Looking for something to do this weekend? Here are 33 things to do in the Rockford area
Friends of Ida book sale
What: English and Spanish language books and much more
When: 10 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 11; 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Friday, April 12; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, April 13
Where: Ida Public Library, 320 N. State St., Belvidere
Pretty Woman: The Musical
What: Pretty Woman: The Musical, based on one of Hollywood’s most beloved romantic stories of all time, springs to life with a powerhouse creative team led by two-time Tony Award-winning director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell, an original score by Grammy winner Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, and a book by the movie’s legendary director Garry Marshall and screenwriter J. F. Lawton.
When: 8 p.m. Friday, April 12
Where: The Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $35-$200
Swiftie paint night
What: Celebrate Taylor Swift’s new album with themed painting of your choice, music, a bracelet-making station, snacks, soft beverages and photo opportunities. For all ages. Reserve your seat by purchasing a ticket. Arrive between 5:40-6 p.m. Pick and pay for your piece and decide what design you want to do. Paint, make bracelets and eat. Ticket cost does not go towards pottery chosen at the event. Tickets are non-refundable and everyone attending must have a ticket. Limited spots available.
When: 6-8 p.m. Friday, April 12
Where: The Pottery Lounge, 312 N. Alpine Road, Suite 104, Rockford
Cost: $13 plus cost of pottery selected
Café RPL presents Forms!
What: Local Rockford Writers, Heath Alberts, Xen Kingsley, Lyda Kozlowski, David Pedersen and Rockford Poet Laureate Jenna Goldsmith share different forms of poetry and the story behind the creation.
When: 6-8 p.m. Friday, April 12
Where: RPL Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford
Ars Pvblica: The Art of Deception: People, Politics and Propoganda
What: Explore the Art of Deception with our guest artists and thinkers. This month features professor and historian Martin Quirk; illusionist and magician, Brian Buscemi; internationally-acclaimed print propagandists, the Fatherless Print Posse; writer and performer, Rachel León; and the visual and performance artist, hypnotist Roni Golan to present their ideas about the art of deception.
When: 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 12
Where: The Underground, 418 E. State St., Rockford
Herb Nerd class
What: Learn about Echinacea, Astralagus, Ginger, Elderberry/Flower and Olive Leaf. 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. 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. Instructor Dezarae Haley owns The Herbal Oracle in DeKalb and is a licensed holistic health care practitioner.
When: 6-8 p.m. Friday, April 12
Where: Wolf Hollow, 3800 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: $35
Oak sapling giveaway
What: Celebrate Earth Day and pick up bare-root saplings. We will have red oak, burr oak, white oak and pecan saplings available. Take up to two per household. Saplings are first come first served. On Friday, stick around to make and decorate a notebook using upcycled materials. Our craft station will be available indoors from noon – 3 p.m. and open to all ages.
When: noon – 3 p.m. Friday, April 12 and 9 a.m. – noon Saturday, April 13 or while supplies last
Where: Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit
Cost: Free; $10 suggested donation per sapling
National Poetry Month event
What: April is National Poetry Month. We will start with an Open Mic, then featured performers Penelope Monay, Mister Aubs., Georgia Dreyer and Christopher D. Sims. All Rockford area poets are welcome to come and recite at this event. All poetry lovers are welcome.
When: 6 p.m. Friday, April 12
Where: Inscape Collective, 201 Seventh St., Rockford
Ride off-road
What: Bring Your Dual-Sport Adventure Motorcycle & Ride off-road. We offer a new off-road terrain course to practice with your friends. Space is limited; register online.
When: 1-5 p.m. Friday, April 12
Where: Blackhawk Farms MotoVenue, 15538 Prairie Road, South Beloit
Cost: $99
Guitar duo
What: This Twin City-based guitar duo, Ryan Picone and Ben Abrahamson, brings together the virtuosic playing styles of legendary guitarists Django Reinhardt and Paco de Lucia. The fusion of these musical genres known internationally as Jazz Manouche and Flamenco has begun to merge into yet more creative artistic expressions.
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 12
Where: Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center,415 N. Church St., Rockford
Cost: $25; $21 in advance; $6 for students
Elvis & Tom 70s Las Vegas Favorites
What: Stateline celebrity Denny ("Diamond") Svehla returns with his new "Elvis and Tom" program, celebrating the Las Vegas years of Elvis Presley and Tom Jones. We will not be offering pizza, although other packaged snacks and bottled soft drinks will be available before the concert and during the intermission.
When: 3-5 p.m. Saturday, April 13 (doors open at 2 p.m.)
Where: Spring Creek United Church of Christ, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
Cost: No admission charge; goodwill donations to pay musicians appreciated
Rockford IceHogs and Car and Jeep Show
What: You have a cool car or jeep? Bring it out to the show. Car show tickets also gets you into the game. If you want to come for the show but don't want to stay for the game, you can donate your ticket. Join the Screw City Jeeps and 815 Street Cars as they showcase their Jeeps and cars in front of the BMO Center before the Rockford IceHogs take on the Milwaukee Admirals. Car show is open to the public.
Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford
When: Car show from 4:30-6:30 p.m., with puck drop at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 13 or 4 p.m. puck drop Sunday, April 14
Cost: $19
PajamaJam
What: Not your normal pajama party. Have some snacks, throw some pillows, beat a pinata and have some drinks.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, April 13
Where: My Place Bar & Grill, 4578 Harrison Ave., Rockford
Dead Guy Festival – True Crime Expo
What: This event will feature speakers about serial killers, gangsters and murder and mayhem. Host Kathi Kresol will share stories of horrible crimes she has researched along the Rock River; author Chad Lewis will tell tales of gangsters in Wisconsin; award-winning filmmaker John Borowski will share stories about serial killers. After the presentations event participants will have time to tour the museum.
When: noon Saturday, April 13
Where: Historic Auto Attractions, 13825 Metric Drive, Roscoe
Cost: $30; must be paid in advance
Miss Office Niteclub/ Mister Office Niteclub
What: The search is on for a new Mister and Miss Office Niteclub 2024. Who will wear the crowns this year? Reserve your seats. Categories: Gown/Formal wear, Interview and Talent.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, April 13
Where: The Office Niteclub, 513 E. State St., Rockford
2024 Casa Royale
What: Winnebago County CASA is hosting its third annual CASA Royale Fundraiser including a VIP cocktail hour from 6-7 p.m. with open bar and appetizers and a head start on trying their luck at the tables for the opportunity to win prizes. The main event from 7-10 p.m. includes appetizers, cash bar, raffles, live music by The Groove Hotel and casino style entertainment. All proceeds benefit Winnebago County CASA and support its mission to advocate for children in the Winnebago County juvenile court system who have experienced abuse or neglect.
When: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, April 13
Where: Embassy Suites Rockford, 416 S. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $100-$5,000
Guided hike
What: Join FPWC Volunteer, Tim Speer, for a hike. Located at the confluence of the Sugar River and Pecatonica Rivers, Ferguson Forest Preserve provides valuable wildlife habitat and is home to several threatened plant species and about 150 species of birds. This is a family-friendly event. Leashed dogs allowed. Please RSVP on website.
When: 9 a.m. Saturday, April 13
Where: Ferguson Forest Preserve, 8602 W. Winslow Road, Shirland
Cost: Free
Week of the Young Child resource fair
What: Calling all little learners and their grown-ups. Join us for activities for the kids, resources for raising superstar kiddos and connections with other parents and caregivers.
When: 9 a.m. – noon Saturday, April 13
Where: Northwest Community Center, Rockford
Cost: Free
Puppy yoga
What: Join us for a unique yoga experience surrounded by puppies. This in-person event combines the relaxation of yoga with the joy of furry friends. Whether you're a yoga pro or a beginner, this event is perfect for everyone. Don't miss out on the opportunity to de-stress and have fun.
When: 10 a.m. Saturday, April 13
Where: Rockford City Market, 116 N. Madison St., Rockford
Cost: $45
The French Connection
What: This program is going to explore a French connection, between composers who are mostly not French. The concert will open with the Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun, a very descriptive symphonic poem by Claude Debussy. To close the program, the orchestra will perform Mussorgsky’s famous Pictures at an Exhibition. This is a suite in ten movements for piano, each describing a different painting. It is so descriptive in nature, and very colorful, especially because it was orchestrated by the master of orchestration, Maurice Ravel.
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 13
Where: The Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $26-$66; $10 for children; $15 for students
Spring Open House: “Gravestone Types & Preservation”
What: The Rockford Historical Society event includes a meet and greet at 2 p.m. with light hors d ’oeuvres, and program at 2:30 p.m. Travel back in time and get a glimpse of early American gravestones, what they were made of and see how the Victorian era truly made gravestones works of art.
When: 2 p.m. Saturday, April 13
Where: Veterans Memorial Hall and Museum 211 N. Main St., Rockford
Historic District Walking Tour: Part I
What: We will tour a portion of Rockton’s National Historic District, which was established in 1978. The district is significant because of the high concentration of Greek Revival buildings – a style that pays homage to the architecture of ancient Greece, the world’s first democracy.
When: 11 a.m. – noon Saturday, April 13
Where: Old Stone Church, 101 E. Union, Rockton
Cost: Free
Essence of Spring craft show
What: Join us for a show with more than 40 vendors. Family friendly.
When: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday, April 13
Where: Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford
Cost: Free admission
Triflemore: Transatlantic Folk Duo
What: Triflemore is a transatlantic folk duo, including one from small-town America and the other from the northernmost islands of Scotland. Their songs are meditative and progressive, reflecting traditional British Isles folk baroque stylings. The Inscape Collective store will be open from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Listeners are encouraged to shop before and after the concert.
When: 3-4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 13
Where: Inscape Collective, Rockford
Cost: Free admission; $10 donation suggested to help pay performers
815 Truck Takeover 2024
What: This family event includes live music, vendors, truck show, food and drinks. Sponsored by League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Belvidere. All truck and car clubs welcome.
When: 3-9 p.m. Saturday, April 13
Where: Wild Cherries: Food, Bar and Slots, 345 Southtowne Drive, Belvidere
Cost: $10 per vehicle
Haven Network dinner and benefit
What: Prepare to indulge in a night filled with delectable cuisine, captivating entertainment with music by Reed and Waddy, and be a contestant in one (or more) of our retro game shows. This is the major fundraiser for The Haven Network. Your attendance at this 20th annual event and generosity make it possible for families in our community to have access to comprehensive and compassionate grief care.
When: 5:30 -9 p.m. Saturday, April 13
Where: Radisson Hotel & Conference Center, 200 S. Bell School Road, Rockford
Cost: $80
Biz Kids Fair
What: Kids Spot Academy & Narrow Gate Learning are hosting our Biz Kids Fair, which is open to the public to come support local child entrepreneurs. Come support the kiddos who have worked so hard. Register online.
When: 10 a.m. – noon Saturday, April 13
Where: Kids Spot Academy, 9461 N. Second St., Roscoe
Mushroom house painting
What: Includes one complimentary drink. Hosted by Gretchen Cardenas and Melinda Kanak.
When: 7-9 p.m. Saturday, April 13
Where: Doc Holliday’s Saloon, 201 E. State St., Cherry Valley
Cost: $30
Bloom pop-up shop
What: Shop for wire and beaded jewelry; candles and wax melts; clothing and accessories; crochet keychains; books and plants all from local women-owned businesses. Build your own flower bouquet station.
When: Noon – 5 p.m. Saturday, April 13 and Sunday, April 14
Where: Indigo Beauty Boutique, 111 N. Alpine Road, Rockford
Sunday at Macktown
What: Learn about the atlatl (spear-thrower) and other historic life skills of the past. Learn how early natives of the area used their environment and natural resources for day-to-day needs of food, clothing and shelter. See and handle the tools they used and learn how they were made. Chop wood with a stone ax. Try your hand at bringing down dinner with a spear and atlatl. Kids can help grind corn and take some home to make into corn cakes.
When: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, April 14
Where: Macktown Living History Educational Center, 2221 Freeport Road, Rockton
Cost: $5; free for members
Farmers rising: Queering
What: Farmers Rising cultivates sustainable, inclusive farming communities where LGBTQIA+ farmers are valued land stewards and leaders in building resilient, sustainable food systems. Register online. In each session, we'll explore practical ways to engage with our local food system as it is and as we are, consider how our queer ways of thinking and being can strengthen the system, and build community with each other and our food system allies. All are welcome and wanted, and we will be centering queer experiences and perspectives. See Facebook event for more details.
When: 4:30-6 p.m. Sunday, April 14
Where: 201-Seventh St., Rockford
Cost: Free
Windsor Meat Box Bingo
What: We've upped our games to 10 games, where every game gives you a chance to win a box full of 640 Meats.
When: 3 p.m. Sunday, April 14
Where: Windsor Pizza Parlor, 1034 Windsor Road, Loves Park
Cost: Free
Peach Blossom Tumblers, Beyond Apparel Open House
What: Pick out a new tumbler while creating your own unique hat. We will have completed tumblers ready to go, a trucker hat bar, felt hat bar, druzy earrings and discounted apparel.
When: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, April 14
Where: Beyond Apparel, 8542 Middle Road, South Beloit
Coming next week
Pizza & Poetry
What: Join us for a night of poetry, prose and short stories performed by Rockford's best local writers and word-smiths. This is an all ages event.
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Monday, April 15
Where: Lino’s, 5611 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission; food and beverage available for purchase
Murder Mystery Dinner
What: Step back in time to the roaring 1920s and immerse yourself in the glitz and glamour of a speakeasy as you try to solve a murder case. Uncover secrets, interrogate suspects and work with other attendees to crack the case. Dress in your finest 1920s attire. Tickets include heavy appetizers, choice of main course, dessert, non-alcoholic drinks, gratuity for server and the Murder Mystery event. Beer, wine and cocktails will be available from your server as well. We will require an name, email and phone number from each participant so we can send the character/event information ahead of time. Register on Eventbrite.com.
When: 6-9:15 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, 2024
Where: The Olympic Tavern, 2327 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $65 plus tax and fees
April Showers Paint & Sip Night
What: Relax, socialize and get creative while enjoying drinks and snacks. The painting for the evening will capture the essence of April showers. No painting experience is necessary. A server will be present to take your order. The entire handcrafted Prairie Street Brewing menu will be available during the event. All painting supplies provided. Please arrive 15 minutes early.
When: 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, April 17
Where: Prairie Street Brewing Co. 200 Prairie St., Rockford
Cost: $40
Why Watersheds with Region 1
What: Spring is an important time to explore why our watersheds matter, and how we can help protect them. Join Julie for a walking tour to observe Turtle Creek and Kelly Creek up close, followed by a presentation from Region 1 Planning Council of Rockford to learn about local efforts to protect our waterways. This is a family-friendly program. Please RSVP the number of individuals who plan to attend.
When: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 17
Where: Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit
Cost: Free; donations appreciated
Grooves: Opening Reception
What: Kith and Kin Collective's Spring ArtScene opening reception celebrates all things groovy. Join us for an evening of art, food, music and drinks.
When: 6-9 p.m. Thursday, April 18
Where: Kith and Kin Collective, 510 E. State St., Rockford
Rock the Rockford ReStore
What: We're celebrating the anniversary of our ReStore location with three days packed of special deals, games and prizes. Starting April 1, every purchase earns you an entry to win a $200 gift card; winner announced April 20. On April 19, join us for a live remote with 97ZOK's Steve Shannon. On April 20, indulge in food from Sassy Mac Boys Mac Gourmet Mac and Cheese, The Nena's Food Truck and more. Spin the wheel for a chance to win up to 40% off your entire purchase, including vintage and Elkay sinks. (Excludes MBS Tools and Green Sheen Paint.)
When: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Thursday, April 18 – Saturday, April 20
Where: Rockford ReStore, 7141 Harrison Ave., Rockford
Petals & Pastries
What: This event is two make-and-take classes in one. Decorate three sugar cookies. Learn basic decorating skills and enjoy the cookies later- if you can wait. Led by Erica with EK Cakery. Boxes will be provided to take cookies home. You'll also learn basic floral design techniques with Sarah with Poplar Grove Floral. Make a flower arrangement to brighten your table. Ticket includes complimentary drink of choice from the curated event menu. Indoor rain or shine event. Flowers and cookies will be in spring theme colors and shapes.
When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, April 18
Where: Hidden Creek Estates, 13276 White School Road, Roscoe
Cost: $72; register online by April 11
Hands Around the Courthouse
What: April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Please join us for this community event to support survivors and increase child abuse awareness and prevention.
When: Noon – 12:30 p.m. Thursday, April 18
Where: Winnebago County Justice Center, 650 W. State St., Rockford
Jeff Layng solo acoustic
What: Stateline listeners have enjoyed Jeff Layng's combo work with his current Groove Hotel band and previously with the Dean Moriarty Band and the Moonlight Jazz Orchestra. Come hear his new solo acoustic guitar and vocal project. The concert will feature Jeff's unique styling of favorites from the '60s, '70s and '80s. Attendance is limited to 50 listeners.
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, April 18 (doors open at 6 p.m.)
Where: Katie’s Cup, 201 Seventh St., Rockford
The History of the West Waterfall
What: In the spring of 1989, the first boulders were placed at the base of the West Waterfall. Join Garden Curator Tim Gruner as we look back 35 years at the planning, engineering and birth of this major landscape. Register online.
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, April 18
Where: Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
Cost: $5; free for members