Christmas in July, live music and more: 22 things to do in the Rockford area this weekend
The second weekend of July offers a variety of family fun activities in the Rockford area.
Here are 22 things to do this weekend in the area and a few events next week as well.
Music in the Park
What: Seventies-era shows by hard rock pioneers Led Zeppelin are the stuff of legend: the thundering drums, the piercing guitar solos, the howling wails, and the enormous amount of hair, of course. Chicago-based Led Zeppelin tribute band Kashmir recreates the look, feel, and sound of this prime vintage of Zeppelin. Aided by vintage equipment, costumes, a light show, and more. Picnics and coolers are permitted; however, no outside alcoholic beverages are permitted. Beer and wine are available for purchase.
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, July 6
Where: Sinnissippi Band Shell, 1401 N. Second St., Rockford
Cost: $5; free for kids 5 and younger. Prime Concert tickets with VIP are available for $25.
For more: rockfordparkdistrict.org/soundsofsummer
More: Lollapalooza, Country Thunder and more: 10 festivals for live music near Rockford
Midtown Dog Walk
What: There will be kiddie pools, sprinklers, games, and more for your furry friends. Noah’s Ark will be attending with dogs to adopt. All monetary and supply donations will benefit Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary. Seating inside and out as well as bathrooms and washing stations.
When: 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 6
Where: Ernie’s Midtown Pub, 1025 Fifth Ave., Rockford
Cost: Free admission; donations encouraged
For more: erniesmidtownpub.com
Dinner on the Dock
What: Enjoy dinner, drinks and live music on the dock. July 6 performer is The Jolly Ringwalds. The Jolly Ringwalds are a neon carousel of 1980s celebration. They perform dance, rock and new wave music.
When: 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday, July 6
Where: Prairie Street Brewing Co., 200 Prairie St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
For more: psbrewingco.com
Artourage
What: Bring your entourage to Artourage at City Stage Studios, home of Rockford's first sound stage, photo and recording studios and creative workspace all under one roof. Fatherless is an award-winning local print collective. Meet the Fatherless artists, experience their studio, learn something new, and spark creative conversations. Exclusive prints will be available for a donation. All contributions to the Arts Council go directly to local artist grants and art programs.
When: 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, July 7
Where: City Stage Studios/Fatherless, 821 First Ave., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
For more: artsforeveryone.com/
36th Annual Byronfest
What: The festival includes a ByronFest Idol, a parade, a bags tournament, a carnival, a 5k run, a beer garden, Taste of ByronFest, bingo, a magician, a quilt show and two stages of bands.
When: Friday through Sunday
Where: Downtown Byron
Cost: $10 wristband; $8 in advance for beer garden, entertainment stages and Taste of ByronFests. Wristbands are good for Friday & Saturday, Sunday is family day and wristbands are not needed. Free for children age 7 and younger.
For more: byronfest.org/
Tutty Baker Fest
What: Tutty Baker Fest is a three-day event named after Freeport’s founder, William “Tutty” Baker. The weekend features live music, a carnival, craft and vendor show, fireworks and plenty more.
When: 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday
Where: Downtown Freeport
Cost: Free admission
For more: facebook.com/tuttybakerfest/
More: Heading to Freeport's Tutty Baker Festival? Here's a day-by-day breakdown of events
Music on the Mall
What: Enjoy live music outside. Food and drinks from Lucha Cantina and Cork, Keg & Spirits will be available. The July 7 performer is Who Knew Entertainment, an award-winning band from Chicago that plays rock/party/dance music.
When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, July 7
Where: Edgebrook center court, 1643 N. Alpine Road, Rockford
Cost: Free
For more: 815-398-8957
Summer Concert Series
What: Muscial Guests July 7 will be Three Good Men.
When: 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 7
Where: Franchesco’s Ristorante, 7128 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
For more: 815-229-0800
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. Live music July 7 from Monark and Trinidora.
When: 4 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, July 7
Where: East State and Water Streets, downtown Rockford
Cost: Free admission
For more: rockfordcitymarket.com/
Friday Night Flix: July 7th Screening of Sonic the Hedgehog 2
What: Pre-movie kids activities from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., with the movie Sonic the Hedgehog 2 starting at dusk. Food vendors will be available.
When: 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, July 7
Where: Davis Park, Rockford
Cost: Free admission
For more: thebmocenter.com/davisparkrockford
The Lucha Cantina Comedy Nite
What: Make sure to call Lucha Cantina during business hours to reserve a table. Show cover will be added to your table's check at the end of the night. The comics for the night include host Ariel Julie of Chicago; features Tom Feeback of the Chicago suburbs and Kimberly Marion of Aurora, with headliner Jack Baker of the Chicago area.
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 7
Where: Lucha Cantina, 1641 N. Alpine Road, Rockford
Cost: $10, will be added to table’s tab
For more: 815-977-4319
Wild Rumpus Circus
What: Enjoy a day full of surprises and silliness as the Discovery Center welcome the Wild Rumpus Circus for two performances. Enjoy the combination of hilarious clowning with aerial artistry, rapid fire juggling and fantastic stilt walkers. Between shows, children can experience being a circus performer as they balance on a tightwire, take a swing on a low-flying trapeze and go for a spin on a kid-size German Wheel. Tickets for shows available at the door on a first-come, first-serve basis, with one show per family, please.
When: 10:00 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. Friday, July 7
Where: Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $10; free to museum members and children ages 1 and younger.
For more: 815-963-6769
Rockford Rivets
What: The local Northwoods League baseball team takes on the Lakeshore Chinooks.
When: 6:35 p.m. Saturday, July 8
Where: Rivets Stadium, 4503 Interstate Blvd., Loves Park
Cost: $12
For more: northwoodsleague.com/rockford-rivets
Christmas in July
What: Shop from your favorite vendors, including flea market vendors, all under one roof.
When: 10 a.m. Saturday, July 8
Where: Winnebago County Fairgrounds, 500 W. First St., Pecatonica
For more: Jodi, 815-218-4793
Community Science: Snakes
What: Learn about local snake populations from guest herpetologist Nathan Kutok, and discover how you can volunteer to help monitor snakes. There will be a guided hike to look for snakes under cover objects. Long pants are advised if you want to participate in looking for snakes. This event is recommended for ages 8 and older.
When: 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, July 8
Where: Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit
Cost: $5; $10 for family of 2 or more people of any age
For more: 815-200-6910
Concerts on the Creek
What: Concerts on the Creek proudly welcomes one of the most original and eclectic Italian bands, “The Vince Chiarelli Band.” They have been acclaimed for their unique sound, in which traditional Italian music is presented with a modern twist and a Lain flair. The band’s popularity is credited to their unique mix and arrangements of classic Italian favorites, intertwined with romantic Italian ballads, Italian-American favorites and enticing bossa nova and flamenco rhythms.
When: 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 8
Where: Spring Creek Church, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
Cost: Free admission; donations encouraged
For more: 815-979-1949
Red, White and Blues Festival
What: Inaugural blues event to honor local veterans and active duty personnel. Food vendors/trucks and beer and beverages available to purchase. No coolers and no pets. Free parking and golf cart shuttles available for handicapped.
When: 1 p.m. Saturday, July 8
Where: Lyran Park, 4781 South Bend Road, Rockford
Cost: $15; $10 in advance; free for veterans, active duty and kids younger than 18 with an adult
For more: crossroadsbluessociety.com/
Walk With U – Guided Walk
What: Join a health care professional from UW Health for a guided walk. Spending time outdoors can improve memory, fight depression, lower blood pressure and more. This event is open to all ages. Leashed dogs are welcome.
When: 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, July 8
Where: Deer Run Forest Preserve, 5691 River Road, Cherry Valley
Cost: Free
For more: winnebagoforest.org
DC Estate Wine Run 5k
What: Whether you are looking to run, walk or just enjoy the wine, this race is for you. This race is timed and scored by J3 Timing. Results will be posted on their website.
When: 9 a.m. Sunday, July 9
Where: DC Estate Winery, 8877 Stateline Road, South Beloit
Cost: $35
For more: https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/SouthBeloit/WineRun5kDCEstates
Wild Food Wild Medicine
What: Learn from expert herbalist Linda Conroy of Moonwise Herbs about the healing benefits of wild plants. During this workshop, participants will be introduced to herbalism on a guided trail walk, make an herbal infused vinegar to take home and taste herbal beverages. Space is limited; please register in advance.
When: 1 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, July 9
Where: Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit
Cost: $30
For more: 815-200-6910
Mandala Painting
What: Learn how to make a Mandala painting using things you find around home. ArtByKarla will show you step-by-step. All supplies are included in the cost of the class. Register by July 7.
When: 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 9
Where: Womanspace, 3333 Maria Linden Drive, Rockford
Cost: $40; $35 for members
For more: 815-877-0118
Fifth Anniversary Party: Sips and Sprinkles
What: Meet Elsa and Spider-man and get your photo taken with them. There will also be balloon twisting, face painting, Pickles the Clown, games with the Belvidere Park District and more. Free cotton candy and popcorn. Celebrity scoopers from the Belvidere Police and Fire departments.
When: 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 9
Where: Sips and Sprinkles, 221 W. Locust St., Belvidere
For more: 815-547-1546
Coming next week:
Color Powder War
What: Immerse yourself in a mesmerizing explosion of colors at our annual Powder Color War Games event. You’ll become a living masterpiece amidst a whirlwind of pigmented powder. The event includes a colorful battleground, team challenges, color explosions, snacks and beverages and a photo booth extravaganza. Tickets are limited, so secure yours in advance to guarantee your spot. Please ensure you wear appropriate clothing and bring a change of clothes, as the colored powder may leave temporary stains.
When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, July 10
Where: Williams Tree Farm, 4661 Yale Bridge Road, Rockton
Cost: $7 suggested donation
For more: theremnant.io/product/color-war/
120th Anniversary Pre-Party
What: Celebrate the rich history of Harley-Davidson with a family that has been standing with for over a century. The celebration will be on the grass field next to the dealership for an afternoon and evening of live music, vendors, food trucks and prize drawings.
When: Noon to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 11
Where: Kegel Harley-Davidson, 7125 Harrison Ave., Rockford
For more: 815-332-7125
'Musical Journeys Near & Far'
What: Enjoy concert by the Rockford Concert band, directed by George Espino, who will also be vocal soloist. Instrumental soloist Jonathan Harrity on clarinet. Concessions are available for purchase (including sandwiches, beer and wine).
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 11
Where: Sinnissippi Band Shell, 1401 N. Second St., Rockford
Cost: Free
For more: 815-987-8800
True Colors Comedy Night
What: Live stand-up comedy starring: Marcos Lara and Jordan Michael Reader. Hosted by Willie Mae Lara.
When: 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 11
Where: True Colors, 7784 Forest Hills Rd, Loves Park
Cost: $10
Trivia Tuesday at the Top
What: Join us to test your Jurassic Park trivia knowledge. There will be prizes for the team that comes out on top, as well as a very "crappy" prize for last place. The last-place team receives the honor of having their team picture displayed next to the Golden Coprolite Statue in the Burpee Museum of Natural History lobby. Teams of up to 4 people allowed.
When: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 11
Where: The Top Lounge & Rooftop Deck at Embassy Suites, 416 S. Main St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission; donations accepted
For more: 815-668-7878
Kathi Edwards is a freelance correspondent.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Byronfest, Christmas in July among 22 things to do in Rockford
