Labor Day parade among 14 things to do this holiday weekend in Rockford
Many consider the Labor Day weekend as the unofficial end of summer. If you're looking for something to do this weekend, we have you covered.
Here are 14 things to do in the Rockford area this weekend.
Labor Day Parade
What: Rockford United Labor AFL-CIO hosts the city's annual Labor Day parade.
When: 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 5
Where: The parade route begins at 7th St. & 6th Ave. in Rockford and winds its way north to East State Street, west to Wyman Street and then south to the reviewing stand in front of the E. J. Zeke Giorgi Center, 200 S. Wyman St., Rockford.
Cost: Free
Dinner on the Dock
What: Enjoy dinner, drinks and live music on the dock from SunFallen, a band that has ignited stages all over Chicago including The House of Blues, The Metro, Navy Pier and countless street festivals in and around Chicago.
When: 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31
Where: Prairie Street Brewing Co., 200 Prairie St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
For more: 815-277-9427
Music at the Dells: Ordinary Elephant
What: International Folk Music Award 2017 Artist of the Year, Ordinary Elephant, captivates audiences with their emotionally powerful and vulnerable songs, letting the listener know they are not alone. The collaboration of husband-and-wife Pete and Crystal Damore, their connection, and their influences (such as Gillian Welch, Guy Clark, Anais Mitchell) all meet on stage.
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31
Where: Severson Dells Nature Center, 8786 Montague Road, Rockford
Cost: $20; $15 in advance
For more: 815-218-8024
Tap Takeover with Lena Brewing Company
What: Come for a Tap Takeover with Lena Brewing Company featuring beer samples, education, giveaways, draft beer and food specials. There will be live music during the event as well. Must be at least 21 years old. Reservations are recommended.
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31
Where: The Top Rooftop Bar & Restaurant, 416 S. Main St., Rockford
For more: 815-668-7878
Brews, Beats & Food Trucks
What: Come for live music, food and beverages and lots of fun. The musical guest this week will be Stevee Nix. Food service starts at 5 p.m. and the music begins at 6:30 p.m.
When: 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31
Where: Timber Pointe Golf Club, 5750 Woodstock Road, Poplar Grove
Cost: Free admission
For more: 815- 544-1935
Rockford City Market
What: There will be more than 60 local vendors with fresh produce, baked goods, handmade items, jewelry, cheese, honey, and more underneath the pavilion. There will also be food trucks, local breweries and rotating kid's activities. Live music this week by the Grand Groove Hotel.
When: 4 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1
Where: East State and Water streets, downtown Rockford
Cost: Free admission
For more: rockfordcitymarket.com
815 Moms Meet Up
What: This event is for moms in the Rockford area to meet up with other moms while enjoying the Hidden Creek Estates venue.
When: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1
Where: Hidden Creek Estates, 13276 White School Road, Roscoe
Cost: Free
Music on the Mall
What: Enjoy live music outside. Food and drinks from Lucha Cantina and Cork, Keg & Spirits will be available. Bringing your own chair is required. The performer Sept. 1 is 1970s classic rock band Soul2Soul.
When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1
Where: Edgebrook center court, 1643 N. Alpine Road, Rockford
For more: edgebrookshops.com
First Friday Wine Tasting
What: Taste up to 30 different wines at fundraiser benefiting Golden Apple Foundation of Rockford. All proceeds support the nonprofit's programs and services, including classroom grants and educator recognition.
When: 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1
Where: Artale Wine Co., 6876 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
Cost: $20
For more: 779-210-2991
Eamonn James Talkington: Fever Dream Opening Reception
What: Attendees of this event will be required to be 18 years or older or be accompanied by an adult. With this solo-exhibition, through painting and interactive installations, resident artist, Eamonn James Talkington explores the eerie surreality and the frenetic energy of the fever dream as well as the relief the dreamer experiences upon awaking to realize that it was all just a dream.
When: 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1
Where: 317 Art Collaborative, 317 Market St., Rockford
For more: 815-272-0411
Fan Photo Night
What: As the final season at the Rockford Speedway rolls on, celebrate with fan photo night featuring late models, bandits, sixers, short trackers and more.
When: 7:07 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 2
Where: Rockford Speedway, 9572 Forrest Hills Road, Loves Park
For more: rockfordspeedway.com
Olympic Running Club
What: Welcome Rockford beer runners to the new Olympic Running Club. Come at noon the first Saturday of each month for the monthly Olympic Running Club meetup (formerly known as Mikkeller Running Club). The group gathers at The Olympic Tavern (doors open at noon). There will be three routes to choose from and begin around 12:30 p.m. Afterwards, runners will convene back at The Olympic. All runners get 50% off any appetizer on the menu. This is a low key, non-competitive fun/beer run, so please, bring a friend. This is not a race, and people of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to join.
When: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 2
Where: The Olympic Tavern, 2327 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: Free
For more: 815- 962-8758
2-Year Anniversary Customer Appreciation Night
What: Ernie's Midtown Pub wants to say "thank you" to its customers for supporting the business for the last two years. Starting at 4 p.m., the pub will have their Italian beef, chips and more available buffet style for the first 75 customers. There will be some giveaways and samples, too.
When: 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 2
Where: Ernie’s Midtown Pub, 1025 Fifth Ave., Rockford
For more: Ernie's Midtown Pub on Facebook
Third Annual Park Fest
What: The one-day festival is filled with entertainment and fun for all ages. It is the largest festival on the west side of Rockford. The event features local performers, a variety of food, merchandise vendors, free haircuts and games for all ages. Highlights include inflatables and obstacle stations for kids; vintage car and motorcycle showcase; food and merchandise vendors; 3 on 3 basketball tournament; games and activities; and backpack giveaways.
When: Noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 3
Where: Park Church, 801 Concord Ave., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
For more: 815-965-8979
Coming next week:
Rockford Crawl: Drink N' Draw
What: A local artist will be creating artwork and displaying for your viewing pleasure. Art will be available for purchase. Anyone is welcome to bring their supplies and create their own artwork. Grab a drink and start creating.
When: 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5
Where: Octane Interlounge, 124 N. Main St., Rockford
For more: Rockford Crawl: Drink N' Draw on Facebook
Blues & BBQ
What: The Rockton Police Association will be hosting Blues & BBQ featuring live music, food and beverages. The event also includes a K-9 demonstration, REACT helicopter, bean bag tournament, emergency and military vehicle display, silent auction, 50/50 raffle, children's bounce house and face painting. Proceeds benefit the Rockton Community and Jaimie Cox Memorial Scholarship.
When: 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6
Where: Settler’s Park, 100 Hawick St., Rockton
For more: rocktonpolice.org/rpa
Kathi Edwards is a freelance correspondent.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Labor Day parade among 14 things to do in Rockford, Illinois
