Looking for something to do in the Freeport area this weekend? Here are 12 upcoming events

Grand River Hall rooftop opening

What: The Grand River Hall rooftop patio opens for the season this weekend. Grab a treat from Union Dairy and bring it to the rooftop or enjoy a cocktail on the rooftop with friends. Follow the signs to the elevator, take the stairs to the roof, and enjoy a view downtown Freeport.

When: 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 17

Where: 101 S. Liberty Ave., Freeport

Dunkin Cop on a Roof

What: The Stephenson County Sheriff's Office is partnering with the Freeport Police Department for the 2024 Dunkin' Cop on a Rooftop event on Friday May 17, 2024, from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. to benefit Special Olympics of Illinois. Come out to the Freeport Dunkin' store located at 1811 S. West Avenue to support this great cause.

When: 5 a.m. to noon Friday, May 17

Where: Freeport Dunkin’, 1811 S. West Ave., Freeport

Brad Williams with special guest J.B. Ball

What: Brad Williams started doing stand-up comedy as a teenager and has been touring successfully ever since, routinely selling out prestigious venues all over the country and world. Williams has parlayed his live performances into a multitude of stand-up television appearances. Also an actor, Williams has appeared on numerous TV shows and feature films.

When: 7 p.m. Friday, May 17

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

Cost: $25-$138

Nate Bargatze: The Be Funny Tour

What: 2021 Grammy nominated comedian, podcaster, director and producer Nate Bargatze is selling out shows around the world. An Old Hickory, Tennessee native, Bargatze followed in the showbiz footsteps of his father, a former clown turned world class magician. Bargatze’s comedy is both clean and relatable. Off-screen, Bargatze was part of Jimmy Fallon's Clean-Cut Comedy Tour, and has performed live shows for the troops in Iraq and Kuwait five times.

When: 7 p.m. Friday, May 17

Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford

Cost: $34-$95

Screw City Block Party

What: Enjoy downtown Rockford before two big comedy shows, Nate Bargatze at BMO Center and Brad Williams at the Coronado. No ticket is required to attend the pre-show block party. Show tickets are required to attend the comedy shows. The block party will include free Screw City Block Party t-shirts (first come, first serve), local food trucks, beer and whiskey samples, custom caricatures by award-winning Chicago artist Roger Hurtado, music by DJ Vic Monsta and 95.3 The Bull, activities, games, dancing, photo booths, giveaways for future shows and more.

When: 4-6 p.m. Friday, May 17

Where: Elm Street at the BMO Center, Rockford

Cost: Free admission; food and drinks available for purchase

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. Some Friends of Mine will play May 17.

When: 4-8:30 p.m. Friday, May 17 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

Blue Steel Live

What: Country music band Blue Steel will perform. Enjoy dancing, drinking and singing.

When: 8 p.m. – midnight, Friday, May 17

Where: Cedar Inn, 4747 IL 26, Freeport

S&R Dance Recitals

What: Come to a recital or concert and celebrate our 40th year anniversary. Tickets available online.

When: recital 6 p.m. Friday, May 17; competitive concert 6 p.m. Saturday, May 18; and recital 5 p.m. Sunday, May 19

Where: Freeport Masonic Temple, 305 W. Stephenson St., Freeport

Cost: $12

Highland commencement

What: Celebrate the class of 2024 during Highland’s 61st Commencement in the courtyard between the Marvin-Burt Liberal Arts Center and Natural Science Center. Guest parking will be located in parking lot D on the south side of campus outside of the Natural Science Center/Ray and Betty Stamm Health Science Nursing Wing. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be at the YMCA/Sports Complex. The Nursing and Allied Health Pinning Ceremony will be at 12:30 p.m.

When: 10 a.m. Saturday, May 18

Where: Highland College, 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport

Spring Pec Thing

What: The semi-annual Pec Thing Antique & Flea Market offers more than 500 vendors selling antique tools, quilts, yard art, jewelry, stamps, postcards, furniture, glassware, crafts, sports memorabilia, holiday décor, electronics, photography, woodworking items, candles, records and more. Rain or shine. There is more than 100,000 square feet of indoor merchandise and 40 acres of outdoor vendors. Early bird passes allow you to shop from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Friday, as well as two hours earlier (6 a.m.) Saturday and Sunday. Food and beverages are available for purchase. No pets allowed for safety purposes; service animals are always welcome.

When: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19

Where: Winnebago County Fairgrounds, 500 W. First St., Pecatonica

Cost: $5 entry fee; early shopper passes $20 for the whole weekend; free ages 12 and younger; free parking

Pancakes for Pentecost

What: St. John United Church of Christ will gather for a pancake breakfast before worship to begin our Pentecost celebration. A plethora of pancakes, sausage, and applesauce will be served.

When: 8:30 a.m. Sunday, May 19

Where: 1010 S Park Blvd, Freeport

Cost: $10 for adults $5 for kids at the door.

Baby Goat Snuggle Session

What: Snuggle the spring kids. Please leave all pets at home, as we are a working farm. We keep the snuggle sessions small to ensure everyone has time with a baby goat and the goats are comfortable. Our farm store will be open after the session. Everyone must have a ticket. No refunds in case of inclement weather. We will offer an indoor barn space if it rains. We can move you to a future snuggle session if there is inclement weather. Please bring bug spray and sunscreen.

When: 10-11 a.m. Sunday, May 19

Where: Gretta’s Goats, 498 N. Farwell Bridge Road, Pecatonica

Cost: $19

Coming next week

Bird Outing

What: Meet in the parking lot by the dam and walk the paved path along Yellow Creek and then on some of the road shoulder downstream to the pedestrian bridge. Observe, enjoy and learn about migratory species and the habitats they pass through or stay to nest in. For beginning or experienced birders and everyone in between. All are welcome. Feel free to join or depart the group anytime during the three hours.

When: 8 – 11 a.m. Monday, May 20

Where: Krape Park, Freeport

Make it Monday: Flowers

What: Join us each month as we make a different project you can take home. This month we will be making flowers and planting one to take home. For preschool and elementary school students.

When: 3:30-5 p.m. Monday, May 20

Where: Youth Program Room, Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas St., Freeport

Bookmarks! An Adult/Teen Craft

What: Make pressed flower bookmarks and/or little felt bird bookmarks. If you like to craft, but don't need another bookmark, you can donate it for outreach visits to local retirement communities. Please register each person separately.

When: 6:15-7:45 p.m. Monday, May 20

Where: Meeting Room, Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas St., Freeport

Cost: Free

Sea Glass Succulents Workshop

What: Create a sea glass succulent duo or trio. Each one lights up! Wooden tray included. Trays may vary in shapes & sizes.

When: 6-9 p.m. Thursday, May 23

Where: Sugarbakers Cocktail Lounge, 141 W. Railroad St., Lena

Cost: $52 for two sea glass succulents including lights and try; $62 for three

Full Moon Women’s Circle

What: First full moon women’s circle of the year. Bring a snack to share. The topic for May is “Cultivating the heart center: Magnetism and mysticism for the feminine.”

When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, May 23

Where: Stoned Fairy Farms, 10156 Ridott Road, Pecatonica

Cost: $10 suggested donation

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: 12 things to do this weekend in and around Freeport