Friday will be a busy night in downtown Rockford with the market, a movie and comedy block party
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Rockford City Market is back in season on Friday, and it’s part of a busy night in downtown.
There’s also a block party outside the BMO Center preceding two stand-up comedy shows, a movie night at Nordlof Center, and a Tipsy History event on the other side of the river at the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois.
More news: Panera Bread coming to two-tenant development on Riverside Boulevard in Loves Park
Those are just a few ideas for things to do in the Rockford area.
Here are 16 sweet things to do this week and weekend:
Dinner on the Dock
What: This week’s Dinner on the Dock features Shuffle, a Rockford cover band that plays pop, classic rock, country and dance music.
When: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. (6 p.m. to 9 p.m. live music) Thursday, May 16
Where: Prairie Street Brewing Co., 200 Prairie St., Rockford
Info/reservations: Go HERE
Building Bridges to Recovery
What: Brandon Novak, a professional skateboarder and actor known for his appearnces on MTV’s “Viva La Bam” and “Jackass,” will share his story of co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
When: Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront, 416 S. Main St., Rockford
Where: 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (Novak’s presentation is at 7 p.m.) Thursday, May 16
Cost: Free
Register: Go HERE
City Market season debut
What: Rockford City Market kicks off its seasonal run on Friday, bringing farmers market foods and produce and loads of other local shopping, music, food and activity to downtown.
Where: State and Water streets in downtown Rockford
When: 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday
Related: Rockford City Market prepares for 15th season with new leadership and new way to incubate business
Rockton Pelican Fest
What: Rockton Pelican Fest is a partnership between The Natural Land Institute, Sinnissippi Audubon Society, village of Rockton and JR Finally Art Studio & Gallery, which will host a day filled with activities celebrating the migratory waterbird in and around downtown Rockton.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 18
More info: See a breakdown of activities HERE or go HERE for maps and more information.
Screw City Block Party
What: The Screw City Block Party is a free outdoor event open to the public before two comedy shows at two downtown venues: Nate Bargatze at the BMO Center and Brad Williams at the Coronado Performing Arts Center. Both shows start at 7 p.m.
There will be giveaways for future shows, a limited number of free Screw City Block Party T-shirts, there will be food to purchase from food trucks including Rustic Oven Wood Fire Pizza, Wehpah Puerto Rican Food Truck, and D&A Concessions. There will also be music from 95.3 The Bull and DJ Vic Monsta, custom caricatures by award-winning Chicago artist Roger Hurtado, games, dancing, photobooths by Expressions 360, permanent jewelry by Sparkle Permanent Jewelry from Loves Park, and other activities.
When: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, May 17
Where: Elm and Main streets in downtown
Go Topless Day
What: Screw City Jeeps 815 will host its fifth annual celebration of National Go Topless Day, a day for Jeep enthusiasts to showcase their rides while raising money for local charities. The event includes vendors, food trucks, an RTI ramp and numerous Jeeps on display. This year’s charity is K-Cancer Baseball and Softball.
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 18
Where: Parking lot next to Don Carter Lanes, 4007 E. State St., Rockford
Info: Go HERE
Hidden Creek Estates reopening
What: Hidden Creek Estates will host its grand reopening to unveil its new addition and renovations.
When: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 19
Where: Hidden Creek Estates, 13276 White School Road, Roscoe
Info: hiddencrk.com
North End City Market
What: Find an assortment of fresh produce, flowers, honey, baked goods and more at this weekly Saturday farmers market.
When: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, May 18 (Saturdays through Oct. 26)
Where: 1431 N. Main St., Rockford
Info: Go HERE
Planting Day at Veterans Memorial Circle
What: Join the Friends of Veterans Memorial Circle to honor our veterans and military families by planting thousands of flowers at the memorial bordering the Main and Auburn streets roundabout.
When: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 18
Where: Main and Auburn streets, Rockford
Info: Go HERE
Inscape Collective concert
About: Dave Martin writes open-hearted songs that are reminiscent of James Taylor, Steve Goodman and Jimmy Buffet. He performs with an acoustic guitar and a sense of dry wit. The concert is an Inscape Collective production, presented by Urban Ministries.
When: 3 p.m. Saturday, May 18
Where: Inscape Collective community room, 201 Seventh St., Rockford
Cost: Free (Musicians are paid by the audience’s freewill offering. A $10-$20 freewill offering is suggested.)
Annabella in July
What: Artists’ Ensemble Theater presents “Annabella in July,” a comedy from playwright Ben Butler. It follows a middle-aged couple taking an anniversary trip in July, when they lose their way in the mountain and come across a ski lodge where everyone remembers Vanessa as the glamorous Annabelle, who visits each January.
Where: Rockford University Clark Arts Center, 5050 E. State St., Rockford
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 16 and Friday, May 17; 4 p.m. Saturday, May 18
Tickets/info: Go HERE
Pork Chop Day
What: The Parks Kiwanis Club will hosts its 2024 Pork Chop Day. Each meal includes a pork chop sandwich, Ole Salty’s potato chips, cookies and a bottle of water.
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 18
Where: Loves Park City Hall, 100 Heart Blvd., Loves Park
Cost: $7 in advance; $8 day of the event
Tickets are available at First Mid Bank on Forest Hills Road, Gough Heating and Air Conditioning, Loves Park City Hall, or from any Parks Kiwanis member.
Information: For more information or to set up delivery of large orders, call 815-289-1395.
‘Mean Girls’ movie night
About: Ernie’s Midtown Pub will serve specially-themed cocktails and treats for this monthly movie series, featuring the 2004 comedy “Mean Girls” written by Tina Fey.
When: 7:15 p.m. Friday, May 17 (doors open at 6 p.m.)
Where: RPL Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford
Tickets: $7; all proceeds benefit the Rockford Public Library Foundation
Main Street Market
What: Main Street Market is an annual open-air market hosted by Urban Farmgirl. Shop from more than 175 vendors from across the Midwest including handmade artisans, purveyors of vintage goods and boutique shops while enjoying local food and music.
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 18
Where: Boone County Fairgrounds, 8847 Illinois 76, Belvidere
Tickets: $7; go HERE
Tipsy History
What: Join Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum staff and the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois to dive into crazy stories of local history. Participants receive three drink tickets for this two-hour 21 and older event. A walk through of the historic Community Foundation building will be included.
Where: Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, 946 N. Second St., Rockford
When: 7 p.m. Friday, May 17
Tickets: $25; Go HERE
Spring Pec Thing
What: More than 500 vendors selling jewelry, antiques, crafts, woodwork and other merchandise fill the fairgrounds for this annual shopping event.
When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19
Where: Winnebago County Fairgrounds, 500 W. First St., Pecatonica
Cost: $5; free for children 12 and younger
Info: winnebagocountyfair.com/pec-thing
Editor’s note: This article has been updated to correct the date for the Hidden Creek Estates open house
