Anything that Floats, county fair and more: 19 things to do in Rockford
A popular event in Rockford returns this weekend along with the Winnebago County Fair.
Several summer events in the Rockford area are also starting to come to an end.
Here's a look at 18 things to do in the Rockford area this weekend:
Rock River Anything that Floats Race
What: Line up along the banks of the Rock River to watch decorated floats come down the river. Floats start at the Auburn Street bridge and end at Prairie Street Brewing Co. The race begins at noon.
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20
Where: Prairie Street Brewhouse, 200 Prairie St., Rockford
Cost: Entry fee for rafts $100; free to spectators
For more: rratfr.com
Winnebago County Fair
What: The last of the major county fairs in the Rockford area begins Wednesday. The fair features several of family fun activities, including a petting zoo, demolition derby, pageants, carnival and live music.
When: Wednesday, Aug. 16 to Sunday, Aug. 20
Where: Winnebago County Fairgrounds, 500 W. First St., Pecatonica
Cost: General admission is $5 Wednesday and Thursday and $7 Friday through Sunday. Children ages 8 and under are free every day of the fair while kids 9 to 12 are $3 Wednesday and Sunday; $5 Friday and Saturday; and free on Thursday. Entry for seniors 60 and older are $3 Thursday and Sunday; $5 Friday and Saturday; and free on Wednesday.
For more: 815-239-1641
More: Tickets, parking, main events and more: What to know about the 2023 Winnebago County Fair
Dinner on the Dock
What: Enjoy dinner, drinks and live music on the dock from Rockford-based Miles Nielsen, who has spent nearly a decade enthralling audiences with music that draws force from the prime years of Western-influenced rock music and classic ‘60s soul.
When: 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17
Where: Prairie Street Brewing Co., 200 Prairie St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
For more: 815-277-9427
The Great Turtle Creek Duck Race
What: Support Nature at the Confluence by buying a rubber duck which will race down Turtle Creek before the Community Fire & Drum Circle. The first three ducks to cross the finish line win a prize. Top three finishes include gift cards and clothing to local businesses. Duck numbers will be assigned randomly.
When: 6:15 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17
Where: Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit
Cost: One duck for $10, three ducks for $25, five ducks for $40 and 10 ducks for $75.
For more: 815-200-6910
Piper Road Spring Band
What: Enjoy beautiful summer evenings in the Sinnissippi Park Music Shell. Concessions available include sandwiches, beer and wine. This week's performer is Piper Road Spring Band.
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17
Where: Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, 1401 N. Second St., Rockford
Cost: Free
For more: 815-987-8800
Storytime Made in Rockford
What: Tinker has partnered with the YWCA Literacy Council to offer this family-friendly event. A book will be provided for all children to bring home after their time at the museum thanks to the YWCA. Reservations are highly encouraged.
When: 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 17
Where: Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum, 411 Kent St., Rockford
Cost: Free
For more: signupgenius.com
Bands, Brews & Food Trucks
What: Come for live music, food and beverages and lots of fun. The musical guest on August 17th will be Sunset Stripped and the food truck lineup will feature Mario's Taco Express, Pizza Fresca, Rusty Drum BBQ and Big Jon's Dogs N' More. Live music begins at 6:30 p.m.
When: 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17
Where: Timber Pointe Golf Club
Cost: Free admission
For more: 815-544-1935
Renaissance Men of Comedy Tour 2023
What: For the third year in a row, a collective of performers from Renaissance Faire are leaving the castle and taking their show on the road to perform stand-up comedy for the masses. The ensemble includes Jeremy Jacksen, Steve Cowan, host Marcos and more.
When: 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17
Where: Casey’s Pub, 7307 N. Alpine Road, Loves Park
Cost: No cover charge
For more: 815-637-6088
Rockford City Market
What: There will be more than 60 local vendors with fresh produce, baked goods, handmade items, jewelry, cheese, honey, and more underneath the pavilion. There are also food trucks, local breweries and more. Live music Aug. 18 by Universal Joint.
When: 4 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18
Where: East State and Water Streets, downtown Rockford
Cost: Free admission
For more: rockfordcitymarket.com
Music on the Mall
What: Enjoy live music outside. Food and drinks from Lucha Cantina and Cork, Keg & Spirits will be available. The performer Aug. 18 is The Grand Groove Hotel with special guest Gina Meeks on vocals.
When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18
Where: Edgebrook center court, 1643 N. Alpine Road, Rockford
Cost: Free
For more: 815-398-8957
Marvel Trivia & Paint Night
What: Brush up on your Marvel knowledge before the release of the new movies. There will be themed snacks, refreshments, photo ops with themed life-size cutouts or backdrops and six prizes given away: three door prizes and three trivia round prizes. Pick and pay for whatever piece of pottery you want. Every half hour a name will be drawn for a door prize then ask 10 trivia questions. Prizes will be given out throughout the night. Advanced tickets are required and are non-refundable.
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18
Where: The Pottery Lounge, 6059 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: $10 plus cost of pottery selected; snacks included in fee
For more: 815-977-3937
Rockford Jams V2
What: Some of the finest local cover/tribute bands come together in another day-long music festival at the Music Shell featuring Shuffle This, Paul Bronson, Tom Mac Group, Jodi Beach, Dan Maguire and 3 Good Men.
When: 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19
Where: Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, 1401 N. Second St., Rockford
Cost: Free
For more: 815-969-6039
New Normal Jazz Band
What: Come for the return of John Skillman and is virtuosic traditional jazz ensemble.
When: 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19
Where: Spring Creek Church, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
Cost: Free
For more: 815-979-1949
The Hope & Anchor Comedy Night
What: Comics for the night are host, Ariel Julie of Chicago; guest, Nathan Clemons of Wisconsin; main, Chicago-based Jon Silman; and headliner, Chicago-based comedian/writer, Sarah Perry.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19
Where: Hope & Anchor, 5040 N. Second St., Loves Park
Cost: $10 cover charge
For more: 815-633-2552
Art Auction Fundraiser for Voices of Inspiration
What: Come for this art auction fundraising event in support of Voices of Inspiration, a nonprofit helping Rockford families since 2018. Up for auction will be several works donated by local artists. Receipts from all sales will go directly to Voices of Inspiration.
When: 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19
Where: 317 Art Collaborative, 317 Market St., Rockford
For more: voicesofinspiration.org
Woodsong Summer Concert Series:
What: South of Disorder is a suburban Chicago-based cover/tribute band dedicated to the music of Jimmy Buffett, the beach, good times and the search for the perfect margarita. Klehm’s Woodsong Concerts are open-lawn style events held in the Fountain Garden. There are no reserved seats; attendees should bring their own blankets, chairs or other seating. Attendees are welcome to bring their own food and drink to enjoy in a responsible manner prior to and during the concert.
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20
Where: Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $10-$15
For more: 815-965-814
Swift Night Out
What: Swift Night Out is a continent-wide effort to raise awareness about Chimney Swifts and their need for roosting habitat. Learn about these aerial insectivores that spend almost their entire lives airborne, then join as the group heads to downtown Beloit to watch them enter their roost sites for the evening. Chimney Swifts nest throughout the eastern half of the United States and depend on large roosting sites in late summer to prepare for migration to South America.
When: 7 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20
Where: Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit
Cost: $5
For more: 815-200-6910
The Final Show
What: The final Live at Levings show of the year features comedian Deon Freeman and live music performances. Talent show from 5 to 6 p.m. and music from 6 to 8 p.m.
When: 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20
Where: Blackhawk Park, 101-15th Ave., Rockford
For more: 815-987-8800
Cultivating Culture: En El Caribe
What: Tickets for A Night of Caribbean Celebration include Nicholas Conservatory admission, Caribbean tastings by WehPah Puerto Rican Food Truck, live salsa music by Music in Motion and more.
When: 5-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18
Where: Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. Second St., Rockford
Cost: $14; $12 for youth; $8 for members
For more: nicholasconservatory.com
Coming next week:
Cruise Night at Portillos
What: The final cruise night of the summer gives you a chance to win prizes, listen to a DJ, enjoy the night looking at the beautiful cars and order your favorite Portillo's food.
When: Tuesday, Aug. 22
Where: Portillo’s, 6090 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
For more: 815-997-1800
Todd Donnelly - Live Music on the Patio
What: The last music on the patio at the Tower Kitchen & Bar inside the Embassy Suites Rockford gives you a chance to listen to live music by Todd Donnelly, a steel pan player, vocalist and percussionist. Donnelly plays your favorite tropical tunes: everything from Jimmy Buffett to Bob Marley along with music by Harry Belafonte, Paul Simon, Jack Johnson, The Grateful Dead and Motown Beach Music.
When: 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 23
Where: Tower Kitchen & Bar at Embassy Suites, 416 S. Main St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
For more: 815-668-7878
Rockton River Market
What: Shop to great live music in downtown Rockton while visiting a variety of food and goods vendors. Aug. 23 performer is Bree Morgan.
When: 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 23 (music starts at 6 p.m.)
Where: Old Settlers Park, 150 E. Hawick St., Rockton
Cost: Free admission
For more: 815-624-0935
Kathi Edwards is a freelance correspondent.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Anything that Floats race returns to Rockford, Illinois this weekend
