Jeff Dunham, Three Dog Night, Fall ArtScene and more: Things to do in Rockford

The first full weekend in October features several family fun activities. Whether it's checking out legendary band Three Dog Night or stopping by a trunk-or-treat, there are plenty of things to do in the Rockford area.

Here are 22 things we found.

Jeff Dunham: Still Not Canceled Tour

What: One of the top touring artists of the Pollstar era, Jeff Dunham has consistently delivered laughs and shattered ratings with his broadcast specials, global tours and a best-selling autobiography.

When: 7 to 9:30 Friday, Oct. 6

Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford

Cost: $55.50

For more: 815-968-5222

Three Dog Night

What: The legendary band Three Dog Night, now in its fifth decade, will perform its classic, popular music.

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7

Where: Coronado Theater, 314 N. Main St., Rockford

Cost: $46-$142.50

For more: coronadopac.org

More: Can't wait for Rockford's Fall ArtScene? Get an early start with Somnium

Fall ArtScene

What: ArtScene, a biannual gallery walk, features new and established artists of the Rockford region. ArtScene offers a wide variety of art to appreciate and purchase including jewelry, paintings, sculpture, prints, photography, quilts/fiber art and more. Artists are available for conversation. Select venues have food and beverages available for their visitors, at no cost, and most surrounding restaurants and shops are open for your enjoyment.

When: 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6 and 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7

Where: Various locations throughout Rockford

Cost: Free admission

For more: artsforeveryone.com

50th Annual Cider ‘n’ Cinnamon

What: The annual event at Edgebrook celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Enjoy food and live music while checking out art, jewelry, crafts, clothing, home decor and more from local makers. In addition to vendors, all Edgebrook merchants and eateries will have normal business hours.

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8

Where: Edgebrook Shopping Center, 1605 N. Alpine Road, Rockford

Cost: Free admission

For more: edgebrookshops.com

Head of the Rock Regatta

What: Steeped in tradition, the rowing crew plays host to the Head of the Rock Regatta every October. This decades-old race draws more than 2,000 rowers from across the country and more than 5,000 spectators to the banks of the Rock River.

When: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8

Where: Rock River near YMCA Log Lodge, 200 Y Blvd., Rockford

Cost: Free for spectators

For more: rockriverymca.org

Shelter Care’s 2nd Annual Comedy Night Fundraiser

What: The event’s featured acts are Adam Burke of "Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me" fame (the NPR quiz show), plus James Fisher Jr. and KB Marion. Catered dinner by Pinnon's is included in the ticket price. Cash bar by Prairie Street Brewing. Open seating unless you choose to purchase a table. All proceeds support Shelter Care programs.

When: 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5

Where: Veterans Hall & Museum, 211 N. Main St., Rockford

Cost: $40; $320 for table of 8

Mapping Rockford through History Closing Reception

What: 10 artists were asked to explore one of Rockford’s historic districts/neighborhoods and create their version of a map of that area. There will also be photography of each neighborhood.

When: 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5

Where: Rockford City Hall, 425 E. State St., Rockford

For more: Mapping Rockford Through History closing reception on Facebook

Fall book sale and more

What: Come explore and purchase a variety of items at this event for Womanspace. You will find gently used books, audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, video games, puzzles, games, art and craft supplies and more for all ages under outdoor pavilion.

When: 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5 and Friday, Oct. 6; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7

Where: Womanspace Labyrinth and Gardens, 3333 Maria Linden Drive, Rockford

Cost: $5 entry for nonmembers

For more: 815-877-0118

Rally for Recovery

What: This event aims to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and to provide support and a voice for those living with mental illness. The rally will feature various speakers who will share their experiences and insights about mental health. The objective of this event is to encourage community leaders to step up to create change and to inspire individuals to seek help.

When: Noon Friday, Oct. 6

Where: Veterans Hall & Museum, 211 N. Main St., Rockford

Cost: Free

For more: 815-963-2470

First Friday Wine Tasting: Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful

What: Help raise money for Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful. There will be 24 different wine samples from around the world.

When: 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6

Where: Artale, 6876 Spring Creek Road, Rockford

Cost: Admission is a $20 cash/check donation to Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful.

For more: artaleandco.com

Autumn at the Arboretum

What: Join Klehm the first weekend in October to experience a wide variety of educational programs, activities and more to celebrate the fall season. Check out Klehm's website for a full rundown of the events.

When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6 through Sunday, Oct. 8

Where: Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford

Cost: Free admission

For more: klehm.org

Vintage Shop Hop 2023

What: More than 400 shops, antique malls, boutiques and more in Illinois and Wisconsin will take part in this year's Vintage Shop Hop. There are several shops in the Rockford area participating.

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6 and Saturday, Oct. 7

Where: Frosted Farmhouse, 112 Hawick St., Rockton

For more: 815- 997-0156

Cherry Valley Fall Festival

What: The event includes food, music, free raffles, crafts at the library, face painting, open house activities at all the downtown businesses, treats at the Historical Society and more.

When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7

Where: Downtown Cherry Valley

Cost: Free admission

For more: 815-332-3441

Jo Koy World Tour

What: Comedian and actor Jo Koy makes a stop in Rockford this weekend with all new material.

When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7

Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford

Cost: $40 to $400

For more: thebmocenter.com

Kegel Family Brat Boil

What: The Kegel family will be serving you lunch in order to personally thank you for supporting the dealership. Grab a beer and an onion-boiled brat, chips, and water or soda and enjoy. Tips donated during the event will go to Kegel Kares, a non-profit organization created to help financially struggling residents of the Greater Rockford Area fighting various diseases and motorcycle related injuries.

When: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (or until food runs out) Saturday, Oct. 7

Where: Kegel Harley-Davidson, 7125 Harrison Ave., Rockford

For more: 815-332-7125

Cars & Coffee End of Season Toy Fundraiser

What: Donate a brand new toy to help support the non-profit UW Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. There will be a 50/50 raffle and other prizes along with games, contests, coffee, donuts and other treats.

When: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 7

Where: Rockford Public Schools Admin Building Parking Lots, 501 Seventh St., Rockford

Cost: Free to participate or to spectate

For more: Cars and Coffee Rockford on Facebook

Fall Fly-In and Lunch

What: Come out for a classic chili lunch, fly-in, and free airplane rides for kids ages 8 to 17.

When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7

Where: Cottonwood Airport, 5105 Auburn St., Rockford

Cost: $10; $8 for kids

For more: youngeaglesday.org

Fall Pawty

What: Rockford Park District’s Canine Corners Dog Parks invites the public to enjoy outdoor fun with their dogs at an open house event. Among the event's activities will be a costume contest, treat samples and raffles. Donations to help with operation and maintenance of the dog parks will be gratefully accepted at the event. The event is open to the public, however, all dogs in attendance must be spayed/neutered. No puppies younger than six months old.

When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7 (rain date Sunday, Oct. 8)

Where: Searles Park, 4950 Safford Road (off S. Central Ave.), Rockford

Cost: Free; donations encouraged

For more: 815-987-8800

Wolf Hollow Witches Market

What: The Witches Market celebrates the energy of light workers, healers and guardians of this earthly plane. There will be more than 85 wonderful magickal makers and artists. The entire family and all paths are welcome. There will be live music and food trucks. We encourage you to dress up in your best witchy outfit or magickal creature costume. Tickets will only be sold day of at the gate.

When: 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7

Where: Boone County Fairgrounds, 8847 Illinois 76, Belvidere

Cost: $15; free for ages 12 and younger

For more: 2023 Wolf Hollow Witches Market on Facebook

6th Annual Trunk or Treat

What: Join Tinker Swiss Cottage for its annual trunk-or-treat event. You can check out the main floor of the cottage and enjoy live music and multiple food trucks. There will also be vendors and activities for kids.

When: 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8

Where: Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum & Gardens, 411 Kent St., Rockford

Cost: Free

For more: 815-964-2424

Rockford Symphony Orchestra Chamber Matinee Series: RSO Brass

What: This Rockford Symphony Orchestra concert will feature members of the orchestra's brass section. Principal Trumpet, Mark Baldin and four other RSO brass players will present a program featuring brass quintet standards and popular favorites. Audience favorite, Joel Ross, will join the quintet on the organ to close the concert.

When: 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8

Where: First Lutheran Church, 225 S. Third St., Rockford

Cost: Single tickets are $40; $15 for students; $10 for youth; subscription tickets to 3 chamber concerts are also available

For more: rockfordsymphony.com

Screw City Jeeps 5th Annual Trunk or Treat

What: Stop in and purchase delicious treats from Currans, enjoy the trunk or treat and some fall fun while on the orchard. For all ages.

When: Noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8

Where: Currans Apple Orchard, 6385 Kilburn Ave., Rockford

Cost: Free

For more: Curran's Orchard on Facebook

Kathi Edwards is a freelance correspondent.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Jeff Dunham, Three Dog Night to perform in Rockford, Illinois