George Lopez, Justin Moore, Pec Thing and more: 23 things to do in Rockford this weekend
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This weekend, you can shop until you drop at Pec Thing or Greenwich Village Art fair. You can also check out country singer Justin Moore or comedian George Lopez.
Here are 23 things to do in the Rockford area this weekend.
Justin Moore featuring special guest Tyler Braden
What: Multi-platinum hitmaker Justin Moore performs at the BMO Center with special guest Tyler Braden.
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14
Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford
Cost: $35 to $140
For more: thebmocenter.com
George Lopez Alllriiiighhttt! Tour
What: George Lopez’s illustrious and multi-faceted career encompasses television, film, standup comedy and late-night television. Lopez currently stars in the NBC comedy "Lopez vs Lopez" which features his real-life daughter, Mayan Lopez. The show was originally scheduled for May but was rescheduled. All tickets for the original performance will be honored.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16 (doors open at 6 p.m.)
Where: Coronado Performing Arts Theatre, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $50 to $75
For more: 815-968-5222
75th Annual Greenwich Village Art Fair
What: This outdoor event features juried artists, live music by regional musicians, children's art activities, a local vendor marketplace, food trucks, cocktails and more. It is the longest-running art fair of its kind in the Midwest. All artwork on display at Greenwich Village Art Fair is original and produced entirely by the hands of the exhibiting artist.
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17
Where: Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $5
For more: greenwichvillageartfair.com
Fall Pec Thing
What: This rain-or-shine event features more than 500 vendors, more than 100,000 square feet of indoor merchandise and 40 acres of outdoor vendors. Food and beverages are available for purchase. No pets allowed.
When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16 and Sunday, Sept. 17
Where: Winnebago County Fairgrounds, 500 W. First St., Pecatonica
Cost: $5; free for children ages 12 and younger; early shopper passes are available for $20 for the weekend
For more: 815-239-164
Opening Night: Twisted Crypt Haunted House
What: Check out 10,000 square feet of indoor mystery and chaos with sights, sounds, smells and members of "The Family" lurking around every corner. No age restrictions but recommend 13 years old and older. Individuals who are 16 or younger must be accompanied by an adult. No refunds.
When: 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15
Where: Twisted Crypt Haunted House, 5420 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: $15
For more: Twisted Crypt Productions on Facebook
More: Goons, ghosts and goblins galore await you in these 9 Rockford area haunted attractions
Paranormal Presentation
What: Dale Kaczmarek will share some of his favorite ghost stories. Kaczmarek is a pioneer in the paranormal world and has been on numerous television interviews and shows. He is an author of many paranormal books; a presenter; and a nationally known investigator. There will also be a tour of Tinker Swiss Cottage.
When: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16
Where: Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum & Gardens, 411 Kent St., Rockford
Cost: $25; tickets must be bought in advance via PayPal
For more: hauntedrockford.com
Comedy Brew! Ha Ha!
What: This is a stand-up comedy series featuring both nationally recognized acts and local talent. This week's show features Peter Antoniou, whose mind reading skills have astounded audiences around the globe. Combining razor-sharp British wit with a stunning ability to know exactly what you are thinking. Join him as he reads minds and tickles funny bones, telling jokes and fortunes live onstage.
When: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14
Where: Prairie Street Brewhouse, 200 Prairie St., Rockford
Cost: $30 to $160
For more: psbrewingco.ticketleap.com
Glow in the Garden Festival 2023
What: Wear anything that glows, and experience Glow in the Garden, an evening of family fun and activities to mark the end of summer. Buy floating lanterns to personalize with your own message and release into the Eclipse Lagoon; run a unique, glowing 5K along the Rock River and enjoy activities in the gardens. There will also be a free 200-meter kids fun run at 7 p.m., with no registration required. Admission to the outdoor grounds is free.
When: 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15
Where: Nicholas Conservatory, 1354 N. Second St., Rockford
Cost: $40; $35 by Sept. 14; $15 for ages 12 and younger; $5 for lanterns; free for all other outdoor activities
For more: 815-987-8858
Rockford City Market
What: There will be more than 60 local vendors with fresh produce, baked goods, handmade items, jewelry, cheese, honey, and more underneath the pavilion. There will also be food trucks, local breweries and rotating kid's activities. Live music Sept. 15 by Hip Pocket and Chris Lewis.
When: 4 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15
Where: East State and Water Streets, downtown Rockford
Cost: Free admission
For more: rockfordcitymarket.com
16th Annual Mosaic World Film Festival
What: The Mosaic World Film Festival event will feature multiple sessions screening 75 films in three days. These events will have complimentary appetizers and drinks, live music and many of the regional filmmakers will be in attendance. This year’s selections were curated from 67 countries around the world.
When: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15; 10:30 a.m. to 8:40 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16; 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17
Where: J.R. Sullivan Theatre at the RPL Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $5; $10 for all three days; High School and College students with a valid school ID can receive a daily pass for free if seats are available.
For more: mosaicfilmfest.com
Rock Swap & Sale
What: Rock River Valley Gem & Mineral Society's outdoor event will be held rain or shine. Buy and sell rocks, fossils gems, jewelry and minerals. Free fish pond for prizes and other activities for kids.
When: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16
Where: A-American Companies, 1665 Elmwood Road, Rockford
Cost: Free admission
For more: 815-218-5011
Used Book Sale
What: Hardcovers are $0.50 and paperbacks are $0.25.
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16
Where: Hart Interim Library, 214 N. Church St., Rockford
For more: 815-965-7606
DEVIATE Beloit 2023
What: This event creates a fusion of art and music. This is an art show, party and an interactive experience all rolled into one accompanied by food and beverages. The event is strictly for those 21 and older. All showcased artworks will be available for purchase. Most artists will accept cash, and some will accept card payments. Artist and performer information plus tickets are available online.
When: 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16
Where: Ironworks, 525 Third St., Suite 300, Beloit, Wis.
Cost: $15; $10 in advance
For more: deviatebeloit.com
Walk to End Alzheimer’s
What: On walk day, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with the Promise Garden ceremony — a mission-focused experience that signifies our solidarity in the fight against the disease. The colors of the Promise Garden flowers represent people’s connection to Alzheimer’s and their personal reasons to end the disease.
When: 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 16
Where: Sportscore 1, 1288 Elmwood Road, Rockford
For more: 815-494-4601
Raise the Roof Gala
What: Break out your favorite college gear for this year's Elevated Tailgate-themed event. Come for dinner, traditional tailgate games with a twist and local craft beers on tap as Rockford Promise celebrates another year of changing students' and families' lives in Rockford and the region.
When: 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16
Where: RVC Starlight Theatre, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford
Cost: $75; includes one drink, one game and one drink ticket
For more: 815-627-0491
Fall Festival
What: A weekend packed full of sales, events and fall inspired fun at both locations. Special savings on fall plants and planting supplies; all you can carry pumpkin specials; grill demonstrations with tastings and special promotions; the launch of our new Village Green Signature Autumn candle and fall-inspired workshops throughout the weekend.
When: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16
Where: Village Green, 601 E. Riverside Blvd. or 2640 N. Main St., Rockford
For more: villagegreenrockford.com
Oktoberfest
What: Come as Carlyle Brewing Co. celebrates Oktoberfest by launching some new beers while enjoying German food and live music.
When: 1 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16
Where: Carlyle Brewing Co., 215 E. State St., Rockford
For more: 815-904-6959
17th Annual Car Show
What: This event features 150 vehicles, live music, kid's entertainment, food vendors and more. All benefits go towards Rock House Kids. All cars must be pre-registered.
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16
Where: Central Christian Church, 6595 Guilford Road, Rockford
For more: Brian, 815-399 6767, ext. 703.
11th Ward Parade & Festival
What: Celebrate a multi-cultural Mexican Independence Day. Parade starts at noon at Kishwaukee and Broadway and ends Keye-Malquist Park. Hosted by El Barrio Community Center. There will be live music, entertainment, food and more.
When: Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16
Where: Keye-Malquist Park, 1702-11th St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
For more: El Barrio on Facebook
Rockford Old School and Vintage
What: This year', the event's event will be held in conjunction with the State Finals. (Severe rain out day will be Sunday Sept. 17.) There will be a 50/50 raffle along with other prizes. Bikes will be placed in an area of their perspective category. No alcohol allowed.
Where: Rockford BMX Track, 4950 Safford Road, Rockford
When: 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 16
Cost: Free for spectators
For more: Jim, 847-409-5477
Small Business Block Party
What: Explore a diverse range of vendors showcasing unique products that cater to all your needs. From fashion and accessories to home decor and artisanal treats, there's something for everyone. There will be food, live music, activities and more.
When: 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17
Where: East Wind Business Complex, 129 Phelps Ave., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
Live album recording
What: Forest City Church will host a live album recording and worship experience with Stellar, Dove and Grammy award nominated artists Joe L Barnes and Anthony Stallion. Forest City Church believes that gathering different cultures and generations together to celebrate God’s goodness is the pathway to unity and healing for the city of Rockford.
When: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15
Where: 1280 S. Alpine Road, Rockford
Cost: The event is free.
Walk for the Poor
What: The Society of St. Vincent DePaul is hosting its annual Rockford Friends of the Poor Walk to benefit those in need and living in poverty in the Rockford area. Walk will take place along the Rock River Recreational Path. Funds raised will remain in the Rockford area to assist local families and individuals in need.
When: Saturday, Sept. 16. Mass is at 9 a.m. Registration is at 10 a.m. Walk starts at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Y Log Lodge, 200 Y Blvd., Rockford.
Cost: Walker registration is free.
Kathi Edwards is a freelance correspondent.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: George Lopez, Justin Moore make tour stops in Rockford, Illinois
