Drop Kick Murphys, new beer fest, trunk or treats among 28 things to do in Rockford
This weekend is full of a wide variety of activities.
See the Drop Kick Murphys or the Fab Four or cheer on the IceHogs at their home opener. There are also a ton of fall activities happening this weekend.
Here are 28 things to do in the Rockford area.
Drop Kick Murphys
What: Dropkick Murphys proudly remain Boston’s rock ‘n’ roll underdogs turned champions. Since 1996, the boys have created the kind of music that’s meant to be chanted at last call, in packed arenas, and during the fourth quarter, third period, or ninth inning of a comeback rally.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20
Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford
Cost: $40-$85
For more: thebmocenter.com
The Fab Four Performs The Beatles’ Rubber Soul & Greatest Hits
What: The Fab Four is an Emmy Award-winning band tributing The Beatles. The Fab Four’s 2023 tour brings their all-new show to the stage with a performance of The Beatles' "Rubber Soul" in its entirety, as well as the band's greatest hits.
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20
Where: The Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $35-$135
For more: https://coronadopac.org
Pour in the Park Oktobeerfest
What: Roscoe’s own beer fest will include food, beer, music, games and fun mixed with the best thing about Octoberfest: beer. Expect several beer tents, each with their own style of beer or featured brewery. There will be beers from Germany, Mexico, Boston and Wisconsin, as well as featured ciders, seltzers and wines. Enjoy yard games and food from your favorite local trucks.
When: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21
Where: Leland Park, 5770 Harrison St., Roscoe
Cost: $10-$250; tickets on eventbrite.com
For more: 815-200-8817
IceHogs Home Opener
What: Enjoy the home opener for the 2023-2024 season this weekend. The IceHogs are celebrating 25 years in Rockford this year, and the 17th year as part of the Americal Hockey League. The block party before the game is free.
When: Block party starts at 4 p.m.; game time is 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21
Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford
Cost: $16.50-$32
For more: 815-968-5222
Outdoor Movie Night
What: Bring your family, lawn chairs and cozy blankets for a fall outdoor movie night. Leashed dogs welcome. Free popcorn.
When: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20
Where: Hononegah Forest Preserve, #80 Hononegah Road, Rockton
Cost: Free
For more: 815-877-6100
True Tales of Things That Go Bump in the Night
What: Celebrate Halloween with Tinker Swiss Cottage and Haunted Rockford. Terri Reid, best-selling author of the Mary O’Reilly paranormal series and Kathi Kresol, founder of Haunted Rockford Paranormal Events, will share favorite tales of their own paranormal encounters and other local legends. After the presentation, Samantha Hochmann, executive director of Tinker Swiss Cottage, will share the history of this unique home; a tour will be included in the admission price.
When: 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20
Where: Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum & Gardens, 411 Kent St., Rockford
Cost: $25
For more: 815-964-2424
Holidazzle
What: This two-day holiday arts and crafts show features more than 150 crafters. Shop for unique handcrafted holiday items, including Christmas, Thanksgiving and Halloween. No pets allowed.
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22
Where: Winnebago County Fairgrounds, 607 W. Third St., Pecatonica
Cost: $5 admission; free for age 12 and younger; free parking
For more: strideevents.com
Fall on the Farm
What: Admission wristbands include wagon rides, the corn maze, petting zoo, inflatables, photo opportunities and new games. Additional paid activities include a mechanical bull, pick your own pumpkin, face painting, s’mores and more. The event also features live entertainment, a market and food trucks for the whole family to enjoy.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21 and Sunday, Oct. 22
Where: Lockwood Park, 5201 Safford Road, Rockford
Cost: $10 to $15; free for age 2 and younger
For more: 815-987-8809
Workshop Pumpkin Succulent Planter
What: Stop in anytime and make your own mini succulent pumpkin planter. There will be hot glue guns. No need to reserve a spot; this is a walk-in workshop.
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21
Where: The Landscape Connection, 4472 S. Mulford Road, Rockford
Cost: $10 per pumpkin; 2 pumpkin limit
For more: 815-633-5100
All-Hallows Eve
What: Come trick or treat. Festive decorations will adorn 24 historical buildings by local community groups and businesses. King Arthur, his Knights of the Round Table, and his legendary court of Camelot is relocated into the 1905 Red Barn for the All-Hallows Eve. Visitors of all ages will enjoy walking through the Enchanted 1905 Red Barn to experience the legend of King Arthur. Food and snacks are available for purchase at the event. The event is rain or shine. No refunds.
When: Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21
Where: Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford
Cost: $5 to $7
For more: 815-397-9112
Children’s Workshop: Dia de los Muertos
What: Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is celebrated Nov. 1 and Nov. 2 every year in Mexico and other Latin American countries and communities. The joyous occasion is filled with traditions for honoring and celebrating the lives of deceased family and friends. This workshop will include a variety of crafts and activities celebrating and teaching about Day of the Dead. Come make sugar skulls, mini ofrendas, tissue flowers and edible skeletons.
When: 12 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21
Where: Ethnic Heritage Museum, 1129 S. Main St., Rockford
Cost: Free
For more: 815-962-7402
More: Rockford Dia de los Muertos display aims to bring community together
Fall Family Day
What: Celebrate the changing season with autumn activities for all ages. Families can participate in kids’ story time and an acorn craft. Children age 10 and older can paint a candle with wax. Stay to enjoy apple cider heated over the fire, a scavenger hunt and a self-guided hike surrounded by fall colors. Participation is free of charge.
When: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21
Where: Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit
Cost: $5 to $20
For more: 815-200-6910
Roscoe’s Truck-or-Treat
What: This is a family-friendly Halloween event with a truck theme. Traditional trunk or treat along with touch a truck with public works, local police and fire departments as well as food trucks for the hungry ghouls and goblins. Leashed dogs are allowed.
When: 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21
Where: Porter Park, 6598 Windflower Lane, Roscoe
For more: Village of Roscoe Facebook page
Atwood Trunk-or-Treat
What: Join Atwood staff for family-friendly trunk-or-treat festivities while strolling along a path of jack-o-lanterns and learning about our nocturnal neighbors, and how your senses can adapt in the dark. Event is free, but pre-registration is recommended.
When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21
Where: Atwood Center, 2685 New Milford School Road, Rockford
Cost: Free admission
For more: 815-966-8747
Spook the Dells
What: Learn more about nocturnal animals at this family-friendly event. Come along the paved path for an interactive theater experience that highlights the nocturnal animals that call Severson Dells home.
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21
Where: Severson Dells Nature Center, 8786 Montague Road, Rockford
Cost: $8; $5 for members
For more: 815-335-2915
Yaniv’s Salute to Boston Pops
What: The Pops Series’ first performance will be a tribute to famed conductor Arthur Fiedler and his association with the Boston Pops Orchestra. The concert will feature light classics of Strauss and Dvořák, along with melodies from John Williams’ movie music, Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story and Leroy Anderson classics. The anchor of the program will be Rhapsody in Blue, which is celebrating 100 years since its premier.
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21
Where: The Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $10 to $66
For more: 815-965-0049
Frenchman’s Frolic
What: See and learn about a pre-1850's Rendezvous Camp featuring blacksmithing, black powder shooting, rope making, period crafts. Participate in educational workshops. Learn about the history of dueling and more.
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21 and Sunday, Oct. 22
Where: Macktown Living History Education Center, 2221 Freeport Road, Rockton
Cost: Free admission; donations encouraged
For more: 815-624-4200
Zero Waste Masquerade Ball
What: Get ready to dance the night away, all while reducing your carbon footprint. There will be a runway where you can flaunt your ensemble and a costume contest with prizes from EARTH Zero Waste. There will be a candy bar (and regular bar). There will also be raffles for prizes and cash.
When: 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21
Where: Future Memory Media, 314 W. Jefferson St., Rockford
Cost: $60; tickets available on eventbrite.com
For more: Zero Waste Masquerade Ball on Facebook
Fall Vintage & Artisan Market
What: Come for the Fall Vintage & Artisan Market featuring local makers, artists and vintage booths.
When: 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19
Where: Rockford City Market, 116 N. Market St., Rockford
For more: 2023 Fall Vintage & Artisan Market on Facebook
Kids Market
What: For the first time, Rockford City Market is hosting vendors between the ages of 9 to 15 in the Indoor Rockford City Market Building, along with fall-inspired drinks.
When: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 21
Where: Rockford City Market, 116 N. Market St., Rockford
For more: Kid's market event on Facebook
She Speaks by the Rockford Readers Theater
What: "She Speaks" is a dramatic celebration of African American women poets, playwrights and pioneers. The program is coordinated and directed by Dorothy Paige-Turner, and the presentation will feature cameos of well-known, as well as lesser-known, contributors. The Players will perform music, recite poetry and read monologues from plays, citing works by Maya Angelou, Nina Simone, Lorraine Hansberry, Nikki Giovanni, Zora Neale Hurston, voices from women of the old west and other notables. Admission is first-come-first-served with a 50-seat limit.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21
Where: Inscape Collective, 201 Seventh St., Rockford
Cost: $10 suggested donation
For more: 815-977-2823
2nd Annual Valley Orchard Fall Festival
What: Come for fall fun and activities such as pumpkin painting, dog costume contest, facepainting, games, a tractor show, craft vendors and food trucks. All that plus live music starting at noon.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21
Where: Valley Orchard, 811 E. State St., Cherry Valley
For more: 815-332-9696
EP Fashion Showcase
What: This community-inspired Fashion Show party bash aims to celebrate creativity and talent. All ages and cultures are encouraged to attend.
When: 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, with afterparty for ages 21 and older from 9 p.m. to midnight
Where: 2020 Seventh St., Rockford
For more: EP Fashion Showcase on Facebook
The Paper’s 25th anniversary
What: Everyone 21+ is welcome to the anniversary party featuring a comedy show and a music showcase of 6 local bands. The American Legion will receive most proceeds beyond setup costs.
When: 4:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 21
Where: American Legion Robert C.A. Carlson Post 1207, 1011 S. Alpine Road, Rockford
Cost: No cover; raffles, food and beverages available for purchase
For more: 815-397-6672
Trunk-or-Treat
What: Come for the yearly spooky trunk-or-treat event. Come dressed in your costume, see the spectacular trunks and get some treats.
When: 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21
Where: The Superhero Center for Autism, 4205 Galleria, Loves Park
For more: 815-977-3065
Denim & Diamonds Gigi’s Playhouse Gala
What: Enjoy live and silent auctions, games, drinks, food, music and dancing, as well as guest speaker, Karen Gaffney, while supporting GiGi's Playhouse Rockford.
When: 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21
Where: Tebala Event Center, 7910 Newburg Road, Rockford
Cost: $135
For more: 815-654-7529
Fall Fest
What: Come for a day of family fun. There will be more than 15 children’s games, two inflatables, a bounce house, an obstacle course, live music and tacos. Prizes and candy will be given out throughout the event.
When: 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21
Where: The Grove Fellowship, 4210 Countryside Estates Drive, Poplar Grove
Cost: Free
For more: 815-201-1223
Sip & Sparkle Spooktacular
What: Relax and unwind as you indulge in Halloween-themed cotton candy and glitter bombs, the perfect companions for your wine. A food truck will be serving up treats to complement your drinks. Soak in the Halloween spirit while savoring your favorite wines.
When: 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22
Where: DC Estate Winery, 8877 State Line Road, South Beloit
Cost: Free admission
For more: 608-481-1565
Coming next week:
Laura Eakman and the Midwest Music Collective
What: Laura Eakman and select members of the Midwest Music Collective will showcase the collaboration of violin, viola and piano. The trio will merge classical and contemporary styles in their performance.
When: 5:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 23
Where: Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center, Starr Auditorium, 415 N. Church St., Rockford
Cost: $6-$15
For more: 815-964-9713
Rumours of Fleetwood Mac
What: Rumours of Fleetwood Mac returns to celebrate the very best of Fleetwood Mac. Fans old and new will rediscover Fleetwood Mac’s songs and performances. Personally endorsed by Fleetwood Mac founding member, Mick Fleetwood, Rumours of Fleetwood Mac is the ultimate tribute to one of rock and roll’s most remarkable groups.
When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25
Where: The Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $30-$160
For more: 815-968-5222
Downtown Business Trick or Treat (Belvidere)
What: Trick or treat at downtown businesses.
When: 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25
Where: Downtown Belvidere
For more: Belvidere Area Chamber of Commerce on Facebook
Kathi Edwards is a freelance correspondent.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Drop Kick Murphys perform in Rockford, Illinois this weekend