Oktoberfest, Tour de North End and more: 13 things to do this weekend in the Rockford area
ROCKFORD — So much to do in the Rockford region this weekend, so little time.
The last full weekend of September brings us World War II Days, Tour de North End and more.
Benefit for the Children of Brovary, Ukraine
What: Rockford Rotary is sponsoring the benefit, which features a performance by musician Miles Neilsen.
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Veterans Memorial Hall, 211 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: Tickets are $20
For more:https://www.rockfordrotary.org/
The Outsider presented by Artists Ensemble Theater
What: A comedy satire that skewers politics and celebrates democracy.
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday & Friday, 4 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday
Where: Rockford University Clark Arts Center, Cheek Theater, 5050 E. State St., Rockford
For ticket prices and more: https://artistsensemble.org
City Market
What: Local makers, growers, artists, and bakers are featured 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 City Market partners with local nonprofits and organizations to host kids’ activities.
When: 4 to 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: East State & Water streets, Rockford
Cost: Free admission
For more: http://www.rockfordcitymarket.com/
Charlie Berens: Midwest Survival Guide Tour
What: Emmy-winning journalist, comedian, host and creator of the "Manitowoc Minute" Charlie Berens will perform live. Berens is a Wisconsin-native and has been featured on Fox, CBS, Funny or Die, TBS Digital, Variety, MTV News and more.
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Where: Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
For ticket prices and more: https://coronadopac.org/
World War ll Days
What: Visitors to World War II Days engage in elaborate 1940s displays in historical buildings on the museum’s 148-acre campus, which becomes the backdrop of a European village during World War II. This military reenactment is known to be the largest in the Midwest and draws thousands of visitors yearly to the Rockford region and the museum grounds.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
Where: Midway Village, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford
Cost: $16 for adults, $9 for children ages 5-12, free admission for children 4 and under and for Midway Village Museum members.
For more: https://www.midwayvillage.com/
Tour de North End Bike Festival & Block Party
What: The Tour de North End is an annual neighborhood bicycle festival and block party featuring over a dozen businesses in Rockford’s North End neighborhood. The goals of the event include raising awareness about bicycle safety and the importance of knowing the rules of the road.
When: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday
Where: Olympic Tavern, 2327 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $12
For more: https://theolympictavern.com/
815 Outside Hike at Nygren Wetland
What: Take part in a 2.5-mile hike on the main trail that loops around the wetland. The trail is well maintained and has mild terrain. Nygren Wetland is an excellent location for birdwatching.
When: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday
Where: Nygren Wetland Forest Preserve, 3190 W. Rockton Road, Rockton
Cost: Free admission
For more: https://815outside.com/event/hike-at-nygren-wetland/
Oktoberfest
What: The 11th annual Oktoberfest features authentic German food, live music, German beers and more.
When: 12 p.m. Saturday
Where: Pig Minds Brewing Co., 4080 Steele Drive, Machesney Park
Cost: Free admission
For more: www.facebook.com/pigmindsbrewingco
Bourbon, Brisket & Blues
What: Enjoy a celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Laurent House and a fundraiser for its continued preservation. The event includes tours of the Laurent House, brisket with sides from Little Nick's BBQ, bourbon tasting by Artale's (10 vendors) and live music by BMR4 Blues Machine (a 3-piece blues band from Chicago).
When: 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: Parking and shuttle from Womanspace and Cor Mariae Center, 3333 Maria Linden Drive (only 1 mile from the Laurent House).
Cost: $100 per person.
For more: https://www.laurenthouse.com/
Rockford 1M: One Million Meal Packing Event
What: Kids Around the World is hosting a 1 million meal packing event. The organization is looking for volunteers of all ages to help pack meals for children in Ecuador, Zambia, and here in the Rock River Valley. There are multiple shifts available between the two days.
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday
Where: UW Health Sports Factory, 305 S. Madison St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
For more: https://katw.org/rockford1m/
Pumpkin Patch Food Drive
What: Donate non-perishable food items and receive a free pumpkin. There will be inflatables, games and food as well. All donations will benefit the Rockton Food Pantry.
When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday
Where: Amazing Grace Lutheran Church, 5809 Prairie Hill Road, South Beloit
Cost: Free admission
For more: https://www.amazinggracelc.com/page/annual-pumpkin-food-drive
National Astronomy Day
What: Enjoy a free planetarium show, design a Mars Rover, create moon art and learn about telescopes with members of the Rockford Amateur Astronomers Club. The event will also feature space-related demonstrations and a short presentation by local NASA ambassador “Space Case Sarah” as she discusses NASA’s plans to send humans to the moon and Mars.
When: 12 to 4 p.m. Sunday
Where: Discovery Center Children’s Museum
Cost: $10 for the public, free for museum members and children 1 and under.
For more: https://www.discoverycentermuseum.org/
Gordon Lightfoot
What: The Canadian singer/songwriter will perform a variety of his hit songs including “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” “Sundown,” “Carefree Highway” and “If You Could Read My Mind.” The show will also feature some of Lightfoot’s deep album cuts for his die-hard fans.
When: 7 p.m. Sunday
Where: Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: Tickets start at $41.
For more: https://coronadopac.org/events/gordon-lightfoot-rockford
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: 13 things to do this weekend in Rockford, Illinois
