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