Looking for something to this weekend in the Freeport area? Here are 13 upcoming events
Swank & Mercier spring open house
What: We’ll be premiering our spring lines.
When: 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 17 – 4 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where: 1 E. Spring St., Freeport
Book launch and signing party
What: A limited number of books by "Finding Anna" by local author A.E. Brouhard will be available for purchase at the event. A limited number of custom bookmarks and stickers will be given out, one per book signing, available while supplies last. There will be a free raffle to enter upon arrival with a chance to win a prize box with contents valued at more than $100.
When: 6-8 p.m. Friday, April 19
Where: Generations Brewery Co., Freeport
Rockford IceHogs hockey game
What: The Ice Hogs take on the Chicago Wolves in the final home game of the regular season.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, April 19
Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford
Cost: $16.50-$80
Hairball
What: Hairball is a rock and roll experience of lights, sound, smoke, fire, 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
Gabe Schillman
What: Currently touring in support of his new song "We will never give up" and the launch of his theater tour "the United States of Mind," songwriter Gabe Schillman will perform.
When: 8-11 p.m. Friday, April 19
Where: The Cedar Inn, 4747 IL Route 26, Cedarville
Soap Shack DIY
What: Come craft your own clay face masks, face serum, cleaning sprays, herbal sachets and more. A casual make and take event come alone or in a group.
When: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Friday, April 19 and Saturday, April 20
Where: Soap Shack 5872 E. Dead End Road, Rock City
Spring Fling
What: Enjoy Blues music brought to you by Crossroads Blues Society and the Freeport Masons. Performers include the Nick Moss Band, Altered Five Blues Band, Ivy Ford Band and the Jerry Criss Band. Food trucks will be on site, plus beer and wine from local brewery and winery.
When: Noon – 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where: Masonic Temple, 305 W. Stephenson St., Freeport
Cost: $15
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.
When: Friday, April 19 – Saturday, April 20
Where: see artsforeveryone.com for venues and other details
Cost: Free admission
Stephenson County Home Show
What: Homeowners, homebuyers and the general public can come learn about products and services provided locally to help with their next project.
When: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where: Stephenson County Fairgrounds, Freeport
Cost: Free admission
Macrame class
What: Learn how to create a two-colored plant hanger using square knots. This beginner friendly class includes choice of two colors of macrame cord, one plant, and step-by-step instruction by The Urban Art Studio. Register online.
When: 10 a.m. – noon Saturday, April 20
Where: Higher Grounds Coffee, 1709 S. West Ave., Freeport
Cost: $49
Pancake breakfast
What: Join the elementary school for our first pancake breakfast of pancakes, sausage, applesauce, dessert and a beverage. Pay at the door when you arrive (cash only). All funds raised will go towards Academic Scholarships to Open Bible Learning Center for the 2024-2025 school year.
When: 8:30-11 a.m. Saturday, April 20
Where: Open Bible Learning Center, 3800 W. Stephenson St., Freeport
Cost: $10; $5 for children
Annual steak supper and dance
What: Steak supper will begin at 5 p.m. Tickets available from any firefighter. Dinner includes ribeye, potato, green beans and salad. Soda and water will be available. Alcohol served by Little John's Tap. The dance will start around 8 p.m. with music by CrossCut Band. We will have raffle and live auction items also.
When: 5 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where: Pearl City Fire Station, 300 Station St., Pearl City
Cost: $25
Pretzel City Double Elimination Shootout
What: This is a scratch tournament. USBC sanctioned. Youth are welcome. This is the tournament's sixth year.
When: 11 a.m. Sunday, April 21
Where: 4-Seasons, 1100 W. Galena Ave., Freeport
Cost: $60 entry fee
Coming next week
Therapeutic recreation
What: Make and take crafts for adults with developmental disabilities. Paint beautiful blossoms for spring. Drop-in craft. No registration necessary.
When: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 23
Where: Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas St., Freeport
Walk-in board painting
What: Boards are pre-sanded and stained, ready for you to paint Mother’s Day and Summer themed featured designs or whatever you choose. No ticket required; just walk in.
When: 5-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 24
Where: Wayside Saloon, 1802 Crossroads Lane North, Freeport
Cost: $10-$25; cash, credit card or Venmo
Introduction to Batik
What: Local artist and teacher, Courtney Smith, will introduce participants to the ancient Far and Near East technique of Batik, that uses wax resist and dying techniques to create designs and images. Class meets three times and is for ages 16 and older.
When: 6-9 p.m. Thursday, April 25, 6-7 p.m. May 2 and 9
Where: Freeport Art Museum, 121 N. Harlem Ave., Freeport
Cost: $65
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: 13 things to do this weekend in the Freeport area
