Arctic Ale and Art Walk, Mom & Me Masquerade among 10 things to do in the Freeport area

Kathi Edwards

February 22, 2024 at 5:37 AM·5 min read

This weekend, get downtown for the Fifth Annual Arctic Ale & Art Walk and see what the businesses are offering or take in some music or hockey. Moms can have a special night out with their sons, too.

Here are 10 things to do in the Freeport area this weekend plus a few coming up next week:

World Fest Community Concert: Faraj Siraj

What: Jordan’s Musical Ambassadress, Jordanian virtuoso Farah Siraj will perform. The concert will showcase Arabic folk and flamenco style music.

When: 7-8:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23

Where: The Wagner House, 223 S. Chicago Ave., Freeport

Cost: $10; $8 for members

For tickets: crm.bloomerang.co/HostedDonation?ApiKey=pub_457c3ffb-3da1-11ec-ba47-026d3237139f&WidgetId=15985664

For more: info@freeportartmuseum.org, 815-235-9755

JK Salon One-Year Anniversary Party

What: Join us for a customer appreciation celebration. We are partnering with Swank & Mercier to bring you a night of shopping including special discounts on our retail, giveaways, cocktails and appetizers.

When: 5-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23

Where: JK Salon, 1816 S. West Ave., Freeport

For more: 815-235-1090, https://www.facebook.com/events/2562432440586785

Mom & Me Masquerade

What: Join the Freeport Park District for an evening of dancing, prizes and entertainment, fit for the coolest dynamic duo in town: mom and her son. Pre-registration is required; space is limited.

When: 6-8:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23

Where: Freeport Masonic Temple, 305 W. Stephenson St., Freeport

Cost: $16; $15 for residents

For more: 815-235-6114, https://www.facebook.com/events/1721972738277391

Rockford Ice Hogs AHL Hockey

What: Friday the Ice Hogs play the Texas Stars on a $2 beer night. It is also Military Appreciation Night with free tickets for active military or veterans. Saturday, the opponent will be the Iowa Wild. The first 2500 fans will receive a Lukas Reichel bobblehead.

When: 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23 and Saturday, Feb. 24

Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford

Cost: $16.50-$29

For more: 815-968-5222, icehogs.com

Blue Steel 815

What: The Rockford-based band will perform for a country/rock party.

When: 7-11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24

Where: Leisure Lanes, 2308 Sixth Ave., Monroe, Wis.

For more: 608-328-8135, facebook.com/events/1043060800254379

Fifth Annual Arctic Ale and Art Walk

What: Join us for shopping, beer tasting and art viewing in Downtown Freeport. Shops will be hosting local artists and artisans as well as offering samples of beer brands.

When: Noon – 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24

Where: Downtown Freeport, 110 W. Main St., Freeport

Cost: $10

For tickets: greaterfreeportpartnershipchamber.growthzoneapp.com/events/Details/artic-ale-and-art-walk-1020995?

For more: 815-233-1350, facebook.com/events/768310411850750

Boys and Girls Club Community Health and Wellness Fair

What: Free health screenings including blood pressure, cholesterol, vision and child development (age 0-3). Even also includes yoga, Zumba and vendors.

When: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24

Where: 511 S. Liberty Blvd., Freeport

For more: 815-599-8404, facebook.com/events/5392481227542945?ref=newsfeed

National Day of Racial Healing

What: Racial healing restores individuals and communities to wholeness. Racial healing repairs the damage caused by racism. It facilitates trust, builds authentic relationships and bridges divides. Racial healing is at the heart of racial equity – the people work that leads to community, organizational and systems transformation. This re-scheduled event includes speakers, presentations, lunch and small group work.

When: 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 24

Where: Freeport Public Library, 200 E. Douglas St., Freeport

For more: facebook.com/events/302258439363654

Joys of Gardening

What: Mark your calendars for the 26th annual Joys of Gardening, featuring a keynote presentation given by Tim Gruner, Garden Curator-Anderson Japanese Gardens. Following the keynote presentation will be two breakout sessions. Each breakout session will include unique garden-related classes.

When: 8 a.m. – noon Saturday, Feb. 24

Where: Highland Community College Student Conference Center Room 201, 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport

Cost: $15

For more: go.illinois.edu/jog, https://www.facebook.com/events/1837867016655183

Instrumental Winter Recital

What: Join the Concert Band and Orchestra for their winter recital.

When: 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25

Where: Ferguson Fine Arts Center, Highland Community College, 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport

Cost: Free

For more: 815-235-6121, facebook.com/events/357041157148146

Coming next week

How the Word is Passed by Clint Smith

What: Join us for a Black History Month discussion of How the Word is Passed: a reckoning with the history of slavery across America by poet Clint Smith. Books will be available at the library by the end of January and the title is available through Libby (our ebook app). Here are some discussion questions to consider cms.library.wisc.edu/gobigread/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2022/07/How-the-Word-Is-Passed-Discussion-Questions.pdf

When: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 26

Where: Board room, Freeport Public Library, 200 E. Douglas St., Freeport

For more: dludwig@freeportpubliclibrary.org, 815-233-3000, ext. 221

Teens Only: No-Sew T-shirt Tote Bag

What: Do you have an old t-shirt laying around but cannot seem to let it go? How about turning it into a tote bag! Yes, a tote bag! Join us and turn that old t-shirt into a tote bag.

When: 4-5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27

Where: Conference Room, Freeport Public Library, 200 E. Douglas St., Freeport

For more: ameyers@freeportpubliclibrary.org, 815-233-3000, ext. 238

Lectures in American History

What: "Mamas, Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to be Cowboys: A History of American Country Music as a reflection of American Cultural Trends" Country music is one of the most popular genres of music today--and a genre that has broadened to include a wide variety of styles, sounds, and themes. Martin Quirk, a longtime friend of the series, will discuss the development of country music, how it has changed over time, and how those changes were reflective of the broader changes in American society and culture. Live at the library. No registration required.

When: 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28

Where: Meeting Room, Freeport Public Library, 200 E. Douglas St., Freeport