Oktoberfest, WWII Days, final city market: 23 things to do in the Rockford area
This weekend features a variety of family fun activities, including the final city market, craft fairs and the worldwide day of play.
Here are 23 things we found to do in the Rockford area this weekend.
2023 GSR Oktoberfest
What: There will be all the classics at this year's Oktoberfest celebration. There will be authentic German cuisine by Cafe 20. There will be several different booths to check out as well as the crowning of Miss Oktoberfest. Live music throughout the day.
When: 11 a.m. to midnight Saturday, Sept. 30
Where: Loves Park City Hall, 100 Heart Blvd., Loves Park
Cost: $10; $7 in advance
For more: City of Loves Park Facebook page
World War II 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 back drop of a European village during World War II. This military re-enactment is known to be the largest in the Midwest and draws thousands of visitors yearly to the Rockford region and the museum grounds. All events are rain or shine. No refunds or rain checks. Tickets are good for either day
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1
Where: Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford
Cost: $12-$19
For more: 815-397-9112
Hispanic Heritage Month Event Series
What: Come celebrate the culture of Hispanic Heritage Month with dance, music and food. Entertainment is Es La Renueva, a local Mexican band, that will play oldies and modern music.
When: 6 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28
Where: SwedishAmerican Riverfront YMCA, 200 Y Blvd., Rockford
For more: 815-489-1252
Jeppson’s Spirits Tasting
What: Taste bourbons, Amaros and liqueurs from Chicago's own Jeppson's. There will be special selections available for cocktails or a shot.
When: 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28
Where: The Olympic Tavern, 2327 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: Free
For more: 815-962-8758
Tipsy History
What: Join Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum staff as they dive into crazy stories from our local history. Participants will receive three drink tickets for this two-hour, 21+ event. A walk through of the historic Community Foundation building will be included. Photo IDs are required at the door.
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28
Where: Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, 946 N. Second St., Rockford
Cost: $25
For more: tinkercottage.com
Rockford City Market
What: This is the final market of the season. 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 be food trucks, local breweries and kid's activities.
When: 4 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29
Where: East State and Water Streets, downtown Rockford
Cost: Free admission
For more: rockfordcitymarket.com
Daniel O’Donnell
What: Daniel O’Donnell’s career has moved on to a new level with his success as a TV presenter. The Donegal based singer, who is one of the most prolific and successful recording artists in the UK charts, is the only artist in the world to score a hit in the UK album charts every year since 1988.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29 (doors open at 6 p.m.)
Where: Coronado Performing Arts Theatre, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $30-$70
For more: coronadopac.org
Howl at the Moon Night Hike
What: Join retired Forest Preserves of Winnebago County Deputy Tim Speer for a fun night hike at Oak Ridge Forest Preserve. Experience the preserves at night, listen for nocturnal wildlife, and enjoy s'mores. For all ages. Leashed dogs are welcome.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29
Where: Oak Ridge Forest Preserve, 8322 Blomberg Road, Cherry Valley
Cost: Free admission
For more: 815-877-6100
Free Family Fun
What: All families are invited for a fun-filled evening with inflatables, face painting, treats and a magician. From 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., enjoy pizza and snacks, face painting and tattoos. At 6:30 p.m., there will be a magician show in the auditorium.
When: 5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29
Where: Stateline Church, 601 N. Perryville Road, Rockford
Cost: Free
For more: 815-310-0075
Frosty Fridays Public Skate Session
What: Gather family or friends for some fun and healthy exercise. No discount coupons accepted. The event also features music by a DJ and concession food specials for purchase.
When: 7 to 9 p.m. Fridays, Sept. 29 through April 26, 2024
Where: Carlson Ice Arena, 4150 N. Perryville Road, Loves Park
Cost: $10, includes skate rental
For more: rockfordparkdistrict.org/publicskate
Third Annual 815 Shop Local Event
What: Stop by and browse local businesses, while enjoying local food and drinks. There will be drinks available and live music throughout the event. There will be raffles throughout the day with funds being raised for the Healing Dreams Foundation.
When: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30
Where: Don Carter Lanes, 4007 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
For more: 815 Shop Local Event on Facebook
An Acoustic Evening with Denny Diamond
What: Mark your calendars and enjoy an acoustic performance filled with noise, stories and laughter by Denny Diamond.
When: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30
Where: Inscape Collective, 201 Seventh St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission; donations encouraged
For more: 815-893-9202
Bored Teachers Comedy Tour
What: The biggest entertainment platform for teachers in the world, Bored Teachers, presents the funniest teacher-comedians in the world all on one stage. The tour includes some of the most well-known teacher comedians in the business.
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30 (doors open at 6:30)
Where: Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $35-$121
For more: coronadopac.org
Cemetery Walk at Scandinavian Cemetery with the Rockford Historical Society
What: Each year, the Rockford Historical Society selects one of the major cemeteries for the Cemetery Walk. Volunteers select individuals interred in the cemetery, research the person’s past and interpret their findings for those who attend the walk. The interpreters are often dressed in costumes of the period associated with their subjects. Some of the interpreters also bring related items to enhance their presentations given near the gravesites of their chosen individuals.
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30
Where: Scandinavian Cemetery, 1700 Rural St., Rockford
Cost: Free but donations to the Rockford Historical Society are appreciated.
For more: rhsil.org
Community Celebration
What: Enjoy free family activities including bouncy houses, jumbo joust, pumpkin painting and a foam party. Relax with live music and food from local food trucks like Rustic Oven Woodfired Pizza, Cantina Taco, TNT Funnel Cakes, Sizz N Fizz and Dee Dee’s Main Street Coffee.
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30
Where: Rock Valley College athletic field entrance, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford
Cost: Free
For more: 815-226-2260
St. Bridget Craft Fair
What: The annual St. Bridget Craft Fair offers a variety of booths to shop for jewelry, signs, soap, holiday décor, scarves, cards and more. Admittance and parking are free (canned food donations are appreciated) and door prizes will be given away.
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30
Where: St. Bridget Parish Center, 704 Clifford Ave., Loves Park
Cost: Free admission
For more: 815-505-6515
Outcast 815 Grand Opening
What: Celebrate the new store and spooky season. See the new look, merchandise and experience. There will be live music in the later hours of the event and a food truck.
When: Noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30
Where: Outcast 815, 3810 E. State St., Rockford
For more: Brent Effects LLC on Facebook
Worldwide Day of Play
What: In conjunction with Nickelodeon and the Association of Children's Museums, the museum is celebrating Worldwide Day of Play with giant lawn games including Jenga, checkers, dominoes, connect four, bags and more.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30
Where: Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: Included with admission
For more: 815-963-6769
Blessing of the Pets
What: Bring your pets in a cage or on a leash, or a photo of your pets for a special blessing. This short outdoor service will take place on the church front lawn.
When: 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 30
Where: Brooke United Methodist Church, 1404 Brooke Road, Rockford
For more: 815-398-8914
Fall Market at Hidden Creek
What: Come for a day of shopping and food. Discover unique products from more than 30 local vendors, ranging from handmade crafts to delectable treats.
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1
Where: Hidden Creek Estates, 13276 White School Road, Roscoe
Cost: $5; free for children ages 12 and younger. Tickets available on Event Brite.
For more: 815-242-2099
Last Roar Car Show
What: View cars of all decades, enjoy food from local food trucks, and see who will win best in show. The first 100 cars to register will receive a free dash plaque.
When: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1
Where: Settlers Park, Rockton
Cost: Free admission; $10-$15 to enter car
For more: 815-239-0861
Michael Hackett Quintet
What: Head of Jazz Studies at UW-Whitewater, Hackett will perform with his dynamic jazz trumpet, playing both timeless classics and contemporary hits. Revel in the sophisticated harmonies and evocative melodies of America's truly original art form.
When: 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1
Where: Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center, 415 N. Church St., Starr Auditorium, Rockford
Cost: $15; $12 in advance; $6 for students
For more: 815-964-9713
Photographic Phollies with Kurt Van Galder
What: Van Galder will present wildlife photographs that illuminate the bird world. Travel visually through Antarctica, the Galapagos Islands and Newfoundland. This presentation includes a series of short photographic vignettes. Each vignette has a story of its own. All ages are welcome.
When: 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1
Where: Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit
Cost: $5
For more: 815-200-6910
Kathi Edwards is a freelance correspondent.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Oktoberfest celebration among 23 things to do in Rockford, Illinois
