Looking for something to do this weekend in the Rockford area? Here are 17 upcoming events

Mark Normand

What: Dubbed by Jerry Seinfeld as the “best young up and coming comic,” Mark Normand is a stand-up comedian from New Orleans. He is on Netflix’s Season 3 of THE STAND UPS. He previously had two Comedy Central specials and has made an unparalleled seven appearances on “Conan,” four appearances on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon,” and has also appeared on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” Mark is a frequent guest on “The Joe Rogan Experience,” and hosts his own podcasts “Tuesdays with Stories” and “We Might Be Drunk.”

When: 7 p.m. Friday, July 26

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

Cost: $36-$161

Puppy Pals Live

What: As seen on “America’s Got Talent,” Puppy Pals Live is a family fun action-packed show where adopted and rescued dogs perform stunts and comedic tricks. Seating is limited. Free tickets will be available on event day on a first-come, first-served basis. Tacos and shaved ice will be available for purchase from Cantina Taco and Kona Ice food trucks.

When: 10 and 11 a.m., 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. Friday, July 26

Where: Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford

Cost: $10; free to museum members and children age 1 and younger

Friday Night Flix: Toy Story

What: Enjoy a showing of the movie, “Toy Story.” These food trucks and vendors will be on site: Olivo Taco , Rustic Oven Wood Fired Pizza , Tower Kitchen & Bar , and My Cafè Amorè . In case of inclement weather, announcements will be posted on the Friday Night Flix and Davis Park Facebook pages.

When: 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 26

Where: Davis Park, 320 S. Wyman St., Rockford

Cost: Free admission

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. Timberpoint Bluegrass performs on the main stage July 26.

When: 4-8:30 p.m. Fridays, July 26

Where: Water Street at East State Street, Rockford

Cost: free admission

Music on the Mall

What: On July 26, Abbie Thomas & The Crazy Hearts Band performs pop, blues, jazz and Americana. They exude a vibe from the songwriters of the 70’s.

When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, July 26

Where: Center Court at Edgebrook Center near Cora Physical Therapy, 1643 N. Alpine Road, Rockford

Cost: Free admission

Pete Davidson: Prehab Tour

What: Pete Davidson is a celebrated stand-up comedian, actor, writer and producer. In 2023, Davidson starred in Peacock’s “Bupkis," a semi-autobiographical comedy series he also co-created, co-wrote and executive produced. Davidson was a cast member on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” from 2014-2022. Davidson shot his first one-hour stand-up special for Comedy Central in 2016 and was named one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30 the same year. Davidson was listed as one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People of 2022.

When: 7 p.m. Saturday, July 27

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

Cost: $50-$99

Concerts on the Creek: Grass Attack

What: Bluegrass quartet Grass Attack will perform. There is no admission charge, but goodwill donations ($10 suggested) from the audience pay the musicians and help defray the church's event hosting costs.

When: 7–9 p.m. Saturday, July 27 (doors open at 6 p.m.)

Where: Spring Creek United Church of Christ, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford

Cost: Suggested donation of $10 to help pay performers

Summer Japanese Festival

What: Performances and demonstrations begin at 10 a.m. and continue throughout the day. The Japanese Summer Festival features exhibits, demonstrations and performances for all ages to gain a better understanding of Japanese culture. Festival activities are included with admission; additional fee required for tea ceremony participation. Off-site parking at the College of Medicine, with complimentary shuttle service to and from the visitor center. Food available for purchase. Picnic area available during the festival. Bottled water is permitted in the garden. No other carry-in beverage or food allowed.

When: 10 a.m. Saturday, July 27 – 4 p.m. Sunday, July 28

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

Cost: $14; $13 for seniors; $12 for students and military; free for age five and younger or premium garden members

Lecture: Frank Lloyd Wright, Laurent and Usonian houses

What: This lecture will feature John Waters, architect and preservation programs manager for the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy. Waters' talk will focus on the Usonian house, one of Frank Lloyd Wright's great contributions to 20th-century architecture. With the Usonian house, Wright created a system of building that he would use, in one form or another, in all his residential designs from the 1930s to the late 1950s. Hear about the unusual features of the Usonian house and see how the Laurent House, an important example of this type of architecture, is, thanks to Ken and Phyllis Laurent’s unique requirements, both similar and different from other Usonian houses.

When: 2:30 p.m. Saturday, July 27

Where: Spring Creek United Church of Christ, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford

Rhythm of the Heart Festival

What: The all-day festival features live music, a car show, food trucks, vendor tents, a kids’ activity area and fireworks. Bands include Nauti Nauti, LynSkynyrd and Made in America – A Tribute to Toby Keith.

When: 1-10 p.m. Saturday, July 27

Where: Loves Park Festival Grounds, 100 Heart Blvd., Loves Park

Cost: Free

Speak It! Sing It! Come-Unity Talent Explosion

What: Sounds of Good News Productions, RAAC and the RPL Nordlof present an afternoon of original poetry, creative spoken word, music, dance and more with City of Rockford Youth Poet Laureate, Trinity Rucker.

When: 3-5 p.m. Saturday, July 27

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

Cost: Free

Rockford Rivets

What: The Rivets take on the Kenosha Kingfish. The Rockford Rivets are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League.

When: 6:35 p.m. Saturday, July 27

Where: Rivets Stadium, 4502 Interstate Blvd., Loves Park

Cost: $12; check the Rivets website for promotions and ticket deals

The Theory of Relativity

What: RU Performing Arts students will be performing two stateside showings of the Theory of Relativity. Limited seating. Then, they leave to perform the show in Scotland at the Festival Fringe. The Theory of Relativity is a joyous and moving look about our surprisingly interconnected lives. Whether you're allergic to cats, in love for the first or tenth time, a child of divorce, a germaphobe or simply a unique individual, audience members and actors alike are sure to find themselves in this musical.

When: 4 p.m. Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28

Where: Cheek Theatre, Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford

Cost: Free

Brunch on the Dock

What: This fundraising event for Family Counseling Service includes a brunch buffet, a Bloody Mary bar and easy listening music by Don’t Tell Mom, featuring Shannon Espinosa. There will also be a 50-50 drawing and Ticket Drop drawings. All proceeds benefit Family Counseling Services' mission to provide professional counseling services to local children and adults where cost isn't a barrier.

When: 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Sunday, July 28

Where: Prairie Street Brewhouse, 200 Prairie St., Rockford

Cost: $55

Woodsong Summer Concert: Icons of Country Music

What: Erica and Chris from Icons Of Country Music Tribute Shows will perform the greatest hits of Miranda Lambert and Keith Urban. Klehm’s Woodsong Concerts are lawn-style events held in our beautiful Fountain Garden, meaning there are no reserved seats and attendees should plan to bring their own blankets, chairs or other seating. Attendees are welcome to bring their own food and drink to enjoy in a responsible manner prior to and during the concert. We are excited to announce that local favorite Gelato Joe’s will be present at each concert to offer their delicious and cool summertime treats for sale to concertgoers!

When: 6-8 p.m. Sunday, July 21 (gates open at 4 p.m.)

Where: Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford

Cost: $15; $12 for members

8th Annual American Legion Riders benefit

What: This event begins at 8 a.m. with breakfast and registration at the American Legion. All wheels are welcomed. Breakfast is for donation and will consist of biscuits and gravy. Kick stands up at 10:30 a.m. This event also ends at the Legion. There will also be a hog roast and plenty of food for $10 per plate. Live music featuring Marine veteran Billy Gray from 2-5 p.m. Cash bars and lots of raffles. Help raise funds for our local Veteran organizations.

When: 8 a.m. Sunday, July 28

Where: American Legion Riders Boone Post 77, 910 Chrysler Drive, Belvidere

Cost: $20 rider; $10 passenger

Coach’s Corner Parking Lot Party

What: Live music, axe throwing, outdoor drink specials, 50/50 raffles, door prizes, cornhole boards and more. Proceeds support the Coach's Corner Scholarship fund.

When: Noon Sunday, July 28

Where: Coach’s Corner, 622 S. State St., Belvidere

Coming next week

Dockside Live

What: Enjoy a performance by Ken Slauf, who has his own style of folk, blues, rock and jazz. He creates a connection with  audiences, with titles from bands such as the Beatles, James Taylor or Steve Goodman. Live music from 6-9 p.m. The kitchen is open until 9 p.m. The event is for all ages.

When: 6-9 p.m. Monday, July 29

Where: Prairie Street Brewing Co., 200 Prairie St., Rockford

Cost: Free admission

Tuesday Evening in the Gardens

What: Tuesday Evening in the Gardens features local, regional and nationally touring musicians. Guests are invited to enter and set up seating area at 5 p.m. Blankets, lawn chairs and small tables are welcome. The parking lot fills up early; off-site parking at the College of Medicine with complimentary shuttle service to and from the Visitor Center. William Elliot Whitmore of Lee County, Iowa will headline at 6:30 p.m. July 30, with Edward David Anderson of Bloomington opening at 5:45 p.m.

When: 5:45 – 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 30

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

Cost: $12; $11 for seniors; $10 for Military and students; Free for age 5 and younger or Premium Garden Members

Music in the Park: The Rock Valley Summer Festival Orchestra

What: The Rock Valley Summer Festival orchestra is made up of musicians from the Music Academy in Rockford, Rock Valley College, Rockford Symphony Orchestra and local professional musicians. The orchestra is led by Rock Valley College music professor and Rockford Symphony Principal Cellist Michael Beert. Music in the Park is an outdoor summer concert series held at the open-air Sinnissippi Park Music Shell. Bring a picnic to enjoy, or purchase concession items.

When: 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 30

Where: Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, 1401 N. Second St., Rockford

Cost: Free; donations accepted

Rockton River Market

What: Enjoy food, wine or wine slushies from After the Vine, the market and fun with friends. Jon Bon Stamos performs July 31.

When: 5 – 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 31

Where: Settlers Park, 128 E. Hawick St., Rockton

Cost: Free admission

Music on the Rock

What: Enjoy music from Crossroads Blues Society featuring Stephen Hull & The Wheatbread Johnson BITS Program. Racine, Wis.-native Stephen Hull is a 25-year-old international blues Musician, IBC 2nd place winner and Best Guitarist award winner 2024. Hull started playing blues at age 14 and never stopped, taking cues from Albert King and B.B. King as he developed his guitar sound. Food from Sassy Mac Boys and drinks from Prairie Street Brewing Co. available for purchase while relaxing in our outdoor theater. If it rains, the party will move indoors.

When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 31

Where: Behind Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford

Cost: Free admission; food and beverages for purchase

Dinner on the Dock

What: The 2024 Dinner on the Dock Music offers guests food, locally brewed craft beer and locally and nationally recognized musical acts. Come by car or boat and relax on the dock. The performer for Aug. 1 is That Gurl, a '70s cover band.

When: 5-10 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1

Where: Prairie Street Brewing Co., 200 Prairie St., Rockford

Cost: Free admission; table and boat slip reservations available

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Looking for something to do this weekend in the Rockford area? Here are 17 upcoming events