Harlem Globetrotters, standup comedy among 10 things to do this weekend in Rockford
Looking for entertainment after the busy holiday season?
The first full weekend of the new year is filled with events and activities including a Harlem Globetrotters performance, comedy, ice skating and model trains.
Harlem Globetrotters
What: Watch members of the world’s most famous basketball team display their astonishing talents and tricks on the court.
When: 7 p.m. Thursday
Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford
For ticket prices and more: https://thebmocenter.com/
Sinnissippi Station Model Train Exhibit
What: Visitors are transported to a magical miniature world as seven G-scale trains and trolleys run down, around, and above the lush indoor tropical setting of Nicholas Conservatory. Miniature Rockford landmarks and willow trestle bridges add to the ambiance. The trains and trolleys in the exhibit are painted and personalized to depict those that traversed Rockford throughout its history.
When: Through Jan. 29
Where: Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. 2nd St., Rockford
Cost: Admission fees apply for viewing the exhibit and vary according to age and residency.
For more: https://nicholasconservatory.com/
Lucha Cantina First Friday Comedy Night
What: Comedy show includes headliner Justin Leon, main feature Raegan Niemela, guest feature Darrell Cochran and host Michael Cuske.
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Lucha Cantina, 1641 N. Alpine Road
Cost: $7 cover charge.
For more: https://www.lucharockford.com/
All Aglow Holiday Display
What: Sparkling holiday light display on the bank of the Rock River.
When: Dusk until dawn through Jan. 8
Where: Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. 2nd St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission, donations accepted.
For more: https://nicholasconservatory.com/
Jamie Cox Foundation Memorial Blood Drive
What: The Rock River Valley Blood Center and the Jamie Cox Foundation are hosting the second annual Jamie Cox Foundation Memorial Blood Drive. Donors can make appointments at https://www.rrvbc.org/ or by calling 815-965-8751. Walk-ins will be welcome.
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday
Where: Hononegah High School, 307 Salem St., Rockton
For more: https://www.rrvbc.org/
Barnes Mansion Tours
What: Visit the house of a prominent Rockford family and learn about the history of the original Burpee Museum of Natural History.
When: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., 12 to 1 p.m. or 3 to 4 p.m. Saturday. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 12 to 1 p.m. Sunday.
Where: Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $17 Adults, $15 for children ages 4-12; $5 for museum members.
For more: https://burpee.org/
Biology Trivia Night
What: Test your knowledge of animals, plants, dinosaurs and more.
When: 4 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $2 for museum members, $5 for non-members.
For more: https://burpee.org/
Windsor Pizza Parlor Comedy Night
What: Show will include headliner Tyler Fowler, main feature Jose Montero, guest feature Alex Savant and host Joseph Christopher.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Windsor Pizza Parlor, 1034 Windsor Road, Loves Park
Cost: Free admission
For more: https://www.windsorpizzaparlor.com/
Rockin’ Rocky’s Family Skate Sessions
What: Ice skate to music under disco lights.
When: 1 to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through April 30
Where: Carlson Ice Arena, 4150 N. Perryville Road, Loves Park
Cost: $5 for skating only, $2 for skate rentals.
For more: https://rockfordparkdistrict.org/carlson
Trinadora’s First Saturday Musical Potpourri
What: Trinadora duo Janel Nelson and Ron Holm bring their musical mixture of vintage and contemporary pop, folk, country, jazz, blues, Latin, Celtic, and variety music to Stockholm Inn. Janel and Ron accompany their vocals with keyboard, ocarina, guitar, ukulele, fiddle, harmonica, sax, bass, steel guitar, concertina, and more instruments.
When: 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: Stockholm Inn, 2420 Charles St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
For more: https://www.stockholminn.com/
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: Harlem Globetrotters make a stop in Rockford this weekend