Pride events, South Main Mercado, The SpongeBob Musical and more things to do in Rockford
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — This weekend Pride Month activities take over downtown with the second annual Rockford Area Pride Parade followed immediately by the Pride Alley Party.
That’s not all there is to do this weekend. There’s also the season debut of Rockford Jams at the Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, performances on the Rock River by the Ski Broncs, the Swing Fore A Cause golf fundraiser and the annual South Main Mercado, to name a few options.
Here are 20 ideas for things to do today through the weekend:
Pride Parade
What: The second annual Rockford Area Pride Parade will march through downtown Rockford. This year’s honorary grand marshals are drag performer Auntie Heroine, who was a breakout star on the most recent season of “The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula” on AMC Network’s Shudder, former Rockford poet laureate and current Rock Valley College trustee Jenna Goldsmith, and Curt McKay, who was the first full-time director of the University of Illinois’ LGBT Resource Center.
Where: The parade begins at East State and Third streets and head west through downtown and across the Rock River. It concludes at Wyman Street.
When: Noon Saturday, June 7
Related: Photos | Pride rains down for Rockford’s first official Pride Parade
Pride Alley Party
What: Celebrate Pride with a day filled with entertainment, dozens of local food and merchandise vendors, live music and other activities including drag queen bingo, a talent show, pop-up performances and a drag show.
When: 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 7
Where: Former Fran Kral parking lot in Block 5, across from The Office NiteClub, 513 E. State St.
Info: Go HERE
Music on the Patio | Paul Bronson
What: Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront will host live music on the patio every Wednesday night during summer at Tower Kitchen & Bar, which is the restaurant at the lower level of the hotel with a patio next to Davis Park.
The season kicks off this week with Paul Bronson, who delivers a smooth acoustic guitar and instrumental take on pop and rock classics.
Where: Tower Kitchen & Bar, 416 S. Main St., Rockford (lower level)
When: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, June 4
More news: Rundown Machesney Park property to be transformed into supercar concierge service
Ski Broncs water ski show
What: The Ski Broncs perform their themed water-ski show every Wednesday and Friday evening in summer on the Rock River in Loves Park. The high-energy performances run about an hour.
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday June 4 and Friday, June 6 this week
Where: Shorewood Park, 235 Evelyn Ave., Loves Park
Cost: Free, donations accepted
Billiards and blood drive
What: The Rock River Valley Blood Center will host a community blood drive in partnership with Rockford Billiard Cafe. Everyone who donated is eligible to win a 30-can portable cooler, portable ice maker and Lucky golf putter. Walk-ins are welcome, and first-time donors are encouraged to bring a photo ID. To schedule an appointment, visit rrvbc.org or call 815-965-8751.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, June 5
Where: Rockford Billiard Café parking lot, 1436 N. Main St. Rockford
An evening with Erik Koskinen
What: Erik Koskinen is hailed as a lights-out guitar player and top-shelf writer with blade-sharp wit.
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 5 (doors 6:30 p.m.)
Where: The Music Box of Rockford, 218 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: $25.14
Tickets: Go HERE
Dinner on the Dock | Dark Sun
What: Dark Sun is a high-energy rock band field by punchy guitar solos and soaring vocals. The band was founded by brothers Tristan and Luke Sheedlo alongside Dan McDonald.
When: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, June 5
Where: Prairie Street Brewing Co., 200 Prairie St., Rockford
Info/reservations: Go HERE
Rockford Jams | Lyn Skynard
What: Rockford Jams, a summer concert series formerly called Music in the Park, kicks off the season with Lyn Skynard, a Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band. Opening act is Mason Prophet.
Where: Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, 1401 N. Second St., Rockford
When: 6 p.m. Thursday, June 5
More info: Go HERE
Dinosaur Adventure
What: Dinosaur Adventure is a special three-day traveling exhibit showcasing life-sized, realistic dinosaurs that move and roar. Children can dive into dinosaur-themed activities including Jurassic scooters, themed obstacle courses, dinosaur rides, and more.
When: Noon to 8 p.m. Friday, June 6; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 7; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, June 8
Where: Indoor Sports Center at Mercyhealth Sportscore Two, 8800 E Riverside Blvd, Loves Park
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. The Hard Knock Kings bring live music to the main stage while the acoustic stage features Bill & Jim’s Most Excellent Acoustic Adventure.
When: 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday, June 6
Where: State and Water streets, downtown Rockford
Info: Go HERE
Remedies annual golf outing
What: The Remedies’ annual golf fundraiser is an 18-round tournament to raise funds for its services for survivors of domestic abuse and adults struggling with substance abuse.
When: 11:30 a.m. lunch begins; 1 p.m. shotgun start Thursday, June 5
Where: Aldeen Golf Club, 1902 Reid Farm Road, Rockford
Cost: $120 per ticket / $480 per foursome
Tickets/info: Go HERE
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
Klehm’s Rooted In Rockford
What: Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden will kick off its inaugural Rooted in Rockford; Art and Tree Science exhibit. The seasonal outdoor exhibit blends tree science with artistic expression, exploring the concept of roots both literally and figuratively. Eight artists from around the Rockford region and Chicagoland created work for the exhibit.
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily from Saturday, June 7 through May 31, 2026
Cost: $12 for adults; $10 for seniors, children and students 18 and older.
Information: klehm.org/rooted-in-rockford
An evening with Chicago Farmer & Friends
What: Folk musician Cody Diekhoff grew up in a small farming community in Illinois before touring as a musician under the name Chicago Farmer. Honest Tune Magazine described his sound by saying “imagine if a John Steinbeck short story had been written as a song.”
When: 8 p.m. Friday, June 6
Where: The Music Box of Rockford, 218 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: $31.42 (low ticket alert); $25.14 for general seating
Tickets: Go HERE
Lucha Cantina Comedy Night
What: Comedian Nick Cobb, who has appeared on “The Late Late Show” with Craig Ferguson and NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” headlines this week’s stand-up comedy show. The show also includes Alex Savant, Sam Rager and Kevin Haas.
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 7
Where: Lucha Cantina, 1641 N. Alpine Road, Rockford
Cost: $10
Reserve: Call 815-977-4319 to reserve tickets
The Spongebob Musical
What: Starlight Theatre presents “The Spongbob Musical,” which brings the wacky Nickelodeon cartoon from the deep sea to the stage.
When: Thursday, June 4 through Sunday, June 7 and July 9-13
Where: The Bengt Sjostrom Theatre, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford
Tickets: Go HERE
Indie-rock evening with Mason Prophet
What: Mason Prophet will headline while being backed by The McDonald Brothers of Rockford’s own Starlight Radio. Mason Prophet writes songs about working together despite differences, the belief that hard work pays off and the patience to see it through. Prophet’s outfit lays a roots rock foundation for his gritty yet mellow vocals and earnestly hopeful melodies that beckon you to move.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, June 7 (doors 7 p.m.)
Where: The Music Box of Rockford, 218 E. State St., Rockford
Reserved seating: $18.85 ($12.57 general admission)
Tickets: Go HERE
Summer Jamboree
What: The nonprofit National Youth Advocate Program is commemorating the end of its Restore/Reinvest/Renew program with a free Summer Jamboree. The program, which is being eliminated due to recent changes in state-funded grants, had helped provide youth with safe spaces while fostering opportunities for education and development. The jamboree will have free food, crafts and games for youth.
When: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 7
Where: Patriots Gateway Community Center, 615 S. Fifth St., Rockford
Summerpalooza
What: Summerpalooza is a downtown Rockton street dance series with monthly bands, food, beverages and other activities with different themes. This week, the series kicks off with Rock 5ive Band headlining and opening act Red Ball Jet. Dress in your patriotic best to match this week’s theme.
Where: 100 west block of Main Street, Rockton
When: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, June 6
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
