Kentucky Derby, Cinco de Mayo celebrations and more: Things to do in Rockford this weekend
The first weekend of May means it's Cinco de Mayo along with the Kentucky Derby.
Here's a look at some events going on this weekend in the Rockford area.
Edgebrook Farmers Market
What: Sample the area’s oldest and best seasonal farmers market. Local farmers display their vegetables, fruits, flowers and plants plus fresh organic goods, baked breads, sweet treats, artisan cheeses, honey, meats, farm fresh eggs, jams and jellies.
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays through Oct. 25
Where: Edgebrook, 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford
Cost: Free to attend
For more: 815-398-8957
Wildflower Walkabout
What: Joni Denker of the Rockford Park District and Daniel Pohl of the Illinois Natural HistorySurvey will lead this walk. Travel through a variety of plant communities, from creek bottoms to maple forest to view marsh marigolds, trillium, blue-eyed marys and numerous other spring flowers. Moderate hiking, possibly with muddy areas. You will meet at the large parking lot at the westernmost point along the park loop road (not the parking area by the playground and bathrooms).
When: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Anna Page Park, 2800 N. Springfield Ave., Rockford
Cost: No fee for the walks but membership in Severson Dells and/or the Natural Land Institute is encouraged.
For more: 815-335-2915
Marian, or The True Tale of Robin Hood
What: Modern concerns and romantic entanglements clash on the battlefield and on the ramparts of Nottingham Castle in this play about selfishness, selflessness, love deferred and the fight. This show does include adult humor and sexual innuendo. May 4 show includes a question-and-answer talk back with the cast and crew after the show. The May 7 show includes Preshow Talk at 3:15 p.m. Director Epic Jones and Costume Designer Sarah Renicker will answer questions about the theater, the play and their creative process.
When: 7 p.m. Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 4 p.m. Sunday
Where: West Side Show Room, 1414 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $20; $10 for students
For more: contact@wssr.org
Pure Imagination: A Night at the Movies
What: Enjoy songs from the silver screen with Rockford University choirs and soloists. Take a cinematic journey through the decades with music from Hollywood’s most iconic films: Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Casablanca, The Wizard of Oz, Titanic, O Brother Where Art Thou and Pitch Perfect 2, plus tributes to James Bond and Walt Disney.
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Maddox Theater, Clark Arts Center, Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: $12; $9 non-RU student/seniors age 55 and older
For more: 815-226-4100
Building Bridges
What: Community education event features two speakers: Kevin Berthia, a suicide survivor and prevention advocate, and Kevin Briggs, an international crisis management, suicide prevention, mental health advocate, leadership skills presenter and Active Minds speaker. Their stories will inspire and educate you about the importance of mental health care and the power of intervention. Learn from community mental health resources offering services and support to people struggling with mental illness, including the Winnebago County Community Mental Health Board-funded programs. Register to reserve your spot.
When: 5 p.m. Friday
Where: UW Health Sports Factory, 305 S. Madison St., Rockford
Cost: Free
For more: 815-963-2470
Trinadora at Cinco de Mayo Benefit Celebration
What: Katie's gala Cinco de Mayo benefit celebration will feature choreographed performances by Francie's Dancers in addition to the Trinadora potpourri of Mexican and Latin-influenced songs. Floor space will be available for dancing. Katie's menu will include a one-of-a-kind chili blend, Mexican coffee and other unique entrées.
When: 7 to 9 p.m. Friday
Where: Katie’s Cup Coffee Bar and Bookstore, 502 7th St., Rockford
Cost: $5
For more: 815-979-1949
The Cash Box Kings
What: Award-winning blues band, The Cash Box Kings, celebrate the release of their new "Alligator Records" album, Oscar’s Motel, with a live performance. The group, co-led by Chicago blues vocalist and songwriter Oscar “Mr. 43rd Street” Wilson and Madison, Wisconsin-based harmonica giant, songwriter, and singer Joe Nosek, plays raw, unvarnished, old-school ensemble blues. Cinco de Mayo Celebration, too, with food and drink available.
When: 7 to 10 p.m. Friday
Where: Lyran Club, 1115 4th Ave., Rockford
Cost: No cover charge
For more: 779-537-4006
Cinco de Rockford
What: A Cinco de Mayo celebration in Rockford featuring live music, entertainment, food truck, vendors, drinks and more. Proceeds benefit MASA and Ballet Folklorico in Rockford.
When: 1 to 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: 3923 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: Free
For more: www.tamalefest815.com
Art of the Earth: Recent Departures (Kids)
What: Learn how artists and scientists can work together to create a visual representation of a time on Earth we have never seen before: PaleoArt. When people think of extinction, they often think of the distant past; however, there are many species that have gone extinct even within just the past hundred years.
When: 11 a.m. to noon or 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday
Where: Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $15; nonmembers age 4-12: $13; members, $2 ($0 admission + $2 class fee)
For more: 815-965-3433
Golden Rabbit Masquerade Ball
What: Rabbit Killer will handcraft a golden cape, mask and all adornments specifically for the chosen Golden Rabbit, who will be revealed on May 5, at the Reveal Party at 317 Art Collaborative. The winner will personify the Golden Rabbit the Golden Rabbit Masquerade Ball (celebration of the Golden Rabbit), which will feature a parade through the venue every 30 minutes. The event includes special performances by Freight Train Rabbit Killer, CATL, Mana Kintorso and DJ Skyler Davis.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: 213 N. Third St., Rockford
Cost: $20; 15 in advance
For more: 815-272-0411
Music at the Dells: Long Mama
What: Long Mama is a Milwaukee Americana group led by singer songwriter Kat Wodtke who teamed up with guitarist Andrew Koenig, drummer Nick Lang and upright bass ace Samual Odin. Their debut album, “Poor Pretender,” a ten-song collection’s palette of country, folk, indie rock, and punk reflects its makers coming-of-age in the rustbelt crossroads of north, south, east, and west came out in October. Brad Long of Long-Shot will be the opening act.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: Severson Dells Nature Center, 8786 Montague Road, Rockford
Cost: $18; $15 for members
For more: 815-335-2915
'SAVVY' the Movie
What: SAVVY is an award-winning documentary about women, money, and freedom. With incisive humor and captivating honesty, SAVVY questions why women often take a back seat to managing their money and reveals why it is increasingly critical for women to take the reins of their financial futures. You'll also have an opportunity to meet with bankers, financial investors and coaches. Hosted by Unitarian Universalist Church.
When: 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday
Where: RPL Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: Free
For more: 815-398-6322
Rockford Rage vs Brewcity Bruisers
What: Watch Rockford roller derby’s home bout and support the city’s first and only non-profit roller derby league.
When: 6 p.m. Saturday (doors open at 5:30 p.m.)
Where: UW Health Sports Factory, 305 S. Madison St., Rockford
Cost: $15; free for ages 12 and younger
For more: https://www.eventbrite.com
Kentucky Derby/Crawfish Boil/TRaSh 80's
What: Oscar's annual Kentucky Derby/crawfish boil and the band TRaSh 80's playing all your favorite 80's music.
When: 2 p.m. Saturday
Where: Oscar’s Pub and Grill, 5980 E. State St., Rockford
For more: 815-399-6100
Kathi Edwards is a freelance correspondent.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Kentucky Derby, Cinco de Mayo celebrations scheduled in Rockford
