St. Patrick's Day weekend in Rockford: 11 things to do in the area
St. Patrick's Day weekend in the Rockford area offers plenty of events and activities for the entire family. In the mood for a little Celtic music? We've got you covered.
The third weekend in March also features IceHogs hockey, children's theater, a performance by the Rockford Symphony Orchestra and more.
IceHogs
What: The Rockford IceHogs have two home games this weekend against the Colorado Eagles.
When: 7 p.m. Friday and 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford
For ticket prices and more: https://icehogs.com/
KFACT Night at Portillo’s
What: KFACT is hosting a fundraiser in partnership with Portillo’s to benefit the nonprofit mission of supporting girls in the Rockford area and keeping families together. KFACT is a grassroots nonprofit youth development and holistic mentoring organization that was established to alleviate opportunity gaps among girls living in the Rockford area.
When: Dine at Portillo’s between 5 and 8 p.m. Thursday and 20% of sales will benefit KFACT.
Where: Portillo’s, 6090 E. State St., Rockford
For more: https://k-fact.org/
Discovery Town exhibit
What: While in Discovery Town, children can explore a variety of settings including a vet clinic, post office, theater, pizza shop, fire station, airport, classroom, town zoo and town park.
When: The exhibit runs through May 29.
Where: Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $11 for the public, free admission for museum members.
For more: https://www.discoverycentermuseum.org/
Squish-mallow Paint Night
What: Bring your favorite squish-mallow and paint one on a plate or mug. Silkscreens available and tools will be available. Light snacks/refreshments will be provided.
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday
Where: The Pottery Lounge, 6059 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: $20
For more: https://thepotterylounge.com/
KidVentures: The Engineering of Plants
What: Plants come in many different shapes and sizes and live in a lot of different environments. Some have flowers, others have thorns, some we keep in our homes and others provide us and animals with food. Learn about life cycles and photosynthesis. The program is suitable for children ages 3-6.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday
Where: Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $12 for members, $14 for nonmembers
For more: https://burpee.org/
Shamrock Beer Run
What: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day weekend by taking part in a run or walk to benefit the Nikolas Ritschell Foundation. All registered participants get a souvenir beer glass, Shamrock Beer Run long-sleeve T-shirt and an event medal for completing the course. The race will be followed by a party.
When: 12 to 3 p.m. Saturday
Where: Rockford Speedway, 9572 Forest Hills Road, Loves Park
For registration and more: https://nikolasritschelfoundation.org/
Trinadora’s Third Friday Musical
What: Trinadora’s Janel Nelson and Ron Holm will present a musical mixture of vintage and contemporary pop, folk, country, jazz, blues. Latin and Celtic tunes. Janel and Ron accompany their vocals with keyboard, ocarina, guitar, ukulele, fiddle, harmonica, saxophone, bass, steel guitar, concertina, and more instruments.
When: 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: Stockholm Inn, 2420 Charles St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
For more: https://www.stockholminn.com/
A St. Patrick’s Season Musical Celebration
What: The Concerts on the Creek series is partnering with The Irish Marching Society to create two hours of music and fun featuring songs in the Celtic tradition. Performers include Danny McDade, Emerald Wind and Trinadora.
When: 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday
Where: Spring Creek United Church of Christ, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
Cost: Free admission
For more: https://www.springcreekucc.org/
Rockford Symphony Orchestra presents Scheherazade
What: This 80-minute concert will be performed without an intermission. Patrons are encouraged to stay after the concert for a conversation with the conductor.
When: 7:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday
Where: Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
For ticket prices and more: https://www.rockfordsymphony.com/
The Studio Rockford presents Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
What: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a sung-through musical with lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, based on the character of Joseph from the Bible's Book of Genesis.
When: Special encore performance 6 p.m. Saturday
Where: Rockford University Maddox Theater, 5050 East State St., Rockford
For ticket prices and more: https://www.thestudiorockford.com/
Rockford Symphony Youth Orchestra Chamber Concert
What: Featuring the Rockford Symphony Youth Orchestra Honors Chamber Orchestra and the Sterling String Quartet.
When: 3 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday
Where: Court Street United Methodist Church, 215 N. Court St., Rockford
Cost: $5
For more: https://www.rockfordsymphony.com/rsyo-home
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: St. Patrick's Day weekend in Rockford: 11 things to do in the area
