From beers at the ballpark to pelicans in downtown: Here are 16 sweet things to do in the Rockford area
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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Update: The Brews on First Beer Fest has been postponed. We’ll provide a new date for the event once it is set.
ROCKFORD — This week is packed with things to do in the area: from seasonal events like farmers markets to entertainment for kids at the Coronado Performing Arts Center and fun for adults with beers at the Rivets Stadium ballpark.
You can also celebrate the arrival of migrating pelicans in Rockton, have laughs at an English pub or Mexican restaurant, and you can shop for vintage goods and antiques at multiple places.
You don’t have to wait for the weekend for the fun to start. Here are 16 things to do this week. Sweet!
Chow down at Food Truck Tuesdays
About: Choose from more than a dozen different food trucks set up along the scenic Sinnissippi Gardens outside Nicholas Conservatory. Food Truck Tuesdays runs all summer and early fall, ending Oct. 24.
Where: Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. Second St., Rockford
When: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, May 16
Info: nicholasconservatory.com/food-truck-tuesdays
Take the kids to Paw Patrol Live
About: Nickelodeon and VStar Entertainment Group are bringing Paw Patrol Live “Heroes Unite” to Rockford. The interactive live stage show gives audience members an opportunity to help the pups solve puzzles as honorary members of the pack.
Where: Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
When: 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 16 and Wednesday, May 17
Info/tickets: coronadopac.org/events/paw-patrol-live-heroes-unite-1
Shop the Edgebrook Farmers Market
About: The Edgebrook Farmers Market offers free-range meats, vegetables, fruits, flowers and plants, as well as dog treats, baked goods and a variety of other foods and merchandise. It runs Wednesdays through Oct. 25.
Where: Edgebrook shops, 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday
Info: edgebrookshops.com/events/farmers-market/
Dine at Dinner on the Dock
About: Dinner on the Dock is an annual summertime tradition at Prairie Street Brewing Co. that brings in local musical acts and touring artists seen on “The Voice,” CMT and AMT Music Awards and “American Idol.” It runs Thursdays through Sept. 7.
Where: Prairie Street Brewing Co., 200 Prairie St., Rockford
When: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday
Info: psbrewingco.com/dinner-on-the-dock/
Go to opening day at Rockford City Market
About: Rockford City Market kicks off the 2023 season on Friday with music from Some Friends of Mine. The market features more than 60 vendors offering produce, baked goods, food, beer, clothing, handmade goods and other merchandise.
Where: Rockford City Market, 116 N. Madison St., Rockford
When: 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday
Info: rockfordcitymarket.com
Swarm the market by bike
About: Swarm the Market is casual, social bike ride around downtown on Fridays before Rockford City Market. I Bike Rockford, which organizes the get-together, assists with traffic and keeping the crew of riders together.
Where: Ingersol Centennial Park, 315 S. First St., Rockford
When: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 19
Info: Facebook event page here
Laughs at El Paraiso
About: El Paraiso Lumbre Y Mar will host comedy night starring Lance Richards and Andrew Copeland. The show is hosted by comedian Marcos Lara.
Where: El Paraiso Lumbre Y Mar, 5518 N. Second St., Loves Park
When: 8 p.m. Friday, May 19
Admission: No cover charge
Info: Facebook event page here
Shop The Pec Thing
About: The Pec Thing brings together more than 500 vendors selling an assortment of jewelry, antiques, crafts and unique merchandise.
Where: Winnebago County Fairgrounds, 500 W. First St., Pecatonica
When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 20 and Sunday, May 21
Admission: $5
Info: winnebagocountyfair.com/pec-thing
Shop the North End City Market
About: The North End City Market brings together an assortment of fresh veggies, fruits, flowers, honey, baked goods and more on Saturday mornings.
Where: Auburn and North Main streets, southeast of the roundabout.
When: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday
Info: rockfordcitymarket.com/northend
Celebrate the return of the pelicans
About: Rockton Pelican Fest celebrates the annual return of the American white pelicans and other migrating birds to the Rock River. Together, the Natural Land Institute, the Sinnissippi Audubon Society, the village of Rockton and JR Finally Art Studio & Gallery present a day filled with activities themed around the migrating birds.
Where: Downtown Rockton
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 20
Info: Facebook event page here
More in Rockton: Dairyhaus earns state tourism honor. Here’s how it’s preparing to grow
Help beautify Veterans Memorial Circle
About: Friends of Veterans Memorial Circle will hold its annual planting day on Saturday to bring color to the roundabout at North Main and Auburn streets. More than 15,000 flowers will be planted.
Where: North Main and Auburn streets, Rockford
When: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 20
Get involved: No need to register ahead of time
Info: rockfordveteranscircle.org
Have fun on the farm
About: Lockwood Park’s season Fun on the Farm activities happen Saturdays through Oct. 28. There are a variety of activities including the tractor-drawn wagon ride, pony rides and children’s farm.
Where: Lockwood Park, 5201 Safford Road, Rockford
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
Info: lockwoodpark.com/featured-programs/2023/5/3/saturday-fun-on-the-farm
Shop for vintage goods
About: More than 40 vendors will sell everything from vintage clothing and sneakers to collectibles and other items at the Screw City Vintage Market.
Where: UW Health Sports Factory, 305 S. Madison St., Rockford
When: Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 20
Info: Facebook event page here
Catch the drift at Rockford Speedway
About: The largest touring import race and show series comes to the Rockford Speedway with a car show, burnout contest, car limbo, drifting and more.
Where: Rockford Speedway, 9572 Forest Hills Road, Loves Park
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 21
Tickets/info: Go here
Related: Rockford Speedway incentive package could be worth millions with successful development
Sample beers at the ballpark
Update: This event has been postponed, organizers announced Wednesday. We’ll provide the new date once it has been rescheduled.
About: Brews on First Beer Fest and Fats Productions Presents will host Field of Brews on Saturday at Rivets Stadium. Sample a variety of different beers while playing games on the field.
Cost: $35
Where: Rivets Stadium, 4503 Interstate Blvd., Loves Park
When: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 20
Tickets/info: Go here
Comedy at Hope & Anchor
About: Comedian Blake Burkhart headlines this show as he prepares for his upcoming album recording. The show, which is produced by Fats Productions Presents, also features Kait Carmody and the first appearance by Kevin Haas since breaking his neck. The show is hosted by Hannah Belmont.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, May 20
How much: $10; Call 815- 633-2552 to reserve seats
Where: Hope & Anchor, 5040 N. Second St., Loves Park
Info: Facebook event page here
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on Twitter at @KevinMHaas.
