Music on Chicago among 10 things to do in the Freeport area this weekend

Kathi Edwards

May 31, 2023 at 6:09 AM·5 min read

People listen to music in this undated file photo during the annual Music on Chicago series in downtown Freeport.

The first weekend in June offers a variety of family fun activities in the Freeport area.

Here are ten things to do in the area this weekend.

Chalk the Walk

What: Join the library in kicking off the summer with chalk and dinosaurs. Come decorate the sidewalks with pictures of dinosaurs or just a drawing of your choice. There will be some dinosaur treats and crafts, too.

When: 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday

Where: Pecatonica Public Library District, 400 W. 11th St., Pecatonica

For more: 815-239-2616

Family Roots and Boots: An Old-Fashioned Family Barn Dance Summer Series

What: Practice your moves or learn some new ones. Dance instruction will start the evening, with music and dancing afterward. Bring a picnic dinner or enjoy a special treat from a food truck.

When: 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday

Where: Stephenson County Fairgrounds, 2250 S. Walnut Road, Freeport

Cost: Free admission; donations accepted as a fundraiser for the Fairgrounds

For more: 815-235-2918

23rd Annual Music on Chicago

What: The three-month music series kicks off Friday with 1970s cover band "THAT GURL," which is made up of experienced performers from different musical backgrounds who came together to create music for all ages. They start at 8 pm. The opening act, Route 66, will start on stage at 5:30 p.m. Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome. Local food trucks will provide food and beverages for purchase.

When: 5:30 p.m. Friday

Where: Freeport Arts Plaza, 15 S. Douglas St., Freeport

Cost: $5; free for age 11 and younger

For more: 815-801-3676

Friday Night Axe Throwing

What: Come enjoy axe throwing and some drinks.

When: 4 to 8 p.m. Friday

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

Cost: $10 for 1 game; $20 for 3 games; $40 for unlimited games (1 game is 10 throws)

For more: 815-369-2588

Milledgeville Village Jamboree

What: Friday bands include the Just 4 Fun Band at 7 p.m. and Beaux at 9:30 p.m. There will be a kids village Saturday that includes a bouncy house, petting zoo, barrel train rides, paint party and face painting and balloon animals. There will be a car show Sunday as well a craft and vendor fair, food trucks, beer garden, line dancing and a bags tournament.

When: Friday through Sunday

Where: Downtown Milledgeville

For more: milledgejamboree.com

Goat Yoga or Cheesemaking Course

What: Come for a 60-minute goat yoga class filled with laughter and fresh air. Please bring water, mat, bug spray, sunscreen (as classes are sometimes outdoors and on a farm) and a sense of adventure and fun. This class is taught by certified yoga instructor, Laura Youngblut. The farm store will be open after class offering seasonal cheese, raw honey, goat milk soap and more. Learn how to make simple farmstead cheese in your home kitchen. You will be provided a tour of our farm and commercial cheese making operation.

When: 11 a.m. to noon for goat yoga; 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. for cheesemaking course Saturday

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

Cost: $39; $75 for cheese making course

For more: https://grettasgoats.com/events/

Alex Gustafson Patio Session

What: Grab an app, a cocktail, or a nice glass of wine and let the wonderful musical stylings of Alex Gustafson be the backdrop to your Friday night fun relaxing with friends.

When: 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday

Where: The Wagner House, 1 E. Spring St., Suite 4338, Freeport

For more: 815-232-4408

Strings to Roam: Soil Sisters Taste of Place event

What: Find local farmer stands, crafts, baked goods, canned items, educational resources and bluegrass. A zero-waste event. Since late 2019, Strings to Roam has grown into a solid, energetic, upcoming band playing standards and plenty of originals in a bluegrass style all on their own. Their influences include bluegrass, folk, old time, blues, Irish, classical, and gospel music.

When: 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday

Where: Monroe Arts Center, 1315 11th St., Monroe, Wis.

Cost: Free

For more: soilsistershub.com

The Ryan and Joe Trio Take Over the Freeport Club

What: The group will play music from Alabama to Zeppelin and everything in between.

When: 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday

Where: The Freeport Club, 1614 S. Park Blvd., Freeport

For more: 815-232-1165

Marque Morel and the Midnight Wind Band

What: Marque is back with the Midnight Wind Band. Harmony, Harmonica and Mandolin highlight the show live on the pontoon boat stage.

When: 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday

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

For more: 815-291-2486

Coming Next Week:

Fishing Hole-Kids Art Night

What: Celebrate summer by painting a cute little fella hanging out at their favorite fishing hole. For ages 5 and older; if they need extra help, it is recommended that a guardian assist.

When: 5 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 5

Where: Logan’s, 1805 S. West Ave., Freeport

Cost: $20

For more: 815-584-0182

Royal Whiskey Club's Whiskey and BBQ

What: Open to members and anyone interested in learning more about whiskey. This will be a BBQ event so meat and soft drinks will be provided. They will also be trying five or more whiskies.

When: 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 6

Where: Royal Pub & Grill, 306 N. Park Blvd., Freeport

For more: 815-235-4015

Summer Junior Golf Camp

What: Golf camp for ages 7-12 of any skill level. Lessons will include golf grip, how to chip, putt and swing plus, rules and etiquette.

When: 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays, June 7 through July 12