ROCKFORD — The first weekend in August has arrived and that means activities and events across the Rock River Valley are in abundance.

This weekend offers everything from music and festivals to classic cars and women’s full contact football.

Festa Italiana

What: This family-friendly event includes carnival rides and games for toddlers through adults, a kids crafts area, bocce, food and drink, and live music and dancing throughout the festival.

When: 5 to 11 p.m. Friday; 12 to 11 p.m. Saturday; 12 to 8 p.m. Sunday

Where: Boylan Central Catholic High School, 4000 St. Francis Drive, Rockford

For more: https://www.festaitalianarockford.com/

Friday Night Flix

What: The movie “Encanto” will be featured.

When: Gates open at 7 p.m. Movie will be shown at dusk.

Where: Davis Park, 320 S. Wyman St., Rockford

Cost: Free admission. Moviegoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets early to reserve their spot – seating is first come, first served.

For more: https://www.gorockford.com/event/friday-night-flix-in-davis-park/22492/

Music on the Mall

What: Trinadora Rocks will perform a free-range genre mix of music including a dozen instruments and a Roy Orbison, Patsy Cline tribute segment.

When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday

Where: Edgebrook Center Court, 1641 N. Alpine Road, Rockford

Cost: Free admission

For more: https://edgebrookshops.com/events/music-on-the-mall/

Rockford City Market

What: You can find some of the best local makers, growers, artists, and bakers underneath the Rockford City Market Pavilion. Two local breweries are on site pouring beer. There’s a Main Stage area with a local band and an Acoustic Stage area with a local performer. Vendors and food trucks line the pavilion and two of the surrounding streets. There are also plenty of activities and games for the kids.

When: 4 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays through Labor Day. 4 to 7:30 p.m. on Fridays in September after Labor Day

Where: East State and Water streets

Cost: Free admission

For more: http://www.rockfordcitymarket.com/

"Hello, Dolly!"

What: This show is filled with humor, romance, high-energy dancing, and some of the greatest songs in musical theater history.

When: 8 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday

Where: Starlight Theater at Rock Valley College, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford

For ticket prices and more: https://www.rockvalleycollege.edu/Community/Theatre/index.cfm

Ski Broncs Water Ski Show

What:  Watch as amateur water skiers perform fun and exciting water ski stunts set to a themed stage performance.

When: 6:30 p.m. Friday

Where: Shorewood Park, 235 Evelyn Ave., Loves Park

Cost: Free admission

For more: https://www.skibroncs.com/

Mud Volleyball

What: The annual mud volleyball tournament has served as a fundraiser for Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful Community Programs servicing the region for over 40 years.

When: Competition begins at 8 a.m. Saturday

Where: Riverside Park, 100 River St., Roscoe

For more: https://www.knib.org/

Cars & Coffee Rockford

What: The Cars & Coffee monthly shows feature all types of vehicles, from vintage to brand new.

When: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday

Where: 502 7th St., Rockford

Cost: Free admission

For more:https://www.carsandcoffeerockford.com/

Bark in the Park

What: A community gathering of local canine organizations that will include training demonstrations, pet safety tips and dog-related merchandise from local vendors.

When: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday

Where: Midway Village walking path, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford

Cost: Free admission

For more: https://allevents.in/rockford/state-rep-dave-vellas-bark-in-the-park/200023080092710

Extreme Football

What: NFL Hall of Famer Mike Ditka’s new national women’s full-contact tackle football league, the Extreme Football League, or X LEAGUE, is set to debut at the BMO Harris Bank Center with the Chicago Blitz facing-off against the Seattle Thunder.

When: 7 p.m. Saturday

Where: BMO Harris Bank Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford

Cost: $15 to $55

For more: https://thebmoharrisbankcenter.com/events/x-league-chicago-blitz-vs-seattle-thunder

Operation LZ Purple

What: The LZ Smoke Brothers are proud to announce the birth of a new Purple Heart Memorial at the LZ Peace Memorial.

When: 2 p.m. Sunday

Where: LZ Peace Memorial, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford

Cost: Free admission

For more: https://www.lzpeace.org/

Ken DeCoster covers business news and features. Contact him at 815-987-1391,  kdecoster@rrstar.com or @DeCosterKen

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Italian festival, Rockford city market and more to do in Rockford IL