For many, Labor Day weekend is considered the end of summer. To celebrate, you can check out Art in the Park or satisfy pickle cravings at Picklefest.

Here are seven things to do in the Freeport area this weekend plus a couple coming up next week:

Labor Day Celebration

What: See antique cars and trucks including a few Henney's built in Freeport. The Silver Creek Museum occupies two floors in the old County Poor Farm’s two-story stone building and there's a 130-ton Cooper Corliss Stationary Steam Engine. Tractors and hit and miss engines welcome. Lunch stand in the museum.

When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 4

Where: The History Museum, 2954 S. Walnut St., Freeport

For more: 815-235-2198

16th Annual Art in the Park

What: Art in the Park is co-hosted by the Freeport Park District and Freeport Art Museum. Enjoy a day of art and outdoor adventure. Local and regional performing artists provide great entertainment and the perfect soundtrack for strolling the shaded pathways of the park. From baklava sundaes from the Greek Orthodox Church to pulled pork BBQ sandwiches from Rapped with Smoke, Art in the Park food vendors offer something for everyone.

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 3

Where: Krape Park, 1799 S. Park Blvd., Freeport

For more: artintheparkfreeport.com

More: Freeport's Art in the Park returns with vendors, shoppers and smiles

Dollar Movie Night

What: Come for a movie to start the school year off with some kid-friendly fun. Movie is to be determined. Snack boxes available for purchase for $5 (snack boxes include one slice of pizza, candy, popcorn and a drink).

When: 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1 (doors open at 5 p.m.)

Where: Collaborations Banquet Hall/Private Event Center, 106 Spring St., Freeport

Cost: $1

For more: theofficialville.net

PickleFest 2023

What: Come for an afternoon of everything pickle. There will be a special pickle-inspired menu as well as live music. You can try the brewery's limited Tickle My Pickle Ale. Here and There Farms will be selling pickles and pickled products.

When: 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 3

Where: Lena Brewing Company, 9416 W. Wagner Road, Lena

For more: 815-369-2588

Goat Hike

What: Come to the farm and enjoy a peaceful one-mile hike around the farm and through the woods with miniature goats. Please be aware that there is some uneven surfaces/ground on the trail. Sturdy footwear is recommended. Please bring a water bottle, sunscreen and bug spray. There will be no refunds given in case of bad weather. A credit will be offered for a future hike. Everyone attending the hike must have a ticket.

When: 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 2

Where: Gretta’s Goats, 498 N. Farwell Bridge Road, Pecatonica

Cost: $19; free for children younger than two years old when accompanied with their parent

For more: grettasgoats.com

Just 4 Fun Band

What: Just 4 Fun Band will be rockin' the Best Dam Bar for some Labor Day Weekend fun.

When: 8 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, Sept. 2

Where: Best Dam Bar, 13965 Best Road, Davis

For more: 815-990-1817

The Guthries

What: Located on the Pecatonica River, this open deck, outdoor bar has lots of seating on their large deck, a tiki bar, and a stage on a pontoon boat. Enjoy some classic rock and blues.

When: 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 3

Where: Bobber’s Tap, 612 Bridge St., Winslow

For more: 815-291-2486

Coming next week:

Pulitzer Prize winning author talk

What: The Freeport Public Library welcomes two-time Pulitzer Prize winning author Colson Whitehead to our Illinois libraries. Whitehead is only the fourth writer to win two Pulitzers in the Fiction category (for The Underground Railroad in 2017 and The Nickel Boys in 2020). His highly anticipated latest novel, Crook Manifesto, is a darkly funny tale of a city under siege, but also a sneakily searching portrait of the meaning of family. Register for online viewing at the link below or join watch party at the library.

When: 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept, 6

Where: Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas St., Freeport

For more: 815-233-3000

Dragonflies & Damselflies of Northern Illinois

What: Barbara Williams from the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County citizen science program will provide information about dragonfly anatomy, life cycles, identification, helpful resources and tips on catching and photographing dragonflies, to help the beginner get started in studying dragonflies.

When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5

Where: St. John United Church of Christ Fellowship Hall, 1010 Park Blvd., Freeport

For more: nwilaudubon@gmail.com

Kathi Edwards is a freelance correspondent.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Labor Day weekend in Freeport, Illinois features 7 things to do