The Great War reenactment, Tim Allen at Hard Rock, Dead Guy Festival and more weekend things to do in the Rockford area
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — This weekend offers a host of things to do from living in the past with a True Crime Expo and World War I reenactment to embracing the present with art, music and comedy.
There is also the first ever Rockford Arab Festival, a butterfly-filled fundraiser for RAMP, Spring ArtScene and a local business’s 60-year celebration, among other activities.
Here are 26 ideas for things to do this Thursday-Sunday.
You can also check out our community events calendar to stay on top of the latest local things to do.
Gin, Chocolate & Bottle Rockets
What: Gin, Chocolate & Bottle Rockets, a band that hails from southern Wisconsin, will perform their Legends in Harmony show celebrating iconic women in music such as Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, Lucinda Williams and others. The two-set show features songs like “9 to 5,” “You’re No Good,” and “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” along with the group’s original tunes.
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 24 (doors, 6 p.m.)
Where: The Music Box of Rockford, 218 E. State St., Rockford
Admission: Free
Reserve tickets: Go HERE
‘Loving Vincent’
What: Rockford Art Museum presents “Loving Vincent,” the world’s first fully painted film. It features more than 65,000 frames on more than 1,000 canvases. The 2017 animated thriller centers around the death of Vincent Van Gogh.
When: 6 p.m. Thursday, April 24
Where: Riverfront Museum Park theater, 711 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $5; free for museum members
Info/tickets: Go HERE
Sip & Sample to support RAMP
What: Sip & Sample is a fundraiser to support RAMP’s mission to empower individuals with disabilities. The evening features wine, beer, spirits and food from local businesses to sample while you explore the butterfly exhibit and the exotic plants at Nicholas Conservatory.
When: 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 24
Where: Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. Second St., Rockford
Admission: $45, $160 for a four-ticket package, $350 for a 10-ticket package
Info: 779-774-1021
J. Roddy Walston
What: J. Roddy Walston, a musician from Cleveland, Tennessee, has been described as a cross between Janis Joplin and Jerry Lee Lewis. His influences are a mix of contradictions, including Kurt Cobain, Harry Nilsson, Led Zeppelin and Leon Russell.
When: 8 p.m. Friday, April 25 (doors, 6:30 p.m.)
Where: The Music Box of Rockford, 218 E. State St., Rockford
Admission: $31.42 (reserved seating); $25.14 (general seating)
Tickets: Go HERE
City Nature Challenge Hike
What: The Forest Preserves of Winnebago County will host a guided hike at Deer Run to showcase the myriad flora and fauna in the preserve. The findings will be uploaded to iNaturalist as part of the Rock Valley City Nature Challenge.
When: 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 25
Where: Deer Run Forest Preserve, 5691 River Road, Cherry Valley
Reserve a spot: Go HERE
Excellence in Education banquet
What: Celebrate the six Golden Apple teachers for 2025 and all the finalists, as well as the 2025 Outstanding Principal and Jan Jones award recipients.
When: 5:15 p.m. Friday, April 25
Where: Tebala Event Center, 7910 Newburg Road, Cherry Valley
Tickets/info: Go HERE
Olympic Tavern Makers Mart
What: Olympic Tavern is hosting its first ever Makers Mart with a variety of local venders ranging from candle makers to T-shirt designers, textile weavers, jewelry artisans, woodworks and other merchandise. They’ll be setup in Olympic’s fireplace room and on the patio.
Some of the vendors scheduled are:
- My Blueberry Babies: handmade kids clothes and accessories
- Archie’s Attic: vintage beer gear, memorabilia and signs
- Ky’s Sweets & Treats: homemade mini cheesecakes, tres leches and carrot cakes
- JushShop: handcrafted jewelry, crossbody bags and hair accessories
- Ryan Foster Design: woodworking, beer accessories and signs
- Warm Beer: funny beer themed T-shirts and stickers
- Annette’s Crafty Crochet: hand knit animals and accessories
- Phantom Nagini Creations: handcrafted jewelry made with hand-selected genuine crystals and intention
- Christina Holm Jewelry: upcycled, sustainable mixed metal and semi-precious stone jewelry
- Lunar Forest Candle Co.: regionally sourced soy candles, clean natural ingredients for the people
When: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 26
Where: Olympic Tavern, 2327 N. Main St., Rockford
Info: Go HERE
Playoff hockey
What: The Rockford IceHogs take on the rival Chicago Wolves in the AHL playoffs. Game 2 of the series is Friday night with Game 3 (if necessary) in the best-of-three series on Sunday night.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, April 25; 4 p.m. Sunday, April 27 (if necessary)
Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford
Tickets info: Go HERE
Celebrate 60 years at Village Green
What: Village Green Home & Garden is celebrating 60 years in business with specials and a Saturday celebration. The company was founded in 1965 at the newly annexed Five Points. Current owners Carolyn Smith and Cynthia Smith, who weren’t born when the businesses opened, inherited Village Green in 2020 after the death of their father, Laurence P. Smith.
Sales will run through Sunday, April 27. A special brew made by Urban Forest Craft Brewing will be served Saturday in honor of Larry and the Disco Chicken food truck will be on site selling its sandwiches, tater tots and other food. A special musical guest will play at 1 p.m. Saturday.
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 26
Where: Village Green Home & Garden, 6101 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford
Related: Village Green Home & Garden, which is celebrating 60 years in business, is for sale
Rockford Arab Fest
What: This debut festival is a celebration of Arab heritage and culture including food, traditional Arab dance troupe FAA Entertainment and singer Hassam Allabad. There’s also a car show and other family-friendly entertainment.
Where: 2510 S. Alpine Road, Rockford (outside of Lit Hookah Lounge)
When: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 26
Info: Go HERE
Spring ArtScene
When: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, April 25 and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 26
Where: There are 41 locations across Rockford, see them all HERE.
RAMI Awards
What: The 34th Rockford Area Music Industry Awards will feature performances from McKenna Faith Winters, Nauti Nauti, The Sensations, Jodi Beach, Harpo’s Revue, Flannel Daze, Herencia del Rancho and Oak Street Rocktette.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, April 25
Where: Hard Rock Live, 7801 E. State St., Rockford
Admission: $15 in advance; $20 at the door
Info/tickets: Go HERE
Dirty Fishnet Stockings
What: Dirty Fishnet Stockings brings three hours of rockabilly to Shattered Saloon in Loves Park.
When: 8 p.m. Friday, April 25
Where: Shattered Saloon, 5440 N. Second St., Loves Park
An evening with Raynes
What: American trio Raynes, which has released six singles and two EPs, has headlined sold-out shows from London to Los Angeles. Their blend of pop, folk and world music has been featured on television shows and commercials. The band’s most recent project is a five-song EP entitled ’49.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, April 26
Where: The Music Box of Rockford, 218 E. State St., Rockford
Admission: $33.48 (reserved seating); $25.14 (general admission)
Tickets: Go HERE
Arbor Day tree planting
What: The Forest Preserves of Winnebago County will plant 110 trees in the heart of the Kishwaukee Gorge North Forest Preserve. The project is supported by a $50,000 grant from The Morton Arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees Initiative. Anyone who wants to volunteer to help plant can arrive at the far parking lot. No RSVP is necessary.
When: 10 a.m. Saturday, April 26
Where: Kishwaukee Gorge North Forest Preserve, 4643 Blackhawk Road, Cherry Valley
Concerts on the Creek
What: Singer, guitarist, songwriter and playwright Katie Dahl brings smart, honest folk music to Concerts on the Creek. Dahl tours nationally and is affiliated with Door County’s famed Northern Sky Theater.
When: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 26
Where: Spring Creek United Church of Christ, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
Admission: $5
Tickets/info: Go HERE
Dead Guy Festival
What: Dead Guy Festival – 2025 True Crime Expo will feature stories from Kathi Kresol, who has research some of the most horrific crimes in the region. Author Chad Lewis will tell tales of bizarre crimes in the Midwest and local Sylvia Shults will share a gripping story of murder.
When: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 26
Where: Historic Auto Attractions, 13825 Metric Road, Roscoe
Tickets: $30
Info/reserve: Go HERE
The Great War
What: Midway Village Museum will bring the sights and sounds of World War I to life with 200 reenactors portraying soldiers and civilians from the United States and Europe in the museum’s historic village. See how soldiers lived and fought as you tour encampments, inspect a 150-yard trench system and witness narrated battle reenactments.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 26; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 27
Where: Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford
Admission: $15; $12 for children ages 5-12; $12 for seniors ages 62 and older; free for children younger than 4; free for museum members
Tickets/info: Go HERE
Tim Allen at Hard Rock
What: Comedian and actor Tim Allen brings his stand-up tour to Rockford. The star of “Home Improvement,” “Galaxy Quest” and the voice of Buzz Lightyear in “Toy Story” started in standup roughly 50 years ago.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, April 26
Where: Hard Rock Live, 7801 E. State St., Rockford
Admission: $124.50
Tickets/info: Go HERE
The Synergy Band
What: The Synergy Band will bring its high-energy soulful vibes to Easy Tiger in Loves Park.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, April 26
Where: Easy Tiger, 411 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park
Premier Pro Wrestling
What: Premier Pro Wrestling will feature a six-man tag team match with The American Beard, The Savior Mickey Sinn, and Heavyweight Champion Marcus “The Science” Smith versus El Guerrero Jose Acosta, Rockford’s Jesse Danger, and Rockstar Rosey.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, April 26
Where: 3839 Broadway, Rockford
Admission: Ringside seating $15, general admission $12; kids under 12 $7. Seating is limited.
Tickets: Go HERE
St. James Jackson
What: Comedian St. James Jackson, described by Chicago Reader and The Chicago Tribune as one of the best comedians in Chicago, headlines this weekly comedy show. The show also features Alex Savant and Kristin Carnes.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, April 26
Where: Hope & Anchor English Pub, 5040 N. Second St., Loves Park
Admission: $10
Reserve: Call 815-633-2552
Screw City Car Show
What: The second annual Spring Opener Screw City Car Show will feature eight classes including best classic, best truck, best custom vehicle, best paint and best bike. There will also be food rom Jaliscoast Rayo and music by Joe Locke Hits DJ.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, April 27
Where: Screw City Tavern, 4412 Manchester Drive, Rockford
Info: Go HERE
Rockford Sports Card Show
What: The Rockford Sports Card Show features 80 tables of sports cards and related memorabilia. Bring your cards for grading submissions, buy, sell or trade.
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 27
Where: IBEW 364 Henry Miller Hall, 6820 Mill Road, Rockford
Admission: Free
Info: Go HERE
Love featuring Johnny Echols
What: The Norwegian is hosting a rare performance with one of the most influential bands of the 1960s: Love, featuring Johnny Echols.
Love was formed in Los Angeles in 1965. Their sound incorporates an eclectic range of styles including folk rock, psychedelia and garage. Love’s third album “Forever Changes” is regarded by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the best albums of all time. Hits like “Everybody’s Gotta Live,” “Alone Again Or,” and “Always See Your Face,” have been covered and praised by the likes of Robert Plant, The Rolling Stones and The Doors.
This intimate performance is a ticketed event that is general admission. Seats are first come, first served. The restaurant will have an open bar, and a small list of food items will be available from the kitchen. The show is all ages. Parking is available in the municipal lot building.
When: 6 p.m. Sunday, April 27
Where: The Norwegian, 1402 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $35 in advance; $40 at the door
Roller Derby Mixer
What: Rockford Rage Roller Derby will host its Ribbit Rabbit Rumble roller derby mixer. Team Frogs will take on Team Rabbits in a spring-time scrimmage.
When: 5:30 p.m. Sunday, April 27
Where: Rockford Skate Co., 3209 N. Main St., Rockford
Admission: $8 in advance; $12 at the door
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
