From Fred VanVleet Fest to Forest City Farmers Market: Things to do in the Rockford area
Fred VanVleet Fest 2022
What: FVV Fest is a three-part, all-ages series, featuring Bet On Yourself Bowling, the FVV Experience and the FVV Summer Camp. Bowlers, fans and camp attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets and register online in advance to reserve a weekend spot in the program, which also serves to support the work of the VanVleet Family Foundation.
When: Thursday-Sunday
Thursday: Bet On Yourself Bowling from 6-10 p.m.
The Cherry Bowl at 7171 Cherryvale N. Blvd., Rockford
Guests will enjoy cosmic bowling, a silent auction, prizes, music and fun for a good cause. All-ages bowling from 6-7:30 p.m. or 8:30-10 p.m. is available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis for $100 per time slot, and includes bowling and shoe rental for up to five people per lane. Doors open for check-in at 5:30 p.m. Children age 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Friday: Fred VanVleet Experience from 5-9 p.m.
Auburn High School at 5110 Auburn St., Rockford
The rec night program includes court activations and games, giveaways, 3-point and dunk contests, and all things FVV. Admission is $5 per person and kids registered from the FVV Summer Camp will be admitted free. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult. No outside balls will be allowed in the facility.
Saturday and Sunday: Fred VanVleet Summer Camp
Auburn High School at 5110 Auburn St., Rockford
Open to boys and girls grades K-12
Camp kids will receive a T-shirt, lunch, free admission to the FVV Experience, and training from Fred VanVleet's staff. Registration is $100 per child, and camp will run from 10:00 am-3:00 pm daily for older ages.
For more: https://fvvfest.com/
Forest City Farmers Market
What: Forest City Church sponsors a weekly Farmers Market in their parking lot every Friday through October. Pick up some local fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, handmade items, jewelry, cheese, honey, and much much more.
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday
Where: Forest City Church, 1280 S. Alpine Road, Rockford
Cost: Free admission
For more: https://www.facebook.com/rfdForestCityFarmersMarket/
Drive 815
What: "The Drive 815" is an event allowing residents to enjoy movies from their cars. The event is hosted by The Beloit International Film Festival and Evendtor. This week's film's are "Encanto" and "Spider-Man: No Way Home."
When: 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Where: 12801 Old River Road, Rockton
Cost: Free admission
For more: https://www.facebook.com/thedrive815
Outdoor vintage market
What: A one-day only outdoor event that highlights all the local vintage (and vintage-inspired) vendors in Rockford and the surrounding area. The market features live music, food trucks, vintage-inspired drinks, and an outdoor pavilion packed with amazing vintage finds.
When: 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Saturday
Where: City Market Pavilion
Cost: Free
For more: www.rockfordcitymarket.com/vintagemarket
Art’s Happening Downtown
What: An art and music festival to bring the community together through art and music and to showcase and celebrate talent from our area and abroad.
The Art’s Happening features eight teams of local artists creating innovative installation art environments for the public to interact with and enjoy. The event also features nine different musical acts.
When: 12 to 10 p.m. Saturday
Where: 300 block of Market St.
Cost: $12 in advance, $15 at the gate. Free admission for children 12 and under.
For more: https://www.artshappeningdowntown.com/
Roy Gayle 60th Anniversary Celebration
What: Roy Gayle Pony Baseball Softball Inc. is celebrating its 60th Diamond Anniversary. Current and former coaches, players and spectators are invited.
When: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday
Where: Roy Gayle Park, 903 South Meridian Rd., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
For more: https://sports.bluesombrero.com/roygayle
Taste on Main
What: The Main Street Square Food Truck Festival features multiple food vendors, music and activities for children.
When: 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Main Street Square, 5300 Williams Drive, Roscoe
Cost: Free admission
For more: https://www.facebook.com/events/676424330111987
Ernie’s Midtown Pub Comedy Night
What: Headliner Eric Emerson is a comedian originally from NC, now working out of Chicago, IL. He performs regularly at Zanies, Comedy Bar, and Laugh Factory in the city and has worked with some of the industry’s leading comedians, here and across the country. Comedians Tom Feeback, Claire Sundbye and Tony Lisowski are also scheduled to perform.
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Where: Ernie’s Midtown Pub, 1025 5th Ave., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
For more: https://www.facebook.com/events/528441552166274
Pig Minds Brewing Co. comedy night
What: Headliner Zako Ryan is a world-traveling actor, and stand-up comedian born in Beaufort, South Carolina, bred in Toledo, Ohio, and resides in Chicago, Illinois. He puts on a show appealing to any demographic setting aside cultural differences and finding common ground through laughter. Kathryn Gongaware, Eric Fretty and Michael Palmendari are also scheduled to perform.
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Pig Minds Brewing Co., 4080 Steele Dr.,Machesney Park
Cost: Free admission
For more: https://www.facebook.com/events/1744412175924237
Glow Paint Night
What: Get creative with neon paint. The Pottery Lounge will host a Glow Paint Night. To pre-sketch, arrive 15 minutes early. Otherwise, splatter to your heart's content. Be sure to wear your best '80s attire. Pottery Lounge will provide the black light and '80s music.
When: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday
Where: The Pottery Lounge, 6059 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: $20 for 11x14 canvas
For more: (815) 977-3937
Ken DeCoster: kdecoster@rrstar.com; @DeCosterKen
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Things to do near me: Events, live music this weekend in Rockford area
