20 ideas for fun today through the weekend in the Rockford area
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — The Rockford area is filled with things to do today through the weekend.
There are multiple markets, live music from both big-name musicians and regional bands, comedy, historical events and more.
Here’s a breakdown of 20 ideas for fun.
Rockford Midtown Market
What: This week’s vendors at the Rockford Midtown Market include Uniq Art D’sings, Wolf Pack Peppers, For Jemih Arts, West Rock Farm, Family Forge 3D, Grammy’s Homemade Jams & More, Honey’s Lemonade, Senior Benefit Services, University of Illinois Extension, El’Rey, Mollie’s BooBoo Bags, Yahoshua’s Hometown Knesset, Guzman Blings & Things, and Aetna Better Health.
When: 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, July 24
Where: 502 Seventh St., Rockford
‘Ragtime’ at Starlight
What: Starlight Theatre at Rock Valley College presents “Ragtime,” the Tony-winning musical, based on E.L. Doctorow’s iconic novel.
When: 8 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, July 24-27
Where: Bengt Sjostrom Theatre, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford
Admission: $28 adults; $26 seniors, teachers and military members; $17 students; $12 for children younger than 12
Info/tickets: Go HERE
Rockford Jams
What: Rockford Jams, a summer music series formerly called Concerts in the Park, features Elton Jeff & The Honky Cats this week. The Elton John tribute band’s opening act is Carson Hall.
When: 6 p.m. Thursday, July 24
Where: Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, 1401 N. Second St., Rockford
Info: Go HERE
Dinner on the Docks
What: This week’s Dinner on the Docks features Indika Reggae Band, which blends reggae, soca, calypso, R&B, jazz, and more. The group, which formed in 1990, is led by Uroy Mushla and has earned numerous awards
When: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, July 24
Where: Prairie Street Brewing Co., 200 Prairie St., Rockford
Tickets: Go HERE
Northeast Rockford Farmers Market
What: This weekly open-air farmers market features fresh, seasonal produce, baked goods, food trucks and handmade gifts.
Where: Northeast Christian Church, 5651 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, July 24
Info: Go HERE
Beats & Bites
What: The River District Association and GoRockford host this weekly lunch break filled with food trucks and activities. This week’s theme is Christmas in July.
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, July 24
Where: The corner of West State and Church streets in downtown Rockford
Franchesco’s Summer Concert Series
What: Franchesco’s Ristorante’s Summer Concert Series features live music on its patio with a different local or regional band each week. This week is Cole Brandt, who specializes in jazz, rock and electronic dance music.
When: 6 p.m. Thursday, July 24
Where: Franchesco’s Ristorante, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
Info: Go HERE
Rockford City Market
What: The weekly market features dozens of food, beverage and merchandise vendors. This week’s main stage musical act is That Gurl. The acoustic stage features Andrew Robinson.
When: 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday, July 25
Where: State and Water streets, downtown Rockford
Related: Rockford City Market names new executive director
Music on the Mall
What: Music on the Mall, a free weekly outdoor summer concert series, features Swingbilly RFD this week.
Where: Edgebrook Shopping Center, 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford
When: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday, July 25
Hometown Jams: Gabby Barrett
What: County music singer and actress Gabby Barrett, who finished third on Season 16 of “American Idol,” brings her Hometown Jams tour to Rockford.
When: 6 p.m. Friday, July 25
Where: Coronado Theatre, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
Admission: Starting at $46.59
Tickets/info: Go HERE
Wynnona Judd: The Greatest Hits Tour
What: Five-time Grammy winner and platinum-selling musician Wynnona Judd brings her greatest hits tour to Hard Rock Live.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, July 25
Where: Hard Rock Live at Hard Rock Casino Rockford, 7801 E. State St., Rockford
Admission: Starting at $78
Tickets/info: Go HERE
An Evening with Frida Kahlo
What: The final event of La Onda’s monthlong Frida Fest is a discussion led by Dr. Linda Saborio, NIU’s world languages and cultures department chairperson, who will discuss an emerging “chica moderna” from the perspective of histories of gender and the role of artistic expression in the formation of social identities. There are also drinks, music and hors d’oeuvres.
When: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, July 25
Where: Womanspace, 3333 Maria Linden Drive, Rockford
Info: Go HERE
The Roaring Twenties
What: The Roaring Twenties is a unique living history event that allows visitors to discover the how the 18th Amendment changed daily life in Rockford. Reenactors will fill the Victorian Village, which will be transformed into a 1920s dry town. Learn Prohibition history through cultural touchstones of the era such as federal raids, jazz music, illegal distilleries, speakeasys, women’s suffrage marches and more.
When: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, July 26
Where: Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford
Admission: $15 adults; $12 for children 5-12; $12 for seniors 62+; free for children younger than 4
Info/tickets: midwayvillage.com
Fats & Friends 11th anniversary comedy night
What: Fats Productions Presents celebrates its 11th anniversary of bringing stand-up comedy to the Rockford area. This special anniversary showcase features comedians from the area who have been a part of shows over the years. It’s headlined by Jose Montero and features Kevin Wood, Alex Savant, Kevin Haas, Joseph Christopher and Matt Hall.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, July 26
Where: Hope & Anchor English Pub, 5040 N. Second St., Rockford
How much: $10
Reservations: Call 815-633-2552
Shrek The Musical
What: The Studio Rockford presents “Shrek The Musical” with four shows this weekend.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, July 25, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, July 26 and 2 p.m. Sunday, July 27
Where: Rockford University’s Maddox Theatre, 5050 E. State Street, Rockford
Admission: Advanced tickets are $14 adults; $12 for seniors and children 12 and under; Tickets are $2 extra at the door.
Tickets/info: Go HERE
Japanese Summer Festival
What: The two-day Japanese Summer Festival celebrates Japanese heritage with activities such as taiko drumming, martial arts demonstrations, tea ceremonies, ikebana (flower arranging), origami, calligraphy, and kimono try-ons.
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27 (performances and demonstrations begin at 10 a.m.)
Where: Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
Admission: $15 adults; $14 seniors; $13 students and military; free for children 5 and younger
Info: Go HERE
Rhythm of the Heart Music Festival
What: This free all-day music festival features games and kids activities, live music, food trucks and a car show. The night concludes with a fireworks show. Bands include Nauti Nauti, Tennessee Whiskey – A Tribute to Chris Stapleton, Petty Kings – Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers Tribute, and Funky Monks – The Ultimate Red Hot Chili Peppers Experience.
When: Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 26
Where: Loves Park City Hall festival grounds, 100 Heart Blvd., Loves Park
Info: rhythmoftheheartfest.com
Celebrating Elvis Presley
What: Concerts on The Creek celebrates the music of Elvis Presley with tribute artist Logan Ramey. Seating is limited to 150.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, July 26
Where: Spring Creek Church, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
Cost: Free admission, $10 donation encouraged
Reserve seating: Go HERE
Piano by candlelight
What: Dominic Di Cello will perform the music of Chopin, Beethoven and classical guitar pieces of Tarrega transcribed to piano.
When: 6 p.m. Saturday, July 26
Where: Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Road, Rockford
Admission: Free
Info: holyfamilyrockford.org
Paranormal investigation at Historic Attractions
What: Haunted Rockford will host a paranormal investigation at Historic Attractions. Author and historian Kathi Kresol and museum staff will share the history of objects in the museum and the stories behind them.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, July 26
Where: Historic Attractions, 13825 Metric Road, Roscoe
Tickets: $40, 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
