Earth Day events, record store day and more: 16 things to do this weekend in Rockford
Looking for things to do in the Rockford area? Here are 14 ways to celebrate Earth Day, enjoy art or music and have a good time this week.
Anderson Japanese Gardens Opening Weekend
What: The Anderson Japanese Gardens opens for the season this weekend. Explore twelve-acre landscape of streams, waterfalls, winding pathways, and koi-filled ponds.
When: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday
Where: Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
Cost: $11; $10 for seniors age 62 and older; $9 for students; free for members and children age 5 and younger
For more: andersongardens.org
Rockford Spring ArtScene
What: Biannual gallery walk hosted by the Rockford Arts Council features new and established artists of the region. ArtScene offers a wide variety of art to appreciate and buy including photography, jewelry, paintings, sculpture, prints, fiber arts and digital media. Artists are available for conversation — sharing their unique approaches and inspiration for their work. Surrounding restaurants and shops are open.
When: 5 to 9 p.m. Friday and 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday
Where: Several downtown locations as well as outlying areas. See website for all venues.
Cost: Free Admission
For more: https://www.artsforeveryone.com/artscene/
Beloit Sky Carp
What: Beloit Sky Carp takes on the Cedar Rapids Kernals.
When: 6:35 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 3:05 p.m. Saturday and 1:05 p.m. Sunday
Where: ABC Supply Stadium, 217 Shirland Ave., Beloit
Cost: $12-$22
32nd Annual RAMI Awards
Cost: $10; free for members and children ages one and younger; all activities included with admission.
What: Celebrate 32 years of the Rockford Area Music Industry Awards.
When: 7 to 9 p.m. Friday
Where: Tebala Event Center, 7910 Newburg Road, Rockford
Cost: $12; free for RAMI members with membership card.
For more: https://www.eventbrite.com
16th Annual Record Store Day
What: Special releases being created for the day are only available to Independent Record Stores and only sold on a first-come, first-served basis. You can pick up to five releases and one of each title before moving through the line again. Local musician Andrew Robinson will perform from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.
When: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday
Where: Culture Shock, 2239 Charles St., Rockford
Cost: Free to attend
For more: 815-229-2997
Oak Sapling Giveaway
What: Pick up to three 1-2 foot long bare-root oak saplings to take home and plant. Pick up while supplies last. Red oak, burr oak, white oak and hickory saplings available. Plant them in a pot or in the ground within a few days of pick up.
When: Noon to 4 p.m. Friday and 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday
Where: Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit
Cost: Free
For more: https://natureattheconfluence.com
Tree Giveaway
What: Get red oak, swamp white oak and shagbark hickory bare root trees while supplies last.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday
Where: Nicholas Conservatory, 1354 N. Second St., Rockford
Cost: Free
For more: 815-987-8858
Pollinator Palooza
What: Visit a variety of booths to learn how your actions can support native pollinators. Build a bee hotel for leaf-cutter bees and grass-carrying wasps. Learn how to design a pollinator garden. Pollinator-themed games and craft stations for visitors of all ages.
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday
Where: Severson Dells Nature Center, 8786 Montague Road, Rockford
Cost: Free
For more: https://www.seversondells.com
Reduce, Re-Use and Re-Make
What: Celebrate Earth Day with environmental activities and crafts. Bring in one shopping bag filled with recycled material and receive half-off admission to Discovery Center for the whole family.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
Where: Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford
For more: 815-963-6769
Earth Day at the Dog Park
What: Get a free puppy portrait with your dog. Learn how to be a green dog owner/pet parent. Find out about local dog-friendly businesses.
When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday
Where: Hammertime Unleashed Dog Park, 897 U.S. Business 20, Belvidere
For more: 815-547-7935
Summerfield Zoo Opening Weekend
What: The Belvidere Summerfield Zoo opens for the season this weekend. Tour all of the exotic animals along with animal presentations, gift shop and more.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday
Where: Summerfield Zoo, 3088 Flora Road, Belvidere
Cost: $14; $12 for seniors; $10 for children; free parking
For more: https://summerfieldfarmandzoo.com
Mini-Masters
What: The city of Rockford Firefighters Local 413 are hosting a Mini-Masters golf play day downtown. The event will consist of nine mini-putt holes at many downtown restaurants/businesses, where groups of people will move from one location to the next, testing putting skills. Awards and prizes will be given out throughout the event.
When: 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: District Bar & Grill, 205 W. State St., Rockford
Cost: $30 to $100
For more: Email iaff413minimasters@yahoo.com for questions
Pretzel Fest
What: The second annual Pretzel Fest will be held in downtown Freeport on National Pretzel Day. Activities include a BBQ competition and several performances. Dozens of boutiques, shops and restaurants will offer pretzel merchandise and food options to celebrate your favorite salty snack.
When: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday
Where: Downtown Freeport
For more: https://greaterfreeport.com/
Earth Tranquility Walk
What: Join the volunteers who care for the Vi Bates Woodland Wildflower Garden at Klehm and enjoy a wide variety of wildflowers in their native setting. Learn which woodland wildflowers you can use in your own shady yard. The event will discuss soil, sun, and moisture requirements, unique adaptations, pollinators and the benefits of using Illinois natives in your yard.
When: 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday
Where: Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $10 admission; $8 for seniors 62 and older, students and children older than 3; free for members or children age 3 and younger.
For more: 815-965-8146
Sensations
What: The Sensations featuring Holland Zander will perform.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Rascals, 5223 Torque Road, Loves Park
For more: 815- 636-9207
The Hope & Anchor Comedy Night
What: Comedians Jose Montero and Kathryn Gongaware will perform before headliner Vik Pandya.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Hope & Anchor, 5040 N. Second St., Loves Park
Cost: $7 cover charge
For more: 815- 633-2552
Kathi Edwards is a freelance correspondent.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Earth Day events among 16 things to do in Rockford this weekend
