Kick off October with these 12 things to do in the Rockford area this weekend
ROCKFORD — So long, September. Hello, October.
The first weekend of the new month brings us a couple Oktoberfest celebrations, Cider N’ Cinnamon and much more.
The Book of Dreams and Nightmares
What: A sleepy industrial lot on Madison Street, in downtown Rockford is about to be transformed into the center of an immersive and unforgettable multi-media exploration of new frontiers in public art.
"SOMNIUM: The book of Dreams and Nightmares," the psychedelic invention of Dominican-based visual artist, Eddaviel Montero, and Rockford-based artist, Emily Klonicki, combines traditional public mural art with new media, music, animation, and dance into a three-dimensional performative production that transforms the way the public interacts with and experiences community and public arts.
When: 7:30 to 9 p.m. Friday & Saturday
Where: 715 N. Madison St., Rockford
Cost: $22
For more: https://artsforeveryone.com/
Rockford City Market
What: It’s the final City Market of the season featuring some of the best local makers, growers, artists, and bakers underneath the Rockford City Market Pavilion. There are two local breweries on site pouring beer, a Main Stage area with a local band, and an Acoustic Stage area with a local performer. The pavilion and two of the surrounding streets are lined with vendors and food trucks, and the market partners with local nonprofits and organizations to host kids’ activities.
When: 4 to 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: East State & Water streets
Cost: Free admission
For more: http://www.rockfordcitymarket.com/
Forest City Farmers Market
What: Make this one of your weekly grocery shopping destinations and pick up some local fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, handmade items, jewelry, cheese, honey and more.
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Friday though Oct. 28
Where: Forest City Church, 1280 S. Alpine Road, Rockford
Cost: Free admission
For more: https://www.forestcitychurch.com/
Cider N’ Cinnamon
What: Local makers will display a variety of art, jewelry, crafts, clothing, home decor, vintage and so much more. Enjoy delicious food and live music both days. Get a head start on your holiday shopping with unique and local finds for the gift giving season. In addition to vendors, all Edgebrook merchants and eateries will have normal business hours, adding to your shopping and dining pleasure.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
Where: Edgebrook Shopping Center, 1605 N. Alpine Road, Rockford
Cost: Free admission
For more: https://edgebrookshops.com/
Oktoberfest
What: Enjoy the spirit of the fall season at Oktoberfest. Attractions include the cultural booth, souvenir booth, children's area, stein holding contest, tapping of the keg with Mayor Jury, crowning of Miss Oktoberfest 2022, authentic German dancing and beer. Music will be provided by The Wayne Voss Band, Edelweiss Band, and Dirty Pop. There will also be authentic German cuisine provided by Cafe 20.
When: 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Where: Loves Park City Festival Grounds, 100 Heart Blvd., Loves Park
Cost: $7 in advance. (Pre-sale tickets available at Woodman's Rockford, Windsor Pizza Parlor, Top Cut Comics Loves Park, Pig Minds Brewing Company, Culture Shock, AME, Hennig Inc, The Detour, Wired Cafe, Cherry Blossom and Embroid This) $10 at the gate.
For more: https://cityoflovespark.com/
Spare No One
What: Proceeds from this bowling event will benefit Youth Services Network, a non-profit organization helping youth with their developmental, psychological, physical and social well-being in northern Illinois. The admission price includes three games, shoe rental, door prizes, silent auction and raffles.
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday (6:30 p.m. registration)
Where: Park Lanes Bowl, 5318 N. 2nd St., Loves Park
Cost: $50 per couple/pair
For more: https://ysnkids.com/
North End City Market
What: You can find an assortment of fresh veggies, fruits, flowers, honey, baked goods and more.
When: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 15
Where: The market is located near the intersection of Auburn and N. Main streets
Cost: Free admission
For more: http://www.rockfordcitymarket.com/northend
Cars & Coffee Rockford
What: The Cars & Coffee monthly shows welcome all sorts of cars, from vintage to new cars. There are various car clubs from the region that are featured each month. The Rockford Police Department shares a K-9 group and the Rockford Fire Department brings their large trucks. There are also games, prizes and refreshments. Bikes and pets are welcome.
When: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday
Where: 502 7th St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
For more: https://www.katiescup.com/carsandcoffee/2022/6/4
A Walk to Remember
What: This annual event is for all who have lost children. It’s also for the caregivers who support those families.
When: 1 p.m. Sunday
Where: 200 Y Blvd., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
For more: https://allevents.in/rockford/walk-to-remember-2022/200023039686042
She Speaks: African American Poets, Playwrights and Pioneers
What: Coordinated and directed by Dorothy Paige-Turner, the actors will perform music, monologues from plays, and recite poetry. The program features cameos of women who were major contributors to the Civil Rights Movement. Included in the performances will be works by Maya Angelou, Nikki Giovanni, Nina Simone, Lorraine Hansbury and Zora Neale Hurston.
When: 2:15 p.m. Sunday (Doors open at 2 p.m.)
Where: Ethnic Heritage Museum, 1129 S. Main St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
For more: https://www.ethnicheritagemuseum.org/
Third annual Oktoberfest celebration
What: Urban Forest Craft Brewing will host its third annual Oktoberfest celebration this weekend with music, merchandise and the tapping of their seasonal Oktoberfest lager, Das Booty.
When: Noon Saturday
Where: Urban Forest Craft Brewing, 6551 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford
Holidays & Heroes Fundraiser
What: A guest bartending event to help raise money for the annual upcoming Holidays & Heroes Shopping Event. Each year, members of the Rockford Police Department take area children and adults from GiGi's Playhouse shopping for the holidays. Last year, 20 kids and adults were invited to shop with a cop. The organization hopes to invite more individuals this year.
When: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday
Where: Top Dollar Slots Windsor, 2189 Windsor Road, Loves Park
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: 12 things to do in Rockford area Oktoberfest Cider n cinnamon
