Looking for something to do this weekend in the Rockford area? Check out one of these 19 things.

Pretzel City Brewfest 2023

What: The craft beer tasting is a 21 and older, rain or shine event. VIP entry starts at noon, with General Admission opening at 1 p.m. Purchase your $30 general admission ticket online; it includes event entry, 20 tasting tickets and a souvenir glass. There will be a limited number of $60 VIP passes also available. Tickets will be available at the gate for $40 for General Admission the day of the event. Designated driver tickets can be purchased on the day of the event for $10.

When: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23

Where: Freeport Arts Plaza, 1 W. Spring St., Freeport

Cost: $10 to $60

For more: Pretzel City Brewfest on Facebook

Fall Fever Craft & Vendor Show

What: Nearly 40 vendors will display a wide range of products and services.

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23

Where: Midway Village & Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford

Cost: Free admission

For more: Fall Craft and Vendor Show on Facebook

Exit the King

What: Exit the King is from the imagination of Eugene Ionesco, one of the foremost playwrights from the genera of Theatre of the Absurd. In true Absurd fashion, Ionesco deals with this dilemma through outrageous comedy using vaudeville routines, slapstick, prat falls, clowning and other comic turns. The play is even more relevant today than it was when it opened in 1963.

When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday

Where: Rockford University Performing Arts, 5050 E. State St., Rockford

Cost: $9 to $12

For more: 815-226-4100

Community Fire & Drum Circle

What: This is the final drum circle evening of the season. Whether you’re a seasoned drummer or have never picked up a drum, you are invited to participate. There will be musical instruments for you to try or you are welcome to bring your own. Enjoy the community fire and listen to the drumming. This is a family friendly event with no registration. Event is canceled if there is rain.

When: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21

Where: Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit

Cost: Free

For more: 815-200-6910

Starlight Shakes presents "Love’s Labour’s Lost"

What: After vowing to avoid women, the king and three of his friends have to host a princess and her three ladies. The four men fall in love and decide to court the women. In the end, the women must return to their kingdom for a year after which they will marry the king and his friends, providing they remain true to them. Come witness the madness ensue on this adventure. Bring a blanket, chair and enjoy the show.

When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 28-30

Where: Starlight Theatre at Rock Valley College, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford

Cost: Pay what you think it’s worth

For more: 815-921-2160

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 Sept. 22 by Distilled Band and Mike Kelly.

When: 4 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22

Where: East State and Water Streets, downtown Rockford

Cost: Free admission

For more: rockfordcitymarket.com

Horror Movie Trivia Night

What: Enjoy snacks and refreshments while you paint. Every half an hour, you'll be asked trivia questions and could win a door prize. You don't have to paint themed items. Horror Movie Trivia will be based on some of the well-known movies such as the Halloween franchise, the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise, IT, Scream and more. Advanced tickets required; tickets are non-refundable.

When: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22

Where: The Pottery Lounge, 6059 E. State St., Rockford

Cost: $10 tickets plus price of pottery selected

For more: 815-977-3937

Speakeasy Murder Mystery

What: Dust off your flapper dress, zoot suits and Tommy guns. At the height of prohibition, morale was high, morals were at an all-time low and most of the country was controlled by the Mafia. Drink, dance, sing and mingle with other like-minded individuals but be careful, wherever there is liquor there is always the mafia … and the police. You just might get caught in the middle of a bloody dispute. Enjoy your night but keep your guard up. Dinner will not be part of this event. Please feel free to dress in costume.

When: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22

Where: Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum & Gardens, 411 Kent St., Rockford

Cost: $25; $20 for members

For more: 815-964-2424

Two Rivers Bluegrass Festival

What: The Coon and Fox Hunters of Northern Illinois present the Two Rivers Bluegrass Festival. Several artists will be performing all weekend long beginning Friday evening. There's also an all-you-can-eat pancakes breakfast Sunday morning.

When: 4 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22; 10:45 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23; 9 a.m. to midnight Sunday, Sept. 24

Where: 12314 Harrison Road, Durand

Cost: Free admission; donations encouraged

For more: facebook.com/Stringtwanger

Annual Kids at Heart Night at the Museum: A Glitz & Glam Affair

What: Get ready for a night of glamour and excitement as you experience the museum like never before. Enjoy live music, food and drinks and explore the exhibits after hours. Dress to impress in your finest attire and mingle with other guests.

When: 5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22

Where: Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford

Cost: $100; sponsorships available

For more: Children’s Safe Harbour, 815-316-7772

Bubble Festival

What: Bubble-celebrity Ben Jimenez combines art, science and a touch of magic in his performances. Afterward, pop outside to the Bubble-Palooza Playground (weather permitting) to devise your own bubbly tricks as you test your soapy skills with bubble activities for the whole family.

When: 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23

Where: Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford

Cost: $3 to $5 for members

For more: discoverycentermuseum.org

Creative Collection

What: The museum is opening up its doors to artists, crafters and small businesses to show off their items. The museum will be open if guests would like to enhance their experience.

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23

Where: Historic Auto Attractions, 13825 Metric Drive, Roscoe

Cost: Free with museum admission

For more: historicautoattractions.com

Puri Fall Fest

What: Join the Puri Family YMCA as they celebrate the beginning of fall with games and activities. There will be face painting, bounce houses, a photo booth, popcorn, a scavenger hunt and more. This event is for the whole family.

When: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 23

Where: Puri Family YMCA, 1475 S. Perryville Road, Rockford

Cost: Free

For more: 815-489-1252

2023 RAMI Guitar Show

What: Musical instruments and gear will be on display for sale or trade. You can bring in two items for sale or trade per guest. They must be checked in at the door as you enter.

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23

Where: Tebala Events Center, 7910 Newburg Road, Rockford

Cost: $5

For more: rockfordguitarshow.com

Gilded Paradise

What: Fashion show celebrating fashion and art for Rockford designers and artists.

When: 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23

Where: Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. Second St., Rockford

Cost: $35 to $300

For more: nicholasconservatory.com

Local Authors Book Fair

What: More than a dozen authors from all over the region will be showcasing their literary works. Walk through the Heritage Museum Park and pick up the latest books from your favorite authors. Listen to presentations from special guest speakers throughout the day including Christina Marrocco, Steve Salvato, Yvonne Boose and Kathi Kresol. The Rockford Public Library Mobile library will be on site, as well as the food truck, Downtown Fancy Franks.

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23

Where: Ethnic Heritage Museum, 1129 S. Main St., Rockford

Cost: Free

For more: 815-962-7402

Rockford Out of the Darkness Walk

What: Help save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. The Rockford Area Out of the Darkness Walk is a journey of remembrance, hope and support. It unites our communities and provides an opportunity to acknowledge the ways in which suicide and mental health conditions have affected our lives and the lives of those we love and care about. Register here: afsp.org/Rockford. Every dollar raised allows AFSP to invest in life-saving research, education, advocacy and support for those affected by suicide.

When: 10 a.m. registration; 11 a.m. walk Saturday, Sept. 23

Where: Starlight Theater at Rock Valley College, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford

Cost: No registration fee but fundraising encouraged

For more: Stephanie White, 815-762-3547

Pioneers in Conservation

What: Celebrate National Public Lands Day and enjoy getting out in nature with your family. Enjoy some cider and a donut from Edwards Apple Orchard and see the prairie in bloom. Learn about the restored prairie habitat. Get a family photo in the big, beautiful prairie with purple asters and yellow goldenrod in bloom. Enjoy a wagon ride and tour around the site. Register online.

When: 9 a.m. or noon Saturday, Sept. 23

Where: Distillery Conservation Area, 7421 Distillery Road, Belvidere

Cost: Free, but registration required

For more: 815-547-7935

Grand Wine Tour of Italy

What: Indulge your senses in a remarkable escapade through tasting wines from across 18 Italian regions, all outdoors on the piazza. Live music by Vince Amore. Lino’s food will be available for purchase along with Signature Italian cocktails, Espresso, La Rosa Biscotti, Lino's pantry items, homemade Focaccia, imported olive oil, Gelato Joe’s, Prosecco Pops and other local vendors’ fare. There will also be prize drawings. Attendees must be over 21.

When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24

Where: Lino’s, 5611 E. State St., Rockford

Cost: $60; $50 in advance

For more: Jessica@linosrockford.com, 815-397-2077

Coming next week:

Disney’s Encanto: The Sing-along Film Concert

What: “Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert” will include all the music of the Academy Award-winning film, including iconic hits like “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” and “Surface Pressure” performed live. Live characters do not appear in this event.

When: 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27 (doors open at 5 p.m.)

Where: Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford

Cost: $25 to $145

For more: 815-968-5222

Kathi Edwards is a freelance correspondent.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Pretzel City Brewfest among 19 things to do in the Rockford area