Looking for something to do this weekend in the Rockford area? Here are 21 upcoming events

45th Annual Festa Italiana

What: The Greater Rockford Italian American Association (GRIAA) hosts the 45th annual Festa Italiana. GRIAA is a non-profit organization staffed solely by volunteers that promotes the Italian culture through social events, works of charity and educational activities throughout the community. Friday activities include the Amici Italian Troupe from 5:10-5:50 p.m., opening ceremonies from 6:30-7 p.m., Dirt Road Rebelz from 7-8:30 p.m. and AudioDrive from 9:10-10 p.m. Saturday’s performers are Amici Italian Youth and Adult Troupes, Vince Amore, Blooze Brothers and Dead Mans Hand. On Sunday, there will be Mass from 10-11 a.m., Amici Italian Youth then Adult Troupes from 1-3 p.m., Stevie Swing & The Summer Wind from 3:30-5 p.m. and IPOP from 6-8 p.m. There will also be carnival rides and games for all ages, toddler through adult, kids craft area, food and beverage vendors.

When: Friday, Aug. 2 – Sunday, Aug. 4

Where: Boylan Catholic School, 4000 St. Francis Drive, Rockford

Cost: Admission is $8; free for active military and veterans and children age 7 and younger

Guest Artist Jon Langford

What: Welsh rabble-rouser, painter extraordinaire, punk rock pioneer, Jon Langford is a prolific and visual artist whose punk rock instincts and draftsmanship come together in a painting style that is distinctive, engaging, and challenging. Langford is from Wales but has lived in Chicago since the early 1990's. He is a founding member of the Mekons, The 3 Jon’s, The Waco Brothers and numerous other musical iterations. In addition to the visual art, Jon and his band mates will perform live at 8 p.m. outside of 317. Gallery show runs through August.

When: 5-10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2

Where: 317 Art Collective, 317 Market St., Rockford

Cost: Free

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. Soul Review performs on the main stage Aug. 2.

When: 4-8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2

Where: Water Street at East State Street, Rockford

Cost: free admission

Music on the Mall

What: On Aug. 2, Grand Groove Hotel performs Swing, Bossa Nova, Fun, Rock, Samba, Gospel & Cuban son with Gina Meeks.

When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2

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

Cost: Free admission

Rockton River Market

What: Enjoy food, wine or wine slushies from After the Vine, the market and fun with friends. Aug. 2 performance by Bill & Jim’s Most Excellent Acoustic Adventure. Friends longer than 20 years, Bill and Jim have pieced together and amassed material from past and present bands to put together a versatile set list: classic rock, country, 80's and 90's.

When: 5–8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2

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

Cost: Free admission

Summer Sunset Spectacular

What: Join Discovery Center for the grand finale of summer fun. Dive into the magic with whimsical balloon twisting from 10 a.m. to noon. A face painting station will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Children can indulge in free cotton candy and popcorn. Tacos and shaved ice will be available for purchase from Cantina Taco and Kona Ice food trucks.

When: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2

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

Cost: Admission is $10 for the Public and FREE to museum members and all children ages 1 and younger.

Country Night Splash Pad

What: Come say howdy at our country-themed splash pad & inflatable party. There will be music, games and an inflatable obstacle course from The Play House at this country-themed splash pad and inflatable party. Dressing to the theme is encouraged.

When: 5-7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2

Where: Splash Pad Doty Park, 381 Leonard Court, Belvidere

Cost: Free

Rockford Rivets

What: The Rivets play the Royal Oak Leprechauns Friday and the Lakeshore Chinooks Saturday. The Rockford Rivets are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League.

When: 6:35 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2 and Saturday, Aug. 3

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

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

The Roaring 20s

What: Visit the hidden speakeasies scattered throughout the village as you learn about the Prohibition Era in Rockford. Costumed interpreters and period re-enactors bring the 1920s to life. There will be vintage cars, 1920s music, temperance marchers, bootleggers and distilling practices, gangsters, G-men, bank heists and more. Period clothing is optional, but always welcome. Your Roaring 20s ticket is also your pass to Midway's Museum Center for the day.

When: 1-7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3

Where: Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford

Cost: $15; $12 for ages 5-12; $13 for seniors age 62 and older; free for children up to age 4 and members

Backpacking with Burpee

What: The next Backpacking with Burpee program focuses on art in the environment. Walking the trails here will lead you to an exploration of flower-filled prairies, cool shady woodlands, the glistening Kishwaukee River and a bubbling natural spring. This class is open to all ages. Children younger than 15 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Register online.

When: 10 a.m. – noon Saturday, Aug. 3

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

Cost: $7

Stationery Store Day

What: Celebrate the best day of the year for stationery and paper lovers. SSD also coincides with the shops one-year anniversary. There will be stationery selections, freebies, giveaways, collabs, pop up artists (Caitlin Yarbro paper art), official Stationery Store Day merchandise and more.

When: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3

Where: SRM Prints Studio + Gift Shop, 330 E. State St., Rockford

Summer 2024 Vintage Market

What: Come inside the gorgeous home to shop local vendors with high-quality handmade items, vintage/antique/repurposed goods or original artwork. Schedule a tour of the home with the Boone County Historical Society to learn the history and see the second and third floors.

Head outside for more vendors out around the grounds.

When: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3

Where: The Funderburg House, 605 N. State St., Belvidere

Back to School Carnival

What: The annual Back to School Carnival features games, prizes, a live reptile show and a backpack and school supplies giveaway.

When: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3

Where: Belvidere First Assembly of God, 1105 Seventh Ave., Belvidere

Back to School Xtravaganza

What: Empowering Word Christian Center is giving away 500 backpacks. Two hundred kids will receive a free Olivo Taco meal. Chick-Fil-A will be giving away 500 meal gift cards. First come, first served. Kids can win a free laptop or $50 gift cards in a drawing. Free haircuts provided on site. There will also be free entertainment, bouncy houses and face painting. Meet, greet and see demonstrations from the Rockford Police Department- K9 Division and Rockford Fire Department. Children must be present and accompanied by an adult to win.

When: Noon Saturday, Aug. 3

Where: Empowering Word Christian Center, 4010 E. State St., Rockford

Mini Lessons with Guitar Center

What: The event is part of the library’s community outreach mission to bring music, reading music and the opportunity to play a guitar to those with no (or very limited) experience. Anyone age 8 through adult can register to learn a familiar guitar riff at this event. This is your chance to see what playing a guitar feels like. During the event, Guitar Center will be offering a discount of 25% off of your first month of lessons if you choose to take it a step further. Register for one of three sessions: 11-11:55 a.m., noon to 12:55 p.m. or 1-1:55 p.m.

When: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3

Where: Rockford Public Library East Branch, 6685 E. State St., Rockford

Cost: Free

Georgia Peach Stop

What: Shop for hand-picked, tree-ripened peaches direct from Pearson Farm. No pre-orders. Preferably pay with credit or debit, but cash and checks also accepted. The event will offer Georgia peaches and pecans, New Mexico pistachios and Michigan blueberries.

When: Noon – 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3

Where: Blain’s Farm & Fleet, 7300 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park

Summer lecture with Jean Lythgoe

What: Local historian and librarian, Jean Lythgoe, presents an overview of the ways Rockford has celebrated milestones over the decades.

When: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4

Where: Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum & Gardens, 411 Kent St., Rockford

Cost: $10; $5 for members

Build a Brim Hammered Hat Bar

What: Build a brim at the Hammered Hat Bar. There will be a variety of embellishments to choose from to add flair to your hat. Hat is included in the cost of the workshop. Burning and branding stations will also be available. You do not need to be there right at 1 p.m. but you do need to pre-register. Allow approximately one hour to complete hat. Also included with ticket is a select glass of wine from the menu and 20% off bottles. Hat embellishments are done on a points system. Included with the price of your hat, you get 25 points to spend on embellishments. Embellishment options include ribbon, leather bands, playing cards, pompas, feathers, flowers, charms, burning/branding, matchbooks and more.

When: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4

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

Cost: $73

RR Bridgestone/AHRMA

What: Road racing is coming to the Midwest. Come out and watch classic and modern motorcycle racing. Concessions available. $10 pit fee for pit vehicles.

When: 8 a.m. Friday, Aug. 2 – 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4

Where: Blackhawk Farms Raceway, 15538 Prairie Road, South Beloit

Cost: $20-$35 gate fee

61st Annual Corn Boil

What: Enjoy amazing corn, drinks and an opportunity to win $2,000 in the grand prize raffle. Price includes a pork chop sandwich or brat, all the sweet corn you can eat, and all the fixings.

When: Noon – 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4

Where: Rockton American Legion, 221 W. Main St., Rockton

Cost: $10; $6 for ages 6-12; free for children age 5 or younger; raffle tickets for $5

Victory Heatwave Pickleball Tournament

What: The tournament will feature a round-robin format with pools and brackets when necessary. For the round-robin, play one game to 15. Register on website.

When: 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 4 – 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4

Where: Victory Pickleball, 7003 N. Alpine Road, Loves Park

Cost: $40

Coming next week

Dockside Live

What: Dockside Live, born on the heels of the iconic Dinner on the Dock is Prairie Street Brewing Co.’s answer to a more locally-focused and intimate live music experience on our dock. Dockside Live is always free and always entertaining. On Monday, Aug. 5, enjoy performance by the Chris Haise Band. The Milwaukee-based Chris Haise Band’s (pronounced Hi-zee) music is a blend of hook filled ballads and toe tappers. Mixing Folk and Rock, Haise’s vocals have been described as Dylan meets Springsteen meets Petty, while his lyrics have been described as “smart new songwriting” and “Intense, Thoughtful Songcraft”. The band released their album ‘Half of All of Nothing’ this past summer and have played summer concert series and festivals such as Tosa Tonight, Bastille Days, Mile of Music, etc. Live music from 6-9 p.m.; the kitchen is open until 9 p.m. The event is for all ages. During Dockside Live, enjoy walk-up bar service with open seating on our lower dock “lounge” area or see our host stand to sit down for full menu table service. No reservations allowed. First come, first served hostess seating.When: 6-9 p.m. Monday, Aug. 5

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. Food and beverages are available for purchase. Carry-in picnic suppers are welcome; carry-in beverages are not allowed. Bags will be checked upon entry. The Sensations of Rockford will headline at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 6, with Rollin’ Whisky of Rockford opening at 5:45 p.m.

When: 5:45 – 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6

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

Alice Cooper

What: Drawing equally from horror movies, vaudeville, and garage rock, Alice Cooper created a stage show that featured electric chairs, guillotines, fake blood and boa constrictors. Alice Cooper brings his own brand of rock psycho-drama to fans both old and new. Known as the architect of shock-rock, Cooper (in both the original Alice Cooper band and as a solo artist) has rattled the cages and undermined the authority of generations of guardians of the status quo, continuing to surprise fans and exude danger at every turn.

When: 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7 (doors open at 7 p.m.)

Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford

Cost: $35-$175

Music on the Rock

What: Enjoy music from Chris O’Leary on Aug. 7. Chris’ musical background includes duties as lead singer and front man for rock and roll hall of famer and Grammy award winner Levon Helm’s band, The Barnburners. Chris has appeared on stage with: Legendary Rolling Stones sideman Bobby Keys, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Jimmy Vivino, Jeff Healy, Dan Aykroyd, Albert Lee, Dave Edmunds, Dave Maxwell and the great James Cotton to name just a few. Enjoy food from Ka-Bao and drinks from Prairie Street Brewing Co. while relaxing in our outdoor theater. If it rains, the party moves indoors.

When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7

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

Cost: Free admission; food and beverages for purchase

Rockford Rivets

What: The Rivets play the Traverse City Pit Spitters Wednesday and Thursday. The Rockford Rivets are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League.

When: 6:35 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7 and Thursday, Aug. 8

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

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

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast

What: This StarBright show will feature Starlight’s 8-18-year-olds on the Bengt Sjostrom Stage. Journey to the enchanting castle where the charming yet cursed Beast resides and the spirited Belle finds herself entwined in a magical story of love and sacrifice. Bring the entire family to experience the wonder of Beauty and the Beast.

When: 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug 7 - Friday, Aug 9; 4:30 and 8 p.m. Saturday Aug. 10

Where: Starlight Theatre at Rock Valley College, 3301 N. Mulford Road Rockford

Cost: $10-$17

Dinner on the Dock

What: Dinner on the Dock 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. 8 is SUNSET STRIP, the five-time & Hall of Fame RAMI (Rockford Area Music Industry) Award winning, 80’s Glam/Hairband Tribute band.

When: 5-10 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8

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 21 upcoming events