The weekend brings the Boone County Fair, the Rockford Boxing Classic and Polish Fest along with a host of fundraisers, live music, back-to-school events, and more to the Rockford area.
Check out these upcoming events.
Boone County Fair
What: The Boone County Fair features Pro Bull Riding Friday; demolition derbies Sunday; champion livestock, home economics, agriculture and art exhibits, vendors and exhibits; fair food; free shows; live music; and Skinner's rides and games. Featuring Scotty McCreery with guest Greylan James Saturday. Seeboonecountyfair.comfor more details.
When: Tuesday, Aug. 6 – Sunday, Aug. 11
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Where: Boone County Fairgrounds, 8847 IL 76, Belvidere
Rockford City Market
What: Rockford City Market features local growers and vendors who sell handmade products, including vegetables, fruit, eggs, meat, cheeses, flowers, herbs, baked goods, wine and prepared food, as well as artisans and vendors with unique offerings. Most vendors originate within 150 miles of Rockford. Sample local food and brews and listen to live music under the covered pavilion. Families also enjoy free weekly kid's activities. The Real Deal performs on the main stage Aug. 9.
When: 4-8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9
Where: Water Street at East State Street, Rockford
Cost: free admission
Music on the Mall
What: On Aug. 9, That Gurl will perform 70s dance music.
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9
Where: Center Court at Edgebrook Center near Cora Physical Therapy, 1643 N. Alpine Road, Rockford
Cost: Free admission
Friday Night Flix
What: The movie Aug. 9 will be Shrek. It shows at dusk. There will be kids activities, food trucks and more starting at 6:30 p.m. In the event of inclement weather during Friday Night Flix, announcements will be posted on theFriday Night FlixandDavis ParkFacebook pages.
When: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9
Where: Davis Park, 320 S. Wyman St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
Ladies Night
What: Link't will have permanent jewelry; Ric Rac will have clothing and gifts for any and every occasion; Henna will be created by Reverent Henna; and Creations by Christy will have snacks. Bring your friends, shop, mingle and grab some pretties from the Bloom Bar. Complimentary drinks available.
When: 5-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9
Where: Buckets n Blooms, 647 S. Blackhawk Blvd., Rockton
Outdoor Family Movie Night
What: Everyone is invited to the north lawn for an outdoor movie night. Family-friendly movie. Bring a chair or blanket; MomSTRONG will have popcorn and snacks.
When: 8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9
Where: Central Christian Church of Rockford, 6595 Guilford Road, Rockford
Cost: Free
Date Night Paint Night (Paint Your Partner)
What: Your ticket includes one pizza, one dessert, two beers and all paint supplies. One ticket per couple. Register through Eventbrite link.
When: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9
Where: Pig Minds Brewing Co., 4080 Steele Drive, Machesney Park
Cost: $60
Garden Foraging Tour
What: This two-hour garden themed foraging tour will be led by professional forager Dave Odd. Learn about common garden and landscape weeds and mushrooms that can also be used as food and medicine. Also learn about food and medicine uses for garden and landscaping plants that aren’t typically grown for those purposes. Dave always guarantees that participants will find 50 different edible/medicinal wild plants or mushrooms on each tour. Bring a notebook and walking shoes. The program will start at Clarcor Pavilion and transition to Klehm’s Demonstration Gardens. Program participants will not be eating any of the foraging finds on this tour. Be prepared to sign a waiver, take notes and learn the safety rules of foraging responsibly.
When: 9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10
Where: Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford
Cost: Free
Hearts Out to Hospice – Pig Roast
What: This event to benefit Northern Illinois Hospice features three bands, pulled pork and fun on the patio all day. Food served from 2-6 p.m. Shifty Shafter plays at 2 p.m.; Blind Date starts at 5:30 p.m. and Stereotype starts at 9 p.m.
When: 2 p.m. - midnight Saturday, Aug. 10
Where: Neighbors Bar & Grill, 7745 Forest Hills Road, Loves Park
Cost: $10 admission
Birdies for Ben
What: This 18-hole golf outing was established in 2022 to remember Benjamin Schoenhardtby combining his lovefor the sportof golf and sharing special times with others along with advocating for opioid death prevention. This year, Rosecrance will be the beneficiary of all proceeds. The golf portion of the event is sold out, but you can still come support the cause and enter to win some prizes. There will be handmade tie dyes for sale, 50/50 raffle, basket drawings and more.
When: 9:30 a.m. shotgun start, with group pic at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 10
Where: Ledges Golf Course, 7111 McCurry Road, Roscoe
Cost: Free to attend
Back to School
What: Visit A&M Essentially You and other local businesses and get ready to go back to school. There will be face painting, hair tinsel, haircut deals, hair and skin product deals, demonstrations and giveaways. Taco’s Don Chato food truck, Blessed Creations, Mac Brother’s Cheesecake and other vendors will be on site.
When: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10
Where: A & M Essentially You Wellness Salon, 7916 Scott Lane, Machesney Park
Splash Party
What: Borrow a pair of rubber boots to explore the muddy woodland trails, enjoy a picnic at the pavilion and splash to your heart’s content. Bring your own water toys, or borrow from Nature at The Confluence. All ages are welcome. The event will feature water blasters, sprinkler, muddy hiking, kiddie pool and water toys, water scavenger hunt and more. Rain or shine. No registration.
When: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10
Where: Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit
Build A Brim Hat Bar
What: Come build a brim at the Hammered Hat Bar. There will be a variety of embellishments to choose from to add flair. Hat is included in the cost of the workshop. Burning and branding stations will also be available. This is a drop-in event. You do not need to be here right at noon, but you do need to pre-register. Allow approximately one hour to complete your hat. Hat embellishments are done on a points system. Included with the price of your hat, you get 25 points to spend on embellishments. Embellishment options include ribbon, leather bands, playing cards, pompas, feathers, flowers, charms, burning/branding and matchbooks.
When: Noon – 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10
Where: DC Estate Winery, 8877 State Line Road, South Beloit
Cost: $72
Music in the Park: Sinnissippi Jams V4 Originals
What: Some of the finest local and regional artists hit the stage for a Saturdayafternoon of storytelling and great music. Expect very seasoned professionals, and fantastic compositions of original and high-quality songwriting from six groups. Music in the Park is an outdoor summer concert series held at the open-air Sinnissippi Park Music Shell. A variety of musical performers, styles and genres are presented. Arrive early for best seating; ending times are approximate. Bring a picnic to enjoy, or purchase concession items.
When: 1-8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10
Where: Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, 1401 N. Second St., Rockford
Cost: Free; donations accepted
Summerpalooza
What: We’re blocking off the first block of West Main Street for food, fun, activities and more. The August theme is a Hawaiian luau. The headlining act is Random AF, with Dan Tritten and Kevin & Greg opening.
When: 5-10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10
Where: Downtown Rockton, 100 W. Main St.
Cost: Free admission
Swiftie Late Night Paint Party
What: There will be print outs to use with graphite paper to create Taylor inspired designs. You can paint anything anyway you wish. There will also be a friendship bracelet station where you can create your own. Free pizza and soft drinks available or bring your own food and drinks. Glaze paints are food safe and good for hot or cold items. If stoneware is chosen, stoneware is also food safe, but more durable and okay for the freezer, dishwasher, microwave and oven. Glazed pieces take 7-10 days to fire. Acrylic stains are also available. Unlike acrylic paints, stains soak into the pottery/ceramics for a brush stroke free look. Items with acrylic stains are not food or water safe, great for detail and go home the same day.
When: 7:30-10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10
Where: Pottery Lounge, Rockford
Cost: $13 plus cost of pottery selected
2024 Rockford Boxing Classic
What: The third annual Rockford Boxing Classic is an all-ages outdoor boxing festival featuring some of the Midwest’s top amateur boxers and first responder bouts. It is sanctioned by USA Boxing and The Illinois Local Boxing Committee. Event proceeds benefit the nonprofit Rockford Patriots Boxing Club, a division of the Patriots Gateway Community Center (501(c)(3)). Amateur youth and area police officers and fire fighters will compete for boxing pride. Attendees can enjoy local food and beverages, music, interactive entertainment, a 50/50 raffle and more.
When: 4-8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10
Where: Rockford City Market, 116 N. Madison St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
RFT 4th Annual Kids Fishing Derby
What: Every child will walk away with a new pole, goodie bag, bait and more. Sizz N Fizz will be donating lunch of a hot dog, chips, drink and treat to the kids while supplies last. All children age 16 and older are required to have an Illinois state fishing license. Registration at 9 a.m., with derby from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and awards afterward for biggest fish and most fish in age categories. For ages 1-17.
When: 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 10
Where: Four Lakes Forest Preserve, 10207 Fish Hatchery Road, Pecatonica
Solar System Field Trip
What: This highly interactive show takes you on a trip to some of the greatest hits of the solar system. Zoom close to Saturn's rings, check out our closest star, the Sun, and get up close and personal to our space station. Held in the Activity and Storytime Rooms.
When: 10 a.m. – noon Saturday, Aug. 10
Where: Rockford Public Library, 215 N. Wyman St., Rockford
Polish Fest 2024
What: The family-friendly annual event features food, music and dancing all day, kids games and bingo. Polish ethnic foods includes pierogi, potato pancakes, polish sausage, domestic and Polish beer and more. Syrena and Syrenka Polish Folk Dance Ensemble return the festival, performing at 1, 2:30 and 4:30 p.m.
When: 11 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 11
Where: St. Stanislaus Church, 201 Buckbee St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
Farm Animals and Farming: Then and Now
What: Come visit furry and feathered farm friends as you learn about the farming practices of the 1840's and today. Help with a few chores at the old homestead. Explore the historic buildings and learn about the history of the first pioneer settlement in Winnebago County and the thousands of years of Native American history at the site.
When: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 11
Where: Macktown Living History, 2221 Freeport Road, Rockton
Cost: $5; free for members and children age 7 and younger
7th Annual Female Energy Festival
What: Visit a diverse array of women-owned businesses and vendors, local food trucks, activities for all ages, Classic Cars, a wellness zone and more. There will be live DJs. The first 150 attendees will receive a gift bag full of freebies and exclusive deals from local sponsors and businesses.
When: Noon – 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 11
Where: UW Health Sports Factory, 305 S. Madison St., Rockford
Cost: $5; free for age 4 and younger
Harlempalooza Music Festival
What: Harlempalooza’s live music festival will feature six performing acts on two stages: Tree Dogs, Hooligans, Courtney Davies, Rock & Roll Institute, Gilded Cages and Big Bang Baby featuring Ryan O'Rourke. There will be two bouncy houses for children, games and other family fun. There will also be a raffle with more than 25 prizes up for grabs. Guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs. No outside coolers. Food and beverage available for purchase. Proceeds will be used to buy piano keyboards for a newly-approved piano class at Harlem High School.
When: 11:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 11
Where: Harlem High School, 1 Huskie Circle, Machesney Park
Cost: $10; $20 per family
Live at Levings: Gospel in the Park
What: Rockford comedian Deon Freeman hosts event with live performances by Rockford natives Boyce Hudson and Janet Salter, the Miracle Praise Team featuring Pastor Janice Mathis and Gospel rapper artist, father and believer, Travon Bryant. Live at Levings features live music, food vendors and a lively atmosphere.
When: 5-8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 11
Where: Levings Park, 1420 S. Pierpont Ave., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
Woodsong Summer Concert: Respect!
What: Respect! A Tribute to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklinis a tribute groupthat features a 10 piece orchestra fronted by the incomparable Da’Quela “Cookie” Payne. Respect! pays homage to the music of the late great, Aretha Franklin. The show features such Aretha classics as Think, Chain of Fools, Never Loved a Man, Dr. Feelgood, and many more.Klehm’s Woodsong Concerts are lawn-style events. No reserved seats and attendees should plan to bring their own blankets, chairs or other seating. Attendees are welcome to bring their own food and drink to enjoy in a responsible manner prior to and during the concert. Local favorite Gelato Joe’s will be present.
When: 6-8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 11 (gates open at 4 p.m.)
Where: Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $15; $12 for members; tickets are only available online
Rockford Comic Book Convention
What: There will be lots of comics from golden age to present day along with related collectibles offered by dealers from three states. Prices range from less than a dollar to hundreds of dollars. Dealers are also buying comics. Bring plenty of cash and avoid having to pay an ATM fee. Most vendors do not take credit cards.
When: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 11
Where: Loves Park VFW, 2018 Windsor Road, Loves Park
Cost: Free admission
Coming next week
Dockside Live
What: Dockside Live, born on the heels of the iconic Dinner on the Dock is Prairie Street Brewing Co.’s answer to a more locally-focused and intimate live music experience on our dock. On Monday, Aug. 12, enjoy performance by Kelly Steward. Live music from 6-9 p.m.; the kitchen is open until 9 p.m. The event is for all ages. No reservations allowed. First come, first served hostess seating.
When: 6-9 p.m. Monday, Aug. 12
Where: Prairie Street Brewing Co., 200 Prairie St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
Stars of Starlight
What: This event features stars from Starlight’s present and rich history, with a diverse range of performances. This is a night to enjoy Starlight performers and staff, but this event is also a fundraiser supporting the future of Starlight Theatre, with silent auctions, raffles, and door prizes. You might get a sneak peek at next year's season.
When: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13
Where: Starlight Theater at Rock Valley College, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford
Cost: $20; $10 for children
Tuesday Evening in the Gardens
What: Tuesday Evening in the Gardens features local, regional and nationally touring musicians. Guests are invited to enter and set up seating area at 5 p.m. Blankets, lawn chairs and small tables are welcome. Food and beverages are available for purchase. Carry-in picnic suppers are welcome; carry-in beverages are not allowed. Bags will be checked upon entry. The Henhouse Prowlers of Chicago will headline at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 13, with Swingbilly RFD of Rockford opening at 5:45 p.m.
When: 5:45 – 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13
Where: Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
Cost: $12; $11 for seniors; $10 for Military and students; Free for age 5 and younger or Premium Garden Members
Everything’s Coming Up Roses
What: Be among the first to enjoy this art display showcasing artworks inspired by the 100-year-old Sinnissippi Rose Garden and meet the artists who created it. Food and drink are available from various vendors as part of Food Truck Tuesday. Limited parking; Trolley Car 36 shuttle is available from Rock Men Guardians sculpture, Ethel Avenue and Symbol parking lot.
When: 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13
Where: Sinnissippi Rose Garden, 1354 N. Second St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission to opening reception; $5 admission to Nicholas Conservatory tropical exhibition area and Growing Home exhibit; free for NCG members
Guest Bartender Fundraiser
What: Join Shelter Care for its annual Guest Bartender event. Laird Lambert and Mike Robinson will be the guest bartenders for the evening. All tips in the form of cash, checks, or scanned QR codes will benefit Shelter Care's Jubilee Center. Dinner is available for purchase from 5 - 8 p.m.
When: 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13
Where: University Club of Rockford, 945 N. Main St., Rockford
Music on the Rock
What: Enjoy music from The Dig 3, a new blues/roots all-star trio consisting of vocalist /guitarist Andrew Duncanson of Kilborn Alley Blues Band fame, harp master and teacher Ronnie Shellist, and multi-instrumentalist Gerry Hundt. Enjoy food from TLK - Tita’s Local Kitchen and drinks from Prairie Street Brewing Co. while relaxing in our outdoor theater.
When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 14
Where: Behind Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission; food and beverages for purchase
Heritage Whiskey Wednesday
What: The Heritage Museum Park is traveling offsite to theBarnstormer Distilleryfor a special event showcasing the Graham-Ginestra House and its unique history. Each ticket provides a tour and tasting through Barnstormer Distillery, a commemorative Graham whiskey glass, dinner from Texas Roadhouse and live music. A cash bar will be available for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Rockford has a long history with distilleries and whiskey directly linked to the historic Graham-Ginestra House.
When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 14
Where: Branstormer Distillery, 6969 S. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $45; $40 for members
Winnebago County Fair
What: The county fair features Midway carnival rides, games and food; family circus, K-9 demonstrations, Queen and Junior Miss Pageant, rodeo, lumberjack camp, ventriloquist, truck races, tractor pulls and parade, live music, livestock auction, Hoo Haven and more. Seewinnebagocountyfair.comfor more details on activities, admission rates and specials.
When: Noon, Wednesday, Aug. 14 – 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18
Where: Winnebago County Fairgrounds, 500 W. First St., Pecatonica
Rockton River Market
What: Enjoy food, wine or wine slushies from After the Vine, the market and fun with friends. The Aug. 14 performer is Shuffle This, a pop/rock/dance band from the suburbs of Chicago to Freeport. The market opens at 5 p.m., with music starting at 6 p.m.
When: 5 – 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 14
Where: Settlers Park, 128 E. Hawick St., Rockton
Cost: Free admission
815 Day at Edgebrook Center
What: This day-long event features a sidewalk sale from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; an outdoor podcast featuring Kathi Kresol of Rockford Public Library, sharing the history of 'Haunted Rockford' and other highlights with Tim Larson of Storytellers Studio under the overhang next to Dental Dimensions at 2:30 p.m.;80s' Hit List Band from 6-8 p.m. in Center Court; food and drinks from Lucha Cantina. Help the Rockford Rescue Mission and the Pregnancy Care Center by bringing toilet paper, diapers, wipes, diaper cream, baby wash and shampoo to any of these events.
When: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15
Where: Edgebrook Center, 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford
The Great Turtle Creek Duck Race
What: Support Nature at The Confluence by buying a rubber duck (or handful of ducks) that will race down Turtle Creek at the Community Fire & Drum Circle at 6 p.m. The first three ducks to cross the finish line win a cash prize. Donations also accepted. All funds raised go toward the free and low-cost programs offered here. Participants do not need to be present to win.
When: 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15
Where: Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit
Dinner on the Dock
What: The 2024 Dinner on the Dock Music offers guests food, locally brewed craft beer and locally and nationally recognized musical acts. Come by car or boat and relax on the dock. The performer for Aug. 15 is Rockford-based Miles Nielsen.
When: 5-10 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15
Where: Prairie Street Brewing Co., 200 Prairie St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission; table and boat slip reservations available
RAD + Beats & Bites
What: This 815 Day event features a live print, DJ and food trucks from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Bring your own blank T-shirt in to have the iconic (815) design printed on it for just $8.15 orbuy a blank T-shirt from RAD and get it printed on for $18.15. Music by Luxe DJ Paul and a variety of local eats from First Street between Mulberry and East State streets: Cheezy's Grilled Cheeses, Ka Bao!, Cousins Maine Lobster, Dairyhaus (inside RAD), The Nenas RKFD Mexican Food andTakeshi Blessing Asian Cuisine.
When: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15
Where: Rockford Art Deli, 402 E. State St., Rockford
815 Day Block Party
What: Celebrate the Rockford community with carnival games, a dunk tank, inflatables, a food truck and crafts. There will also be a cornhole tournament.
When: 5-8:15 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15
Where: First Covenant Church, 316 Wood Road, Rockford
Cost: Free admission
815 Day Celebration and Scavenger Hunt
What: Celebrate 815 Day with the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County with a nature inspired scavenger hunt. Test your senses at Headquarters Forest Preserve to see what kind of sights and sounds you will find in the great outdoors.Find all of the items in the scavenger hunt and win a prize. You can also find the 815 Day Kindness Cards at this family-friendly event. Leashed pets allowed. Please use parking lot in from of Administration Building. No RSVP needed.
When: 4-8:15 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15
Where: Headquarters Forest Preserve, 5500 Northrock Drive, Rockford
Cost: Free
Music in the Park: Piper Road Spring Band
What: Piper Road Spring Band (PRSB) is a five-member group whose unique acoustic/bluegrass style includes fiddle, mandolin, guitars, washboard, and vocals. The band has performed at The Grand Old Opry, shared a billing with Bill Monroe, and has shared stages with Dolly Parton, Roy Orbison, and most of the key players of bluegrass' first and second eras. Music in the Park is an outdoor summer concert series held at the open-air Sinnissippi Park Music Shell. Arrive early for best seating; ending times are approximate. Bring a picnic to enjoy, or purchase concession items.
When: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15
Where: Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, 1401 N. Second St., Rockford
Cost: $5
