Yeti Fest, Mardi Gras wine tasting, Valentine's Bash and more: 14 things to do in Rockford
Super Bowl Sunday is just days away with Valentine's Day not far behind it.
Here are 14 things to do in the Rockford area this weekend with a few things to do next week.
Yeti Fest
What: Rockton's annual four-day festival is underway and features activities for kids, like a hot cocoa crawl and dance party, as well as events for adults like the adult onesie pub crawl. A full list of events can be found on Facebook.
When: Wednesday, Feb. 8 through Saturday, Feb. 10
Where: Downtown Rockton
For more: Rockton Yeti Fest on Facebook
An Evening with Orchids
What: Celebrate the annual orchid display at Nicholas Conservatory with wine, chocolate and light appetizers. This year’s theme is inspired by Carnival. Be the first to shop specialty orchids by Anything Orchids. Cash bar. For ages 21 and older. Pre-registration encouraged.
When: 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9
Where: Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. Second St., Rockford
Cost: $30; $25 for members
For more: 815-987-8858
Rockford IceHogs
What: Friday, the IceHogs take on the Texas Stars in Margarita Night. Hawaiian shirt giveaway to the first 2,500 guests 21 or older. Saturday, the IceHogs play the Chicago Wolves. There will be a jersey retirement and ring of honor ceremony for former Chicago Blackhawks player Corey Crawford at 6:25 p.m. before the game.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9 and Saturday, Feb. 10
Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford
Cost: $16-$26
For more: icehogs.com
Romance, Poetry and Valentines
What: This romantic program will feature music by four composers whose sound world was inspired by poetry, the human voice, and one another: Schumann, Brahms, Mahler, and Viktor Ullman. The concert will open with a performance of Brahms Nanie, music set to the poem Nanie by Friedrich Schiller, whose text will be sung by the Nielsen Chorale. The concert will close with Robert Schumann’s 4th symphony, the poet of the piano, and also an inspiration to Brahms. Also on the program is a short work by Gustav Mahler, whose music was heavily influenced by both Brahms and Schumann.
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10
Where: Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $10-$66
For more: 815- 965-0049
The Bricks Second Annual Wedding Expo 2024
What: Come for music, drinks, food and more while meeting some of the best vendors in the area.
When: 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 10
Where: The Bricks Venue Center, 125 Walnut St., Cherry Valley
Cost: Free
For more:The Bricks Wedding Expo on Facebook
Synergy grand opening
What: Join Synergy as they have a grand opening at its new location at the Edgebrook Shopping center. There will be raffles, deals along with readings available throughout the day. Cash recommended.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10
Where: Edgebrook Center,1625 N. Alpine Road, Rockford
For more:Synergy Collective on Facebook
Winter Tree ID and Hot Cocoa Walk
What: Embrace the season by getting outside and learning something new. Laura Helmich, a field biologist at the Natural Land Institute, will lead a guided walk and teach you how to identify trees in winter. Warm up in our building with complimentary hot chocolate before the hike gets started. This program is best suited for ages 13 and older and will include about a mile of walking on ungroomed trails. To help reduce waste, bring your own mug. Coffee and hot herbal tea also provided, as well as paper cups. Space is limited; please RSVP if you plan to attend.
When: 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10
Where: Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit
Cost: Free
For more: 815-200-6910
Valentine's Bash
What: Deon Freeman and Mike Relerford host Valentine's Bash 2024. Enjoy the night with your significant other or come with friends. Dress to impress.
When: 9 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Feb. 10
Where: Lynex at CherryVale Mall, Rockford
Cost: $50-$600, tickets available on Event Brite
For more:Valentine's Bash on Facebook
Daughter Dance: Barbie
What: Step into the magical world of "Barbie Land" at this special event. Daughters can celebrate with their dads, grandpas, uncles or any other cherished grown-up on a night of dancing and photo booth opportunities. Each daughter receives a special corsage. This event is open to the public, but advanced registration is required.
When: 6 to8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10
Where: Northeast Branch YMCA, 8451 Orth Road, Loves Park
Cost: $30 per member couple; $15 additional sibling member; $60 per program member couple; $30 per additional sibling member
For more: 815-489-1252
Verses & Valentines
What: Trinadora (Janel Nelson and Ron Holm) and Christine Swanberg (Rockford's first Poet Laureate) present a Valentine's season matinee concert of music and poetry celebrating the many forms of love. The event is an Inscape Collective production, presented by Rockford Urban Ministries. Limited seating. The Inscape Collective store will be open at 11 a.m. Arrive early, claim your seat, and shop our extensive, carefully curated collection of beautiful handmade art and gift items from local artists and artisans. Plus, bid on a great selection of silent auction items.
When: 3 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10
Where: Inscape Collective, 201 Seventh St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission; $10 donation for performers suggested
For more: 815-979-1949
South Side Stories and Music Sharing: A Community Open Mic
What: An evening of rhythm, rhymes and comrades hosted by Skye Gia Garcia, Christopher Sims and Kristen Cottrell. Free snacks.
When: 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10
Where: Brooke Road Community Center, 1404 Brooke Road, Rockford
For more: 815-231-6656
Mardi Gras Wine Tasting
What: Come for an evening of music, hors d'oeuvres and wine. Put on your best Mardi Gras attire, indulge in a selection of wines from Artale & Co. and celebrate the spirit of Mardi Gras.
When: 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10
Where: Waukesha Hangar, Poplar Grove Vintage Wings and Wheels Museum, Orth Road, Poplar Grove
Cost: $50, tickets available on Event Brite
For more: 815-547-3115
Creative Companions Night
What: Tickets include two mocktails or lemonade, canvas, paint, guidance, games and door prize for two artists.
When: 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11
Where: Buckbee Wake & Bakery, 275 Deane Drive, Rockford
Cost: $65
For more: 779-272-1078
Open Studio: Love Bites
What: Come select one of several love-themed paintings with step-by-step directions. You will choose a canvas size and receive paints based on your choice. A resident artist will be available for guidance as needed. Space is limited; register in advance online.
When: 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11
Where: 317 Collective, 317 Market St., Rockford
Cost: $16-$25 depending on size of canvas; canvas, paints and assistance included
For more: 815-272-0411
Coming next week:
Board Painting
What: Come for a Valentines-themed board painting event. Boards are already sanded and stained ready to paint. Choose your board color and stencil at the event from many available.
When: 5 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12
Where: Windsor Pizza Parlor, 1054 Windsor Road, Loves Park
Cost: $10-$25 cash, card or Venmo
For more: 815-703-1004
Swiftie Bingo Night
What: This is a 60-minute workshop which includes six rounds of bingo and choice of one Eras candy heart to go project kit. The event also features a complimentary beverage, freshly popped popcorn, bingo prizes and nonstop Taylor Swift music. Each attendee must have their own reservation. All ages welcome. You can bring your own beverage your choice. There are openers and glasses for your use.
When: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13
Where: Bristle & Timber, 6140 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park
Cost: $35, make a reservation online
For more: 779-970-6804
Galentine’s Day Party
What: Grab your besties for the annual celebration of sisterhood, friendship and ladies celebrating ladies. Special events at Dairyhaus, DeDee’s Main St. Coffee, JR Finally Art, Inkwell Books & Threads, Ric-Rac Embellishments, Sugar Britches, Frosted Farmhouse, Pick-A-Dilly Antiques, Healing Touch Acupuncture, Talcott Free Library and Truly Treasured Gift n Thrift.
When: 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13
Where: Downtown Rockton
For more:Downtown Rockford on Facebook
Singles Valentine Soiree
What: Come mingle, chat and network in the company of like-minded individuals. You'll enjoy a lively atmosphere filled with laughter, music and food. Whether you're looking for new connections or just want to have a good time, this event is for you. You'll be surrounded by sustainable decor and an eco-conscious ambiance. Come as you are, bring your single friends, and let's celebrate love in all its forms.
When: 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14
Where: Earth Zero Waste, 327 W. Jefferson St., Rockford
Cost: $5, tickets available on Event Brite
For more: Hello@earthzerowaste.com
Love Stinks: Anti-Valentine's Day Comedy Show
What: Broken hearted and bitter? Single and loving it? Come for a hilarious anti-Valentine's Day live comedy event.
When: 5:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14
Where: Riverview Inn & Suites and Riverview Event Center, 700 W. Riverside Blvd., Rockford
Cost: No cover charge
For more: 815-282-3033
Kathi Edwards is a freelance correspondent.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Valentine's Day weekend offers 14 things to do in the Rockford area