There are lots of chances to catch some live music this weekend in the Rockford area, including the return of the Rhythm of the Heart Music Festival which features a fireworks show.

Here are 16 things to do in this weekend:

2nd Annual Rhythm of the Heart Music Festival

What: The all-day festival features live music, a car show, food trucks, vendor tents, kid’s activities and fireworks.

When: 1 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, July 29

Where: Loves Park Festival Grounds, 100 Heart Blvd., Loves Park

Cost: Free admission

For more: https://www.rhythmoftheheartfest.com/

More: Lollapalooza, Country Thunder and more: 10 festivals for live music near Rockford

Music in the Park

What: The July 27 performer is Steely Dane. Winner of the 2015 MAMA award for best cover band, Steely Dane is dedicated to not only faithfully reproducing the Steely Dan and Donald Fagen songbook, but to bringing an energetic live-show experience to the crowd.

When: 7 p.m. Thursday, July 27

Where: Sinnissippi Band Shell, 1401 N. Second St., Rockford

Cost: $5; free for ages 5 and younger

For more: https://rockfordparkdistrict.org/soundsofsummer

Dinner on the Dock

What: Enjoy dinner, drinks and live music on the dock. July 27 entertainment is provided by Nauti Nauti, which performs yacht rock, rock and pop tunes of the 1970s and pre-MTV 1980s.

When: 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday, July 27 (music from 6 to 10 p.m.)

Where: Prairie Street Brewing Co., 200 Prairie St., Rockford

Cost: Free admission

For more: 815-277-9427

The 1980s Hit List

What: A 1980s dance party with the full package of the view, food, drinks and an area '80s cover band.

When: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, July 27

Where: Timber Pointe Golf Club, 5750 Woodstock Road, Poplar Grove

Cost: Free admission

For more: 815-544-1935

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 July 28 is by Three Good Men.

When: 4-8:30 p.m. Friday, July 28

Where: East State and Water Streets, downtown Rockford

Cost: Free admission

For more: http://www.rockfordcitymarket.com/

Music on the Mall

What: Enjoy live music outside. Food and drinks from Lucha Cantina and Cork, Keg & Spirits will be available. The July 28 performer is the classic '70s rock band Soul2Soul. You're encouraged to bring your own chair.

When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, July 28

Where: Edgebrook center court, 1643 N. Alpine Road, Rockford

Cost: Free

For more: 815-398-8957

Cherry & Jerry Performing

What: Cherry & Jerry from St. Louis are a percussion/piano duo that play ragtime, early blues, and jazz standards.

When: 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, July 28

Where: Urban Forest Craft Brewing, 6551 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford

Cost: Free

For more: 779-256-2978

Paraiso Comedy Night starring Shawn Shelnutt, Cory Martin Lara & Justin Saichek

What: Live stand-up comedy starring Shawn Shelnutt, Cory Martin Lara and Justin Saichek. Hosted by Marcos.

When: 8 p.m. Friday, July 28

Where: El Paraiso Lumbre Y Mar Restaurant, 5518 N. Second St., Loves Park

Cost: No cover charge

For more: 815-708-8084

Jim Gill Concert

What: Get ready to sing, clap, dance and spin along during this visit by award-winning musician and author Jim Gill. Jim Gill’s distinctive music play is an invitation to children, parents and grandparents to sing and play together. Tickets for shows are available at the door on a first-come, first-serve basis, with one show per family.

When: 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Friday, July 28

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

Cost: $10; free for members or children ages 1 and younger

For more: 815-963-6769

Astronomy on Tap

What: Join NASA ambassadors Space Case Sarah and Steve Shewalter for a presentation about the Artemis project and an evening of cosmic cocktails and big telescopes. Limited tickets available; call to buy tickets and reserve your seat.

When: 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 29

Where: Magpie, 126 N. Madison St., Rockford

For more: 815-977-5761

More: 'We are doing it here in Rockford': Sending America back to the moon and beyond

Japanese Summer Festival

What: The Japanese Summer Festival features exhibits, demonstrations and unique performances that appeal to all age groups and foster a better understanding of the Japanese culture. Festival activities are included with Garden Admission, advanced registration and additional fee required for tea ceremony participation.

When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 29 and Sunday, July 30

Where: Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford

Cost: $10-$12, children 5 and under are free

For more: 815-229-3930

Aldersgate United Methodist Corn Boil

What: The coin boil features all-you-can-eat sweet corn, hot dogs, cookies and drinks. Park setting with corn refills brought to your table. Extras are available for an additional fee. Tickets are only sold at the event, which will be held rain or shine.

When: Noon to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, July 30

Where: Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 4060 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford

Cost: $8

For more: 815-654-3800

Danny's Toy Show

What: Live music on two stages at the Rockford Speedway will feature 20 musical acts. There will be 50/50 raffles, raffle baskets and shirts for sale. All proceeds will buy toys for UW Health Swedish American hospital for the pediatric department and the emergency room.

When: 2 to 10 p.m. Sunday, July 30

Where: Rockford Speedway, 9572 Forest Hills Road, Loves Park

Cost: $10

For more: 815-621-7102

4th Annual Keep Strong and Movin’ On: A Suicide Awareness and Prevention Ride

What: The event will start at Windsor Pizza Palace and end at Niko’s Bar and Grill, 7509 S. Grant Highway, Marengo. Open to all types of legal motor vehicles. Police escorted ride. Register at 10 a.m.; kickstands up at 11 a.m.

When: 10 a.m. Sunday, July 30

Where: Windsor Pizza Palace, 1034 Windsor Road, Loves Park

Cost: Free

For more: 815-708-7309

Love Your Mental Event

What: The purpose of the event is to show the community how many mental health resources are available. This year's event will feature live music, local nonprofit organizations, community art projects, live paintings, art therapy, beauty therapy, pet therapy, massage therapy, aromatherapy, sound baths, retail therapy and more. Proceeds will go towards the 988 suicide and crisis hotline.

When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 30

Where: Real Beautiful You LLC, 420 N. Main St., Rockford

Cost: Free admission; donations welcomed

For more: loveyourmentalllc@gmail.com

Antique Tractor Pull

What: The antique tractor pull includes farm stock classes 3,000 to 10,000 pounds at 3.5 mph and antique classes 3,500 to 7,600 pounds at 6 and 10 mph.

When: 10 a.m. Sunday, July 30

Where: Vintage Wings & Wheels Museum, 5151 N. Orth Road #A1, Poplar Grove

For more: Weak End Antique Pullers: 815-739-5814

Coming next week:

SRM Prints Printmaking Studio and Storefront Opening Day

What: Come visit the new storefront and browse a unique selection of stationery, printmaking, textiles, letterpress, art and gifts. The shop will be full of new, fresh and fun stationery goods and some of the best greeting cards handmade by woman run shops. SRM Prints will have an entire range of block printed textile designs, tea towels and table runners.

When: Noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 1

Where: SRM Prints Printmaking Studio and Storefront, 330 E. State St., Rockford

Cost: Free admission

For more: sareed28@gmail.com

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Rhythm of the Heart Music Festival among 16 things to do in Rockford