Disney on Ice among a dozen things to do this weekend in the Rockford area
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — This weekend you can take in the magic of Disney of Ice, and then you can take the kids to do some ice skating of their own.
Those are just a few of the ways you can spend your weekend, which will be a three-day weekend for some workers as the nation commemorates Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday.
More news: Stone Eagle Tavern in Rockford to close after 15 years in business
Here are a dozen things you can do this weekend in the Rockford area:
Disney on Ice
About: Disney on Ice comes to Rockford for eight performances of “Into The Magic” over the course of five days. The show features hosts Mickey and Minnie Mouse and characters from “Moana,” “Frozen,” “Coco,” and “Beauty and the Beast,” among others.
Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford
When:
- 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11
- 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12
- 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13
- 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 14
- 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 15
Cost: Starting at $20
Tickets: Go HERE
Ladies Night at Rooted
About: Rooted, The Face Place and Wonderland Sweets host an evening centered on local women-owned businesses and self-care. There will be giveaways and complimentary bubbly to sip while shopping. You can also get permanent jewelry from Linkt, clothing from B Jones and more.
Where: Rooted, 1408 N. Main St., Rockford
When: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11
Info: Facebook event page HERE
Ars Pvblica: The Muse
About: The latest installment of Ars Pvblica explores “the muse” as its theme. Jenny Mathews, the 2022 Rockford Area Arts Council’s Artist of the Year, musician Micky Torpedo, writer and author Rachel Leon and dance duo Caitlyn and Meghan Bailor perform along with special guest Zoe Hart, a graduate flautist of The Music Academy in Rockford.
Where: The Underground, 418 E. State St., Rockford
When: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12
Info: Facebook event page HERE
Paraiso comedy night
About: Chicago stand-up comedian Xavier Lamont headlines this free comedy show. It also features Jack McWilliams and is hosted by Marcos Lara.
Where: El Paraiso, 5518 N. Second St., Loves Park
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12
Cost: Free
Ice rink disco night
About: The Belvidere Township Park District will host a disco-themed skating night at Riverside Ice Arena.
When: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12
Where: Riverside Ice Arena, 369 Leonard Court, Belvidere
Cost: $5 for adults; $3 for ages 4 to 17; free for age 3 and younger; $5 for skate rental; $3 for bobby rental
Info: Go HERE, or call 815-547-9557
MLK State of the Mind address
About: The first MLK State of the Mind Address aims to shed light on critical issues of mental health and trauma within our community. It’s put on by state Rep. Maurice West, MENtality Unchained, Rockford University, The Jane Addams Center, Rockford Forum Series and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated. Community leaders from various sectors will be involved in the discussions surrounding mental health challenges.
Where: Rockford University’s Maddox Theatre, 5050 E. State St., Rockford
When: Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13
Cost: Free
To RSVP: Facebook event page HERE
Hope & Anchor comedy night
About: Headliner Alex Tsakanikas brings his mix of absurdism and storytelling to this weekly comedy show. The show also features Jerry Tran and Casey Larwood. It’s hosted by Dan Garcia.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13
Where: Hope & Anchor, 545 McKinley Ave., Loves Park
Cost: $10
Reservations: Call 815-633-2552
Info: Go HERE
‘Vampire Lesbians of Sodom’
About: West Side Show Room is celebrating its 10-year anniversary by bringing back its very first play, “Vampires Lesbians of Sodom.” The campy and occasionally crude burlesque-style comedy is about two vampiresses whose paths first collide in ancient Sodom.
Where: West Side Show Room, 1414 N. Main St., Rockford
When: 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11; 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12; 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13
Cost: Free.
Tickets: Go HERE
Frosty Friday skate
About: Frosty Friday public skate happens every week through April. There is music from a DJ and concession food specials.
Where: Carlson Ice Arena, 4150 N. Perryville Road, Loves Park
When: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday
Cost: $10 for all ages, includes skate rental
Rockford Card Show
About: A variety of collectible cards, sports memorabilia, autographs and other collector’s items will be available from an array of vendors from across the Midwest. You can buy, sell or trade at this event.
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13
Where: IBEW Local 363 Henry Miller Hall, 6820 Mill Road, Rockford
Info: Go HERE
The science of snow
About: Children are invited to investigate the science of snow with a team from Nature at the Confluence. The event includes a nature walk, story time and an indoor snack. It’s designed for children ages 4-6 and their caretakers and siblings.
When: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 13
Where: Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit
Cost: $3
Info: Go HERE
Nature Game Day
About: Cozy up indoors with nature-themed games, puzzles and crafts for all ages during Family Nature Game Day. Nature trivia will take place at 2 p.m. with prizes on the line.
Where: Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit
When: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 15
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
