Looking for something to do this weekend in the Rockford area? Here are 30 upcoming events
Spring ArtScene
What: ArtScene, a Rockford tradition since 1987, is a biannual gallery walk, hosted by the Rockford Area Arts Council, featuring new and established artists of the Rockford Region. All are welcome. ArtScene offers a variety of art for purchase including paintings, sculpture, prints, photography, jewelry, quilts and fiber art. Artists are available for conversation—sharing their unique approach and inspiration for their work. Surrounding restaurants and shops are open for your retail enjoyment and hunger solutions.
When: Friday, April 19 – Saturday, April 20
Where: see artsforeveryone.com for venues and other details
Cost: Free admission
The Driftless Revelers
What: These Eau Claire, Wis.-based musicians provide an irreverent, original and sometimes slightly psychedelic interpretation of American roots music with a Midwest twist. The band grooves through early roots blues and jazz music, to hillbilly and string band howlers, all the way into the not-quite folk but not-quite psychedelic realms of their own creation.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, April 19 (doors open at 5:30 p.m.)
Where: Pig Minds Brewing Co., 4080 Steele Drive, Machesney Park
Cost: $25; $18 in advance
Hairball
What: Hairball is a rock and roll experience of lights, sound, smoke, fire, and bombs paying homage to some of the biggest arena acts in the world like Van Halen, KISS, Motley Crue, Queen, Journey and Aerosmith. Hairball is celebrating its 23rd year.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, April 19
Where: Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $29.50-$121
Anderson Japanese Gardens opening weekend
What: Join us for Positive Distractions, an ArtScene Garden exhibit of 3-D art by regional artists, on our spring opening weekend. Positive Distractions is an outdoor installation of artwork created by regional artists Jeremy Klonicki, Tim Hawley, Scott Long and John Verl McNamara. Fresco in the Garden is open for daily breakfast and lunch service.
When: 9 a.m. Friday, April 19
Where: Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
Cost: Admission is free during ArtScene event hours, 4-8 p.m. (last admission 7:45 p.m.). Regular admission rates apply before 4 p.m.
Barrel of Laughs featuring Calvin Evans
What: Barrel of Laughs is a stand-up comedy series featuring both nationally recognized acts and local talent. Shows will take place in The Barrel Room. Host is Alex Savant; feature is Kevin Haas of Rockford, with headliner Calvin Evans of Chicago.
When: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, April 19 (doors open at 6:30 p.m.)
Where: Prairie Street Brewhouse, 200 Prairie Street, Rockford
Cost: $32.50-$43
Speakeasy Murder Mystery Night
What: Dust off your flapper dress, zoot suits and Tommy guns and get ready for your Roaring Twenties Murder Mystery Party. At the height of prohibition, morale was high, morals were at an all-time low, and most of the country was controlled by the Mafia. At this cozy little hot spot, hidden in the old Tinker mansion, you will find the best night scene around.
When: 6-8 p.m. Friday, April 19
Where: Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum & Gardens, 411 Kent St., Rockford
Cost: $25; $20 for members
Original Conference 2024
What: Original is happening April 19-20, live in-person and streaming online. Something special happens when we gather together as women, from every age and stage of life, and go after all that God has for us. The event includes speakers such as Charlotte Gambill and Jen DeWeerdt and moments in worship. Register today
When: 7 p.m. Friday, April 19 – 5:45 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where: 5950 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
Renovation Celebration Party
What: If you've been tuned into our social media or been to our Indoor City Market Building recently, you've noticed that our Lower Level event space has been under some serious construction. We are finally ready for the grand reveal of our renovations. Come see our newly renovated space. We'll have live music from the Vince Chiarelli Band, a cash bar, and food from our Food Hall tenants available for purchase. Our building will also be open and available for tours.
When: 5-8 p.m. Friday, April 19
Where: Indoor City Market, 116 N. Madison St., Rockford
Rockford IceHogs hockey game
What: The IceHogs take on the Chicago Wolves.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, April 19
Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford
Cost: $16.50-$80
Puff and Paint
What: A night of painting “Don’t Care Bear” on canvas and themed party prizes. Half Baked has 420 specials, too. The first 10 people to use the code FLOWER when purchasing your ticket, will receive a bonus gift at the party. After painting, stick around for the DJ. Arrive early to get your order in for apps, drinks and stoned pizza.
When: 7-9 p.m. Friday, April 19
Where: Half Baked Bar, 908 W. Riverside Blvd., Rockford
Cost: $35
Concert with Folk Artist Jennifer Daniels
What: Jennifer Daniels is a folk artist who specializes in interactive children's music. She is a performer and writer who entertains and inspires children with lively stories and songs, fosters a passion in young people for reading and creative self-expression and collaborates with "Pete the Cat" author Eric Litwin.
When: 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where: Harlem High School Auditorium, 1 Huskie Circle, Machesney Park
Cost: Free
Earth Day Market and Expo
What: Celebrate Earth Day with the second annual SPROUT, an ecofriendly market & expo. Visit with local vendors featuring eco-friendly products, or handmade items and original artwork inspired by our earth and nature.
When: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where: Riverfront Museum Park, 711 N. Main St., Rockford
Community Shred Day
What: MembersAlliance is partnering with the Better Business Bureau to offer on-site shredding service. Shredding personal documents can protect against identity theft by ensuring your personal documents are disposed of properly. Drive up next to the drive-up lanes. Please limit to two boxes per vehicle.
When: 9 a.m. – noon Saturday, April 20
Where: MembersAlliance Credit Union, 2550 S. Alpine Road, Rockford
Cost: Free
Autism Awareness Bunny Hop
What: April is Autism Awareness Month. The Third Annual Bunny Hop is the same concept as a trunk-or-treat along with other fun family activities for individuals with autism and other special needs, along with their families. Once you are done hopping from Jeep to Jeep, join us for other activities including a cake walk. You can also visit with our friends from Ghost Busters LCC, K9 Comfort Dogs, and the Rockford Police and Fire. Kona Ice and EZ Tacos and More will also be available for families to purchase.
When: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where: Don Carter Lanes, 4007 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
420 Flash and Pop-Up
What: First come, first serve 420 inspired tattoo flash deals. We have an all-female tattoo floor and a separate man cave with a male artist for clients to pick their experience. We will have vendors here while you wait for your tattoo artist. Boston buds dispensary and Ritchie’s BBQ will be in a private room for your smoking and food pleasures. You must be 21+ with a valid form of ID to enter the building.
When: Noon – 4:20 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where: Signature Ink & Beauty, 1115 Charles St., Rockford
Seasons, Cycles and Insights
What: Join us for an afternoon of interactive guidance through “nature’s calendar.” Phenology is the study of cycles that occur seasonally in plants and animals. Participants will get a foundational understanding of phenology as well as experience somatic practices to help integrate and create personal connections with the information. Participants will “bind” the information together by creating a three-year seasonal journal to continue the journey with phenology beyond the experience of the day. This program is best suited for ages 13 and older. Space is limited; register in advance. Fee includes light refreshments and a journal.
When: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where: Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit
Cost: $20
PMBC Hoppapaloosa
What: The first 4/20 Hoppapaloosa will include live music from the Jason Petit 3-Piece Band from 2-5 p.m. and several beer releases: 'Super Lemon Haze' Buzz Dream Session Hazy; 'Blackberry Kush' Death Grip India Pale Ale; 'Pineapple Express' Kloude No.27 New England Style Sativa Pale Ale with true-to-type botanically derived cannabis profiles (No THC).
When: Noon Saturday, April 20
Where: Pig Minds Brewing Company, 4080 Steele Drive, Machesney Park
Sanctuary Collective grand opening
What: We will be hosting an art show as well as the grand opening, partnered with Rockford Art Scene. There will be free Sanctuary tattoos, Flash tattoos, piercing deals, tooth gem deals, and more. Everyone will be able to vote on their favorite pieces of art. The top three will win cash prizes.
When: Noon – 9 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where: Sanctuary Collective, 7164 Cherryvale North Blvd., Suite G, Rockford
Grand Opening: Whiskey Hotel Barbecue
What: We will be opening our doors at our new location. We'll be open Saturday and Sunday for our Grand Opening weekend. After that, we’ll be open Thursdays-Sundays, just like last year at the trailer.
When: 11 a.m. Saturday, April 20
Where: Whiskey Hotel Barbecue, 5522 Elevator Road, Roscoe
Spring and garden market
What: Join us for our first spring and garden market. We are transforming the outside of our shop into the best vintage garden and outdoor market. The shop will be jammed packed with garden decor, planters, furniture and much more.
When: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where: Frosted Farmhouse, 112 Hawick St., and Pick-A-Dilly Antiques, 120 W. Main St., Rockton
5 Love Languages
What: Gary Chapman, author of the New York Times bestselling book, "The 5 Love Languages" and the director of Marriage and and Family Life Consultants, Inc., will speak at a marriage conference. Register online.
When: 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where: Maywood Free Church, 3621 Samuelson Road, Rockford
Cost: $59 per couple; $39 for individual
Earth Day celebration
What: We have invited Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful back to share interesting facts about recycling, what they do, as well as having games and prizes for your kids.
When: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where: Earth Zero Waste, 327 W. Jefferson St., Rockford
Earth Day at Hidden Treasurers
What: Second-hand, repurposed and upcycled items for sale. Plant Your Own House Plant workshop from 1-3 p.m. A plant and garden specialist will be on site to answer questions and concerns or just swap interesting plant facts from 1-4 p.m. Feel free to bring in your plants, photos and questions and enter a raffle for a $100 gift card to Rock Valley Garden Center. No purchase necessary. There will be booth-wide sales and red tag sales throughout the store.
When: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where: Hidden Treasures, 6329 N. Second St., Loves Park
YMCA Rowing open house
What: Want to try rowing? Join the YMCA Rowing Crew for an open house at the YMCA Boathouse, which is on the YMCA campus, 200 Y Blvd., next to the Whitman Street Bridge. Learn about rowing, meet the coaches, tour the boathouse and find out about upcoming classes. Rowing is a great sport and workout for people of all ages. It works all the major muscle groups, without putting extra strain on joints like running. Plus, you get a view of the Rock River.
When: 8-11 a.m. Saturday, April 20
Where: YMCA of Rock River Valley, 200 Y Blvd., Rockford
Swiftie Day with new spring clothing
What: Come listen to Taylor Swift’s new album Tortured Poets, make a free bracelet and check out our new spring clothes and Swiftie merchandise. All purchases $50 and more get you a coupon for a free Swiftie drink at Deedee’s. We will have registars on site to get anyone who needs to get registered to vote from noon-4 p.m.
When: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where: Inkwell Books & Threads, 106A W. Main St., Rockton
Rock Monsters Spring Channel Challenge
What: Five Fish Bag per Team; Channel Catfish. Boundary Waters North of Milan Dam to Wisconsin Border. One to three person teams, six rods per team, 30 team limit. Rod and Reel only (no bank poles or other means). No fishing within 50 yards of another anchored boat. All fish must be alive, healthy and released back into the water. If fish is not lively or does not swim off on its own, you will be disqualified. Any cheating will result in disqualification and permanent ban from any Rock Monsters Tournaments.
When: 7 a.m. -3:30 p.m. Saturday, April 20 (registration from 5:30-6:30 a.m.)
Where: Martin Memorial Park, 5600 Ridge Park Road, Loves Park
Cost: $50 per team; $25 big channel; $20 big flat optional
17th Annual Record Store Day
What: All of the RSD special releases are only available to Independent Record Stores, and we can only sell them on a first come-first served basis.
When: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where: Culture Shock, 2239 Charles St., Rockford; Toad Hall, 2106 Broadway, Rockford
EarthDay Trash Bash
What: Celebrate Earth Day and our new partnership with Burpee Museum of History. Join us to learn more about our new Backpacking with Burpee program, and take a sneak peak at the new, fully stocked Burpee Field Backpacks. This is a family friendly event. Leashed dogs are welcome. Please wear appropriate attire for litter clean up: long pants, long sleeved shirts, closed toe shoes, hat and gloves.
When: 10 a.m. – noon Sunday, April 21
Where: Blackhawk Springs Forest Preserve, 5360 Mulford Road, Cherry Valley
Cost: Free
Ken Stein Quartet
What: Join us for an afternoon with this jazz quartet as they bring their smooth grooves, energy and improvisations to the stage. The menu includes jazz standards, Latin stylings, blues and be-bop. The quartet also includes Skip Green, Brian Nissen and Joel Baer.
When: 3 p.m. Sunday, April 21
Where: Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center, 415 N. Church St., Rockford
Cost: $15; $12 in advance; $6 for students
Screw City Detail Car Show
What: This family-friendly event will include vendors, drink specials, 50/50 raffle and car show.
When: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sunday, April 21
Where: Screw City Tavern, 4412 Manchester Drive, Rockford
Cost: Free to attend; $10 registration fee for car show
Coming next week
Assessing Troy and the Trojan Horse
What: Join us for a presentation about archaeology, featuring award-winning Professor Brian Rose of University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Rose will present the results of excavations at Troy for the last 24 years, examining all phases of habitation from the Bronze Age through the Byzantine period. He will also consider the relationship between recent discoveries and the Homeric tradition. The event will feature an opportunity to meet the speaker after his presentation.
When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 23
Where: Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: Free
Full Moon Salutations & Rituals
What: Join us for Hatha yoga. We will dive into a moon salutation, guided meditation and a writing prompt. Allow yourself to release what is not serving you and welcome in new intentions and goals. Limited mats and props available. No registration, cash only.
When: 6:45-7:45 p.m. Wednesday, April 24
Where: Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit
Cost: $25
Spring guided hike
What: Join us for a spring guided hike at Deer Run Forest Preserve where you are likely to see many spring ephemeral flowers. In the spring, Deer Run is a prime spot to see floodplain woodland wildflowers including Virginia Bluebells. Deer Run contains a segment of the Kishwaukee River, hundreds of acres of restored prairie, floodplain wetlands and ponds, as well as woods. This is a family-friendly event. Leashed dogs allowed. Please RSVP on our website.
When: 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 24
Where: Deer Run Forest Preserve, 5691 River Road, Cherry Valley
Cost: Free
Sip and Sample
What: Savor samplings of fine wine, artisanal beer, premium spirits, and delectable culinary delights curated by a diverse array of local vendors. Enjoy the Secret Life of Butterflies Exhibit, music by Cole Brandt and silent auction to benefit RAMP. RAMP provides community empowerment for individuals with disabilities through essential services and programs.
When: 5:30-8 p.m. Thursday, April 25
Where: Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. Second St., Rockford
Cost: $45; $40 in advance
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: 30 things to do this weekend in the Rockford area
