Looking for something to do this weekend in the Rockford area? Here are 24 upcoming events
Rockford City Market
What: Rockford City Market features local growers and vendors who sell handmade products, including vegetables, fruit, eggs, meat, cheeses, flowers, herbs, baked goods, wine and prepared food, as well as artisans and vendors with unique offerings. Most vendors originate within 150 miles of Rockford. Sample local food and brews and listen to live music under the covered pavilion. Families also enjoy free weekly kid's activities. Patten Pending will play May 24.
When: 4-8:30 p.m. Friday, May 24 and Fridays through Sept. 27 (closing at 7:30 p.m. after Labor Day)
Where: Water Street at East State Street, Rockford
Cost: free admission
Howl at the Moon Night Hike
What: Discover the preserves at night, under the full moon. Join one of the FPWC Deputies for a night hike and s'mores. Funderburg is a prime hiking spot with a variety of habitat that makes it a prime spot for observing all things nocturnal: owls, bats, coyotes and more. This is a family-friendly program. Leashed dogs welcome. RSVP online.
When: 8 p.m. Friday, May 24
Where: Funderburg Forest Preserve, 4551 S. Meridian Road, Rockford
Cost: Free
Ski Broncs Show
What: The Loves Park Ski Broncs perform Wednesdays and Fridays during the summer starting May 24.
When: 7-8 p.m. Friday, May 24
Where: Shorewood Park, 252 Evelyn Ave., Loves Park
Cost: Free
Dinner and Comedy Show
What: The show will feature live performances by emcee Jimmy McHugh, feature act Tyler Fowler and headliner Tim Cavanagh. Happy Hour is from 6 – 7 p.m.; the street taco bar is from 6- 7:30 p.m.; the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Reservations for 4 or more receive a $5 discount per person. This event will be held in our outdoor tent.
When: 6 p.m. Friday, May 24
Where: Timber Pointe Golf Club, 5750 Woodstock Road, Poplar Grove
Cost: $45 for dinner and show; $25 for the show only
Music Bingo Night
What: Sign-in starts at 6 p.m., with Music Bingo starting at 6:30 p.m.
When: 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 24
Where: Pig Minds Brewing, 4080 Steele Drive, Machesney Park
Summer Concert Series: Three Good Men
What: The Three Good Men are a spinoff version of Northern Illinois favorites Men of Our Times, in an informal, acoustic set. This is an informal event.
When: 6-8 p.m. Friday, May 24
Where: Franchesco’s, 7128 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
Seventh Annual Miracle Mile Car Show
What: More than 70 trophies will be awarded. Registration opens at 8 am, show starts at 11am, trophies awarded at 2pm. Register your cool ride by May 10th and receive an event T-shirt, goody bag and dash plaque. Entry fee $20, spectators Free! Music by 3D Sound.
When: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday, May 25
Where: Don Carter Lanes, 4007 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: Entry fee $20; free for spectators
Little Scientists
What: Children are invited to use their senses to investigate the magic of seeds! Dress for the weather because we will take a nature walk, as well as enjoy story time and a snack indoors. This program is best suited for children ages 4-6 and their caretakers, siblings are also welcome. Registration closes 24 hours before the program to be able to prepare supplies. The program will be cancelled if there are less than five participants registered.
When: 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 25
Where: Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit
Cost: $7; free when using code “BeloitChamber” in online registration
Pecatonica Farmers Market
What: The Pecatonica Farmers Market offers handmade goods and locally grown products.
When: 8 a.m. – noon Saturdays, May 25 through Aug. 31
Where: Municipal parking lot on the corner of Fourth and Main Streets, Pecatonica
Walk-in Tarot Readings
What: Mini tarot readings with Queen of Cups tarot will be walk-in, first come first served. They last about 10-15 minutes.
When: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, May 25
Where: Inkwell Books & Threads, 106A W. Main St., Rockton
Cost: $15
Roy Orbison and Linda Ronstadt Tribute
What: Trinadora Rocks will perform traditional “icons” concert for Memorial Day Saturday (a 10-year tradition) honoring Roy Orbison and Linda Ronstadt and the stars whose lives touched theirs. Packaged snacks and bottled soft drinks will be available before the concert and during the intermission.
When: 7-9 p.m. Saturday, May 25 (doors open at 6 p.m.)
Where: Spring Creek United Church of Christ, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
Cost: Free admission; goodwill donations from the audience pay the musicians and help defray hosting costs ($10 donation encouraged).
North End City Market
What: The market features vendors with locally grown produce, honey, baked goods, coffee, flowers and more.
When: 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Saturdays, May 25 – Oct. 12
Where: The corner of North Main and Auburn Streets, Rockford
Cost: Free admission
Tad’s on the Rock 16th Anniversary Party
What: Local rock ‘n’ roll band, Shifty Shafer will perform outside on the deck at Tad’s on The Rock's 16 Year Anniversary Party.
When: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, May 25
Where: Tad’s on the Rock, 10 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park
Cost: Free admission
Paddle Trip/the Kish
What: Explore the Kishwaukee River from Bauman Park to Atwood Park. After 30 minutes of dry land instruction and outfitting with Rocktown Adventures, launch and paddle the three hours down to Atwood Park. Let yourself get lost in the forests along the Kishwaukee River. This is not for first time paddlers. We will have obstacles to paddle around.
When: 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 25
Where: Atwood Park, 7074 Rydeberg Road, New Milford
Plant and Propagation Swap
What: This is the ultimate houseplant lover's event. Bring a plant or cutting to trade with other green thumbs and for just $5-$10, staff will help you re-pot your plant.
When: 4-5 p.m. Saturday, May 25
Where: Buckets and Blooms, 647 S. Blackhawk Blvd., Rockton
Cost: Free admission
Undisputed Armwrestling Challenge (UAC)
What: Experience intense armwrestling action live at the UAC Machesney Park debut. The event is in supermatch format. There will be left hand matches, right hand matches and a main event, with 20 –minute intermission. Athletes scheduled to appear include: Kyle "Thunder" Nelson, "Vanilla Gorilla" Danny Vowels and Urbano Ponce.
When: 5 p.m. Saturday, May 25 (doors open at 4:30 p.m.)
Where: Harlem Community Center, 900 Roosevelt Road, Machesney Park
Cost: $10; $5 for ages 12 and younger; free for toddlers sitting on a parent or guardian’s lap
4th Anniversary: Urban Forest Craft Brewing
What: Celebrate the business’s fourth anniversary with live music from Woodzen and Irene’s Entropy; food from Pit Stop Barbeque and Sugar Jones; special beer releases, UFCB 4th Anniversary glassware.
When: Noon Saturday, May 25
Where: Urban Forest Craft Brewing, 6551 E. Riverside Blvd. Suite 112, Rockford
French Actress Album Release
What: Album release show for new French Actress album on The Norwegian's back patio. There will be a speciality cocktail, beer, and wine served.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, May 25
Where: The Norwegian back patio, 1402 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
Black Men in Excellence Gala
What: The inaugural Black Men in Excellence gala is a celebration to uplift and support successful and influential black male leaders in the Rockford community. Dress to impress in your finest attire as we honor and showcase the excellence within the Black community. Walk the red carpet, mingle with fellow attendees, and enjoy music, dancing, and special performances. Tickets available on Eventbrite.
When: 8 p.m. – midnight Sunday, May 26
Where: The Standard, 214 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: $30
Pig Minds Boozy Book Fair
What: Just like your old-school book fair but with beer. Shop from local bookstores and vendors to find your next favorite book. Confirmed bookstores: Inkwell Books & Threads, Maze Bookstore and Drewelow's House of Books. Confirmed authors: Stephanie Scott, Victoria Ashley, Karla Clark, Tricia Wagner, Jennifer Lloyd, JP Rindfleisch IX and Cat Stark.
When: Noon – 5 p.m. Sunday, May 26
Where: Pig Minds Brewing Co., 4080 Steele Drive, Machesney Park
Cost: Free admission
Summerween: Half-way to Halloween
What: Wolf Hollow welcomes artists of the macabre, spooky and horror genres to this event. There will also be music, a summer pumpkin carving contest, local food trucks and a dunk tank. Dunking special guest appearance victims. For all ages.
When: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday, May 26
Where: Wolf Hollow Gift Shoppe, 3800 E. State St., Suite 103, Rockford
Cost: Free
Acoustic Festival
What: Acts run from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Each act plays a 30-minute set.
When: 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. Sunday, May 26
Where: Neighbors Bar & Grill, 7745 Forest Hills Road, Loves Park
Paint and Sip: Toadstools
What: Paint some mushrooms, feel the artistic vibes, munch on snacks and groove to the beat of our 2000s and Today’s playlist. Tickets include an 11”x14” canvas, all paint and supplies, raffle entry, one lemonade or mocktail and step-by-step guidance.
When: 4-6 p.m. Sunday, May 26
Where: Buckbee Wake & Bakery, 275 Deane Drive, Rockford
Cost: $30
Trucker Hat Bar
What: The newest trend, customizable trucker hats are the perfect way to show your interests and style. Create your own one-of-a-kind piece. Ticket provides access to Beyond Apparel’s Hat Bar and one trucker hat with up to three patches and/or pins of your choice. Add extra patches, pins and hat chains for an additional fee. This is a hat bar, not a typical class, so feel free to stop in anytime between noon and 2 p.m. to customize your Otto Brand Trucker hat. Reserve your spot by purchasing a ticket ahead of time.
When: Noon – 2 p.m. Sunday, May 26
Where: DC Estates, 8877 State Line Road, South Beloit
Cost: $32
Coming next week
Memorial Day events
What: Parade, Memorial Day ceremony and the annual Sinking of the Ship ceremony. The Memorial Day parade proceeds at 9 a.m. north on Seventh Street to Charles Street, Charles Street to State Street. Units will then travel west on State Street and turn north on Wyman Street, then proceed north to Beattie Park. Once the parade has ended at approximately 10 a.m., N. Wyman Street between Mulberry Street and Jefferson Street will remain closed and the Memorial Day program will begin. The ceremony will conclude with a moment of silence, then a Memorial Rose ceremony and the playing of Taps. Memorial Day activities continue with the annual riverside Sinking of the Ship Ceremony including the reading of General Order #11, a wreath presentation, a 21-gun salute by the Rockford Detachment Marine Corp League and the sinking of the ship presented by the Navy Club Ship #1 on the river bank behind the Rockford Public Library.
When: 9 a.m. to noon Monday, May 27
Where: Downtown Rockford
Dockside Live
What: Dockside Live is a locally-focused and intimate live music experience on the dock. The May 27 performer, David Hayes, is a music maker, singer songwriter, Power Trio Rocker. Live music from 6-9 p.m.; the kitchen is open until 9 p.m. The event is for all ages. During Dockside Live, enjoy walk-up bar service with open seating on our lower dock “lounge” area or see our host stand to sit down for full menu table service. No reservations allowed. First come, first served hostess seating.
When: 6-9 p.m. Monday, May 27
Where: Prairie Street Brewing Co., 200 Prairie St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
Tuesday Evening in the Gardens
What: Tuesday Evening in the Gardens features local, regional and nationally touring musicians. Guests are invited to enter and set up seating area at 5 p.m. Blankets, lawn chairs and small tables are welcome. The parking lot fills up early; off-site parking at the College of Medicine with complimentary shuttle service to and from the Visitor Center. Food and beverages are available for purchase. Carry-in picnic suppers are welcome; carry-in beverages are not allowed. Bags will be checked upon entry. Paul McDonald of Nashville, Tennesse, starts performance at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 28, with opening act Tae and the Neighborly, of Green Bay, Wisconsin, starting at 5:30 p.m.
When: 5:45 – 8 p.m. Tuesdays, May 28 – Aug. 27
Where: Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
Cost: $12; $11 for seniors; $10 for Military and students; Free for age 5 and younger or Premium Garden Members
Rockton River Market
What: Enjoy food, wine or wine slushies from After the Vine, the market and fun with friends. Blues band Harpo’s Revue will perform May 29.
When: 5 – 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 29
Where: Settlers Park, 128 E. Hawick St., Rockton
Cost: Free admission
NAMI/Circle of Change Dog Walk
What: Join Circle of Change and NAMI on the Sinnissippi Bike Path with your pooch for a night of walking and talking. Meet by the YMCA on the bike path to start.
When: 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 29
Where: Sinnissippi Bike Path
Cost: Free
Dinner on the Dock
What: The 2024 Dinner on the Dock Music offers guests food, locally brewed craft beer and locally and nationally recognized musical acts. Come by car or boat and relax on the dock. The performer for May 30 is South of Disorder, a suburban Chicago-based cover/tribute band that comes in many sizes dedicated to the music of Jimmy Buffett and the beach, good times and the search for the perfect margarita.
When: 6-11 p.m. Thursday, May 30
Where: Prairie Street Brewing Co., 200 Prairie St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission; table and boat slip reservations available
Hydrangeas Painting
What: Paint hydrangeas in ball jars on wood. This is a beginner-friendly event. Jars will be pre-drawn. Online admission fee includes one 12x16” wood board, all painting materials and instruction. Ernie’s will have food and drink specials that night.
When: 6 p.m. Thursday, May 30
Where: Ernie’s Midtown Pub, 1025 Fifth Ave., Rockford
Cost: $38
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: 24 things to do this weekend in the Rockford area
