Looking for something to do this weekend in the Rockford area? Here are 23 upcoming events
815 Outside Sunset Soiree
What: Hikes will leave from the Indian Springs shelter house at 5:15 and 6:15 p.m. Big Jon’s Dogs N’ More food truck will be on site throughout the event. This is a family friendly event; leashed dogs are welcome. A limited quantity of 815 Outside t-shirts will be available for free. The first 100 people will receive a $10 off food coupon.
When: 5-7 p.m. Friday, April 26
Where: Blackhawk Springs Preserve, 5360 Mulford Road, Cherry Valley
'A League of Their Own' Movie Night
What: This month’s movie to benefit the Rockford Public Library is “A League of Their Own.” There will be a full cash bar and food for sale from Ernie’s Midtown. Complimentary popcorn from the RPL. The IWBC will be on hand with original Rockford Peaches t-shirts, hats and pennants for sale. Limited to 250 seats; for ages 18 and older.
When: 7:15 -10:30 p.m. Friday, April 26 (doors open at 6 p.m.)
Where: Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $7 admission
City Nature Challenge Night
What: Enjoy a staff guided hike and learn how you can contribute to science. Join more than 60,000 nature enthusiasts worldwide posting pictures of plants, animals and fungi to map the biodiversity of nature. All posts made on iNaturalist, a free app and website, count toward our city team’s total in the competition between more than 400 cities. When you participate, you connect with and learn about nature while contributing to scientific research worldwide. Your RSVP is appreciated.
When: 10-11 a.m. Friday, April 26
Where: Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit
Cost: Free
42nd Annual Nurses Expo
What: The one-day Nurses Expo includes CEU, poster presentations, nursing scholarship presentations, vendors, exhibitors, breakfast and lunch.
When: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday, April 26
Where: Cliffbreakers, 700 W. Riverside Blvd., Rockford
Cost: $35 or $155
Speakeasy: Mob Hits Night
What: In speakeasy fashion, enter down the back stairway and give the password for live music, featured drinks and an Italian mob inspired experience. The Vince Chiarelli Band will be performing all the hits from famous mob movies and shows. Mob-influenced craft cocktails and a limited appetizer menu will be available for purchase. Dressing in your own speakeasy/mob attire is not a requirement, but is welcomed. Must be 21 or older.
When: 8 p.m. Friday, April 26 (doors open at 7:30 p.m.)
Where: Lino’s, 5611 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: $15
Paranormal tour with Amelia Cotter
What: Author, researcher and paranormal reality star Amelia Cotter will share "Behind the Scenes: The Real in Paranormal Reality Television." After the presentation, take a tour of Tinker Swiss Cottage with the chance to have your own paranormal encounter. You are welcome and encouraged to bring your own equipment (cameras, camcorders, audio recorders, emf). Each event begins in the barn.
When: 7-10 p.m. Friday, April 26
Where: Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum & Garden, 411 Kent St., Rockford
Cost: $25
Last Friday Wine Tasting
What: Sample a variety of wine, beer and spirits from around the globe while raising funds for the Alpine Kiwanis Club. Alpine Kiwanis Club's mission is to improve the lives of children in our community by providing safe and supportive environments where they can learn, grow, and thrive.
When: 5:30-8 p.m. Friday, April 26
Where: Artale Wine Co., 6876 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
Cost: $20 cash/check donation to Alpine Kiwanis
Babes Night Out
What: Celebrate the launch of Permanent Jewelry by customizing a new clasp-less bracelet, necklace or anklet chain with a custom fit and weld. Enjoy a complimentary bubbly cocktail (21+) and fresh baked treats while you shop and check out the psychic and tarot card reading services. Walk-ins are welcome for Permanent Jewelry and reading services. Appointments are recommended.
When: 5-9 Friday, April 26
Where: Synergy Collective, 1625 N. Alpine Road, Rockford
Cost: Free admission
Dinner and Comedy Show
What: Join us for our first show of the season with performances by emcee Jimmy McHugh, feature act Michele Krajecki and headliner Bob Jay (aka Man of 999 Voices). Bob brings dozens of celebrities and cartoon characters to life and puts them in different scenarios. Happy Hour from 6-7 p.m., barbecue dinner buffet from 6 - 7:30 p.m., with the show starting at 7:30 p.m. Limited seats.
When: 6 p.m. Friday, April 26
Where: The clubhouse at Timber Pointe Golf Club, 5750 Woodstock Road, Poplar Grove
Cost: $45 for dinner and show; $25 for show only; $5 discount per person for reservation of 4 or more
Spring Fling
What: Create your own garden experience. There will be prizes, giveaways, treats and wine.
When: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, April 27
Where: Rags to Vintage, 4760 IL 173, Poplar Grove
An Evening of Midwest Indie Rock
What: The evening will feature locals Half Catholic and Mana Kintorso, along with friends from Lansing, Mich., The Stick Arounds.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, April 27
Where: Pig Minds Brewing Co., 4080 Steele Drive, Machesney Park
Cost: Free admission; donations appreciated
Rockford IceHogs
What: The Ice Hogs take on the Grand Rapids Griffins in their first game of the Calder Cup playoffs.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, April 27
Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford
Cost: $16.50-$80
Concerts on the Creek: Katie Dahl
What: Singer, guitarist, songwriter and playwright Katie Dahl tours nationally and is affiliated with Door County's famed Northern Sky Theater. Packaged snacks and bottled soft drinks will be available to buy before the concert and during the intermission. Goodwill donations from the audience pay the musicians and help defray hosting costs. Attendance is limited to 150.
When: 3-5 p.m. Saturday, April 27
Where: Spring Creek Church, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
Cost: Free; suggested donation of $10
Independent Bookstore Day
What: Maze Books is celebrating National Independent Bookstore Day with a store-wide sale and unique items. Multiple customers will get a chance to win.
When: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday, April 27
Where: Maze Books, 406 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
Lil Lizzie’s Sad Fest #3
What: Sad Fest #3 is the perfect opportunity to experience the talent of our local artist community. Connect with musical artists and other like-minded creative individuals. Hosted by Lizzie Vega with DJ Delly and 16 artists.
When: 7-11 p.m. Saturday, April 27
Where: RPL Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $20
Hot Rods and Hot Eats 2024
What: Check out some cool cars in the area and have something hot to eat from these food trucks: Bings Drive-in, Ritchie's Smokin' BBQ, J & C Old Fashioned Ice Cream, Unicorn Fluff Cotton Candy and Treats, Mario's Tacos and Landing Grounds Coffee Company. DJ Joe Locke will be playing the tunes with games and prizes. Displays from the North Park Fire Dept, Loves Park Police Dept and the Winnebago County Sheriff's Dept. The Stateline Challengers Car Group will be our season-opening car club.
When: 4-7 p.m. Saturday, April 27
Where: Machesney Park Mall, 8790 N. Second St., Machesney Park
Cost: No admission charge or registration fee
Family Freedom Festival
What: Special Honor Guard presentation, craft vendors, bouncy house, kid’s games and activities, food trucks, contests and more. Bring your bike or wagon decorated with a patriotic theme for the .1K parade.
When: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, April 27
Where: VFW Post 1461, 1310 W. Lincoln Ave., Belvidere
Cost: Suggested entry donation $10
Meat Raffle
What: Money raised will be donated to local non-profit, Boone County CASA. Enjoy drinks and food. Karaoke will be after the raffle event.
When: 3 p.m. Saturday, April 27
Where: Slick Nickels, 1235 Logan Ave., Belvidere
La Serenissima: Music of Venice
What: The resident chorus of the Rockford Symphony Orchestra, the Nielsen Chorale, will perform Italian choral works including Antonio Vivaldi's “Gloria,” and works by Claudio Monteverdi and Giovanni Gabrieli. Members of the Rockford Symphony Orchestra will provide accompaniment.
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 27
Where: Trinity Lutheran Church, 200 N. First St., Rockford
Cost: Freewill offering
41 years of Costume Design
What: Costume-style show will spotlight the designs of Jeff Hendry, award winning costume designer and Rockford University professor emeritus. The Groove Hotel Trio is performing. Featured models include Mayor Tom McNamara, State Sen. Steve Stadelman and State Rep. Dave Vella. Proceeds benefit Rockford University performing arts students for their performances during the International Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland in August.
When: 2-5 p.m. Sunday, April 28
Where: Maddox Theater, Clark Arts Center, Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: $30
Spring Handmade Market
What: Market will feature more than 30 up-and-coming local and regional vendors selling locally crafted and handmade goods. Many items to choose from: art, housewares, jewelry, stationery, toys, soaps, bags, posters, clothing and more. Bar and shopper lounge provided by Prairie Street Brewing Co., with food and drinks available for purchase.
When: Noon – 5 p.m. Sunday, April 28
Where: Prairie Street Brewhouse, 200 Prairie St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
Ready, Set, Spring Craft & Vendor Fair
What: The craft and vendor fair includes 35 booths of home decor, holiday decor, gifts, food items, lotions and more. Shop for Mother’s Day, graduation, teacher gifts or must haves for your home. All proceeds will help support local veterans and their families. There will also be raffle baskets.
When: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, April 28
Where: Rockton American Legion, 221 W. Main St., Rockton
Cost: $5 admission includes one raffle basket ticket; free admission for age 12 and younger
April Tarot Readings
What: Tarot readings with Queen of Cups Tarot.
When: Noon – 3 p.m. Sunday, April 28
Where: Inkwell Books & Threads, 106A W. Main St., Rockton
Cost: Mini-readings for $15
Coming next week
Edgebrook Farmers Market
What: Local farmers and vendors display vegetables, fruits, organic meats, flowers and plants. In addition, there will be organic goods, baked breads, sweet treats, artisan cheeses, honey, locally-raised meats, farm fresh eggs, jams and jellies.
When: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Wednesdays, May 1 – Oct. 30
Where: Edgebrook, 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford
Cost: Free admission
Opening Day
What: There will be hundreds of blooming hanging baskets, a variety of vegetable plants, an assortment of perennials, flats of flowers, flowering bushes, Amish jars and more.
When: 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 1
Where: Lane’s Farm Market, 10253 N. Second St., Machesney Park
Cousins Maine Lobster
What: For a seamless experience, grab the Cousins Maine Lobster mobile app and set your location to Illinois. Collect points with each order. Use major debit or credit cards, including contactless payments. The truck will be cashless.
When: Noon – 8 p.m. Thursday, May 2
Where: Forest Plaza, 6125 E. State St. Rockford
YMCA Community Dinner
What: The YMCA Community Dinner celebrates community accomplishments and the YMCA vision, with featured speaker author and speaker, Josh Shipp. A former at-risk foster kid turned youth advocate, Josh is renowned for the documentary TV series on A&E that followed his groundbreaking work with youth and families.
When: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, May 2
Where: Embassy Suites, Rockford
Cost: $125
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: 23 things to do this weekend in the Rockford area
