeds help fund the UWNI's Community Impact Initiatives in Stephenson, Jo Daviess and Carroll counties.
When: 6 p.m. Saturday, April 27
Where: The Freeport Club, 1614 S. Park Blvd., Freeport
Cost: $40
One-year Anniversary Party
What: Celebrate with exclusive deals and freebies all day.
When: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday, April 27
Where: Generations Brewing Co., 1400 S. Adams Ave., Freeport
175th Anniversary Worship and Dinner
What: Celebrate the 175th anniversary of St. John United Church of Christ with special guests from the wider church, former staff and pastors and members of the Freeport community. The Rev. Molly Carlson, Conference Minister of the Illinois Conference UCC (and congregation member), will deliver the anniversary message. There will also be a celebration dinner at 5 p.m. at the Eagle’s Club, with Beltline Cafe catering. There will be history displays and presentations, a silent auction and more.
When: 9:55 a.m. service; 5 p.m. dinner Sunday, April 28
Where: Service at St. John United Church of Christ, 1010 S. Park Blvd., Freeport; Dinner at the Eagle’s Club, 1200 W. Galena Ave., Freeport
37th Annual Consignment Auction
What: The Orangeville Volunteer Fire Department's annual consignment auction is held rain or shine. All commissions go to purchase and update Orangeville Fire Dept. equipment.
When: 8:30 a.m. Sunday, April 28
Where: Orangeville Volunteer Fire Dept., 306 W. High St., Orangeville
Rummage Sale
What: Buy gently used items and help support the Friends Forever Humane Society.
When: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sunday, April 28
Where: Jane Addams Center, 430 W. Washington St., Cedarville
Coming next week
Welding For Garden Art
What: Learn basic mig welding techniques to create a metal insect for your garden. This is a hands-on class. Dress to work in a shop, including long sleeves, long pants, closed-toe shoes and no loose clothing. No prior welding experience necessary. All materials provided.
When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Monday, April 29
Where: Highland Community College, 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport
Cost: $59
Intro to Astronomy
What: This six-week course will provide a foundation for those interested in the science and hobby of astronomy. Come explore the night sky. No previous astronomy knowledge needed. Must be 16 or older.
When: 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays, May 1 – June 5
Where: Doug Firebough Observatory, 2953 W. Stephenson St., Freeport
Cost: $75 due the first day of class
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: 10 things to do this weekend in the Freeport area
