Tina Turner musical, Gucci Mane, coffee convention, Live at Levings and more things to do in Rockford
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — There’s plenty to do in the Rockford area this week so long as you like music, comedy, art, coffee, food, golf, dogs or shopping.
This weekend’s events include national tour stops from trap rapper Gucci Mane, the Tina Turner Musical, the first Forest City Coffee Convention, the season debut for Live at Levings and more.
If you’re trying to decide how to spend the next few days, here are 17 ideas to get you started.
Forest City Coffee Convention
What: Join coffee enthusiasts, artisans and industry professionals at the debut Forest City Coffee Convention. The premier event for all things coffee is designed to bring together coffee growers, roasters, baristas, café owners, and innovators from across the area to showcase the latest trends, products, and technologies in the coffee industry.
“We’re thrilled to bring this event to Rockford, which has such a rich history and vibrant community spirit,” said Morgan Bell, event coordinator and owner of My Cafe Amore in Cherry Valley. “The Forest City Coffee Convention is more than just a celebration of coffee — it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and sustainability. We’re excited to share this experience with coffee enthusiasts of all backgrounds.”
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 31
Where: The Standard on State, 214 E. State St., Rockford
Info/tickets: Go HERE
Mexico Clasico’s 6-liter margarita
What: Mexico Clasico will celebrate 12 years in business with a special 6-liter margarita, a $150, six-person cocktail. It’s thought to be the first margarita of its size in the state. Proceeds from the anniversary celebration will benefit United Way of Rock River Valley’s work in youth literacy, neighborhood support and emergency response.
When: Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 31
Where: Mexico Clasico, 3929 Broadway, Rockford
Sticky Rice Bites grand opening challenge
What: Sticky Rice Bites will celebrate its grand opening this weekend. The grand opening includes the Superbowl Pho Challenge, which challenges customers to eat and keep down a giant portion of pho the size of five regular bowls in 40 minutes. Win and the food is free, and you’ll be decorated in a custom Sticky Rice Bites sash. Fail and pay $59.95 (for $89.95 worth of pho). The first 100 customers will also get free Sticky Rice Bites keychains.
When: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 31
Where: Sticky Rice Bites, 298 N. Mulford Road, Rockford
On Facebook: Go HERE
On Instagram: Go HERE
On TikTok: Go HERE
Related: Sticky Rice Bites to celebrate grand opening with enormous pho bowl challenge
Dinner on the Dock
What: This week’s Dinner on the Dock features Ernie Hendrickson, a singer, songwriter and guitarist whose music blends folk, Americana and heartland rock. His sound is rooted in the storytelling traditions of artists like Tom Petty, John Mellencamp and Todd Snide.
When: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, May 29
Where: Prairie Street Brewing Co.,
Info/reservations: Go HERE
The Tina Turner Musical
What: This musical tells the uplifting comeback story of Tina Turner, who broke barriers in the music industry on her way to 12 Grammy awards. “Tina – The Tina Turner Musical” is written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall.
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 29
Where: Coronado Theatre, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
Tickets: Starting at $45
Info/tickets: Go HERE
RAM lecture: Collecting in the 90s
What: As part of Analog: Rockford’s Decade of Creative Rebellion, Rockford Art Museum is hosting a lecture series in conjunction with the exhibit. This week, Curator Carrie Johnson will talk with two former Rockford Art Museum curators, Matt Herbig and Scott Snyder.
When: 6 p.m. Thursday, May 29
Where: Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford
Info: Go HERE
Related: Rebellious creators of the pre-viral era get spotlight in new Rockford Art Museum exhibit
Midtown Dog Walk
What: Bring your dog for a gathering outside Ernie’s Midtown Pub with live music, bags, giant Jenga and other games. There will also be treats from The Canine Crunchery, which closed in April but still has a scaled-back business run from the owner’s home. There will also be adoptable dogs from Winnebago County Animal Services.
When: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 29
Where: Outside of Ernie’s Midtown Pub, 1025 Fifth Ave., Rockford
Gucci Mane
What: Atlanta-based trap rap pioneer Gucci Mane brings his tour to Hard Rock Live. Gucci Mane has released 16 studio albums and 71 mixtapes since his career began in 2001.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, May 30
Where: Hard Rock Casino Rockford, 7801 E. State St., Rockford
Tickets: Starting at $88.65
Tickets and info: Go HERE
Rockford City Market
What: Nearly 60 vendors will sell local goods, eats and drinks under and around the Rockford City Market pavilion at East State and Water streets. Patten Pending, a jazz and R&B band, will perform on the main stage and singer/songwriter Clark Kelly will perform on the acoustic stage.
The Rockford Park District will be on site featuring Under The Sea kids’ activities from the therapeutic recreation team. RMTD will be running its free trolley route around the downtown area.
When: 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday, May 30
Where: State and Water streets, downtown Rockford
Info: Go HERE
Veterans art exhibit
What: The Veterans Art Show features visual art, photography, sculpture and mixed media created by local veterans all centered around the theme of mental health and healing. The evening of art, expression and healing is being held in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month.
“Our goal is to honor the voices of Veterans and bring attention to the importance of mental health, especially within the Veteran Community,” Theresa Criss-Amos, event organizer, said in a news release. “Art is a powerful tool for healing, and this show offers a way for our veterans to be seen, heard, and celebrated.”
When: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, May 30
Where: Veterans Memorial Hall, 211 N. Main St., Rockford
Info: veteransmemorialhall.com
Swanhills Golf Course 30th anniversary
When: Friday, May 30
Where: Swanhills Golf Course, 2600 Gustafson Road, Belvidere
Event highlights:
- Noon: Ribbon-cutting ceremony with Belvidere Chamber of Commerce
- Noon to 7 p.m. Rusty Drum BBQ food truck
- 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. : Live music on the patio featuring Tribute
- Discounted golf: $32 for 18 holes with a cart (Normally $43-$46)
Online: swanhillsgolf.com
Phone: 815-547-3232
Related: Swanhills Golf Course celebrates 30th anniversary with new era under local ownership
The Way Down Wanderers
What: The Way Down Wanderers, a five-piece band based in Illinois, is puts on a high-energy stage show with percussion, mandolin, guitar, bass, banjo and fiddle.
When: 8 p.m. Friday, May 30 (doors at 7 p.m.)
Where: The Music Box of Rockford, 218 E. State St., Rockford
Tickets: $18.85-$25.14
Reserve: Go HERE
Comedy at Hope & Anchor
What: Stand-up comedian David Vox Mullen, who is also rock band The Slipstream and COO of OVW professional wrestling, headlines this week’s comedy night. Ashley Lusk and Kayley Horton feature with Tre Walker as host.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, May 31
Where: Hope & Anchor English Pub, 5040 N. Second St., Loves Park
Cost: $10
Reserve: Call 815-633-2552
First Covenant Church turns 150
What: First Covenant Church will celebrate its 150th anniversary with a concert, dinner and special service.
When:
- 7 p.m. Friday, May 30 (concert)
- 5:30 p.m. Saturday, May 31 (dinner)
- 10:15 a.m. Sunday, June 1 (service)
Where: Concert and service at First Covenant Church, 316 Wood Road, Rockford; Dinner at Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront, 416 S. Main St., Rockford
Info: Go HERE
Hometown Jams with Jo Dee Messina
What: Country music artist Jo Dee Messina, who has had nine No. 1 hits and 16 Top 40 songs including “Heads Carolina, Tails California” brings her Hometown Jams tour to Rockford.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, May 31
Where: Coronado Theatre, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: Starting at $58.64
Tickets/info: Go HERE
Michael Blaustein at Hard Rock
What: Stand-up comedian Michael Blaustein, whose viral clips have amassed more than 900 million views on social media, brings “The Taste Me Tour” to Rockford.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, May 31
Where: Hard Rock Casino Rockford, 7801 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: Tickets start at $50
Info/tickets: Go HERE
Live at Levings
What: Live at Levings kicks off the season with an evening of southern soul blues hosted by comedian Tara Terry. Performances by Mr. Anthony, Harlan Jefferson and headlined by blues and soul singer Tonio Armani.
When: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, June 1
Where: Levings Unity Pavilion at Levings Park, 1420 S. Pierpont Ave., Rockford
Info: Go HERE
Coming next week
Swing Fore A Cause
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, June 6 (doors open at 10 a.m.)
Where: Forest Hills Country Club, 5135 Forest Hills Road, Rockford
Register your foursome to play: Go HERE
Donation: $500 per foursome
South Main Mercado
What: A free family-friendly celebrate of culture, commerce and connection to the heart of southwest Rockford.
The celebration features live music, including Spanish rock, mariachi, folkloric dancers, and more, with DJ Tornado. The Rockford Park District returns with a Family Fun Zone filled with games and kid-friendly activities including face painting and a crafting corner. The mercado will also be lined with food trucks, craft vendors, local businesses and fast-paced 3v3 futsal games.
When: Noon to 7 p.m. Sunday, June 8, 2025
Where: 917 S. Main St., Rockford
Info: somoslaonda.org/south-main-mercado
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
