Looking for something to do in the Rockford area this weekend. Here are 19 upcoming events

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 thriving sex app for seniors. And 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 heartfelt 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

Moved by Waters

What: Sinnissippi Audubon welcomes Emmy award-winning documentary filmmakers Kelly and Tammy Rundle of Fourth Wall Films as they premiere their new documentary “Moved by Waters.” The screening of this film is part of the World Migratory Bird Day celebration. “Moved by Waters” is a documentary focused on the network of people and organizations in Iowa and Illinois working toward improved water quality in Upper Mississippi Watershed. Two other short environmental/nature films by Kelly and Tammy will also be shown. Afterward, the filmmakers will answer questions about their work.

When: 7 p.m. Friday, May 10

Where: The RPL Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford

Cost: Free

Reginald Thomas Trio

What: This trio showcases their interplay as they explore jazz music. On piano, Reggie shows off a sensitive touch, sophisticated harmonies and fleet single-note runs.

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 10

Where: Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center, 415 N. Church St., Rockford

Cost: $25; $6 for students. Save with advance tickets.

Scary Encounters with the Haunted Rockford Crew

What: Haunted Rockford Crew members Kathi Kresol, Sara Bowker and Samantha Hochmann have been researching and investigating local legends and tales of the paranormal for years. They will share some disturbing experiences with phantom hitchhikers, cemetery specters and other encounters with the dead. After the presentation, enjoy a tour of the historic Tinker Swiss Cottage with the chance to have your own paranormal encounter. You are welcome and encouraged to bring your equipment. This event begins in the Barn.

When: 7-10 p.m. Friday, May 10

Where: Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum & Gardens, 411 Kent St., Rockford

Cost: $25; must be purchased in advance

9^th Annual Budding Artists Gala

What: The Kiwanis Club of Rockford's fundraiser provides an opportunity for young artists by showcasing their talent, as well as supporting and teaching them about philanthropy. Selected students from 10 area high schools (Auburn, Boylan Catholic, Christian Life, East, Guilford, Jefferson, Keith Country Day School, Rockford Christian, Rockford Lutheran and Roosevelt) earn money for their original artwork. They keep 50% of the sale price for their piece while the other half goes to Kiwanis to award funds to area organizations that help children in the community. Senior student participants are eligible to apply for an education scholarship. Each school's art department receives $250 to use as needed. Guests will view art, mingle and enjoy a cash bar and dinner while listening to live music by Emerald Wind.

When: 5:30-9 p.m. Friday, May 10

Where: Radisson Hotel & Conference Center, 200 S. Bell School Road, Rockford

Cost: $75

Wild Ones Native Plant Sale

What: There will be more than 6,000 plants ideal for woodland and prairie locations. In addition to many popular species such as Phlox divaricata (Woodland Phlox) and Asclepias incarnata (Red Milkweed), some new species including Symphyotrichum sericeum (Silky Aster) and Opuntia humifusa (Eastern Prickly Pear) will be offered.

When: 3-7 p.m. Friday, May 10 and 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, May 11

Where: Paulson Farm, 4601 Paulson Road, Caledonia

Rockford Peaches Playdate

What: Watch The Women of the Rockford Peaches Living History League play ball in the Village. Admission includes entrance to the Victorian Village and the Museum Center, where you can also see the Rockford Peaches exhibit. Families are encouraged to dress up like the 1940s. Light concessions and Peaches merchandise will be available for purchase. We have bleachers, but lawn chairs are welcome. For twelve seasons, the Rockford Peaches thrilled fans with some of the best baseball the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League had to offer. In the process, they won four league titles - more than any other team.

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

Where: Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford

Cost: $14 for ages 13 and older; $12 for ages 12 and younger or seniors 62 and older; free for ages 0-4 and for members

All Will Come Again

What: All Will Come Again is an original 45-minute dance work choreographed by Caitlyn and Meghan Baylor. The piece explores the process of moving through a medical diagnosis as twin sisters and of confronting the anguish and beauty in the healing process.

When: 7-8 p.m. Saturday, May 11

Where: The Rockford Theatre inside the Rockford Women’s Club, 323 Park Ave., Rockford

Cost: $10-$15

Bloomfest 2024

What: This market will be full of handmade artisan goods, food trucks, kid’s activities, live music, a plant and flower sale and a community art project.

When: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, May 11

Where: Womanspace Labyrinth and Gardens, 3333 Maria Linden Drive, Rockford

Gala Variety Dance Party

What: Rockford Fraternal Order of Eagles #392 hosts gala dance party in its Middle Hall, preceded by a "Heartbreak Cafe" dinner served from 5-6:30 p.m. Trinadora Rocks will provide live music for dancing and listening. Expect a wide variety of music by Janel Nelson, Ron Holm, John Bishoff and Doyle Miller on more than a dozen instruments accompanying their vocals. Styles range from rock, Latin, waltz, pop, line dance, disco, swing, country and polka. Non-dancers are encouraged to attend and enjoy the sounds and sights.

When: 7-10 p.m. Saturday, May 11

Where: Rockford Eagles Club, 3829 11th St., Rockford

Cost: Free admission; dinner available for purchase

Junior Doctor Day

What: Discover the wonders of your body as you listen to your heartbeat, put your reflexes to the test, craft your own petri dish and explore the world of organs with students from the University of Illinois College of Medicine – Rockford.

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

Where: Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford

Cost: Included with museum admission: $10; free for members or children age 1 and younger

Mom’s Day to Wine

What: Partnering with After the Vine, Historic Auto Attractions hosts a wine tasting not just for moms. Taste some blends in a unique space. Celebrate mom and bring dad too. Sip wine in an 1800s Western town, surrounded by artifacts in the new Frontier Land. Must be 21 or older.

When: 6-8 p.m. Saturday, May 11

Where: Historic Auto Attractions, 13825 Metric Drive, Roscoe

Cost: $45; $80 for a couple; includes tasting wine glass

Soundscapes

What: This concert will explore the inspiration composers took from nature. Brahms turned to nature for ideas and inspiration. The concert will open with his violin concerto in collaboration with violinist Simone Porter. Another aspect of nature will be explored with Cantus Arcticus, a work by Finnish composer Einojuhani Rautavaara, which is a concerto for birds and orchestra. The work explores the sounds of nature, pairing the orchestra alongside recordings of actual birds singing. The concert will end with La Mer (The Sea) by Claude Debussy.

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 11

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

Cost: $26-$66 for adults; $15 for students; $10 for children

Country Line Dancing Night

What: All your favorite country music will be playing all night. Ericka will teach line dancing from 8-10 p.m., then there will be open line dancing from 10 p.m. to closing time.

When: 8 p.m. to close Saturday, May 11

Where: Upstairs, Rockton Inn, 102 E. Main St., Rockton

Book Signing: Mary Kay Morrison

What: Local author Mary Kay Morrison will be signing her book, Legacy of Laughter.

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

Where: Barnes & Noble, Cherryvale Mall, 7200 Harrison Ave., Rockford

15th Annual Women in Islam

What: This event is for women and girls only, ages 12 and older. Have dinner as Muslim women share their experiences in America, then there will be entertainment and a bazaar. Non-Muslims register on Eventbrite for free. Muslims, because of limited capacity, please purchase $10 ticket from Barbra at the office.

When: 4 p.m. Saturday, May 11

Where: Muslim Association of Greater Rockford, 5921 Darlene Drive, Rockford

Cost: Free admission

Mom & Me Pop-Up

What: Bring mom for tattoos, permanent jewelry and nail services: are all buy one get one half off. We will have food, drinks, shopping with vendors and more.

When: Noon – 4 p.m. Saturday, May 11

Where: Signature Ink & Beauty, 1115 Charles St., Rockford

BOLF

What: Kegels Bicycle Store and The Olympic Tavern host your opportunity to experience the new trend in sporting events that's not sweeping the nation: BOLF, a combination of mountain bike racing, ball golf, disc golf and foot golf. This will be a six lap (18 hole) race with each lap being a complete circuit of the trail system (down freestyle across the bridge to complete the Magic Carpet, then back up the freestyle climb trail to the clubhouse. Between each lap, there will be three Bolf challenges to complete (golf putt, disc golf basket and a foot golf hole.) Items you'll need to bring are a bicycle and helmet; putter (bedazzled, bejeweled or otherwise festooned to be recognizable in a pile); golf ball (bedazzled, bejeweled or otherwise festooned to be recognizable in a pile); soccer or otherwise kickable ball (bedazzled, bejeweled, or otherwise festooned to be recognizable in a pile). Disc golf discs will be provided. Professional disc golfers will be mortified. Use a pseudonym for your Bolf alter-ego. There will be a Bolf afterparty at 3 p.m. at The Olympic Tavern, 2327 N. Main St., Rockford, with prizes provided by Kegels and The Olympic.

When: 1 p.m. Saturday, May 11

Where: Alpine Hills Adventure Park, 4402 Larson Ave., Rockford

Cost: Free; trail donations welcomed

Wild & Otherwise: Farmhouse & Wild Ale Tasting

What: Representatives from Is/Was and Hopewell will each pour a table of their own labels in addition to a spectacular 'house' table offering a variety of old world and new world classics. Reserve your spot in person at the store, over the phone or online.

When: 3-5 p.m. Saturday, May 11

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

Cost: $20

Coming next week

Yin Yoga and Sound Healing

What: Inner Prana Yoga and The Sacred Tree offer an hour of restorative yin yoga paired with sound healing. Limited props and mats available. No registration.

When: 6:45-7:45 p.m. Wednesday, May 15

Where: Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit

Cost: $25; cash, Venmo or Paypal

Prairie Street Give Back

What: Visit Prairie Street Brewing Co. anytime for food or drinks May 15. Twenty-percent of all receipts will go back to Golden Apple Foundation of Rockford to support their mission to inspire, celebrate and support excellence in local education through recognition, teacher scholarships, classroom grants and community involvement.

When: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Wednesday, May 15

Where: Prairie Street Brewhouse, 200 Prairie St., Rockford

60th Annual Food-a-Rama

What: Indulge in deli-style corned beef sandwiches. To guarantee your favorite deli food is not sold out, please order online in advance. Buy 50/50 raffle tickets (1 for $5; 6 for $20 or 12 for $40) at the event or online. Half the pot goes to a lucky winner; the rest supports the community. We offer corned beef or turkey pastrami sandwiches along with several a-la carte options. Delivery and pickup options available.

When: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 15

Where: Temple Beth-El, 1203 Comanche Drive, Rockford

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 May 16 is Shuffle This, a Rockford cover band. They play rock, classic rock, pop, country and dance covers. For all ages.

When: 6-11 p.m. Thursday, May 16

Where: Prairie Street Brewing Co., 200 Prairie St., Rockford

Cost: Free admission; table and boat slip reservations available

Building Bridges to Recovery

What: Professional skateboarder, actor, stunt performer and author Brandon Novak is known for appearances in MTV’s hit show Viva La Bam and film Jackass. Brandon’s path has been paved with obstacles, but he has managed to navigate through the darkness and emerge stronger than ever. Novak's story serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always a glimmer of hope to be discovered. Through his commitment to his own well-being, he has become an inspiration for countless individuals seeking to heal. Before the program, learn about dozens of local mental health resources, including those funded by the Winnebago County Community Mental Health Board.

When: 4:30 p.m. Thursday, May 16

Where: Embassy Suites Rockford, 629 S. Wyman St., Rockford

Cost: Free general admission; $10 for admission with book purchase

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: 19 things to do in the Rockford area this weekend