Looking for something to do this weekend in the Rockford area? Here are 42 upcoming events
Judy Collins
What: The legendary singer/songwriter of more than 50 years will perform.
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 3
Where: The Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $19-$157
Forest City/Colonial Village Farmers Market
What: Honey, fresh produce, bakers, chefs, handicrafts and wares are available as well as many new handpicked juried vendors this year.
When: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Friday, May 3 and Fridays through Oct. 25
Where: Colonial Village Parking Lot, 1280 S. Alpine Road, Rockford
Gabriel Karangianis opening reception
What: Gabriel Karangianis is an artist and longtime resident of the Starline Factory in Harvard, Ill. His paintings invoke the complexities of human emotion, often in muted tones, with the influence of abstract and surreal art movements. Gabriel uses themes such as mythology and religion, with influence from artists of times past. All are welcome. Show runs through May 25.
When: 5-9 p.m. Friday, May 3
Where: 317 Art Collective, 317 Market St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
First Friday Wine Tasting
What: Help raise money for KFACT: Keeping Families and Communities Together as you sample 24 different wines from around the world. KFACT specializes in providing an array of holistic comprehensive services: school-based prevention education groups, intervention services, youth development programs, youth advocacy, college and career mentorship, transitional assistance from high school to post-secondary education and ongoing support through e-mentoring.
When: 5:30-8 p.m. Friday, May 3
Where: Artale Wine Co., 6876 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
Cost: $20 cash or check donation to KFACT
Across the Pond: Songs from the British Isles
What: Rockford University’s Regent Singers, Vocal Collective and other members of the Performing Arts department choirs present a celebration of music from England, Ireland, Wales, and Scotland. Hear the bawdy to the sublime songs like “Loch Lomond” and “What Shall We do with a Drunken Sailor?” plus Beatles and other pop music icons. We will also be accepting donations at the door for our trip to Scotland for the Festival Fringe, where our students will be performing.
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 3
Where: Maddox Theatre, Clark Arts Center at Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: $12; $9 for non-RU students and seniors; group rates available
Plant sale
What: You can buy herbs, veggies, flowers and perennials, succulents and planters for Mother’s Day gifts. Rain or shine outdoor event. No facilities and no pets.
When: 1 0a.m. – 4 p.m. Friday, May 3 – Sunday, May 5 and Friday, May 10 – Sunday, May 12
Where: Wind Ridge Herb Farm, 466 Quail Trap Road, Caledonia
Bird club
What: Practice noticing details while connecting with nature. This beginner-friendly bird outing will include an introduction to birding and guided stroll on our Rock River Birding & Hiking Trail, a one-mile loop path. All levels of experience welcome. Binoculars provided.
When: 7:30 – 9 a.m. Friday, May 3
Where: Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit
Cost: $5
Fun in the Sun Spring Ice Show
What: Rockford Park District's Figure Skating Department will host its annual Spring Ice Show featuring more than 50 local skaters of all ages and levels from Rockford Park District programs in group, solo, specialty and synchronized musical performances. Guest skaters this year are Cindy Crouse, silver medalist at the 2024 Prevagen U.S. Adult Figure Skating Championships, and Lorenzo Elano, a two-time Junior National competitor and three-time National Development Team member.
When: 6 p.m. Friday, May 3 and 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday, May 4
Where: Carlson Ice Arena,
Cost: $5; free for children age 5 and younger; $10 all-show ticket for all three shows
4 Momz 2 Momz consignment sale
What: The resale/consignment sale is hosted by the Prairie Grange #1832.
When: Friday, May 3 and Saturday, May 4
Where: Boone County Fairgrounds, 8791 IL 76, Belvidere
Pour in the Park
What: There will be food, beer, music, games and midwestern fun at Roscoe’s beer fest. E xpect several beer tents, each with its own style of beer or featured brewery. We will have beers from Germany, Mexico, Boston and Wisconsin, as well as featured ciders, seltzers and other beverages. E njoy yard games and food from your favorite local trucks.
When: Noon – 4 p.m. Saturday, May 4 (VIP opens at 11 a.m.)
Where: Riverside Park, 5149 Rowena Drive, Roscoe
Cost: $10-$250
Friends of RPL Spring Book Sale
What: The sale includes gently used books, CDs, DVDs and more priced between $.25 and $.50 each. Money raised will help buy equipment and materials that support Rockford Public Library's programs and services.
When: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday, May 4
Where: Rockford Public Library, 214 N. Church St., Rockford
Lockwood Park Opening Day
What: Enjoy the outdoors and engage in unique activities at Lockwood’s opening day of the season. May 4 is also Kentucky Derby day, so wearing fancy hats is encouraged. Free activities include visiting Sarver Children’s Farm barn and petting zoo, meeting baby chicks and calves, playing yard and Derby-themed games.
When: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, May 4
Where: Lockwood Park, 5201 Safford Road, Rockford
Cost: Free admission; some activities are paid
Edgewater and Churchill Grove neighborhood sales
What: The annual event includes blocks of sales in both neighborhoods. Highlighting the entertainment this year is Emily Hurd, who will perform from 9-11 a.m. in the Churchill Grove sale’s concession area on Sherman Street between Camp Avenue and Harlem Boulevard. From Noon-3 p.m., realbeautifulyou.com will host a free chair yoga class. Porta-potties, tables and chairs will also be available in the concession area.
When: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday, May 4
Where: Edgewater and Churchill Grove neighborhoods, northwest Rockford
Cost: Free admission
Spring ephemerals
What: Explore spring ephemerals in the first Backpacking with Burpee class. Open to all ages; children younger than 16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Tickets available online.
When: 10 a.m. – noon Saturday, May 4
Where: Oak Ridge Forest Preserve, 8321 Blomberg Road, Cherry Valley
Cost: $7
Book Launch: author Brandon Noble
What: Meet author Brandon Noble, who is launching his new book, "The Crimson Court" and will be signing full-color deluxe editions (and normal editions) of his latest novel. Special bookmarks, art prints and previous titles will also be available for purchase.
When: Noon – 3 p.m. Saturday, May 4
Where: Maze Books, 406 E. State St., Rockford
Cinco de Rockford 2024
What: This two-day fiesta features food trucks, pop-ups, vendors, a children's corner, a Jalapeño eating contest, DJs, live bands, giveaways and more. A car/bike show will be held on Sunday (custom, classic, truck, bike and bicycle categories), plus a Meet and Greet with Victor Rivers, aka Magic, from the movie, “Blood in Blood Out,” and many other movies and shows. Merchandise and autographs available for additional cost. Proceeds from this event benefit two local nonprofits.
When: 1-7 p.m. Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5
Where: 5909 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: $1 entry fee; $10 car show registration; $25 meet/greet with photos of Victor Rivers
Demo Day
What: Test paddle kayaks, canoes and SUPs under Rocktown Adventure’s paddlesport staff supervision in short 10-15 minute segments and learn what fits you best. You will get some paddling tips as well.
When: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, May 4
Where: Rocktown Adventures, 313 N. Madison St., Rockford
Cost: $20
Psychic, Medium, Tarot, Medical Intuitive + Chakras
What: Connect with readers in 20-min. appointments. Schedule time slots in advance online. All walk-ins will be on a first-come, first-served basis. All readers provide their own pricing and payment options. We recommend bringing cash. The store will remain open for shopping from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
When: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday, May 4
Where: Synergy Collective, 1625 N. Alpine Road, Rockford
Cost: Free admission
Rockton May Day Faerie Festival
What: There will be maypole dancing, a fairy scavenger hunt, crafts, music, fairy parades, a costume contest, storytelling, labyrinth walk, a wishing tree, enchanted vendors and sweet treats.
When: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, May 4
Where: Settler’s Park, 125 W. Hawick St., Rockton
Seasons Quilt Show
What: More than 250 quilts will be on display, along with a special exhibit by Cherrywood Fabrics "Endangered Species," a silent auction, raffle quilt, Antique Sewing Machine display, quilting demonstrations both days and a Quilts of Valor presentation Saturday afternoon by the local Quilt of Valor chapter.
When: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, May 4 and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday, May 5
Where: Mercyhealth Sportscore II, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park
Cost: $8
Spring 2024
What: Bring your mom for a day together or shop our more than 30 unique handmade vendors for a Mother’s Day gift.
When: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday, May 4
Where: The Twisted Tulip, 7901 Burden Road, Machesney Park
Flashback 2000s
What: Flashback to "Apple Bottom Jeans Boots with the Fur." Dance to your favorites on the dance floor upstairs. Free Photobooth. Both up and downstairs bars open. Kitchen open until 10 p.m.
When: 9 p.m. Saturday, May 4
Where: Rockton Inn Pub & Grub, 102 N. Main St., Rockton
Italian Heritage in Rockford
What: Learn about the history of Italians in Rockford in person or on Zoom. Lifelong Winnebago county resident Steven Salvato will speak. Steve was born into a full-blooded Sicilian and Roman Catholic family with strong Italian traditions passed down through the years. He started family research in 1999 and learned very quickly the saying that "Italians are related or connected." His database has 170,000 names and continues to grow. He is on the board of the Greater Italian American Association and in the GRIAA Italian for his work within the community.
When: 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 4
Where: Rockford Public Library, 6685 E. State St., Rockford
Rockford BMX Beginners League open house
What: The BMX Beginner's League program is geared to newcomers to the sport. Riders of any age/skill level are welcome on pedal bikes. Bikes and helmets provided.
When: 10 a.m. – noon Saturday, May 4
Where: Rockford BMX, 4950 Safford Road, Rockford
Cost: Free
Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind
What: This cult favorite of 30 plays in 60 minutes includes comic, tragic, political, and personal plays in a one of a kind show.
When: 8-9 p.m. Friday, May 3 and Saturday, May 4, May 10&11, May 17&18
Where: West Side Show Room, 1414 N. Main St., Rockford
Rockton National Historic District Walking Tour: Part II
What: Join the Rockton Historic Preservation Commission for the second of a three-part series focusing on the residential areas in the 1978 National Historic District. Part III will be June 1.
When: 11 a.m. – noon Saturday, May 4
Where: Old Stone Church, 101 E. Union St., Rockton
Sinnissippi Quilter’s Season Show
What: There will be a quilt display and area vendors. The Quilting Connection will be bringing APQS longarm machines for you to try as well as Superior threads and longarm accessories like bobbins and needles.
When: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, May 4 and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday, May 5
Where: Sportscore Two, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park
Annual KVA Safety & Awareness Parade
What: ABATE of IL - Kishwaukee Valley Chapter, INC. will be leading their annual police escorted Safety & Awareness Parade from Carlson Ice Arena to Kegel Harley-Davidson, where it ends with a hot dog lunch. All donations will support the ABATE mission.
When: 11 a.m. Saturday, May 4
Where: Carlson Ice Arena, 4150 N. Perryville Road, Loves Park
Cost: Free; donations encouraged
Kentucky Derby Party
What: In honor of the Kentucky Derby we are releasing our bourbon. Streaming all things Derby starting at noon. Our cocktail menu will be filled with libations like the classic Mint Julep, Brown Derby, Bloody Mary, Kentucky Mule and the Strawberry Smash. The Brasserie at Barnstormer’s will be featuring a few Kentucky Derby favorites like deviled eggs and Hot Browns. Wear your best/fun/over-the-top fascinator hat and derby attire for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate.
When: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday, May 4
Where: Barnstormer Distillery, 6969 S. Main St., Rockforrd
Mother’s Day, Summer and Star Wars Board Painting Party
What: Join us for a themed board painting event. There is no ticket required; this is a walk-in event. We will have boards sanded and stained, ready for you to paint.When: Noon – 3 p.m. Saturday, May 4
Where: DC Estate Winery, 8877 State Line Road, South Beloit
Cost: $10-$60
Walk With U Guided Walk
What: Hikers and equestrians will find a variety of landscapes to explore the restored prairie, upland woods and remnant pine plantation. This is a family-friendly walk. Leashed dogs allowed. No RSVP needed.
When: 9 a.m. Saturday, May 4
Where: Roland Olson Forest Preserve, 9669 Atwood Road, Roscoe
Cost: Free
Annual Crawfish Boil and Kentucky Derby Party
What: Crawfish flown in from Louisiana. Sausage & Shrimp Jambalaya. Enjoy music after the Derby by Ryan O’Rourke and Jim Thomas.
When: Noon Saturday, May 4
Where: Oscar’s Pub, 5980 E. State St, Rockford
English High Tea
What: Enjoy afternoon tea in the Ethnic Heritage Museum within Heritage Museum Park. High Tea comes with sandwiches, scones, date pudding, macarons, chocolate truffles, tarts, home-made jam, whipped cream and unlimited tea service provided by the local Vintage Goose Cafe. Violin music by Jocelyn Hare McLaughlin. After tea, take a guided tour through the historic Graham-Ginestra House.
When: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, May 4
Where: Ethnic Heritage Museum, 1129 S. Main St., Rockfford
Pollinator Palooza
What: Celebrate pollinators with crafts, activities, hikes, live butterflies and more. Big Jon's food truck of Belvidere will be on site. Partners Wild Ones Rock River Valley Chapter, Winnebago County Soil & Water Conservation District, Natural Land Institute, Nature At The Confluence, Illinois Native Plant Society, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Rock Valley Garden Center and Friends of Illinois Nature Preserves will also be on site bringing their expertise.
When: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, May 4
Where: Severson Dells Nature Center, 8786 Montague Road, Rockford
Cost: Free
Summer lecture: Harlem Park and 1890s entertainment
What: Local historian, educator, and published author, Amanda Becker, will share a new presentation about early Rockford entertainment. In the 1890s, the modern-day neighborhoods of Rock Terrace, Edgewater and the North End were booming. Entrepreneurs collaborated to promote the burgeoning trolley line and real estate in the area by creating a mass entertainment zone of baseball, golf, horseracing and family fun. Harlem Park was a place where Rockford and the surrounding area's families went for a variety of entertainments. The Driving Park was a place for horse-racing excitement. Riverside Park was built for minor-league baseball games. Rockford Country Club catered to the leisure class and is alone among these attractions still in operation.
When: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, May 5
Where: Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum & Gardens,
Cost: $10; $5 for members
Rockford Comic Book Convention
What: Dealers from three states will offer comic books from the golden age to present along with a variety of related collectible items such as action figures. Prices range from less than a dollar to hundreds of dollars. Dealers will also be buying your old comics. Bring cash to avoid ATM fees; most vendors do not take credit cards.
When: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday, May 5
Where: Loves Park VFW, 2018 Windsor Road, Loves Park
Annual Holocaust Memorial Observance
What: The Jewish Federation of Greater Rockford hosts remembrance event. Local dignitaries will read proclamations. A new traveling poster display from the Holocaust Museum, Yad Vashem will be displayed. This exhibition presents visual documentation of the Holocaust from three perspectives: the Germans, the Jewish victims and the liberators. The exhibition seeks to draw attention to the means used by the photographers who documented the events, and how they influenced the understanding and interpretation of these events. A musical introduction will serve as a powerful tribute to those who suffered and perished.
When: 3 p.m. Sunday, May 5
Where: Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford
Cost: Free
Cinco de Mayo Jeeps & Tacos
What: Screw City Jeeps 815 presents their Annual Cinco de Mayo Jeeps & Tacos event. There will be a best taco competition, best decorated Jeep contest, food trucks to tempt your taste buds, DJs, cultural dance displays, bouncy fun, vendors, adult beverage area and more. Try your hand (or balance) riding the bull or just help us stock the Pantry. Bring one (or more) non-perishable food item(s) for donation to the Rock River Valley Pantry and receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win a prize basket.
When: 1-7 p.m. Sunday, May 5
Where: Don Carter Lanes, 4007 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: free for attendees, bring non-perishable food item for RRVP for chance to win
Cinco de Mayo Night
What: The gala Cinco de Mayo celebration event features dancing opportunities on a hardwood floor with live music from 4-5 p.m. and 6-7 p.m., plus a special program of Mexican and Latin music that includes choreographed dancing and a folkloric dance lesson from 5-6 p.m. The Stateline's popular Trinadora Duo (Janel Nelson and Ron Holm) will provide live music. Guest artists will also perform. Katie's Cup will offer special food and beverages in addition to the main menu.
When: 4-7 p.m. Sunday, May 5
Where: Katie’s Cup, 502 Seventh St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission; $5 donation to the League of United Latin American Citizens encouraged but not required
Intro to Letterboxing
What: Letterboxing is a hobby started in Dartmoor England in the 1800s. It combines art, along with outdoor fun, history and treasure hunting. Learn about activity and receive a starter journal, stamp and ink pad and the opportunity to find two letterboxes along our trails. This is a family-friendly event. Please register the number of individuals who would like a starter kit to take home.
When: 1-2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 5
Where: Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit
Cost: $5
IceHogs Playoff Hockey Game
What: The Ice Hogs play the Grand Rapids Griffins in Game 4 of the first round of the Calder Cup playoffs if necessary.
When: 4 p.m. Sunday, May 5
Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford
Cost: $16.50-$80
Margaritas & Mariachi Cinco de Mayo Soiree
What: Immerse yourself in the sounds of mariachi band, Mariachi Colima. From 12:30 – 2:30 p.m., let the rich tunes of trumpets, guitars and violins transport you to the heart of Mexico. Indulge in the flavors of Cinco de Mayo with our specially curated menu, featuring authentic dishes that pay homage to the culinary traditions of Mexico. From noon to 3 p.m., the kitchen will offer a Cinco de Mayo menu.When: Noon – 3 p.m. Sunday, May 5
Where: Hidden Creek Estates, 13276 White School Road, Roscoe
Cost: $12 cover charge
Coming next week
Food Truck Tuesdays
What: Enjoy treats from local food trucks. Events are weather permitting. Cancellations and menus for participating trucks are posted online.
When: 4-9 p.m. Tuesdays from May 7 through Aug. 27
Where: Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens, 1354 N. Second St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission; food for purchase from food trucks
Calligraphy Workshop
What: Join our calligraphy workshop instructed by special guest artist, Seiran Chiba from Japan. This workshop offers a lecture and hands-on experience in “Shodo-the way of writing,” creating a writing on a shikishi board. She will also demonstrate calligraphy on a hanging scroll.
When: 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 7
Where: Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
Cost: $50; $45 for members
Cruise Night
What: Spend a Wednesday with cool cars, music and local food. Listen to music from the Cruise Night/Car Show DJ, Joe Locke. The museum will be opened until 8 p.m. during cruise night and discounts will last all night. Get $8 off museum admission upon visiting Cruise Night.
When: 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 8
Where: Historic Auto Attractions, 13825 Metric Drive, Roscoe
Cost: Free
Dinner on the Docks
What: The 2024 Dinner on the Dock Music Series presented by Prairie Street Brewing Co. offers food, locally brewed craft beer, and locally and nationally recognized musical acts. Come by car or boat and relax on the dock every Thursday night in downtown Rockford. Kicking off the lineup is Three Good Men, specializing in music that is popular with all ages and audiences. Hear classic songs spanning several decades of music. Dinner on the Dock is for all ages.
When: 6-11 p.m. Thursday, May 9
Where: Prairie Street Brewing Co., 200 Prairie St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission; food and beverages and reserved tables for additional costs
Annabella in July
What: Vanessa and Brian are a middle-aged couple taking a little anniversary trip in July, when they lose their way in the mountains. They come upon a ski lodge (out of season) where everyone immediately recognizes Vanessa as the glamorous, dazzling Annabella, who visits this same resort every January. To say that they’re bewildered is putting it mildly. This comedy is by playwright Ben Butler.
When: May 9 – May 26
Where: Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: $28; $10 for students
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: 42 things to do this weekend in the Rockford area
