City Market, Urban Farm Girl Market and more: 19 things to do in the Rockford
There's music, art, comedy and so much more to do in the Rockford area this weekend.
From a beer fest to George Lopez coming into town. Here's 19 things to do in the area.
Dinner on the Dock
What: The 2023 Dinner on the Dock music series offers guests great food, craft beer, and musical acts from Rockford and the surrounding areas of Chicago, Madison and more. Come by car or boat and relax on the dock Thursday nights in downtown Rockford. Trippin Billies, a Dave Matthews tribute band, performs Thursday.
When: 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday
Where: Prairie Street Brewing Company, 200 Prairie St., Rockford
Cost: Free to attend
For more: https://psbrewingco.com
Related: Popular Rockford brewery announces new weekly event for the summer
Comedy night
What: Comedy show hosted by Marcos, starring Ben Hamilton and Laura Struve.
When: 8 p.m. Thursday
Where: Casey’s Pub, 7307 N. Alpine Road, Rockford
Cost: No cover
For more: 815-637-6088
Rockford City Market
What: The kick-off to the 2023 outdoor city market season features live music from Some Friends of Mine on the main stage with Kayla Seeber on the acoustic stage. There will be more than 70 vendors on hand offering fresh produce, candles, jams, leather goods, jewelry, art, gift items and more as well as a kids activity hosted by the Discovery Center.
When: 4 to 8:30 p.m., (4 to 7:30 p.m. after Labor Day)
Where: East State and Water streets
Website: https://www.rockfordcitymarket.com/
Three Good Men
What: The band will perform on the patio.
When: 6 to 9 p.m. Friday
Where: Franchesco’s Ristorante, 7128 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
For more: 815-229-0800
Ken Hoffman: 10 More and Bigger Exhibition Opening
What: As an Illinois artist for more than 50 years, Ken Hoffman is perhaps best known for his humorous and colorfully painted and collaged portraits of humanlike animals. But upon closer inspection, some of the animal figures begin to break away from whimsy and draw us into more psychological narratives ranging from socio-political topics to cultural and interpersonal relationships.
When: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St.
Cost: Free
For more: 815-968-2787
Spring Pec Thing
What: Shop with more than 500 dealers spread out over the fairgrounds, selling everything from antique tools, quilts, yard art, jewelry, stamps, postcards, furniture, glassware, crafts, sports memorabilia, holiday décor, electronics, photography, woodworking, candles and more. Event is held rain or shine.
When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: Winnebago County Fairgrounds, 500 W. First St., Pecatonica
Cost: $5 per person, children 12 and under are free
For more: https://www.winnebagocountyfair.com/pec-thing/
Main Street Market
What: Urban Farm Girl's spring edition of the Main Street Market will feature more than 150 vendors across the Midwest including handmade artisans, purveyors of vintage goods and boutique shops.
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
Where: Boone County Fairgrounds, 8791 IL Route 76, Belvidere
Cost: Advance general admission ticket prices are $7 for adults ($10 at the gate the day of market). Gates open at 9 a.m. for general admission.
For more: https://urbanfarmgirl.com/
Related: From flea market to storefront: Popular Rockford business celebrates 10 years
Cedar Bluff Cemetery Twilight Tour
What: Join Haunted Rockford for their first cemetery tour of the season. Hear stories that highlight the darker side of Rockford’s history. The stories will include murders and tragic accidents researched by Kathi Kresol. She will share the details of the long-forgotten stories of people who once called Rockford home. Sara B. and Samantha H. will share stories of their own personal experiences with the dead at Cedar Bluff cemetery. This is a walking tour so please wear comfortable shoes. Water and bug spray provided.
When: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Cedar Bluff Cemetary, 1200 Rural St., Rockford
Cost: $20
For more: hauntedrockford.com
In the Outdoors Nature Programs
What: Bring the entire family for a few hours of fun experiencing and learning about nature and aspects of the park through the variety of two-hour outdoor programs. Rain or shine.
When: 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday
Where: Atwood Nature Center, 2685 New Milford School Road, Rockford
Cost: Free
For more: https:/atwoodpark.org/programs
Midwest Kayak Fishing Symposium
What: MKFS is an interactive informational and educational event for all levels of kayak anglers. People just getting involved in the sport to more seasoned anglers will find something to help them get what all anglers want: chances to catch more fish.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday
Where: Rock Cut State Park – Olson Lake
Cost: $20
For more: 815- 636-9066
Rockton Pelican Fest
What: Celebrate the annual return of the American white pelicans and other migrating birds to the Rock River. Learn about and meet some interesting birds while visiting several educational booths. Stroll along the historic streets, shops and restaurants of downtown Rockton.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
Where: Downtown Rockton
Screw City Vintage Market
What: Screw City Vintage Market will have more than 40 vendors of vintage clothing, sneakers, home goods, collectibles and more.
When: Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday
Where: UW-Sports Factory, 305 S. Madison St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
For more: 708-627-9815
Leafing Through
What: Authors, poets, and performers will recite your favorite literary works in the outdoor amphitheater. This one-hour program will consist of several performances of approximately 10 minutes each with a short break in the middle. Wooden benches are available for seating, but there’s also space to bring lawn chairs and blankets. This event’s lineup of authors and performers: Jenna Goldsmith, David Pedersen, Rachel León, Ryan Burritt, Dylan Garcia and Thomas L. Vaultonburg. This event is for all ages.
When: 6 to 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: Atwood Outdoor Education Center, 2685 New Milford School Road, Rockford
Cost: Free
North End City Market
What: Shop for fresh veggies, fruits, flowers, honey, baked goods and more Saturday mornings. The market is located near the intersection of Auburn and North Main. This weekend features the first flower fest where marketgoers can grab a passport at any participating business to get stamped at each location and enter to win a North End market tote filled with items from local businesses.
When: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 14
Where: North End City Market, the corner of North Main and Auburn Streets, Rockford
Cost: Free admission
For more: http://www.rockfordcitymarket.com/northend/
More: Fresh produce, artwork, flowers and more: Check out these 11 Rockford-area farmers markets
Dirty Pop
What: Dirty Pop, formerly the Gilligans, will perform.
When: 9 p.m. Saturday
Where: Casey’s Pub, 7307 N. Perryville Road, Loves Park
For more: 815-637-6088
The Hope & Anchor Comedy Night
What: Come for a special pre-album recording set from headliner Blake Burkhart. This is going to one of the bigger sets he does before recording album. Call to reserve table.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Hope & Anchor, 5040 N. 2nd St., Loves Park
Cost: $10 cover, will be added to your table’s check for the night.
For more: 815- 633-2552
It's all about fiber
What: If you have a love of the fiber arts, this event is for you. Several vendors will have items from handcrafted hats to drop spindles for sale. You can watch demonstrations about kitting, hand sewing, and even the art of lace bobbin, or take the experience to the next level by joining a class about rug hooking or felting. Pre-registration required.
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: Macktown Living History Center, 2221 Freeport Road, Rockton
Cost: $5; free for members or children younger than 8.
For more: 815-624-4200
Car & Vendor Show with live music from Shifty Shafer
What: A car and vendor show will be from 8 to 3 p.m. with food available. There will also be a bring your own partner cornhole tournament held by Airmail 815. Pre-registration for the tournament is recommended. Shifty Shafer premiers their Rock and Roll dance party at 3 p.m. The band will play your favorite Rock and Roll dance songs until 6 p.m.
When: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday
Where: Wild Cherries, 413 Southtowne Drive, Belvidere
For more: 815-847-0013
The Canine Crunchery 5-year Location Anniversary and Hello Gordo TNR Kitty Rescue Event
What: The Canine Crunchery is partnering with Hello Gordo TNR and Rescue to have a rescue event and anniversary party. There will be prizes, facepainting for kids, market vendors, dog and cat nail trims. There will be adoptable cats and kittens as well. This will be a rain or shine event.
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday
Where: Canine Crunchery, 1888 Daimler Road, Rockford
Cost: Free
For more: 815-520-4752
Kathi Edwards is a freelance correspondent.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: City Market, Pec Thing and more: 19 things to do in Rockford
