RV show, arts awards and wrestling tournament among 29 things to do in the Rockford area

Here are 29 things to do in the Rockford area this weekend.

50th Annual Rockford RV, Camping & Travel Show

What: Whether you are looking for the perfect campground or to purchase a new RV we have what you are looking for. Manufacturer reps will be onsite to answer your questions and we will have lots of campgrounds for you to choose from. Bring the whole family as we will have something for everyone. RVs, Campgrounds, Family Entertainment, and soooo much more!

When: 2-8 p.m. Friday, March 8; 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday, March 9; and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday, March 10

Where: MercyHealth Sportscore Two, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park

Cost: $8; free for children age 12 and younger

Women’s Day Brunch

What: Join us to celebrate International Women's Day and honor, commemorate and celebrate female figures within the history of the YMCA movement and community who were vital to the success and empowerment of all current and future women. We invite you to wear purple as we celebrate together.

When: 9-10 a.m. Friday, March 8

Where: Log Lodge at SwedishAmerican Riverfront YMCA, 200 Y Blvd., Rockford

Cost: Free, but registration is required

Aether Eos

What: Leah Asher returns to Rockford with her Brooklyn-based violin and piano duo with Christopher Goddard. A composer and educator, Leah’s eclectic experiences inform each performance – often blending classical techniques with experimental avant-garde soundscapes.

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 8

Where: Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center, 415 N. Church St., Rockford

Cost: $25; $6 for students. $21 in advance.

Coffee with the Conductor

What: Join us at Anderson Japanese Garden’s Coffee Pop Up to meet RSO Assistant Conductor Ben Firer from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Stop by to say hello and grab a cup of coffee. RSO musician Joel Ross will be providing music during this day’s Coffee Pop Up. Feel free to stay and enjoy the music.

When: 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Friday, March 8

Where: Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford

Espinosa & Coffey Farewell Performance

What: Join us for David’s final performance. We are so sad to see him go but help us celebrate 7 years of Espinosa and Coffey with drinks and your favorite tunes. Espinosa & Coffey play acoustic hits from 60s to today from classic artists such as The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and Eric Clapton as well as more current artists like Elle King, Adele, Sheryl Crow and Lady Gaga.

When: 8-11 p.m. Friday, March 8

Where: Shattered Saloon, 5440 N. Second St., Loves Park

Rockford Area Arts Awards

What: The Rockford Area Arts Awards are a celebration of creative individuals and advocacy organizations who have contributed to the enrichment of the Rockford Region. Anyone and everyone who is interested in a dynamic recap of our Region’s creative sector in 2023—accomplishments, performances, and innovations associated with the arts and culture sector will be recognized and celebrated.

When: 5:30 p.m. Friday, March 8

Where: Rockford Woman’s Club, 323 Park Ave., Rockford

Cost: $50

Herb Nerd Class

What: Join us through the realms of herbal medicine, where we unearth the secrets to revitalizing the body's vitality. Through this 3-part series offered on 3 different dates, covering these herbs: Ashwagandha, Siberian Ginseng, Holy Basil, Ginseng/Panax and Reishi. We'll delve into their potent properties to alleviate the burdens of mind, spirit, and body. Class entrance is in our Liminal space behind our retail store. Please drive around to the back of Wolf Hollow and enter through the rear (you will see our banner in the window). Doors open a half hour before event start time.

When: 6-8 p.m. Friday, March 8

Where: Wolf Hollow, 3800 E. State St., Suite 103, Rockford

Cost: $35

Dead Man’s Cell Phone

What: An incessantly ringing cell phone in a quiet café. A stranger at the next table who has had enough of it. A dead man with a lot of loose ends. Dead Man's Cellphone is an eccentric comic-noir about Jean, a woman who follows a ringing cell phone down a rabbit hole of adventure into a mysterious man’s life. Borrowing elements of “film noir,” this unique and fanciful play serves as a spiritual sequel to Sarah Ruhl’s acclaimed play Eurydice, which the WSSR presented in the fall of 2021.When: March 8 – March 23: 8 p.m. Fridays, 8 p.m. Saturdays and 4 p.m. Sundays

Where: West Side Show Room, 1414 N. Main St., Rockford

Cost: Freewill donations accepted

IKWF 2024 State Tournament

What: Wrestlers all over the state come to compete for the state championship award. Wrestlers range from novice to seniors.

When: Friday, March 8 and Saturday, March 9

Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford

Chloe Blodgett: The Untold Story of Beloit’s Founding Woman

What: In this program, offered in honor of Women’s History Month, learn about Chloe Blodgett, wife of Beloit’s founder Caleb Blodgett. Chloe’s remarkable story has rarely been told. This program will reveal newly discovered details about her life. Chloe Kidder, the daughter of a Revolutionary Soldier and mother to 10 children, followed her husband to the new frontier and helped establish what was to become Beloit. Discover her joys and hardships. Chloe’s decedents left a lasting mark. Attendees will have a chance to sample a famous nationally-known food product her great-great-great grandson created. Registration required. Register online.

When: 1 p.m. Saturday, March 9

Where: Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit

Cost: Free, but donations are welcome

Rockford Annual Postage Stamp Show

What: There will be several different vendors with postage supplies, stamps and lots of postal knowledge. See what we have to offer and check out our hobby.

When: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, March 9 and 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sunday, March 10

Where: Scoreboard Bar & Events by Hoffman House, 7550 E. State St., Rockford

St. Patrick’s Day Paint & Sip

What: Painting a gnome at 2:30 p.m. and a shamrock at 6 p.m.

When: 2:30 p.m. or 6 p.m. Saturday, March 9

Where: Doc Holliday’s Saloon, 201 E. State St., Cherry Valley

Cost: $30 includes 1 painting and 1 drink; $50 for both paintings

Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner

What: Corned beef and cabbage dinner to help support our local veterans.

When: 4-7 p.m. Saturday, March 9

Where: Loves Park VFW 9759, 2018 Windsor Road, Loves Park

Cost: $12; $6 for ages 5-10; free for ages 4 and younger

Lincoln Ball at Memorial Hall

What: You are invited to join Tinker Swiss Cottage for a Civil War-themed Ball. Join us for a night of elegance and history as we transport you back to the Victorian Era. Re-enactors and Dance Callers will teach dances of the mid-1800s for those interested in learning. Formal or themed attire is strongly recommended to match the occasion. Refreshments provided by: The Sons of Union Veterans and Mary Logan Tent Aux. Dance Callers: Mr. & Mrs. Gary and Karen Alexander of The Historical Timekeepers.When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, March 9

Where: Veterans Memorial Hall, 211 N. Main St., Rockford

Cost: $15; $8 for ages 6-11; free for children age 5 and younger

Sock Monkey Madness

What: This year’s theme is Funky Monkey. Kids will learn how to make their own Sock Monkey, step-by-step, during a two-hour Make-a-Monkey Workshop. Plus, at our award-winning museum, kids can explore Sock Monkey history as they step back in time and discover the importance of the iconic Sock Monkey to Rockford’s industrial past. They'll see how a simple sock led to the growth of a city and the creation of a universally-recognized symbol that is still popular today.

When: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, March 9

Where: Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford

Cost: $12; $ for children age 5-12; free for ages 0-4 and members. Sock monkey kits are $37 ($27 for members). One free adult admission with paid sock monkey kit.

Union Local Market

What: Refreshments by Union, live painting, music and vendors. Food trucks outside. Support local. For all ages.

When: 1-7 p.m. Saturday, March 9

Where: Union Event Space, 112 N. Second St., Rockford

Walk with U Guided Walk

What: Start your Saturday off on the right foot by walking the trails at Blackhawk Springs Forest Preserve. Explore flower-filled prairies, cool shady woodlands, the glistening Kishwaukee River and a little bubbling natural spring.

When: 9 a.m. Saturday, March 9

Where: Blackhawk Springs Forest Preserve, 5360 Mulford Road, Cherry Valley

Cost: Free

St. Patrick’s Pub Crawl

What: Join us for our Historic Downtown Rockton St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl. Stop into Pokies, Rookies, Al’s Main St. Tap, Fibs, The Legion, Ye Ole Pub, Rockton Inn and Salli's Slots. Try some food, drinks and have some St. Paddies Day Shenanigans.

When: 7 p.m. Saturday, March 9

Where: Rockton Inn Pub & Grub, 102 E. Main St., Rockton

Spring Open House

What: Join us for our Spring Open House Event. We’ll have Ravyn tattoo doing a flash tattoo sale (first come first serve, limit 2). Moody Photography will be doing a Pop up spring photo session. Revive infrared sauna will have sauna sessions going and packages available for purchase. Enjoy snacks and more.

When: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday, March 9

Where: Wellness Innovations, 5301 E. State St., Suite 106, Rockford

For more: https://www.facebook.com/events/1580060592741075

Farm Fresh Citrus Truckload Sale

What: Farm fresh winter citrus hand-picked and tree-ripened from Indian River Groves.Indian River Direct will be carrying freshly harvested Navel Oranges, Ruby Red Grapefruits, Tangerines and Georgia Elliott Pecans. We sell to the public direct from our trucks on a first come, first served basis. There are no purchase limits and no pre-ordering. We accept cash, checks, apple pay and all major credit cards at our trucks.

When: 12:30-2 p.m. Saturday, March 9

Where: Don Carter Lanes, 4007 E. State St., Rockford

Refresh Women’s Conference

What: A power packed two-day Ladies Conference with speakers Rhonda Burk, Jenifer Williams, Sherry Anderson, Jeani Kimmons, Tina Rapier, Julie McGee and Sonya Miroballi. Register online.

When: 7 p.m. Friday, March 8; 10 a.m. Saturday, March 9

Where: Firstborne Ministries, 8213 N. Alpine Road, Machesney Park

Cost: Free

Fundraiser for VetsRoll

What: Come join the fun for a great cause. There will be basket raffles, 50/50 drawings, liquor draw, a pulled pork lunch special and more.

When: Noon – 4 p.m. Saturday, March 9

Where: Rascals Bar & Grill, 5223 Torque Road, Loves Park

Turn Up Rockford Woman’s Day

What: Celebrate womanhood with Turn Up Illinois. Celebrate the strength and excellence of women for International Women's Day during Women's History Month. We'll have an all-female playlist themed to empower and celebrate all the women in our lives. All genders welcome to join in this dance fitness celebration. Limited space; get tickets as soon as you can. Wear purple (optional).

When: 12:30-2 p.m. Saturday, March 9

Where: Evolve Dance Company, 1343 N. Alpine Road, Rockford

Cost: $12

Premier Fitness Wellness Open House

What: Our first Wellness Open House will feature several local businesses and Premier Fitness deals. See the Facebook event for participating businesses.

When: Noon – 2 p.m. Saturday, March 9

Where: Premier Fitness, 3065 N. Perryville Road, Unit 149, Rockford

Sunday Fun Day

What: Get your green on a week early and immerse yourself in the sleek designs of our new 2024 arrivals! Our friendly sales team will be on hand to chat and help you secure your dream ride! Our annual Luck O' The Coin hunt amidst our dazzling Motorclothes department begins this day also, with prizes aplenty waiting to be discovered. While your burger lunch (served from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. or until food runs out) is technically free, a $10 donation going directly to Kegel Kares (our local charity supporting riders in need in the Greater Rockford Area) is highly suggested. Remember, you must be 21+ to enjoy Green Midori Sours (available to the 1st 30 lunchers), but soda pop and water will be available for all.

When: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sunday, March 10

Where: Kegel Harley-Davidson, 7125 Harrison Ave., Rockford

Cost: Free

Tea and Tiaras

What: Come join us for a magical event with your favorite Disney Princesses. The event includes tea and pastries, interactive stories, songs, and a meet and greet with photographs and autographs. Children are welcome to dress up as their favorite princess or princes. We ask adults do not dress like a princess to ensure our performers are authentic as possible. Spots are limited. Event is for 1.5 hours or 2 hours depending on the package. VIP package from noon – 2 p.m. (early access) provides a half hour longer for meet and greet/photos and an additional photo opp (2 different backdrops versus 1). Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. Standard ticket guests participate from 12:30-2 p.m.

When: 12:30-2 p.m. Sunday, March 10

Where: Kids Spot, 9461 N. Second St., Roscoe

Cost: $55 for child/adult; $100 for family 4-pack (2 adults, 2 children); $35 for additional child; $20 for additional adult. VIP pricing is $75 for child/adult; $140 for family 4-pack; $50 for additional child and $25 for additional adult

Craft and Vendor Fair for a Cause

What: Craft and Vendor Show for a Cause includes food for purchase, bake sale, 50/50 raffle and donations to benefit Children's Safe Harbor.

When: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday, March 10

Where: Loves Park City Hall, 100 Heart Blvd., Loves Park

Cost: Donation admission

St. Patrick’s Sunday Matinee Music Celebration

What: The Concerts On The Creek series is partnering with The Irish Marching Society to create two hours of inspiration and fun featuring seasonal songs in the Celtic tradition; some surprises too. Performers include Danny McDade, Emerald Wind and Trinadora. Bottled soft beverages and prepackaged light refreshments will be available.

When: 3-5 p.m. Sunday, March 10 (doors open at 2 p.m.)

Where: Spring Creek Church, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford

Cost: Free admission; $10 goodwill donation recommended

Easter Bunny at Maggio Pizza

What: The Easter Bunny's coming to town and will be at Maggio's Pizza. Walk-in event. You can download off Facebook to print as many times as you like within 72 hours of event. When coming, you’re allowing Memories By Debbie to post your child’s picture on the Facebook page within a link. You are giving me consent to place your pictures on the link with others and you will download only your child’s image. The link will be secured by a password given to all participating guests at the time of the event.

When: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, March 10

Where: Maggio’s Pizza, 132 N. State St., Belvidere

Cost: $5 per digital photo (cash only)

Coming next week

Soren Staff

What: Soren Staff has been singing and making music almost all his life. From piano lessons to garage bands, music has always been both an inspiration and a kind of healing comfort for the times that try you. Since 2013, he has been the lead singer and songwriter for well-known Upper Midwest alt-folk powerhouse Them Coulee Boys.

When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 13 (doors open at 5:30 p.m.)

Where: Pig Minds Brewing Co., 4080 Steele Drive, Machesney Park

Cost: $22; $18 in advance

For more: 779-423-2147, https://www.pigmindsbrewing.com/

Leprechaun Bingo

What: Join us for Leprechaun bingo. All the fun of our regular free bingo plus a whole lot of shenanigans. St. Pat’s Day prizes, special drink and food menus. Wear green! RSVP for groups larger than 8.

When: 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 13

Where: Rockton Inn Pub & Grub, 102 N. Main St., Rockton

For more: 815-624-0700, https://www.facebook.com/events/3699824560343102

Gruesome Playground Injuries

What: "Gruesome Playground Injuries" by Rajiv Joseph is a darkly comedic play that explores the unconventional relationship between two characters, Doug and Kayleen, over the course of 30 years. The play unfolds in a series of non-linear scenes, jumping back and forth in time to pivotal moments in their lives. Through their shared experiences of pain, loss, and resilience, "Gruesome Playground Injuries" explores themes of friendship, love and the complexity of human connection, ultimately asking whether two damaged individuals can find healing and understanding in each other.

When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, March 14-15; March 21-23

Where: The RPL Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford

Cost: $20

St. Patrick’s Season Celebration

What: We welcome Danny McDade and friends back to our Music on 7th concert series. The "Thursday before St. Patrick's" collaboration with Rockford's Irish Marching Society has become an annual tradition. Danny, IMS president, will perform his collection of traditional, contemporary and innovative Irish favorites, and he will also emcee the concert. The Stateline's favorite Celtic family band, Emerald Wind, will charm the audience with Celtic harp, flute and vocals. Rockford acoustic duo, The Magtones, will introduce their new collection of Irish favorites. Attendance is limited to 50 listeners. Doors open at 6 p.m. for food and beverages.

When: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 14

Where: Katie’s Cup, 502 Seventh St., Rockford

Wine Tasting

What: Celebrate with us for the 1924 wines’ 100th Birthday. It’s a party with a free cake and wine tasting.

When: 5-7 p.m. Thursday, March 14

Where: After the Vine, 163 E. Hawick, Rockton

Cost: Free

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Here are 29 things to do this weekend in the Rockford area