Paint the Port, Eats & Beats and more: 15 things to do in the Freeport area this weekend
This weekend is jam-packed with activities starting with the annual Freeport Eats & Beats and Paint the Port.
Here are 15 things to do in the Freeport area this weekend.
Paint the Port 2023
What: Paint the Port is a family-friendly event where downtown streets are transformed into hundreds of squares that serve as a canvas for people of all ages. Kids and adults are invited to get creative and paint the street using washable, tempera paints provided by the Freeport Art Museum. Together, the community will create a colorful vibrant masterpiece. Registration will be at the new Freeport Art Museum building at the corner of State and Exchange. This year, net proceeds will further the development of the Arts Plaza by contributing to the completion of the art mural screen and entrance pergola. In case of rain Friday, the event will be held Saturday, Aug. 26.
When: 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25
Where: Downtown Freeport
Cost: $20; $15 in advance on eventbrite.com
For more: 815-235-9755
Freeport Eats & Beats
What: Freeport Area Eats & Beats is a collaborative event involving charitable organizations in Stephenson County. Each of the participating groups prepare a fun, unique, food item to sell at the event. All proceeds from food sales are kept by the nonprofit organizations serving the food items.
When: 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25 and Saturday, Aug. 26
Where: Freeport Arts Plaza (corner of E. Douglas and N. Chicago), Freeport
Cost: $3 admission; free for children ages five and younger
For more: Freeport Eats & Beats on Facebook.
More: Freeport Area Eats & Beats returns with food vendors, live music
Music on Debate Square
What: Bring your lawn chairs and join us for music by local musicians. Aug. 24 performer is John Hartman Jazz Alliance.
When: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24
Where: Debate Square, 114 E. Douglas St., Freeport
For more: Lincoln-douglas.org
Jukebox Baby
What: Jukebox Baby will perform.
When: 8 to 11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25
Where: The Wagner House, 1 E. Spring St., Suite 4338, Freeport
For more: 815-232-4408
Head2Toe Tailgate
What: Kick off the football season by joining the Head2Toe tailgate. There will be free hotdogs, free Cafe217 ice cream and the business will be giving out exclusive Panther t-shirts.
When: 3 to 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25
Where: Head2Toe Custom Apparel, 501 Lions Drive, Lena
For more: 815-291-9083
16th Colby Smith 4-mile Classic In-Person and Virtual Run
What: Come for a 4-mile, course-certified Rockford Road Runners circuit race. This unique course begins at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church and ends on the Aquin High School football field. Transportation is available at the finish line. The annual race honors Colby J. Smith. Proceeds from the race benefit the Colby Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships for students to attend Aquin Catholic Schools.
When: 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 26
Where: St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 1400 Kiwanis Drive, Freeport
Cost: $30
For more: facebook.com/csmemorialrun/
Tough Mudder Chicago 2023
What: Get ready to challenge yourself, conquer the world’s best obstacles, make unforgettable memories and earn your Tough Mudder headband. All Tough Mudder 5K, 10K, and 15K events are untimed. If a 15K isn’t enough for you, Tough Mudder Chicago offers you a way to rack up the distance with Tough Mudder Infinity. Racers will take on the 15K course and then stack on additional chip-timed 15K or 5K laps in the allotted 8-hour time. Participants must be at least 13 for the 5K or 14 for the 10K, 15K or Infinity.
When: 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 26 and Sunday, Aug. 27
Where: Chicago Rockford International Airport, 6100 Beltline Road, Rockford
Cost: $139-$209
For more: toughmudder.com/events/chicago/?
Massbach Ridge Wine Run 5K
What: This race is for anyone who likes running, walking or wine. This race is timed and scored. Registration includes a t-shirt, wine glass, finisher medal (a bottle stopper, corkscrew and keychain lanyard all in one), race bib and a pour of wine.
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26
Where: Massbach Ridge Winery, 8837 S. Massbach Road, Elizabeth
Cost: $25 to $40
For more: massbachridge.com/events
Rollin' Whiskey
What: A live performance from the Rollin’ Whiskey band.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26
Where: Best Dam Bar, 13965 Best Road, Davis
For more: Best Dam Bar on Facebook
Rock n ResQ
What: Rock out with live music by Spotted Dog, grab some food and drinks, and stay for the live auction. All proceeds go to Friends Forever Humane Society. The dog park will be free during the event. All dogs outside the park must be leashed.
When: 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26
Where: Friends Forever Humane Society, 966 W. Rudy Road, Freeport
Cost: $5 gate fee; free for children ages 10 and younger; food and beverages available for purchase
For more: 815-232-6164
10th Annual Pearl City Blvd. Bash
What: The event includes beer, barbecue, bands, raffles, a 5K run, car show, parade, hog roast, Pitmaster competition and more. Kids activities including water fights and tractor pull.
When: 7 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 26
Where: 100 N. Main St., Pearl City
For more: facebook.com/pearlcityboulevardbash
Kayleigh Mathews Live
What: Kayleigh brings her music back to Lena for another evening of great music, brews and fun. Kayleigh Mathews is an American country music singer, songwriter and Nashville recording artist.
When: 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27
Where: Lena Brewing Company, 9416 W. Wagner Road, Lena
For more: 815-369-2588
The Rockabilly Kid and the 3-headed monster food truck
What: Rockbilly Kid returns for another crowd favorite show along with award-winning 3-headed monster food truck with Rhett's competition style barbecue.
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27
Where: Bobbers Tap, 612 Bridge St., Winslow
Cost: Free admission
For more: 815-291-2486
Rockford Comic Book Convention
What: Dealers from three states will be on hand with comic books from the golden age to present, along with a variety of related collectible items such as action figures. Dealers will also be buying comics you might have had lying around for years and no longer want.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27
Where: VFW, 2018 Windsor Road, Loves Park
Cost: Free admission
For more: Alan at 309 657-1599
The Ryan and Joe Trio
What: The Ryan and Joe Trio will perform.
When: 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27
Where: The Cedar Inn, 4747 IL Route 26, Cedarville
For more: 815-563-5014
Kathi Edwards is a freelance correspondent.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Freeport Eats & Beats, Paint the Port events return this weekend
