Cruise Night returns to Freeport this weekend.

That is one of many outdoor events happening in the area. Here are 13 things we found to do with a couple next week as well:

Cruise Night 2023

What: Hot rods, rat rods, street rods, muscle cars, antiques, coupes, convertibles, sedans, trucks, motorcycles and station wagons will all be part of this year’s Cruise Night in downtown Freeport. There is live music and food in addition to all the vehicles. Cars will be on display in several lots and on city streets throughout the downtown area.

When: 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12

Where: Greater Freeport Partnership, 27 W. Stephenson Road, Freeport

Cost: $12; for tickets

For more: www.greaterfreeport.com/events

Denny Diamond: Could It Be Magic – The Music of Barry Manilow

What: This performance looks back at the music of Barry Manilow. The show includes a few hits that you probably never knew he wrote.

When: 11:20 a.m.-3:20 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 9 and Thursday, Aug. 10

Where: White Pines Lodge, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mount Morris

Cost: $53 to $63; price includes buffet, coffee, tea, show, dessert, tax and gratuity

For more: https://whitepinesinn.com

Polish Fest 2023

What: The annual festival features live music, dancing and of course, polish food. Ethnic offerings this year include pierogis, potato pancakes, pastries, sausage, sauerkraut and beef. Polish beer, domestic beer and wine will also be available. There will be games for children. The John Paul II Cultural Center in the former school building will be open for visitors to view displays of artifacts from Poland. Mass at 10 a.m., with activities starting at 11 a.m. The Syrena Polish Folk Dancers from Milwaukee and the I.P.A. Tribute Band will perform.

When: 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 13

Where: St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, 201 Buckbee St., Rockford

Cost: Free admission

For more: https://www.st-stanislaus.org/

2023 Rockford Boxing Classic

What: The second annual Rockford Boxing Classic returns as the Rockford region’s premier outdoor boxing event and fundraiser for the Rockford Patriots Boxing Club, a division of the Patriots Gateway Community Center. Sanctioned by USA Boxing, some of the Midwest’s top amateur youth and Police/Fire boxers will compete in an all-ages festival.

When: 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12

Where: Rockford City Market Pavilion, East State and Water Streets, downtown Rockford

Cost: Free admission

For more: https://www.plussevencompany.com/rockfordboxingclassic

Music on Debate Square

What: Bring your lawn chairs for music by local musicians. Aug. 10 performer is Ukelele Express 815.

When: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 10

Where: Debate Square, 114 E. Douglas St., Freeport

Cost: Free admission

For more: Lincoln-Douglas Society on Facebook

Walk-In Board Painting

What: Come for a walk-in board-painting event. Boards will be pre-sanded and stained, ready for you to paint. Many designs will be available. Cash, card and Venmo accepted. No tickets required. There will be food and drinks available to purchase separately.

When: 5 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 10

Where: Wayside Saloon, 1802 Crossroads Lane North, Freeport

Cost: $10 to $25

For more: 815-703-1004

Build Your Own Bouquet

What: Grab your friends for an evening of everything flowers. Learn how to build your own bouquet with Schlachter Flower Farms. Call to reserve your spot.

When: 6 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 10

Where: Lena Brewing Company, 9416 W. Wagner Road, Lena

Cost: $20

For more: 815-369-2588

Blake and Jenna Bolerjack

What: Blake and Jenna Bolerjack’s music is a mix of Christian, family friendly styles. Now joining their voices as a duet ministry, husband and wife, award winning duo Blake & Jenna communicate their faith through music with gentleness and a testimony of love and commitment with their marriage; a chemistry easily seen as they sing and serve together.

When: 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11

Where: Freeport Mennonite Church, 3416 E. Brick School Road, Freeport

Cost: Free; freewill donations encouraged for the artists

For more: 815-255-0943

MNSCHA Show- Hank Holm

What: This show will give you the chance to get three MNSCHA shows in one weekend to qualify for their finals as well as qualify teams for the USTPA 10 elite, 9 elite, and qualify for the world finals.

When: 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11; 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 12; 9 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 13

Where: Hank Holm Performance Horses & Events, 12014 Rt. 73 N., Winslow

For more: 815-297-5192

20th Annual Lincoln Douglas 5k and Fun Run

What: Starting and ending near the statue of Abraham Lincoln, the Debater. The Lincoln-Douglas 5K, One-Mile Fun Run and Kids Races combine a competitive 5K race with a fun run and series of kids races that ultimately crowns the "fastest kid in town." The course consists of three loops around the historic paved road inside Taylor Park.

When: 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 12

Where: Taylor Park, 900 E. Stephenson St., Freeport

Cost: $25

For more: www.lincoln-douglas5k.com

Brantley Gilbert

What: Catch the "Son of the Dirty South" Tour with Jelly Roll & Pillbox Patti. Brantley will be joined by Wyatt McCubbin. This is a cash-only venue. No outside food, coolers or beverages allowed.

When: 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Aug. 12 (gates open at 6:30 p.m.)

Where: Rhythm Section Amphitheatre, 13137 IL-78, Mount Carroll

Cost: $48 to $78

For more: https://wl.seetickets.us

Annual Customer Appreciation Party

What: BaldyLocks will perform outside on the platform. The Tiki bar will also be open. Food will be provided. BaldyLocks is a duo of Naomi and Louis that performs many of your favorite rock and country tunes.

When: 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 13

Where: Best Dam Bar, 13965 Best Road, Davis

For more: 815-990-1817

McConnell Track Side Market

What: Craft and produce vendors, local businesses. Halfway between Monroe and Freeport.

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 13

Where: McConnell American Legion Post 1225, 203 W. Main St., McConnell

For more: 815-990-0290

Coming next week:

Read and Play at the Park

What: Join the Freeport Public Library and Freeport Park District for stories, messy crafts and outdoor play. Bring a water bottle. For ages 4 to 8. Each session requires a separate registration on the Freeport Park District’s website.

When: 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 14

Where: Krape Park, 1799 S. Park Blvd., Freeport

Cost: $2 to $3

For more: freeportparkdistrict.org

Winnebago County Fair

What: The fair includes classic activities and demonstrations like a lumberjack show, tractor displays, truck races, Little Miss pageant, petting zoo and more.

When: Wednesday, Aug. 16 through 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: winnebagocountyfair.com

Kathi Edwards is a freelance correspondent.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Freeport's Cruise Night among 13 things to do this weekend