The weekend brings a movie night at Baltic Mill, an anniversary bash for Double T and the 52 nd annual Poplar Grove Airport Fly-In, along with fundraisers, live music, back-to-school events and more in the Rockford area.
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. Families also enjoy free weekly kid's activities. The Groove Hotel performs on the main stage Aug. 16.
When: 4-8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16
Where: Water Street at East State Street, Rockford
Cost: free admission
Summer Concert Series: Steve McClanahan
What: Steve McClanahan is a solo acoustic guitarist and singer in Rockford.
When: 6-9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16
Where: Franchesco’s, 7128 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
Fall Open House
What: Enjoy wine and Halloween treats as you shop the unique collection of haunted goodies. Grab a punch card and have some fun.
When: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16 and Saturday, Aug. 17; Noon – 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18
Where: Rags to Vintage, 4760 IL Rt. 173, Poplar Grove
Music on the Mall
What: On Aug. 16, The Beaux Band will perform 60s-90s music.
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16
Where: Center Court at Edgebrook Center near Cora Physical Therapy, 1643 N. Alpine Road, Rockford
Cost: Free admission
Movies in the Park: Clifford the Big Red Dog
What: These events are free to the public. Bring your own chair or blanket and get ready to watch some movies in the park under the stars! Join us starting at 7:30 PM at the Baltic Mill. The movie will start at dark
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16
Where: Baltic Mill, 920 W. Lincoln Ave., Belvidere
Cost: Free admission
Haunted Downtown Rockford Walking Tour
What: Local author Kathi Kresol will lead the group around the haunted spots of downtown Rockford to make Rockford’s ghostly history come alive. She will be joined by the Haunted Rockford Crew who will help share the dark tales of murder, grisly accidents and spirits who linger throughout the Forest City. Wear comfortable shoes. This is a walking tour.
When: 7-8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16
Where: Veterans Memorial Hall parking lot, 211 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $25; must be paid in advance
Heaven on Wheels Car Show
What: See an eclectic collection of cars from near and far. There will be food trucks and a DJ present for grub and entertainment. All proceeds benefit Holy Family School.
When: 4-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16
Where: Holy Family Catholic Church, 4403 Highcrest Road, Rockford
Cost: Free admission for spectators; $15 vehicle entry fee
Music in the Park: Sinnissippi Jams V5 Covers
What: Six groups of seasoned and talented musicians perform covers of classic and current songs from every era of the past 50 years. Music in the Park is an outdoor summer concert series held at the open-air Sinnissippi Park Music Shell. A variety of musical performers, styles and genres are presented. Arrive early for best seating; ending times are approximate. The series consists of both free and admission fee shows, depending on the performance. Bring a picnic to enjoy, or purchase concession items.
When: 1-8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17
Where: Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, 1401 N. Second St., Rockford
Cost: Free; donations accepted
Open House: Actor Training
What: This is the third and final open house of 2024. Get details, meet management, ask questions, meet scare actors and see what Twisted Crypt is all about. No obligation or stress. One of Twisted Crypt Productions award-winning actors will be on hand, Amanda Powers as "Tilly," and there will also be a few top haunt actors in Illinois coming to teach the basics of haunt acting. Have some fun, take a chance and see if you want to join an award-winning haunt crew. No experience necessary. Must be at least 16 years of age. Multiple positions available, including makeup artists, acting and security. Must be able to pass a background check. Twisted Crypt Haunted House is celebrating its 11th year in 2024.
When: 3-5:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17
Where: Twisted Crypt Haunted House, 5420 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: Free
815 Fun Fair: At the Farm
What: This event hosted by Life Decisions youth-led group includes carnival games, face paint, cotton candy, snow-cones, a foam pit and a chance to win raffle prizes. See goats and chickens from Lockwood Park plus a Birds of Prey demonstration.
When: 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17
Where: Dahlquist Park, 3251 Oak Grove Ave., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
Double T Anniversary Bash featuring Faster Pussycat
What: Celebrating 7 amazing years of Double T being at 96.7 The Eagle. Faster Pussycat will perform.
When: 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17
Where: District Bar & Grill, 205 W. State St., Rockford
Cost: $25
9 th Annual Summer Bash
What: This party with a purpose provides a safe, adult atmosphere filled with food, fun and live entertainment. Rockford’s and Master Builders own DJ Rated AG with assistance from DJ AJ STYLE will control the 1’s and 2’s filling the atmosphere with an array of music. Live entertainment provided by The Senergy Band and The Soul Review. All proceeds are in support of the Mt. McKinley Youth Fund in conjunction with Rockford Public Schools Superintendent Ehren Jarrett and Rockford University, the scholarship gateway program.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17
Where: Tebala Event Center, 7910 Newburg Road, Rockford
Back the Blue Motorcycle Rally
What: This is a free 100-mile, police-escorted ride through Winnebago and Ogle Counties. The ride starts and ends at Crazy Times. Registration at 10 a.m.; kickstands up at 11 a.m. If you want breakfast make sure to arrive at 8 a.m. to try to get food before 11 a.m. Music by Lola Blu Band.
When: 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 17
Where: Crazy Times, 1520 Glen Forest Drive, Machesney Park
In the Outdoors: Campfires and Constellations
What: Begin the night around a campfire and end it stargazing. With the Perseids meteor shower active until Aug. 24, enjoy a night of light. Bring a blanket and a friend. For all ages. Firewood provided. Pre-registration recommended.
When: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17
Where: Atwood Center, 2685 New Milford School Road, Rockford
Cost: Free
Comedy Night at Coach’s Corner
What: Comedy Night features some top comedians in the private banquet room. Enjoy jokes, food and drinks.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17
Where: Coach’s Corner, 622 S. State St., Belvidere
Cost: $15
11 th Annual River Run: 3k, 5k and half marathon
What: RAMP hosts this USATF-certified (IL 17063NM) event, which is also a 2024 RRR Circuit Race. All proceeds from these events will go directly to RAMP.
When: 6 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 17
Where: City Market Pavilion, 202 Market St., Rockford
Cost: $70 for half marathon | $35 for 5K | $35 for Walk/Wheel-a-thon
Royal Hobby Annual Model Show
What: Bring your models down to show off, talk to other modelers and look at their work. See vendors and check out the shop’s sales. Take a break with the food truck, Gratitude Bistro, out front. Judging starts at noon.
When: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17
Where: Royal Hobby, 3920 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: Free to attend or participate
Domingues en el Parque: Celebrating Favorite Decades
What: The music lineup for this event is still to be announced, but will feature a variety of Latin styles from '80s and '90s Spanish rock and pop, tropical sounds like bachata, merengue, and cumbias, as well as local talented Mexican traditional sounds like Banda, Norteño, and Sierreño. There will be open mic/talent time, dance performances, artist displays, live beauty art, and vendors, which may include informational tables like banking, insurance, community resources, authentic Latino food and snack vendors, handmade jewelry, and authentic Latino custom gear.
When: 5-8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18
Where: Levings Park, 1420 S. Pierpont Ave., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
H2-Oh! Environmental Family Fun Fair
What: Expand your eco- know-how. Drip some drops, make something float and more. Learn from regional agency experts about local habitats and ways we keep water clean.
When: Noon – 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18
Where: On the Dock, Prairie Street Brewhouse, 200 Prairie St., Rockford
Cost: Free
Poplar Grove Airport’s 52 nd Annual Fly-In
What: Airplane rides are $40 per person from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., weather permitting. The event also features food trucks, engine shop open house, Rotary Club bingo, tractor rides and vintage tractor pull, and shuttles to and from the Poplar Grove Vintage Wings & Wheels Museum, where the annual rummage sale will be held in the vintage Springfield Hangar. You never know what you'll find at this huge hangar sale. There will be vintage books, housewares, tools and more. All proceeds from sales go to our Aviation Scholarship Program, which has awarded over $80,000 to area youth in aviation. Walk, drive or fly in.
When: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18
Where: Poplar Grove Airport, 11619 Route 76, Poplar Grove
815 Show Down Rockford
What: Rockford Tricoci campus is hosting a barber/beauty event to showcase industry students and professionals and to give back to the community through bringing awareness and donating to Marshmallow's Hope, a nonprofit that helps people who are struggling with mental health issues by offering counseling, suicidal survivor therapy, hero mentor program, teen group therapy and more.
When: Noon – 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18
Where: UW Health Sports Factory, 301 S. Water St., Rockford
Coming next week
Dockside Live
What: On Monday, Aug. 12, enjoy performance from Eli Parker, an upcoming musician from Rockford, who takes inspiration from John Mayer, The Strokes and many other musicians. He started writing songs during his senior year of high school. His career kicked off with his first single If I Could Scream, written about his struggles of transitioning from high school to college, and the uncertainty of the future. 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, Aug. 19
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. Food and beverages are available for purchase. Carry-in picnic suppers are welcome; carry-in beverages are not allowed. Laura Stevenson of New York will headline at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 20, with Josh Caterer of Aurora, Illinois, opening at 5:45 p.m.
When: 5:45 – 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20
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
Rockton River Market
What: Enjoy food, wine or wine slushies from After the Vine, the market and fun with friends. The Aug.21 performer Hanks Neighbors will perform "acoustified" blues and rock. The market opens at 5 p.m., with music starting at 6 p.m.
When: 5 – 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21
Where: Settlers Park, 128 E. Hawick St., Rockton
Cost: Free admission
Italia Uncorked – Wine Tasting
What: Discover the hidden gems of Italian wine. Explore the rare and unknown grape varietals of Italy, experiencing the unique flavors and rich heritage of Italy's lesser-known grape varieties, each with its own story and character.
When: 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21
Where: Lino’s, 5611 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: $60; Cork Dork members receive 15% off one ticket
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. 22 is Longshot. The band plays Rock ‘n’ roll, outlaw, country and acoustic blues.
When: 5-10 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22
Where: Prairie Street Brewing Co., 200 Prairie St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission; table and boat slip reservations available
Rock n Roll Institute Fundraiser Night
What: The Olympic is donating a keg of beer to help raise funds for the Rock and Roll Institute, a local program that puts local kids together with Rockford musicians to learn about being in a band. 100% of the sales from the keg of Firestone Walker's 805 Cerveza will be donated to the Rock and Roll Institute. The RNRI crew will be hanging out all night. If you’re not drinking, you can still donate in the donation jar. The keg will be on tap at 11 a.m. The Rock and Roll Institute is a 501c3 nonprofit.
When: 5-9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22
Where: The Olympic Tavern 2327 N. Main St., Rockford
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Looking for something to do this weekend in the Rockford area? Here are 21 upcoming events
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