Cedarfest, Pretzel City 5k and more: 12 things to do in the Freeport area this weekend
This weekend features a variety of fun events in the Freeport area, including a celebration of Native Americans, live music and more.
Fireworks Paint Night
What: Celebrate Independence with friends, painting this fireworks painting. Logan's has a full menu and bar. Teens are welcome to attend.
When: 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday
Where: Logan’s, 1805 S. West Ave., Freeport
For more: 815-584-0182
Live music: Sunset Strip
What: Enjoy a local 1980s cover rock cover band at Hot Rod Nellie's new outdoor stage.
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Where: Hot Rod Nellie’s, 122 S. Jackson Road, Pecatonica
For more: 815-239-2424
Pretzel City 5K
What: Runners and walkers of all abilities are welcome to participate. The course consists of flat roadways and paths that wind through the park. The race is also part of the Rockford Road Runners circuit. Time splits and water stations on course; refreshments and awards after the race. Chip timing will be provided by Tri-3 Timing.
When: 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday
Where: Krape Park, 1799 S. Park Blvd., Freeport
Cost: $30
For more: https://runsignup.com
Sweet Diezel Jenkins
What: Greg Fulton put together the hottest band he could find in Chicago, Sweet Diezel Jenkins. With the new band set and the plan in motion, Sweet Diezel Jenkins mashes up hits of yesterday and today, adding a heavy hand of backyard feel good party vibe with a dash of gritty juke joint smoky goodness. Using a range of artists from Usher and Kings of Leon, to the Stones and James Brown, the Sweet Diezel Jenkins blueprint was brought to life.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: The Rhythm Section Amphitheater, 13137 IL-78, Mount Carroll
For more: https://www.bandsintown.com
Electric Shock: The AC/DC Show
What: The show, hailing from the Quad Cities, provides a high-energy performance, replicating the music and look of AC/DC. The group plays all the classic hits from both Bon Scott and Brian Johnson eras.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: 8216 Black Oak Road, Mount Carroll
For more: 815-244-1600
The '80s Hit List at BummyFest
What: This '80s themed party will raise funds for local charities. The annual fundraiser event is a reunion of friends and family. This is 18th year for the event, which includes a live auction, food and beverages and live music.
When: 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Bummyfest, 204 W. South St., Pearl City
For more: 815-821-4455
Gran Fonda Tour Against Cancer
What: Enjoy a healthy bike ride - a family fun ride or choose a 30- 50- or 75-mile route - to help fight against cancer. Ride some of the most beautiful roads in northwest Illinois. In lieu of a registration fee, FHN welcomes donations to the FHN Leonard C. Ferguson Cancer Center at FHN Memorial Hospital. Dave Fonda, the founder of and inspiration for this event, loved cycling and his community. He started this fundraiser in 2007, dedicated to parlaying his passion into a cause that could help those fighting cancer. Although Dave lost his battle in 2018, FHN has kept him a part of this event by renaming it in his honor.
When: 8 a.m. Saturday
Where: Tutty’s Crossing, 238 E. Stephenson St., Freeport
For more: www.fhn.org
Cedarfest
What: Enjoy food, drinks and live music. The Ryan and Joe Trio performs from 1 o 5 p.m. Free Fall performs at 8 p.m. Festival benefits the Cedarville Fire Deptartment.
When: 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday
Where: The Cedar Inn, 4747 IL-26, Cedarville
For more: 815-563-5014
CoNA: Celebration of Native Americans
What: Come for the First CoNA in Northwest Illinois. CoNA is a celebration of Native Americans. The celebration plans on honoring the indigenous people of the area with demonstrations and education of their homes, rituals, culture, food and more. Events include Native American storytelling, tour a lodge and a drum/flute making demonstration.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday
Where: The Muse on Cedar Creek, 395 W. Cedarville Road, Freeport
For more: freeportquietsouls@gmail.com, 815-616-8934
Garden Chairs
What: Come paint some chairs and add some garden elements to them. All of the chairs already have the seats out to make it convenient for you to paint and fill. Flowers and materials needed to create the garden part will be provided or you can bring your own. Rapped with Smoke food truck will be available with smoked meats.
When: 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday
Where: Bobber’s, 612 Bridge St., Winslow
For more: 815-584-0182
A ride for all that gave
What: Warrior Brotherhood MC remembers and honors their heroes every day. Come for a for a ride to benefit your local veterans. The ride will start at Fraternal Order of Eagles 679. Sign up begins at 10 a.m. and goes until 11:30 a.m. Along the ride, there will be 50/50 raffles, food and prizes to collect. Proceeds from ride will go to the Veterans Assistance Commission of Stephenson County.
When: 10 a.m. Saturday
Where: Eagles Club, 1200 W. Galena Ave., Freeport
Cost: $20 per bike
For more: wbmc-il@warriorbrotherhoodvmc.com
Wait, What?
What: The duo, Wait, What? is a versatile acoustic cover band. Mark and Kenxi cover top 40 hits.
When: 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday
Where: The Post Sports Bar & Grill, 119 S. Benton St., Winnebago
For more: 815-335-3115
Kathi Edwards is a freelance correspondent.
This article originally appeared on Journal Standard: Cedarfest, Pretzel City 5K among 12 things to do in Freeport Illinois
