Trunk-or-treat, apple cider donuts and more: 12 things to do in or near Freeport
This weekend includes all things fall and Halloween from paint night themes, cider donuts and more.
Here are 12 things to do in the Freeport area this weekend:
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
What: This notorious horror parody — a fast-paced potpourri of camp, sci-fi and rock ‘n’ roll, among other things — tracks the exploits of naïve couple Brad (Barry Bostwick) and Janet (Susan Sarandon) after they stumble upon the lair of transvestite Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry). Every screening has a shadowcast of the film (actors acting in front of the screen during the film). Dress in costume if you like.
When: 9:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20 and Saturday, Oct. 21 (box office opens at 8 p.m.; house opens at 9 p.m. with Virgin ceremony)
Where: Winneshiek Playhouse, 228 W. Clark St., Freeport
Cost: $17; $12 in advance; includes prop bag
For more: 815-232-7023
The Ville 2nd Annual Trunk-or-Treat
What: Bring your kids out for a safe place to show off their costumes and gather treats. Come dressed to impress for your chance to win best costume.
When: 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21
Where: Bethany United Church of Christ, 2341 W. Stephenson St., Freeport
Cost: Free
For more: theofficialville.net
Pumpkin Patch
What: One free small pumpkin per person; crafts, snacks, drinks and hayride. For kids ages 10 and younger, must be accompanied by an adult.
When: 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21
Where: First Baptist Church of Freeport, 335 W. Empire St., Freeport
Cost: Free
For more: 815-235-2515
Drop Kick Murphys
What: Dropkick Murphys proudly remain Boston’s rock ‘n’ roll underdogs turned champions. Since 1996, the boys have created the kind of music that’s meant to be chanted at last call, in packed arenas, and during the fourth quarter, third period, or ninth inning of a comeback rally.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20
Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford
Cost: $40-$85
For more: thebmocenter.com
The Fab Four Performs The Beatles’ Rubber Soul & Greatest Hits
What: The Fab Four is an Emmy Award-winning band tributing The Beatles. The Fab Four’s 2023 tour brings their all-new show to the stage with a performance of The Beatles' "Rubber Soul" in its entirety, as well as the band's greatest hits.
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20
Where: The Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $35-$135
For more: https://coronadopac.org
Pour in the Park Oktobeerfest
What: Roscoe’s own beer fest will include food, beer, music, games and fun mixed with the best thing about Octoberfest: beer. Expect several beer tents, each with their own style of beer or featured brewery. There will be beers from Germany, Mexico, Boston and Wisconsin, as well as featured ciders, seltzers and wines. Enjoy yard games and food from your favorite local trucks.
When: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21
Where: Leland Park, 5770 Harrison St., Roscoe
Cost: $10-$250; tickets on eventbrite.com
For more: 815-200-8817
IceHogs Home Opener
What: Enjoy the home opener for the 2023-2024 season this weekend. The IceHogs are celebrating 25 years in Rockford this year, and the 17th year as part of the Americal Hockey League. The block party before the game is free.
When: Block party starts at 4 p.m.; game time is 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21
Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford
Cost: $16.50-$32
For more: 815-968-5222
Donut Sale
What: Pre-order your DeMeester’s apple cider donuts and pick them up starting at 9 a.m. There will be a limited supply of donuts available for same-day sales, but if you want them, your best bet is to pre-order by calling the shelter before the end of business Thursday.
When: 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 21
Where: Friends Forever Humane Society, 966 W. Rudy Road, Freeport
For more: 815-232-6164
Halloween Fun and Karaoke Night
What: You may have the chance to step into the money machine and grab some cash. Wear a costume and have a chance to win prizes.
When: 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21
Where: Prairie Pub and Gaming, 1800 U.S. 20-BR, Freeport
For more: 815-310-1628
Frightfully Fun Night
What: Welcome to our First Annual Frightfully Fun Night. We will offer a Glow stick dance party, scavenger hunt, games, tables and treats, an imagination station, fun zone and more.
When: 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21
Where: Family YMCA of Northwest Illinois, 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport
Cost: $5 per family; free for members
For more: 815-235-9622
Paint ‘n Sip
What: Unleash your inner artist while enjoying some delicious sips by Frankie's Island. Free after party for attendees. Event is open to all skill levels. Canvases, paints and brushes provided. Spaces are limited; reserve your spot in advance.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21
Where: Collaborations Banquet Hall/Private Event Center, 106 Spring St., Freeport
Cost: $10 to $20
For more: eventbrite.com
Holidazzle
What: This two-day holiday arts and crafts show features more than 150 crafters. Shop for unique handcrafted holiday items, including Christmas, Thanksgiving and Halloween. No pets allowed.
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22
Where: Winnebago County Fairgrounds, 607 W. Third St., Pecatonica
Cost: $5 admission; free for age 12 and younger; free parking
For more: strideevents.com
Coming next week:
Homemade Dutch Apple Pie
What: Learn to make a homemade Dutch Apple Pie from scratch. Flaky, buttery, homemade pie crust filled with fresh apples, topped with a crunchy cinnamon topping. Make the pie in class and bake at home or freeze for the holidays. Bring a medium mixing bowl, cutting board, chef knife, small paring knife, rolling pin and a large cookie sheet. If you have a pastry blender, bring it, but some will be provided. Pie pan and everything else provided.
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24
Where: Generations Brewing Co., 1400 S. Adams Ave., Freeport
Cost: $39
For more: 815-599-3403
Kathi Edwards is a freelance correspondent.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Rocky Horror Picture Show among 12 things to around Freeport, Illinois