Egg drop, live music and more: Things to do Easter weekend in Rockford

Dig into nature with events in the Rockford area from April 5-11 including bird hiking, composting and garden planning. Or get out to enjoy some comedy or music performances.

Here's what's on tap for Easter weekend in the Rockford area.

Comedy Show

What: Live stand-up comedy starring Marcos and Willie Mae Lara

When: 8 p.m. Wednesday

Where: J&K’s Lounge, 505-507 E. State St., Rockford

Cost: No cover charge

For more: https://www.facebook.com/events/762052168858745

Bird Hiking at Dusk

What: End your day with a slow, calming walk as you observe and identify the many birds that call The Confluence home. Binoculars and bird lists are provided. Space is limited; please register in advance.

When: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday

Where: Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit

Cost: $5

For more: https://natureattheconfluence.com

Egg-Spot Family

What: Come join the inaugural Egg-Spot Family Scavenger Hunt at Edgebrook. Start by picking up map and stickers from Norm's Piggy Pen (next to Cora Physical Therapy). Then, hunt down all the special eggs at participating merchants and match the special egg pattern with the corresponding sticker. When your map is filled, bring it back to Norm's Piggy Pen for a special treat bag. Parents can join in on the fun by entering to win a special basket of goodies.

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Where: Edgebrook Shopping Center, 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford

Cost: Free

For more: 815-398-8957

Storytime at the Rockford Art Museum

What: Stop into the Rockford Public Library's Mobile Library. The state-of-the-art Mobile Library features shelves full of our most relevant current materials, high-speed Internet capabilities and other features.

When: 9 to 9:45 a.m.

Where: Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St.

For more: mobile@rockfordpubliclibrary.org, 815-966-2742

Helicopter Egg Drop

What: Children ages 1 to 12 are invited to gather Easter eggs as they're dropped from a hovering helicopter. No Easter basket needed.

When: 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 1 p.m. Sunday

Where: City First Church, 5950 Spring Creek Road, Rockford

Cost: Free

Bunny Bash Skate & Play

What: Come and enjoy a public ice-skating session and indoor fun for the whole family during the Bunny Bash Skate & Play events. Daniel Balloons will be on hand creating balloon animal art, and giveaways of candy-filled Easter eggs will also be part of the festivities. Kids ages 3 through 12 can enjoy exploring Sapora Playworld's three-level indoor soft structure while children ages 1 to 3 can play in the Tiny Tots Playspace. No advance registration or tickets needed for any of the activities.

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

Where: Carlson Ice Arena, 4150 N. Perryville Road

Cost: $10 per person including Playworld admission, or $7 per person for ice skating only (skate rental $2) and $7 per person for Playworld.

For more: (815) 969-4069

Planning Your Garden

What: This event is part of the Garden Skill Share series hosted by Angelic Organics Learning Center and is just right for gardeners of all levels, from those who are planting their first ever raised bed or patio pot to those who have decades of experience planting extensive gardens. Farmer Allyson will lead the group in developing your vision for your garden space and translating those visions into actionable plans. No tools or experience necessary. Recommended for ages 13 and older. Please register in advance. This class requires at least five people to register in order to run.

When: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday

Where: Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit

Cost: $15

For more: 815-200-6910

Easter Bunny visit and photo

What: See the Easter Bunny and get your photo taken with him.

When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day through Saturday

Where: CherryVale Mall

Cost: $36

For more: www.shopcherryvalemall.com

Blue Steel 815

What: Four-time RAMI award-winning country band performs.

When: 8 p.m. Saturday

Where: Wild Cherries, 413 Southtowne Drive, Belvidere

Cost: $10 cover charge

For more: (815) 847-0013

Rockford IceHogs

What: The IceHogs take on the Milwaukee Admirals.

When: 7 p.m. Saturday

Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford

Cost: $12-$32

For more: icehogs.com

Flannel Daze

What: Three-time RAMI award-winning 90s rock cover band from Rockford will perform.

When: 8 p.m. Saturday

Where: Neighbor’s Bar & Grill, 7745 Forest Hills Road, Loves Park

Cost: No cover charge

For more: (815) 633-6990

Bun E. Carlos and The Monday Night Band

What: Kick off your week with Rock & Roll Hall of Fame drummer, Bun E Carlos, when he returns to Mary's Place.

When: 7 p.m. Monday, April 10

Where: Mary’s Place, 602 N. Madison St., Rockford

For more: (815) 962-7944

Vermicomposting

What: Vermicomposting is a process that relies on earthworms and microorganisms to help stabilize active organic materials and convert them to a valuable soil amendment and source of plant nutrients.

When: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 11

Where: Winnebago County Extension Office, 1040 N. Second St., Rockford

Cost: Free

For more: Register at https://tinyurl.com/mr2pbzy6.

Kathi Edwards is a freelance correspondent.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Egg drop, live music and more: Things to do Easter weekend in Rockford