Looking for something to do this weekend in the Rockford area? Here are 26 upcoming events
- Numerous events are happening in the Rockford area, including the Bark & Wine Gala and Record Store Day.
- Events range from free activities like the Early Childhood Family Fun Fair and egg hunts to ticketed concerts and performances.
- Venues include the BMO Center, Coronado Performing Arts Center, and various parks and museums.
The weekend brings the 16th Annual Bark & Wine Gala, the 18th Annual Record Store Day and the Annual Early Childhood Family Fun Fair, along with fundraisers, live music, art exhibits, holiday events and more to the Rockford area.
Rockford Ice Hogs hockey game
What: Get beer or soft drinks for just $2 at many concession areas through the end of the second intermission at every Friday Rockford IceHogs home game. Friday is also Military Appreciation Night as the IceHogs pay tribute to active and veteran military personnel while partnering with 95.3 The Bull’s Shoeboxes for Soldiers campaign. Saturday is Hammy Hog’s Birthday Bash. The Hogs play the Tucson Roadrunners both nights.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, April 11 and 7 p.m. Saturday, April 12
Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford
Cost: $22 and up
Guided Bird Hike
What: FPWC Wildlife Biologist Liz will discuss bird identification, helpful birding technology and nature journaling while the group searches for winter resident species. Register online. This hike is aimed at beginner birders. Please bring binoculars and dress for the weather. Plan to hike 2-3 miles on mixed terrain (paved, grass, some incline/decline).
When: 8:30 a.m. Friday, April 11
Where: Pecatonica Wetlands Forest Preserve, 5750 Best Road, Pecatonica
Cost: Free
Hollywood Nights: Bob Seger Tribute
What: This is the ultimate tribute to Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band. The nine-piece band based in New Jersey strives to recreate everything about Bob Seger and his music. The band members pride themselves on carrying on the legacy of Bob Seger's high-energy shows, roaring raspy vocals and the groundwork Bob laid over the past 30 years.
When: 8 p.m. Friday, April 11
Where: Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $29.50-$39.50
Egg Hunt
What: The Northeast Family YMCA is hosting the Annual Easter Egg-streme. Take a picture with the Easter bunny, make a craft and enjoy some quality family time. Registration is required.
When: 6-8 p.m. Friday, April 11
Where: Northeast Family YMCA, 8451 Orth Road, Loves Park
Cost: Free
Fashion in Bloom
What: Rockford Art Museum is presenting the ninth annual In Bloom week April 9-13. In addition to the unique combination of artistic talent on view, the museum is hosting the eighth annual Fashion in Bloom. This year’s runway will be held within the 'Impressionists: Immersive Exhibition' and will spotlight fresh floral accessories and living couture by regional designers, as well as vibrant fashions from local fashion boutique B Jones. This event includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, and music by Luxe Productions. A limited number of tickets will be sold. Reservations are required. Proceeds benefit Rockford Art Museum exhibitions and programs.
When: Friday, April 11
Where: Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $125
Full Moon Hike
What: Under the light of the full moon, join Severson Dells staff in exploring the woods and prairie in search of nocturnal mysteries. Registration is required.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, April 11
Where: Severson Dells Nature Center, 8786 Montague Road, Rockford
Cost: $5; $3 for members
Synergy Book Fair
What: This fair includes a used book exchange plus local book store vendor tables. Bring your gently used books, Tarot + Oracle decks until April 11 and receive one book ticket per item accepted. All genres are welcome. Bring your tickets back during the event and shop a wide selection of books and decks in exchange. Shop Synergy’s new books and decks with a 20% discount. Hang out and shop with local book store vendors, Maze Books and Inkwell Books and Threads. Meet local author, Emilee J. Kern, creator of the Monarch Manifester Oracle Deck and author of Chrysalis: The Transformation of the Human Soul. Psychic readings with Laura Brown will be available. Enjoy a hot cup of coffee or tea and a cookie while you explore new reads.
When: 5-8 p.m. Friday, April 11
Where: Synergy Collective, 1625 N. Alpine Road, Rockford
Cost: Free admission
Red’s Comedy Extravaganza
What: The evening will include comedy, spoken word, live music and a DJ.
When: 9-11 p.m. Friday, April 11
Where: Sheila’s Dacquiri Lounge, 308 W. State St., Suite 110, Rockford
Easter Egg Paint Party
What: Paint Easter eggs and see the Easter bunny. There will be several styles of eggs from which to choose. Advance tickets are required and non-refundable; they include the ceramic egg, paints, themed snacks and photos with the bunny. If using acrylic paints, the eggs are ready to go the same day. If using glaze paints, the eggs will be ready for pickup 7-10 days after the event. Limited seating.
When: 6-7:30 p.m. Friday, April 11
Where: Pottery Lounge, 312 N. Alpine Road, Rockford
Cost: $10
An Evening with Bassel & The Supernaturals
What: Bassel & The Supernaturals tells the story of Bassel Almadani's experience as a first-generation Syrian-American using soulful melodies, funk inspired rhythms and lyrics regarding love, loss, otherness and the war in Syria. They made their national television debut in May 2024 as part of a PBS docuseries starring Dule Hill entitled “The Express Way,” regarding the transformative power of the arts. In addition to performing in major festivals, performance halls, concert series and clubs, the group works closely with organizations on events and residencies that build awareness and empathy for Syrian refugees and immigrants. A substantial portion of their proceeds benefit the Karam Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on building a better future for Syria.
When: Saturday, April 12
Where: The Music Box, 218 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: $18.85
Astronaut Academy
What: All space enthusiasts and future astronauts can come work your way through the museum’s Astronaut Academy. Learn how astronauts need to eat and dress, design your own spacecraft and soar through the stars in planetarium shows.
When: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, April 12
Where: Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: Included with membership or $12 general admission fee
16th Annual Bark & Wine Gala
What: This fundraiser for Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary includes meal by Mary's Market, a wine tasting provided by Lino's, raffles and silent auction items, games and more. All proceeds support the mission to provide medical care, shelter and love to homeless animals and to aid pets in need.
When: 4-9 p.m. Saturday, April 12
Where: Tebala Event Center, 7910 Newburg Road, Rockford
Cost: $50; $90 per couple; $350 for table of 8
Matt Matthews Boujee on a Budget Tour
What: Celebrated for his relatability and situational humor, Matt discusses a variety of topics and personal experiences in his stand-up routine, including his farm life, his career as a boudoir photographer, relationships and more. The comedian will also bring his “Confessions with Matt” video series to the stage, where he provides a real-time comedic take about audience members who voluntarily spill their deepest darkest secrets.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, April 12
Where: Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $29.50-$59.59
Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys
What: Experience a fusion of musical talent as two legendary bands, Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys, come together to perform.
When: Saturday, April 12
Where: Hard Rock Casino Rockford, 7801 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: $49.50-$110
18th Annual Record Store Day
What: All of the RSD Special Releases are only available to Independent Record Stores and they can only sell them on a first-come, first-served basis. Culture Shock is open until 6 p.m.; Toad Hall is open until 7 p.m.
When: 8 a.m. Saturday, April 12
Where: Culture Shock, 2239 Charles St., Rockford; Toad Hall, 2106 Broadway, Rockford
Spring Market and Masters Weekend
What: Crazy Times is having its first ever market on the patio, with something for everyone. Shop outside or watch the Masters, which will be on inside. There will be drink and food specials.
When: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, April 12
Where: Crazy Times Pub & Grub, 1520 Glen Forest Drive, Machesney Park
Cost: Free admission
Annual Spring and Garden Market
What: The outside of the shops will be filled with vintage spring and garden items. Downtown Fancy Franks Food Truck will be on Hawick offering gourmet hotdogs and lemonade shake ups. Get a punch card with participating retail shops in Rockton and enter to win gift card bundles. Participating shops include Frosted Farmhouse (112 Hawick St.), Pickadilly (120 W. Main St.), Truly Treasured Gift & Thrift (112 We. Main St.), Ric Rac Embellishments & Gifts, (109 W. Main St.) and JR Art (210 W. Main St.)
When: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, April 12
Where: Various locations in downtown Rockton
Annual Early Childhood Family Fun Fair
What: Come to the carnival where early learners and their families will have many opportunities to engage in creative, educational activities and entertainment. The Rockford Region Collaborative is providing child-centered activities, community resources and entertainment such as Hammy the IceHog and Brian Holt Magic Show along with food trucks with treats for purchase.
When: 9 a.m. Saturday, April 12
Where: Harlem High School, 1 Huskie Circle, Machesney Park
Cost: Free
Egg Hunt
What: Bring the whole family for an outdoor Egg Hunt and some Easter fun, games and crafts. Please bring your own Easter baskets or bags. There will be thousands of eggs filled with candy and prizes. Find a golden egg for a special prize. Egg hunts will be done by age groups.
When: Noon – 3 p.m. (gates open at 11:30 a.m.) Saturday, April 12
Where: Camp Winnebago, 5804 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: Free
Wings & Wheels Museum Easter Event
What: This event features baby animals, airplanes on display (weather permitting), children's activities, food and more. Get photos taken with the Easter Bunny for $5; digital photo will be available to download through a password-protected gallery.
When: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, April 12
Where: Wings & Wheels Museum, 5151 Orth Road, Poplar Grove
Cost: Freewill donation for admission; $5 photos
15th Annual Oak Sapling Giveaway
What: The public is invited to pick up bare-root saplings. There will be red oak, burr oak, white oak and pecan saplings available. Take up to two per household. Each sapling is 1-2 feet long and will need to be planted in a pot or in the ground within a few days of pick up.
When: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, April 12 (or while supplies last)
Where: Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit
Cost: Free; donations appreciated
Walk-In Tarot Readings
What: Walk-in readings will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
When: Noon Saturday, April 12
Where: Inkwell Books & Threads, 106-A W. Main St., Rockton
Cost: $20; $15 with a purchase; cash or Venmo accepted
Community Easter Egg Hunt
What: The egg hunts for children ages 2-12 start at 12:30 p.m. sharp; please arrive on time to get checked in. After the hunt, enjoy playing games, coloring with police officers and firefighters, and more. The Easter Bunny will be available for photos. If the weather is nice, the event will be held outside on the festival grounds, but if it’s rainy, it will move indoors to the City Hall gym. Pre-registration requested.
When: 12:30 p.m. Saturday, April 12
Where: Loves Park City Hall, 100 Heart Blvd., Loves Park
Cost: Free
Spooky Stacks
What: RPL's own Kathi Kresol, local author, historian and paranormal investigator, will share a presentation about haunted libraries. She will delve into the eerie and fascinating world of libraries with ghostly histories, sharing spine-chilling stories and unexplained phenomena from some of the most haunted libraries across the country.
When: 2-3 p.m. Saturday, April 12
Where: Rockford Public Library, East Branch, 6685 E. State St., Rockford
A Grown-Up Wonderland
What: Fall down the rabbit hole and into the whimsical world of Wonderland at this Mad Hatter's High Tea Experience. This afternoon tea gathering is reserved for those who have outgrown childish fancies and embraced the curiouser side of life. Leave the little ones at home. This is a time for grown-up riddles, peculiar pastries and conversations that delve into the depths of the rabbit hole. This experience features an interactive culinary showcase, grazing wonderland and tea buffet. Don your most peculiar hat, beautiful tea dress or Wonderland-inspired attire.
When: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, April 13
Where: The Grand Hall at Hidden Creek Estates, 13276 Whiteschool Road, Roscoe
Cost: $55
Walk-in Board Painting
What: There will be many spring and Easter stencil designs from which to choose. The boards are pre-sanded and stained ready for you to paint. There is no registration or tickets. This is a walk-in event.
When: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sunday, April 13
Where: DC Estate Winery, 8877 State Line Road, South Beloit
Cost: $15-$65; cash, card or Venmo
Coming next week
Pet Photos with the Easter Bunny
What: Visits are always free, with photo packages available for purchase. Walk-ins are welcome, though reservations are recommended.
When: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday, April 14
Where: Cherryvale Mall, 7200 Harrison Ave., Rockford
Spring Ephemeral Walk
What: Come to one of Winnebago County’s oldest preserves, Kilbuck Bluffs, to search for spring ephemerals like mayapple, bloodroot, Dutchman’s breeches, cutleaf toothwort and Virginia waterleaf. Learn about the different ephemerals you see as you walk, as well as about recent restoration work completed here.
When: 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 15
Where: Kilbuck Bluffs Forest Preserve, North entrance, S. Bend Road, Rockford
Earth Day Seed Bombs
What: Listen to a story about Earth Day, then make seed bombs. Please register each child who is to participate. Come play in the dirt! Mix clay, water, dirt and seeds to create seed bombs to distribute on Earth Day. Learn how to responsibly place the seed bombs. Refreshments will be served.
When: 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 15
Where: Rockford Public Library, 1238 S. Winnebago St., Rockford
Art Competition
What: The Rockford Arab Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Rockford University and Almoka Coffee House for this community-judged art competition. Stop by anytime to view local artwork honoring National Arab American Heritage Month and cast your vote for your favorite pieces. Prizes are sponsored by the Rockford Arab Chamber of Commerce.
When: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Wednesday, April 16
Where: Almoka Coffee House, 765 Highgrove Place, Rockford
Fortune Feimster
What: Comedienne Fortune Feimster brings her 2025 North America Tour to Rockford. Affable, charismatic and one of a kind, Fortune Feimster is a standup comedian, writer and actor who uses her confessional comedy to bring people together. Through laughter and storytelling, Fortune shows audiences of all ages, backgrounds, and sexual orientations that common ground is only a joke or two away.
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 16 and Thursday, April 17
Where: Hard Rock Casino Rockford, 7801 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: $35-$82
Dr. Jordan B. Peterson
What: Dr. Jordan B. Peterson is a best-selling author, psychologist, Professor Emeritus at the University of Toronto and co-founder of Peterson Academy. The Jordan B. Peterson podcast frequently tops the charts in the Education category. He has written three books including “Maps of Meaning,” an academic work presenting a new scientifically-grounded theory of religious and political belief and the bestselling “12 Rules for Life, and Beyond Order,” which have sold more than 12-million copies. Dr. Peterson's international lecture tour provides live insight into the structure of mythology and narrative.
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 17
Where: Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $45-$125
NIU Steelband Concert
What: Led by NIU professor and Steelpan Director Liam Teague, considered one of the best and most accomplished steelpan performers in the world, the NIU Steelband performance will feature light-hearted island tunes and pan-centric versions of classical arrangements. Light appetizers and a cash bar will be available during the event.
When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 17
Where: Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $5
Kathi Edwards is a freelance correspondent for the Rockford Register Star.