Bret Michaels, Paleofest, monster trucks, Oscar short films and more ways for weekend fun in the Rockford area
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — This weekend is filled with music in the Rockford area, from low-key listening sessions to high-energy rock bands.
There are also arts exhibits, dance, comedy, monster trucks in downtown, outdoor activities and more things to do.
More things to do: Big Timber Axe Throwing opens in downtown Rockford
Here are 17 ideas for weekend fun around the Rockford area.
An Evening with Dan Tedesco
What: Dan Tedesco is an American singer-songwriter, musician, recording artist and producer from the western suburbs of Chicago. He layers early pop and folk influences with his deep background in jazz and the crunch of early-90s grunge.
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27
Where: The Music Box of Rockford, 218 E. State St., Rockford
Tickets/info: Go HERE
Paleofest
What: PaleoFest is Burpee Museum of Natural History’s weekendlong celebration of paleontology featuring educational programs, workshops and lectures from paleontologists.
When: Friday, Feb. 28 through Sunday, March 2
Where: Burpee Museum of Natural History, 711 N. Main St., Rockford
Info and tickets: Go HERE
84th Young Artists Show
What: Rockford Art Museum opens its 84th Young Artists Show: High School Division with a free public opening and awards ceremony. The exhibition will then remain on view through March 30. The exhibit consists of 151 works of art from 128 students at 19 schools from around the Rockford region.
When: Noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, March 2 (Awards announced at 1 p.m.)
Where: Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford
Info: rockfordartmuseum.org
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An Evening with Goldpine
What: Husband-and-wife duo Benjamin and Kassie Wilson have performed across the country from Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion to the Kansas City Chiefs’ Arrowhead Stadium and listening rooms throughout the United States. Goldpine is touted for its striking vocals, bold harmony, and introspection into the human experience.
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28
Where: The Music Box of Rockford, 218 E. State St., Rockford
Info/tickets: Go HERE
Lee Brice at Coronado
What: Grammy nominee Lee Brice, a Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music awards winner, has had nine No. 1 country radio singles including “A Woman Like You” and “Hard to Love.”
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28
Where: Coronado Theatre, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
Tickets/info: Go HERE
Oscar Shorts Screening
What: The special screening will showcase all Oscar-nominated short films nominated in the categories of Best Live Action, Best Animated and Best Documentary Short Film.
When: 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 1
Where: The Music Box of Rockford, 218 E. State St., Rockford
Rating: Some programs may not be appropriate for viewers younger than 18 due to gun violence, shootings, language and animated nudity.
Cost: $15 plus fees per screening or $30 plus fees for an all-day access pass.
Info/scedule: plussevencompany.com/oscars
The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight
What: The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight brings a spellbinding 90-minute spectacle infusing rock and metal anthems with a haunting energy. This band of 14 classical musicians blend rock and classical music in an ethereal candlelight setting.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, March 1
Where: Coronado Theatre, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
Tickets/info: Go HERE
Black History Month dance celebration
What: The YMCA of Rock River Valley will host back-to-back dance fitness classes and a special performance by FAB Dance Fitness at this Black History Month celebration. The night will close out with a dance party with DJ Billi Ocean. Child care is available for ages 0-12 for an additional $5/child.
Where: SwedishAmerican Riverfront YMCA, 200 Y Blvd., Rockford
When: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28
Cost: Free for members; registration HERE
Hot Wheels Glow-N-Fire
What: Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live brings its new theme to Rockford for 2025: Glow-N-Fire. The monster truck show will include a brand new vehicle featured here.
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28; 12:30 p.m. Saturday, March 1; 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 1; 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 2
Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford
Tickets/info: Go HERE
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Ernie Hendrickson Band
What: Rockford native Ernie Hendrickson is a folk artist known for his exceptional guitar picking will perform.
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28
Where: Mary’s Place, 602 N. Madison St., Rockford
Movie night: The Melt Goes on Forever
What: “The Melt Goes On Forever” chronicles the singular career of the elusive African-American art star David Hammons from the Watts rebellion era of the 1960s to global art world prominence today.
When: 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28
Where: Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $5
Info/Tickets: Go HERE
Bret Michaels at Hard Rock
What: Bret Michaels, a solo artist and the former frontman for Poison, brings his tour to Rockford. Poison has sold more than 65 millions albums worldwide and has had six Top 10 singles, including “Every Rose Has Its Thorn.”
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28
Where: Hard Rock Casino Rockford, 7801 E. State St., Rockford
Tickets/info: Go HERE
Impressionists: Immersive Exhibition
What: Experience the work of Impressionist artists such a as Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Paul Cézanne in a new way at this interactive exhibit brought to Rockford by the Discovery Center Museum and Rockford Art Museum. Visuals and soundscapes will be displayed on a 2,500-square-foot screen enhanced by music and narration in both English and Spanish. There will be interactive learning panels covering color theory and art history and social media friendly installations perfect for selfies.
Where: Discovery Center Museum Woodward Hall, 711 N. Main St., Rockford
When: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27; 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28; 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 1; 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, March 2. The exhibit runs through May 11. See complete hours HERE.
Cost: $20 members; $25 general public; $10 for members 17 and younger; $13 for general public 17 and younger. Tickets sold at door.
Info: Go HERE
Rockford Midtown Market
What: Get in-season farm fresh produce and more at this indoor neighborhood market.
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 1
Where: Katie’s Cup, 502 Seventh St., Rockford
Bridal Expo Show
What: This one-stop shop bridal show has vendors from around the stateline area. Champaign and hors d’ouevres will be served.
Where: Franchesco’s Ristorante, 7128 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
When: Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 1
Info/tickets: $10; go HERE
‘Uncle Lar’ at Hope & Anchor
What: Stand-up comedian Larry Reeb, aka Uncle Lar, is that wise-cracking and wacky relative sharing advice on everything from dating to raising children. Uncle Lar has been voted Chicago Comedian of the Year twice and won the Las Vegas Comedy Festival and the Dubuque 10k Comedy Festival. He was also a finalist in the Great American Comedy Festival.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, March 1
Where: Hope & Anchor English Pub, 5040 N. Second St., Rockford
Tickets: $10; call 815-633-2552
Info: Go HERE
Fungi Funday
What: Join Severson Dells Nature Center for an event focused on mushrooms. Inspect fungi under microscopes, embark on a mushroom hike, create spore art and learn about mushroom uses in food and medicine.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 1
Where: Severson Dells Nature Center, 8786 Montague Road, Rockford
Info: Go HERE
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
