The weekend brings a Foreigner concert, the last Rockford Rivets home game, a Camp Grant bike tour, the Female Energy Festival along with fundraisers, live music and more to the Rockford area.
Rockford City Market: Soul Review
What: Rockford City Market features local vendors who sell handmade products, including cheeses, flowers, baked goods, and prepared food, as well as artisans and vendors with unique offerings. There are weekly children’s activities. Rockford Mass Transit District provides free trolley service between the Museum Campus, Davis Park, UW Health Sports Factory, Nicholas Conservatory and Rockford City Market (with additional stops at the Coronado Theatre and Nordlof Center) from 3:30-9:30 p.m. The main stage performer Aug. 8 is Soul Review. Carson Hall performs on the Acoustic Stage.
When: 4-8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8
Where: East State and Water Streets, downtown Rockford
Cost: Free admission
Neighborhood ‘Block’ Party
What: This event features building block activities of all kinds, music, snacks and character appearances.
When: 9:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 8
Where: Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: Included with general admission; free for members
Music on the Mall: Stevee Nix
What: Music on the Mall is located in Center Court near Cora Physical Therapy. The performer Aug. 8 is Stevee Nix, playing party music.
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8
Where: Edgebrook Center, 1643 N. Alpine Road, Rockford
Cost: Free admission
Rockford Rivets
What: The Rockford Rivets are a baseball team in the Northwoods League, a collegiate summer baseball league. They will play the Kenosha Kingfish in the final home game.
When: 6:35 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8
Where: Rivets Stadium, 4503 Interstate Blvd., Loves Park
Cost: $14 tickets
Splash Bash 150
What: Celebrate 150 years of Rockford Water. There will be a cooling hydrant party for kids, plus music and refreshments. There will be water-themed activities for all ages. Plus, the big equipment, including a dump truck, backhoe and vactor truck will be available for kids to see up close and explore.
When: 2-4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8
Where: 1141 Cedar St., Rockford
Cost: Free
Rock House Kids Community Event
What: Free services available include physicals, dental care and eye exams. Get free backpacks with school supplies. Meet Rockford’s professional basketball player, Isaiah Roby. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. A farmer’s market and Wehpah food truck will also be on site.
When: 3-6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8
Where: 1325 Seventh St., Rockford
Cost: Free for all school age children and their families
Greg Lindmark Foundation event
What: Celebrate the 10th year of the Greg Lindmark Foundation. This dinner celebrates the work the foundation has done over the past year and aims to raise money to continue its work. 100% of proceeds from the raffle and auction go to funding free mental health counseling sessions for first responders. The social hour, raffle/auction is free. Golf spots are full. The social hour starts at 3 p.m., with dinner at 5:30 p.m., raffle and live auction at 7:30 p.m.
When: 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 8
Where: Rockford Country Club, 2500 Oxford St., Rockford
Cost: $50 for dinner only
Boone County Fair
What: The Boone County Fair includes 100 acres of entertainment, vendors, livestock, thrill rides, exhibits and fair food for you and your family to enjoy. This is the most attended fair in the state. Highlights include Pro Bull Riding Friday, country star Justin Moore Saturday evening and two Demolition Derbies Sunday.
When: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8, 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, 8:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10
Where: Boone County Fairgrounds, Belvidere
Cost: $10
Flamy Grant
What: Billboard-charting Flamy Grant is a shame-slaying, hip-swaying, singing-songwriting drag queen from Asheville, N.C. Her 2022 debut record, Bible Belt Baby, reached the #1 spot on the iTunes Christian Chart (the first drag performer to achieve this feat), was nominated for Best Pop Album at the San Diego Music Awards and was named one of the Top Ten Queer Country Albums of 2023 by Rainbow Rodeo Magazine. Flamy is a finalist for the 2025 International Folk Music Awards Artist of the Year and has been featured in Rolling Stone, Billboard, Entertainment Weekly, People, and more. Flamy blends folk, gospel, and roots, dragging audiences into a mix of storytelling and song.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9
Where: The Music Box, 218 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: $25-$31
Camp Grant Bike Tour
What: Meet in the International parking lot adjacent to the main terminal at the airport. Parking is free in this lot. Arrive early. Tour starts promptly at 8 a.m. This bike tour will provide a tour of where Camp Grant existed, what is now the Chicago-Rockford International Airport. Camp Grant was a training facility for 50,000 men for both World Wars. The camp no longer exists so the tour will use photos to show what was where and what took place. Hear about the evolution of the camp buildings, what companies expanded there and what precipitated the creation of the airport. Bring your smart phones. Length of the tour is 5.2 miles and is level terrain except for one interesting location.
When: 8-10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 9
Where: Chicago Rockford International Airport, 60 Airport Drive, Rockford
Cost: Free
Female Energy Festival
What: This is a 100% women-owned vendor market — from beauty to wellness, handmade goods and more. There will be six food trucks, live entertainment, a kids zone and a new Healthy Girl Market — an outdoor canopy festival of fresh produce, baked goods and holistic care items from local crunchy creators. The first 150 guests will receive an exclusive gift bag.
When: Noon – 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9
Where: UW-Health Sports Factory, 305 S. Madison St., Rockford
Cost: $5; free for children age 4 and younger
Tour of Volunteerism
What: If you are looking for ways to get involved in the process of preserving history, meet new people and have fun, you might consider volunteering for Heritage Museum Park, Tinker Swiss Cottage or Swedish Historical Society, or all three. Learn more about what it means to volunteer by attending this tour. Attending the event does not commit you to any volunteer positions. This is just an opportunity to learn more about each organization and the different ways community members can get involved.
When: 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 9
Where: Heritage Museum Park, 327 S. Third St., Rockford
Cost: Free
Rockford Vintage Fest
What: Rockford Vintage Fest features 15 vintage vendors, gelato from Gelato Joe’s, coffee from Meg’s Daily Grind and food by Lino’s Rockford.
When: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9
Where: Mercato by Lino’s, 8400 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park
Cost: Free admission and parking
Bourbon & Beats: Three Good Men
What: From vibrant jazz tunes to classic rock anthems and everything in between, the summer concert lineup promises something for every music aficionado. Savor food and drinks from onsite vendors as you mingle with fellow music lovers and dance the night away. Food and wine specials will be made available. The performer Aug. 9 is Three Good Men.
When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9
Where: Alchemy at Aldeen, 1902 Reid Farm Road, Rockford
Support the Veterans Drop-In Center
What: On Monday, July 7th, the Veterans Drop-In Center suffered a break-in during which a US Navy veteran/volunteer was assaulted. The intruder also stole cash and deliberately spoiled seven months’ worth of meat by leaving it out of the freezer. To help this valued organization recover from such a difficult setback, Kegel’s is collecting grocery gift cards. Your donations will help restock their food supplies and make a difference for veterans they serve. Drop off cards from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. through Saturday at Kegel’s. Meet at 10 a.m. Saturday at Kegel’s for a group ride to personally deliver the cards to the Drop-In Center.
When: 10 a.m. – noon Saturday, Aug. 9
Where: Kegel’s Bicycle Store, 2605 Charles St., Rockford
Summerpalooza
What: Join the Downtown Rockton businesses for the final Summerpalooza event of the summer. There will be food, beverages, games and activities in the spirit of the date’s theme. All ages are welcome. The theme Aug. 9 will be Luau, featuring the band Random AF.
When: 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9
Where: The 100 West Block of Main Street, Rockton
Cost: Free admission
Dinner at the Museum
What: This exclusive event features museum founder and owner, Wayne Lensing. Enjoy a catered dinner surrounded by iconic exhibits and an intimate talk from Wayne himself. He will share stories behind some of his favorite pieces in the collection — ranging from presidential artifacts to the Frontier Land — and reflect on his journey of building one of the most eclectic and fascinating museums in the country. He’ll also discuss some of the most significant changes and additions that have shaped Historic Attractions into what it is today. Cash bar.
When: 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9
Where: Historic Attractions, 13825 Metric Drive, Roscoe
Cost: $65; $120 per couple
Louiepalooza
What: Port a Johns will be outside. There will be a limited food menu for the day. You can bring a chair for outside. Performers include Shuffle This from 12:30 – 2:30 p.m., McKenna Faith Winters from 3-4:45 p.m., That 70s Band from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and Nauti Nauti from 8:15-10:30 p.m. Guests must purchase a ticket for this event.
When: Noon – 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9
Where: Louie’s Tap House, 5689 Elevator Road, Roscoe
Cost: $10
Foreigner Concert
What: With 10 multi-platinum albums and 16 Top 30 hits, Foreigner, founded in 1976, is one of the most popular rock acts in the world. A few hits include “Juke Box Hero,” “Cold As Ice,” “Hot Blooded,” “Waiting For A Girl Like You,” “Feels Like The First Time,” “Urgent,” “Head Games,” “Dirty White Boy” and “I Want To Know What Love Is.” The Harlem High School Choraleers will perform a song alongside Foreigner. VIP packages are available.
When: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10
Where: Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $78-$1,566
Woodsong: The Yacht Rock-ettes
What: The Yacht Rock-ettes will perform smooth rock of the 70s and early 80s. Hear the songs of Michael McDonald, Hall & Oates, Sade, Kenny Loggins, Orleans, Christopher Cross, Toto, Ambrosia and more. Klehm’s Woodsong Concerts are lawn-style events held in the Fountain Garden. There are no reserved seats. Bring blankets, chairs or other seating. Attendees are welcome to bring their own food and drink to enjoy in a responsible manner before and during the concert.
When: 6-8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10
Where: Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $16; $12 for members
Coming next week
Back to School Bash
What: Ken-Rock Community Center, along with Beautiful Ambitions Salon, hosts this event offering haircuts to kids before they go back to school. They will also offer braiding and facials for kids, free lunches and school supplies, a bounce house, photo opportunities, firetrucks for little explorers, community resources to support families and more.
When: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 11
Where: Ken-Rock Community Center, 625 Adams St., Rockford
Cost: Free
Dockside Live: Kayla Seeber
What: Kayla Seeber is a 24-year-old acoustic singer/songwriter from Poplar Grove. She is a Spotify artist who puts her own acoustic spin on many of your favorite songs spanning many decades and genres.
When: 6-9 p.m. Monday, Aug. 11
Where: Prairie Street Brewing Co., 200 Prairie St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
Tuesday Evening in the Garden: Shamarr Allen
What: Tuesday Evening in the Gardens features local, regional and nationally touring musicians. The performer Aug. 12 is Shamarr Allen of New Orleans, with opening act Too Deep of Rockford. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Blankets, lawn chairs and small tables are welcome. Guests can start setting up at 5 p.m. The parking lots fill early. A complimentary shuttle is provided between UIC-Rockford and the Gardens. Carry-in picnic suppers are welcome, but carry-in beverages are not allowed. Bags will be checked upon entry.
When: 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12
Where: Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
Cost: $13; $12 for seniors; $11 for students and military; free for age 5 and younger
Music on the Rock: Sean McKee
What: This is a music event on the banks of the Rock River at Burpee. Relax and enjoy food and drink with friends and family at the beautiful outdoor theater. If it rains, the event will be moved inside. The Aug. 13 performer is Sean McKee.
When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13
Where: Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
Rockton River Market
What: Lousy Nuncio performs Aug. 13. The market opens at 5 p.m. with music starting at 6 pm.
When: 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13
Where: Settler’s Park, 165 E. Hawick St., Rockton
Cost: Free admission
Heritage Whiskey Wednesday
What: The Heritage Museum Park is traveling to the Barnstormer Distillery for a special event showcasing the Graham-Ginestra House and its unique history. Each ticket includes a tour and tasting through Barnstormer Distillery, a commemorative whiskey glass, dinner from Texas Roadhouse and live music by Lone Canary. A cash bar will be available. Rockford has a long history with distilleries and whiskey directly linked to the historic Graham-Ginestra House. Rockford became home to the first Sour Mash Whiskey Distillery in Illinois in 1876 when Freeman Graham Sr. opened Graham’s Distillery. After Freeman Sr.’s death in 1896, his sons Julius and Freeman Jr. renamed it the Graham Brothers Distillery. The Distillery remained in operation by the Grahams until Prohibition in 1919. In 1922, the Federal Government seized ownership of the Graham Brother’s Distillery, officially shutting it down.
When: 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13
Where: Barnstormer Distillery, 6969 S. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $45; $40 Ethnic Heritage Museum members
Winnebago County Fair
What: Enjoy the sights, sounds, animals, competitions, music, food and beverages, carnival rides and games and great entertainment. Highlights include lumberjack show, diesel truck races, Hoo Haven and K-9 demonstrations, Mike & Joe, and Demolition Derbies.
When: 11 a.m. – midnight Wednesday, Aug. 13, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, 10 a.m. – 12:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 15, 10 a.m. – midnight Saturday, Aug. 16 and 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 17
Where: Winnebago County Fairgrounds, 500 W. First St., Pecatonica
Cost: $3-$7; $15 for season pass; $30 for mega pass; $30 for wristband; $80 for pit pass
Pastries and Perseids
What: Come in the early pre-dawn hours for stargazing, hot chocolate, coffee and pastries. Look for the Perseid Meteor shower. The event is for all ages. Registration is required.
When: 4-6 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13
Where: Severson Dells Nature Center, 8786 Montague Road, Rockford
Cost: $7; $5 for members
Dinner on the Dock: Miles Nielsen
What: The performer Aug. 14 is Rockford-based Miles Nielsen, who has spent nearly a decade captivating audiences with music that blends Western-influenced rock and classic ’60s soul. Drawing influences from Otis Redding’s soul and Jellyfish’s power pop, Nielsen has released two critically acclaimed albums—his 2009 solo debut and 2012’s Miles Nielsen and the Rusted Hearts. The band’s chemistry has grown over the years, transforming Nielsen’s past solo songs into vivid, full-band anthems. Raised in a musical family, Miles’ background in classical voice and recording engineering shines through in his heartfelt vocals and pristine production.
When: 5-10 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14
Where: Prairie Street Brewhouse, 200 Prairie St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
Duck Race and Drum Circle
What: Support Nature At The Confluence by buying a rubber duck that will race down Turtle Creek before the Community Fire & Drum Circle. The first three ducks to cross the finish line win a prize. All funds raised help Nature at the Confluence continue offering free and low-cost educational programs. Purchase ducks online with a credit card or with cash in person during building hours. Participants do not need to be present to win. All are welcome to gather for the purpose of joy, peace and communal music-making at the drum circle. Experiment with a provided instrument or stop by just to enjoy the fire, listen to the music and make a s’more. This is a free, family-friendly event.
When: 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14
Where: Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit
Cost: $10 per duck; 3 ducks for $25; 6 ducks for $50; free for drum circle
A League of Their Own Party
What: Celebrate hometown pride and kick off 815 Day with a rooftop party. Enjoy Rockford Peaches and historic Rockford trivia with Rock Valley Pub Trivia from 6-8 p.m., with an outdoor screening of the movie, “A League of Their Own” at 8:30 p.m. There will be specialty-themed cocktails all night.
When: 6-11 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14
Where: The Top Rooftop Bar & Lounge, Rockford
Cost: No cover charge
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.rrstar.com ’
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