St. Patrick's Day parade among 14 things to do in the Rockford area this weekend
Spring is rapidly approaching and that means activities and events in the Rockford region are in abundance.
This second weekend of March brings us St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, Sock Monkey Madness and much more.
Katie’s Cup presents Danny McDade
What: Kick off St. Patrick’s Day week by listening to Irish singer Danny McDade perform many of the traditional Irish tunes, plus some of the more recent Irish and Celtic songs making the music scene.
When: 7 p.m. Thursday
Where: Katie’s Cup, 502 7th St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission. A $10 free will donation is suggested.
For more: https://www.katiescup.com/
The Studio presents Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
What: The musical by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Weber follows the story of Joseph, the favorite son of Jacob and his 11 brothers. When Joseph’s father gives him a colorful coat, his brothers become jealous and seek revenge on Joseph.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday
Where: Rockford University Maddox Theater, 5050 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: Adults: $13 in advance, $15 at the door; Children (12-under): $11 in advance, $13 at the door; Seniors (55+): $11 in advance, $13 at the door; Seating is general admission.
For more: https://www.thestudiorockford.com/
Hononegah Community High School presents Mary Poppins
What: Jane and Michael Banks have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives at their home. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she attempts to teach the children and their parents how to value each other again.
When: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday
Where: Hononegah Performing Arts Center, 307 Salem St., Rockton
Cost: $10 for adults, $8 for students
For more: https://www.hononegah.org/calendar/pac_event_calendar
Illinois Kids Wrestling Federation
What: Wrestlers from across Illinois will compete for trophies during the event.
When: Friday and Saturday
Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford
For tickets and more: https://thebmocenter.com/
RV, Camping & Travel Show
What: See the latest in outdoor adventures. There will be entertainment for the entire family, including music and exotic animals.
When: 2 to 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
Where: Mercyhealth Indoor Sports Center, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park
Cost: $6 for adults, free admission for children 12 & under.
For more: https://rkfdrvshow.com/
Sock Monkey Madness
What: Discover the importance of the iconic sock monkey to Rockford’s Industrial past. Learn how a simple sock led to the growth of a city and the creation of a universally recognized symbol.
When: 9 a.m. Saturday
Where: Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford
Cost: $12 for adults, $8 for children ages 5-12.
For more: https://www.midwayvillage.com/
St. Patrick’s Day Parade & PaddyFest
What: Irish eyes will be smiling during the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in downtown Rockford. After the parade, enjoy Irish music, food and beverages at PaddyFest.
When: Parade kicks off at 3 p.m. Saturday. PaddyFest begins at 4 p.m.
Where: The parade kicks off on 7th Street, heads north to East State Street and then west to Water Street. PaddyFest will be held at The Standard, 214 E. State St., Rockford.
Cost: $10 for adults to attend PaddyFest. Free admission for children 12 and under.
For more: https://irishmarchingsociety.com/
“Chloe Blodgett: The Untold Story of Beloit’s Founding Woman”
What: During Women’s History Month, hear about the life of Chloe Blodgett, the wife of Beloit’s founder, Caleb Blodgett. Chloe Blodgett was the daughter of a revolutionary soldier, mother of ten children and followed her husband to the new frontier and helped establish what was to become Beloit.
When: 1 p.m. Saturday
Where: Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit
Cost: Free admission
For more: https://natureattheconfluence.com/
Lunafest
What: Enjoy seven award-winning short films by and about women. Lunafest supports women's powerful voices through female-focused films and supports the programs and services.
When: 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday
Where: Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $30 to $50
For more: https://womanspace-rockford.org/
Science and Cinema Trivia Night
What: Answer questions about how science is portrayed in movies, such as Jurassic Park, Back to the Future, and Star Wars. Prizes will be offered for the winning teams and the last place finishers.
When: 4 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $2 for members, $5 for nonmembers.
For more: https://burpee.org/
Maze Books Lecture Series: The Myth of the Lost Cause
What: Historian Tim Malone will give a presentation on the historical facts of the Civil War and how post-war confederates reimagined their role and motivations in an attempt to rewrite history.
When: 6 to 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: Maze Books, 117 S. 3rd St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
For more: https://www.maze-books.com/
The Detour Comedy Night
What: Performers include Host Dan Garcia, Guest Feature Dylan Scott, Main Feature Tyler Ross and headliner Ton Johnson.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: The Detour Bar & Grill, 1920 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park
Cost: Free admission
For more: https://thedetourbarandgrill.com/
2023 Bridal Open House
What: Wedding professionals will be on hand to offer advice on finding the perfect gown, reception venue, photographer, music, honeymoon destination and much more.
When: 12 to 3 p.m. Sunday
Where: Riverview Inn & Suites and Cliffbreakers Conference Center, 700 W. Riverside Blvd., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
For more: https://www.gorockford.com/event/2023-bridal-open-house/25202/
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band: Dirt Does Dylan
What: The band performs a variety of Bob Dylan’s classic songs as well as its own collection of bluegrass, folk, country and pop material.
When: 7 p.m. Sunday
Where: Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
For ticket prices and more: https://coronadopac.org/
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: St. Patrick's Day parade among things to do in Rockford this weekend
