Taste of Rockford grill-off, paranormal investigation and more: Things to do in Rockford

Ken DeCoster covers business news and features. Contact him at 815-987-1391, kdecoster@rrstar.com or @DeCosterKen

July 13, 2022 at 6:19 AM·4 min read

ROCKFORD — Wondering what to do this weekend?

The dog days of summer offer a variety of family-friendly activities and events in the Rockford region.

The third weekend in July brings us Phantom Regiment's Show of Shows, the Ski Broncs, a paranormal investigation of Tinker Swiss Cottage and more.

Musician, author, children’s artist Jim Gill

What: Award winning musician and author Jim Gill will strum his banjo during two shows at the Discovery Center. Gill has released ten CDs of music for young children that are favorites in family rooms, classrooms and playrooms.

When: 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Friday

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

Cost: $10 per person; Children age 1 and younger and Discovery Center members are admitted free of charge.

For more: https://www.discoverycentermuseum.org/

Phantom Regiment’s 2022 Show of Shows

What: This will be the last opportunity to see Phantom Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps.in action in the Rockford area before they head south and then east on the remainder of their summer tour.

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday

Where: Boylan High School, 4000 St. Francis Dr., Rockford

Cost: Tickets range from $10 to $75

For more: https://regiment.org/

Ski Broncs Water Ski Show

What: Watch as amateur water skiers perform fun and exciting water ski stunts set to a themed stage performance.

When: 7 p.m. Wednesdays & Fridays through July

Where: Shorewood Park, 235 Evelyn Ave., Loves Park

Cost: Free admission

For more: https://www.gorockford.com/event/ski-broncs-water-ski-show/22727/

Rockford City Market

What: You can find some of the best local makers, growers, artists, and bakers underneath the Rockford City Market Pavilion. There are two local breweries on site pouring beer, a Main Stage area with a local band, and an Acoustic Stage area with a local performer. The pavilion and surrounding streets are filled with vendors and food trucks. City Market partners with local nonprofits and organizations to host kids’ activities.

When: 4 to 8:30 p.m. Friday

Where: Water Street at East State Street

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

Music on the Mall

What: Enjoy the sounds of the high energy rockabilly band Dirty Fishnet Stockings.

When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday

Where: Edgebrook Center Court, 1641 N. Alpine Road, Rockford

Cost: Free admission

For more: https://edgebrookshops.com/events/music-on-the-mall/

Kids Bike & Fitness Day

What: The event is sponsored by State Rep. Joe Sosnowski and is intended to promote healthy outdoor recreational activities. Kids are invited to challenge themselves to see how many times they can ride around the course on their bike. Prizes will be awarded for most laps. Children must bring their own bikes to participate. Families are encouraged to bring canned food items to benefit the Rockford Rescue Mission and/or baby items to benefit the Pregnancy Care Center of Rockford.

When: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday

Where: Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford

Cost: Free admission

For more: https://joesosnowski.org/

Paranormal Investigation of Tinker Swiss Cottage

What: Haunted Rockford is partnering with Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens to bring the Society for Anomalous Studies back to Tinker Cottage. Did you ever want to see what a real paranormal investigation is all about? This is your chance to find out. This event will let you be the paranormal investigator. Guests will be in small groups as you join the staff in the most active locations in the cottage. You are welcome and encouraged to bring your own equipment. All events begin in the barn.

When: 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday

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

Cost: $40 per ticket

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