Halloween, IceHogs and more: 12 things to do this weekend in the Rockford area
ROCKFORD — Halloween is quickly approaching and that means there are plenty of spooky events and activities this weekend to celebrate the season.
Not into Halloween? There’s also professional hockey, a celebration of Beethoven and much more.
Witches and Wizards Rendezvous
What: The Halloween event of the season featuring food, drinks, magic, psychics — including Rockford's own Denise Guzzardo, tarot card readers, angel guides, music, shopping, costume contests and more. You don't want to miss this exciting new event brought to you by YWCA Northwestern Illinois. This event is for adults 21 and older.
When: 6 p.m. Friday
Where: Tebala Event Center, 7910 Newburg Road, Rockford
For ticket prices and more: https://fallfundraiser.swell.gives/
The Wind and the Breeze
What: The Midwest premiere of the award-winning play by Rockford playwright Nathan Alan Davis. The Wind and the Breeze explores the politics of place, the unspoken expectations of friendship and what happens when we choose to stand our ground on shifting sands.
When: 7 p.m. Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday; 2 p.m. Saturday; 4 p.m. Sunday
Where: The West Side Show Room, 1414 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission, but tickets required.
For more: https://wssr.org/wind
Rockford IceHogs
What: The Rockford IceHogs open their 24th season this weekend with games against the Chicago Wolves and the Manitoba Moose.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday versus Wolves, 4 p.m. Sunday versus Moose
Where: BMO Harris Bank Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford
For ticket prices and more: https://icehogs.com/
All Hallows’ Eve
What: Enjoy trick-or-treating outdoors in the Victorian Village. Come in costume, trick-or-treat at historic village buildings, and enjoy a variety of activities for children of all ages. There will be potato sack races, over 20 village buildings decked out in spooky decorations, ghostly finger puppets, scary folktales, a costume contest and more.
When: 12 to 6 p.m. Saturday
Where: Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford
Cost: $6 per person admission. Children 4 and under will be admitted free of charge.
For more: https://www.midwayvillage.com/
Fall Family Day
What: The day will include story time with South Beloit Public Library, a guided hike with 815 Outside, build your own natural journal with Welty Environmental Center, farm stand and mushroom cultivation demonstration with Owls Roost Farm, and apple cider warmed by the fire.
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday
Where: Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit
Cost: Free admission, $10 donation suggested.
For more: https://natureattheconfluence.com/event/fall-family-day/
Rockford Symphony Orchestra: Deconstructing Beethoven
What: Music Director finalist Yaniv Segal will conduct his program titled Deconstructing Beethoven. The program includes Beethoven's Symphony No. 7 and a symphonic remix of Beethoven's 9th with Gabriel Prokofiev as the special guest.
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: Tickets start at $10.
For more: https://www.rockfordsymphony.com/concerts-and-events/deconstructing-beethoven
Shop Small Boutique Crawl
What: Pick up a punch card at any of the participating stores and get a punch with your purchase for a chance to win $325 in gift cards. Vendors include 510 Threads, Bark on Mulford, Bath & Body Fusion, Bonnie's Boutique, Bygone Brand, Eurostyle+, Great Hang-Ups, Lallygag Boutique, Meg's Daily Grind, One Love Candle & Bath, Porch, Possessions Resale Consignment, Primitive 'n Proper and Roxy Carmichael Boutique.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
Where: Various locations
For more: https://www.gorockford.com/event/shop-small-boutique-crawl/24977/
Trunk or Treat
What: A drive thru trunk or treat allows kids and families to stay in their car while getting candy. The event is held by MASA, the city of Rockford and the Miracle Mile.
When: 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday or when candy runs out.
Where: 3923 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: Free
For more: www.tamalefest815.com
Spook the Dells
What: Come out to Severson Dells to learn more about nocturnal animals at this family-friendly event. Gather around the Dells’ paved path for an interactive theater experience that highlights the amazing nocturnal animals that call Severson Dells home.
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Severson Dells Nature Center, 8786 Montague Road, Rockford
Cost: $8 general admission, $5 for members
For more: https://www.seversondells.com/calendar/spookthedells
The Hope & Anchor Comedy Night
What: Hosted by Natalie Wickman. The lineup includes Darrell Cochran, Ben Hoffman and headliner Tyler Menz.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: The Hope & Anchor English Pub, 5040 N. 2nd St., Loves Park
Cost: $7 per person
For more: https://hopeandanchorpub.com/
The Path of Pumpkins
What: Anderson Japanese Gardens has partnered with schools from across the region to provide a new Halloween-themed outdoor experience. Middle and high school students will showcase their pumpkin carving creativity within individual exhibits consisting of multiple carved pumpkins, creating the Path of Pumpkins. Each admission will be provided with a voting card. Be sure to fill it out and drop it off in the ballot box or hand it to a member of the gift shop team. The three schools that receive the most votes will be awarded cash prizes. The winning schools will be announced on Anderson Gardens social media.
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 22, 23, 29 and 30; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, Oct. 24-28.
Where: Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
Cost: Free for garden members, regular general admission for non-members.
For more: https://andersongardens.org/pathofpumpkins/
Nate Bargatze: The Raincheck Tour
What: 2021 Grammy nominated comedian and podcaster Nate Bargatze is performing in Rockford this weekend. Bargatze was recently called a "rising star" by CBS Morning.
When: 8 p.m. Sunday
Where: Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
For ticket prices and more: https://coronadopac.org/events/nate-bargatze-rockford
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: Rockford IceHogs Nate Bargatze the Wind and the Breeze
