County fair, vintage drag racing, music and more: 11 things to do in the Rockford area

ROCKFORD — The dog days of summer are here but there is still a variety of activities and events across the Rock River Valley.

The third weekend in August brings us the Winnebago County Fair, the Ski Broncs, a paranormal conference and a variety of entertainment for music lovers.

Winnebago County Fair

What: Come to the Winnebago County Fair and enjoy the sights, sounds, animals, competitions, music, lights and great entertainment.

When: Wednesday through Sunday

Where: Winnebago County Fairgrounds, 500 W. 1st St., Pecatonica

For admission, fair schedule and more: https://www.winnebagocountyfair.com/winnebago-county-fair/

Glory Days

What: The 1966 and earlier vintage drag racing event features three days and two nights of era correct drag racing action. The event features a wide variety of gassers, front engine dragsters, super stocks, altereds, stock cars, hot rods, A/FX, and more to pay homage to drag racing’s early days.

When: Friday through Sunday

Where: Byron Dragway, 7287 N. River Rd., Byron

Cost: $20 on Friday and Saturday; $15 on Sunday. Kids 12 and under enter free all weekend.

For more: https://byrondragway.com/glory-days/

Music on the Mall

What: Music performed by the Janesville, Wisconsin band "The GoDeans".

When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday

Where: Edgebrook Mall Center Court, 1641 N. Alpine Road, Rockford

Cost: Free admission

For more: https://edgebrookshops.com/events/music-on-the-mall/

Rockford City Market

What: You can find some of the best local makers, growers, artists, and bakers underneath the Rockford City Market Pavilion. The market features two local breweries on site pouring beer, a Main Stage area with a local band, and an Acoustic Stage area with a local performer. The pavilion and two of the surrounding streets are lined with vendors and food trucks, and the market partners with local nonprofits and organizations to host kids’ activities.

When: 4 to 8:30 p.m. each Friday before Labor Day. 4 to 7:30 p.m. each Friday in September.

Where: E. State & Water streets

Cost: Free admission

For more: http://www.rockfordcitymarket.com/

Ski Broncs

What: Watch as amateur water skiers perform fun and exciting water ski stunts set to a themed stage performance.

When: 6:30 p.m. Friday

Where: Shorewood Park, 235 Evelyn Ave., Loves Park

Cost: Free admission

For more: https://www.skibroncs.com/

Corn Roast

What: The Roscoe VFW hosts its annual Corn Roast this weekend. The event features raffles, drinks, food and more.

When: 11 a.m.

Where: 11385 2nd St., Roscoe

Cost: $9

2022 Illinois Paranormal Conference

What: Haunted Rockford Paranormal Events and Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens present the 2022 Illinois Paranormal Conference. Join speakers and vendors from all aspects of Paranormal Research. Speakers will include Dale Kaczmarek, Sylvia Shults, Scott Markus, Society for Anomalous Studies member Cindy Heinen, Anna Lardinois, and Chad Lewis.

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday

Where: Veterans Memorial Hall, 211 N. Main St., Rockford

Cost: $25 in advance, $30 at the event

For more: https://www.hauntedrockford.com/event/2022-illinois-paranormal-conference/

Burpee Gala

What: Grab your glass and toast to Burpee Museum and 80 years of inspiring our community to love and learn the natural sciences. The event includes a 1920s atmosphere hailed from the days of the Burpee family, a sit-down dinner, cash bar, presentations about Burpee history, milestones and future excitement, and entertainment.

When: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday

Where: Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford

Cost: $50 for museum members, $70 for the general public

For more: https://burpee.org/burpee-80-birthday-party

RAMP River Run

What: RAMP's Half Marathon, 5K Run, 3K Walk/Wheel and free Kid Zone is a fun family friendly event where all proceeds benefit RAMP.

When: 6:30 a.m. Saturday- Registration opens; 7:30 a.m.- Half Marathon start; 7:45 a.m.- 5K start; 8:35 a.m.- 3K Walk & Wheel; 8:50 a.m.- Awards

Where: City Market Pavilion, 202 Market St., Rockford

For registration and more: https://riverrun.rampcil.org/

Woodsong Summer Concert Series

What: “Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute”

When: 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday

Where: Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford

Cost: $8 for Klehm members, $12 for the general public

For more: https://klehm.org/woodsong/

Pasqua Mercato

What: Outdoor Italian Market

When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday

Where: Lino’s, 5611 E. State St., Rockford

Cost: Free admission

For more: https://www.pasquamercato.com/

Ken DeCoster covers business news and features. Contact him at 815-987-1391, kdecoster@rrstar.com or @DeCosterKen. 

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: 11 things to do in Rockford, Illinois this weekend