New art exhibits, live music and more: 11 things to do in the Freeport area this weekend
Two exhibits will open at the Freeport Art Museum this weekend while there are tons of chances to listen to live music.
Here are 11 things to do in the Freeport area this weekend.
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
Music on Debate Square
What: Bring your lawn chairs and come for music by local musicians. Aug. 17 performer is Southpaw Stance.
When: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17
Where: Debate Square, 114 E. Douglas St., Freeport
For more: Lincoln-douglas.org
Large Print & CD Sale
What: Sale of withdrawn large print books and withdrawn CDs from the library's collection. There will also be some audio books and donated DVDs available for sale. Cash only.
When: Noon to 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17 to Saturday, Aug. 19
Where: Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas St., Freeport
For more: 815-233-3000
The Odd Couple (Female Version)
What: Neil Simon’s revision of his hugely successful play, "The Odd Couple," sees the lead characters transformed into Olive Madison and Florence Unger. Part of the Winneshiek Playhouse's 95th season, "The Odd Couple (Female Version) stars Lisa Lind as Olive and Dawn Degenhardt as Florence. Degenhardt also serves as director.
When: Aug. 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m, Aug. 19 at 2 p.m.
Where: Winneshiek Playhouse, 228 W. Clark St., Freeport
Cost: Adults $17, students $12
For more: winneshiekplayers.org, call 815-232-7023 or email us at winnieboxoffice@gmail.com
Into the Mystic and Visions of Spirituality
What: The Freeport Art Museum welcomes two new exhibits this weekend from James Mahu, a master of modern mythmaking. Mahu's latest undertaking is his most ambitious yet: the movement of consciousness and interconnectedness. Into the Mystic, an exhibition of Mahu's latest works, will showcase his original paintings, music, and writings, all seamlessly integrated to create an immersive experience for visitors. Visions of Spirituality features members of the Momentum Art Guild carry on the long-held tradition of artists exploring the complex and often abstract concept of spirituality - creating symbolic, awe-inspiring, and beautiful works of art that express the power and magnitude of the sublime.
When: 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18 through Oct. 14
Where: Freeport Art Museum, 121 N. Harlem Ave., Freeport
Cost: Free; donations accepted
For more: 815-235-9755
Slurp ‘n Burp Loran Fest
What: Come for a weekend of live music, drinks, food and more. The tractor parade will start at 1 p.m. Saturday.
When: Friday, Aug. 18 and Saturday, Aug. 19
Where: Slurp ‘n Burp, 4319 S. Loran Road, Pearl City
For more: 815-443-2765
Beer for the Brave Parking Lot Party
What: Come for a day of games, beer and live music. There will be ax throwing, a tough man contest, 50/50 raffle, silent auction and music by Blue Steel from 6 to 9 p.m. The event supports the Marine Vets - MC Darkhorsemen Chapter. $1 of each Darkhorsemen Wheat Ale sold will benefit the club.
When: 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19
Where: Lena Brewing Company, 9416 W. Wagner Road, Lena
For more: 815-369-2588
Corey Lane & Band
What: Tutty Fest sensation and Nashville recording artist Corey Layne is back and better than ever with a full band and concert experience.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19
Where: The Wagner House 2nd floor, 1 E. Spring St., Suite 4338, Freeport
Cost: $15
For more: 815-232-4408
Freeport Elks Charity Golf Outing
What: Help support Elks charities: Elks National Foundation and Illinois Elks Childrens' Care. Scramble format with shotgun start at 10 a.m. Fee includes 18 holes plus cart, games, prizes, lunch on the course and dinner. Prizes and dinner after golf will be at the Freeport Elks Lodge. Singles and pairs welcome. Additional guests for dinner without golf will be $15 each. Signup forms are available at the lodge or can be emailed to those interested. Please make checks payable to Freeport Elks Lodge #617.
When: 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 19
Where: Park Hills Golf Course, 3240 W. Stephenson St., Freeport
Cost: $80 per golfer
For more: elks617@gmail.com
Winslow River Day
What: The Winslow Fire Department hosts this year's Winslow River Day including a few different tournaments including a volleyball, cornhole and softball. There will be bounce houses for children and carnival games for the family. Entering the bounce houses will require a wristband that is good for your kids to enjoy the entire day ($7 per wristband). There will be a food stand open as well as a beer tent. Rock Rebel Junction will play at 7 p.m.
When: 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 19
Where: Winslow Township Park
For more: https://www.facebook.com/WinslowILFireDepartment
Outlaw Jeeps/Jeep Girl Outlaws Invade the Ricky M. Dog & Pony Car Show
What: Jeep Flex Event and Jeep Show
When: 8 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 20
Where: Stephenson County Fairgrounds, 2250 S. Walnut Road, Freeport
For more: Jeep Girl Outlaws WI/IL on Facebook
Kathi Edwards is a freelance correspondent.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: New art exhibits, live music and more: 11 things to do near Freeport
