William Shatner, Patti LaBelle, fall festivals among 26 things to do in Rockford
This weekend offers a variety of family-friendly activities. There are a bunch of fall or Halloween-related activities along with a video game convention.
You can also see Patti LaBelle and William Shatner at the Coronado.
Here are 26 things to do this weekend.
Patti LaBelle
What: Legendary, singer, actress and author Patti LaBelle will perform.
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14
Where: Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $55-$358
For more: coronadopac.org
William Shatner Live on stage with 'Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan'
What: After a screening of the classic film "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan," the original "Captain James T. Kirk," award-winning actor William Shatner will join the stage to share behind-the-scenes stories from his storied career, including answering audience questions. VIP tickets include a post-show photo opportunity with Shatner.
When: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15
Where: The Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $44-$104
For more: coronadopac.org
38th Annual Fall Diddley 2023
What: Juried craft show of art, foods, clothing, woods, jewelry, floral and more. There will be more than 200 crafters on site. 100% of proceeds from the show go to fund Mental Health Agencies.
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15
Where: Boone County Fairgrounds, 8847 IL 76, Belvidere
For more: 815-385-5745
Brew! Ha! Ha!
What: Comedy Brew Ha! Ha! is a stand-up comedy series featuring both nationally-recognized acts and local talent once a month throughout the fall. Tickets offer a variety of seating and beverage options available for purchase. Former IceHog and Stanley Cup champion Scott Darling will also be there performing.
When: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12
Where: The Barrel Room at Prairie Street Brewing Company, 200 Prairie St., Rockford
Cost: $30-$40
For more: psbrewingco.ticketleap.com
Spooky Wine Glass Paint & Sip
What: Celebrate the season painting spooky wine glasses. After the Vine has an extensive wine list. Food is available from local restaurants or bring in your own snacks.
When: 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12
Where: After the Vine, 163 E. Hawick, Rockton
Cost: $40; discounts with group purchases
For more: 815-957-0505
Movie Night: Friday the 13th
What: Enjoy the spooky ambiance of our new space, Liminal. There is seating for up to 40 people, but you are also welcome to bring your sleeping bag to help set the tone. Liminal is the newly renovated space in the back of the building. The entrance for this event is only through the north side of the building, at Liminal's entrance door. Reservations are not necessary, but a click on "going" is appreciated.
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13 (doors open at 7:30)
Where: Wolf Hollow, 3800 E. State St., Suite 103, Rockford
Cost: $5; covers movie, drinks and snacks buffet
For more: 779-256-2972
Avalon String Quartet
What: Returning classical string quartet and audience favorite, the Avalon String Quartet interprets a vast repertoire of masterworks and contemporary visionaries.
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13
Where: Mendelssohn auditorium, 415 N. Church St., Rockford
Cost: $25; $21 in advance; $6 for children
For more: 815-964-9713
Paranormal Tour with Expedition Entity
What: Spend Friday the 13th with the spirits of the Tinker family with Paraflixx's Expedition Entityl. Hear tales from paranormal experts, listen to audio clips found in the Tinker Cottage and enjoy a tour with the chance to have your own paranormal encounter. You are welcome and encouraged to bring your own equipment (cameras, camcorders, audio recorders). Each event begins in the barn.
When: 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13
Where: Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum & Gardens, 411 Kent St., Rockford
Cost: $25; $20 for members
For more: 815-964-2424
Rockton Township Cemetery Graveyard Tour
What: All are welcome to a tour of the Rockton Township Cemetery to learn about the history buried in the cemetery's backyard. Walk at your leisure to the featured graves where a guide will impart the interesting history behind its resident. You do not have to be present right at 5 p.m., but you are encouraged to allow yourself at least one hour to visit the featured gravesites.
When: 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13
Where: Rockton Township Cemetery, 536 N. West St., Rockton
Cost: Free
For more: 815-624-7600
West Side Show Room: Barbecue by Robert O’Hara
What: Barbecue is a raucous family comedy that centers on the O'Mallery's, a dysfunctional group of siblings who gather in their local park to share some barbecue and stage an intervention. However, there are in fact, two O'Mallery families, one black and one white. Each appear in different, yet similar scenes that juxtapose to create a dialogue about racial and family politics. Play runs from Oct. 13 through Oct. 29.
When: 8 to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13
Where: West Side Show Room, 1414 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: Free
For more: wssr.org
The Addams Thread
What: This play is dedicated to Rockford University graduate Jane Addams and her classmates, "The Glorious Seventeen."
When: 1:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13
Where: Maddox Theater at Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: Free
For more: 815-226-4100
Rockford Record Crawl 2023
What: Hang out with other record collectors, make friends, have fun and enjoy yourself. Each store will have sales and specials. Go to all three record stores and get your special stamp card stamped. Turn that stamp card in at the end of the day (to any record store) to be entered to win gift certificates to all the shops. Each store will have their own door prize giveaway set up for the chance to win at each store.
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14
Where: Toad Hall, Toad Hall, 2106 Broadway, Rockford; Culture Shock, 2239 Charles St., Rockford; and CD Source, 5704 N. Second St., Loves Park
Cost: Free admission
For more: 815-229-2997
Paper and electronic shred day
What: Rid yourself of unwanted sensitive documents and electronics securely. Limit is two boxes of shred per customer. Accepted electronics: tube TVs, computer monitors, flat screen TVs, flat screen computer monitors, DVD players, VCRs, satellite receivers, printers, scanners, fax machines, keyboards, computer mice, gaming units, audio equipment, phones, routers, computer towers (hard drives), laptops and laptop chargers.
When: 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14
Where: Illinois Bank & Trust, 6855 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford
Cost: Free
For more: 815-637-7000
Metal Militia Motor Club raising money for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
What: Come for an evening car meet raising money for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. No burnouts, two-stepping or excessive revving.
When: 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Oct. 14
Where: Best Buy parking lot, 281 Deane Drive, Rockford
For more: 224-418-7532
Drinks for the Dells
What: This fundraiser includes an afternoon filled with craft brews, food from Big Jon's in Belvidere for purchase, raffles and live music by the VanDwellers. Brews from: Prairie Street Brewing Co., Pig Minds Brewing Co., Hairy Cow Brewing Company, Urban Forest Craft Brewing and Forest City Brewers.
When: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14
Where: Severson Dells, 8786 Montague Road, Rockford
Cost: $50; $40 in advance; $10 for designated drivers
For more: 815-335-2915
Pop-up Solar Event
What: Join NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassadors Sarah and Steve observe the partial solar eclipse and walk through an inflatable planetarium. Each patron will also receive a pair of solar eclipse shades.
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14
Where: RPL Nordlof Center, 114 N. Main St., Rockford
For more: 815-965-7606
12th Annual Nik’s Homerun 7k run 1.5 mi. walk & Grammy’s Online Auction
What: A family-friendly event where you can meet some of the young adult cancer warriors (wishers) and their families. The closing ceremony will honor both the outstanding runners and courageous young adults Nik's Wish serves. All registrants will get a swag bag and a chance to win two Bears tickets.
When: 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14
Where: Rockford Rivets Stadium, 4503 Interstate Blvd., Loves Park
Cost: Free admission; costs for activities up to $50
For more: 815-262-9678
Alden Park Strathmoor’s Fall Fest
What: Come out for an afternoon of family fall fun. Activities will include a mini pumpkin patch, apple cider station, petting zoo and a chili tasting cook-off.
When: Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14
Where: Alden Park Strathmoor, 5668 Strathmoor Drive, Rockford
For more: 815- 229-5200
The Henson’s Masquerade Ball
What: The Henson’s Masquerade Ball will be a unique visual experience capturing the essence of the dark fantasy worlds of Jim Henson. Costumes are required for this event, complete with live DJ’s, performers, costume award contest, themed cocktails with hors d’oeuvres, vendors and art installations with photo opportunities. Twenty percent of registration fees will be donated to Rockford Family Peace Center and Love Your Mental.
When: 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14
Where: The McPherson, 1210 Buchanan St., Rockford
Cost: $35 to $50
For more: The Henson's Masquerade Ball on Facebook
Concerts on the Creek: Todd Lorenc Ukelele Like You’ve Never Heard Before
What: Todd Lorenc sings and combines instrumental virtuosity, electronic wizardry and creativity to create a ukulele music that defies description. Pizza by the slice, bottled beverages and prepackaged snacks available at 6:15 p.m. and, if inventory remains, during intermission.
When: 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14 (Doors open at 6 p.m.)
Where: Spring Creek Church, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
For more: 815-979-1949
Family Fall Festival
What: Bring the family for pumpkin painting, s’mores station, archery, bingo, tractor hayrides, fall games and crafts, scarecrow making and bounce houses. Food and beverages will also be available for purchase. All proceeds benefit the YMCA's annual fund which helps provide scholarships to area youth to experience the magic of Camp Winnebago, regardless of their family's financial situation.
When: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14
Where: Camp Winnebago, 5804 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
For more: rockriverymca.org
First Northern Credit Union’s Annual Fall Fest
What: Kids can receive plenty of candy by trick-or-treating. There will also be a Halloween costume contest. Get creative with arts and crafts projects for kids, plus coloring and activity sheets. Kids can get their faces painted and get a free balloon animal. There will be food trucks on site as well.
When: 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14
Where: First Northern Credit Union, 104 N. Showplace Drive, Rockford
Cost: Free admission
For more: fncu.org
Inscape Collective Concert Series: Greg Herriges
What: The 2023 Concert Series includes a variety of concerts featuring some of Rockford's most talented performers, as well as up-and-coming artists. Greg Herriges of Minneapolis is stopping by Rockford as part of his lower-Midwestern tour. Admission is first-come-first-served with a 50-seat limit. The Inscape Collective store will be open from 4 to 9 p.m. Listeners are encouraged to shop before and after the concert.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14
Where: Inscape Collective, 201 Seventh St., Rockford
Cost: Free; $10 donation suggested
For more: inscapecollective.org
Miracle Mile’s 23rd Annual Paul Stauffer Memorial Rock & Bowl Car Show
What: The annual event features a car show, food, 50/50 raffle, music and more. Proceeds go to Rock Valley College Foundation Automotive Program and to support local veterans and active troops.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14 (registration starts at 8 a.m.)
Where: The Magna parking lot, west of Don Carter Lanes, 4007 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission for spectators; Car registration $20 in advance
For more: Rock & Bowl Car Show on Facebook
Rock River Valley Video Game Convention
What: The Rock River Valley Video Game Convention is a celebration of video games. “R2V2” offers a community event for avid gamers. The event features a multitude of vendor tables with video games and consoles from all generations available for sale at reasonable prices; video game competitions; and raffle prizes. Your entry ticket grants you access to meet special guests in person, including Jon St. John. Autographs, selfies, video recordings or voice mails will be an extra charge with all proceeds going to the talent.
When: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14
Where: The Lyran Society, 1115 4th Ave., Rockford
Cost: $25; $10 for children ages 6 to 12; save $3 with advance tickets
For more: thegamingoutsider.com
Wine-ding Through Time
What: Historic Auto Attractions, in collaboration with local winery After the Vine, hosts an evening wine tasting event, offering a unique blend of history, culture and wines from around the world. Historic Auto Attractions provides the perfect backdrop. Surrounded by artifacts from various eras, attendees will enjoy the blend of history and wine, contrasting and complementing each other.
When: 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14
Where: Historic Auto Attractions, 13750 Metric Road, Roscoe
Cost: $45; $80 for couple
For more: 815-209-5864
Kathi Edwards is a freelance correspondent.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: William Shatner, Patti LaBelle to perform in Rockford this weekend
