This weekend in Rockford, there are plenty of exciting activities to keep you entertained. Whether you’re a fan of live music, comic books, or outdoor movies, there’s something for everyone. Let’s take a look at some of the events happening in the Rockford area this weekend.

Kick off your weekend by visiting the Rockford City Market partnered with Artale Wine Co. on Saturday, Aug. 26, from 3:30 to 6 p.m. This event brings whiskey and wine from around the world right to Rockford. Enjoy live music while you browse and have the opportunity to order your favorite bottles from the event. Food is also available for purchase, and proceeds benefit the Rock River Development Partnership. Tickets are $60 (or $50 in advance) and can be purchased on eventbrite.com.

For those looking for a physical challenge, Tough Mudder returns to Rockford this weekend. From 8 a.m. to noon on both Saturday, Aug. 26, and Sunday, Aug. 27, you can test yourself on the world’s best obstacles and earn your Tough Mudder headband. The event offers 5K, 10K, and 15K options, all of which are untimed. If you’re up for an even bigger challenge, Tough Mudder Chicago offers the Tough Mudder Infinity, where participants can take on the 15K course and then stack on additional chip-timed 15K or 5K laps within 8 hours. Note that participants must be at least 13 years old for the 5K or 14 years old for the 10K, 15K, or Infinity. Race registration ranges from $139 to $209 and can be done on toughmudder.com/events/chicago/.

Comic book enthusiasts won’t want to miss the comic book convention happening on Sunday, Aug. 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the VFW in Loves Park. Dealers from three states will be onsite with comic books from the golden age to present, along with various related collectible items such as action figures. If you have comics lying around that you no longer want, dealers will also be buying. Admission is free, and for more information, you can contact Alan at 309-657-1599.

Looking for a more laid-back evening? Head over to Prairie Street Brewing Co. on Thursday, Aug. 24, from 5 to 10 p.m. and enjoy dinner, drinks, and live music on the dock from That Gurl, a ’70s cover band. Made up of experienced performers from different musical backgrounds, That Gurl creates music for all ages. Admission is free, and for more information, call 815-277-9427.

If you’re feeling artistic, don’t miss the opportunity to paint a sunflower on a stained board at Ernie’s Pub on Thursday, Aug. 24, from 6 to 8 p.m. This fun event includes food and drink specials all night long, and the $35 admission fee covers all materials and instruction. To sign up or learn more, call 815-977-4365.

For a taste of Celtic culture, attend the Celtic Concert Series featuring “The Fitzgeralds” on Friday, Aug. 25, at 7 p.m. Taking place at the Nordlof Center, this Canadian live performance show showcases the talents of fiddling and step dancing siblings, Tom and Kerry Fitzgerald, along with Alanna Jenish and Graeme McGillivray. With high-energy fiddling and mind-blowing step dancing, this unique act is sure to impress. Seating is limited, so make sure to get your $25 ticket in advance at irishmarchingsociety.com.

Continue the weekend fun at the Rockford City Market on Friday, Aug. 25. With over 60 local vendors offering fresh produce, baked goods, handmade items, jewelry, cheese, honey, and more, this is the perfect place to stock up on local goodies. Additionally, there will be food trucks, local breweries, rotating kid’s activities, and live music by The Danhattans. Head downtown to East State and Water Streets from 4 to 8:30 p.m. for some free admission fun. For more information, visit rockfordcitymarket.com.

Enjoy an evening of live music outdoors at Edgebrook’s center court on Friday, Aug. 25, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Swingbilly will be performing, and food and drinks from Lucha Cantina and Cork, Keg & Spirits will be available. Take advantage of the beautiful weather while it lasts and join in on this free event. For more details, call 815-398-8957.

For a unique movie experience, attend the drive-in movie night featuring “Guardians of the Galaxy 3” on Friday, Aug. 25, from 7 to 11 p.m. Hosted by RVC Student Life, the event will take place in Parking Lot 2A/2B in front of WTC and PEC at Rock Valley College. Snacks will be available for purchase, and you can relax under the stars while enjoying this blockbuster film. For more information, call 815-921-4000.

Lastly, families can enjoy a kid-friendly movie night featuring “The Super Mario Bros Movie” on Friday and “Puss in Boots” on Saturday. The screenings will take place at the Davis Junction Community Park at sunset and are free for everyone to attend.

With so many exciting events happening this weekend in Rockford, you’re sure to find something that suits your interests. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enjoy live music, indulge in delicious food and drink, and have a great time with friends and family.

Hey there! Want to have some fun this weekend? Well, we’ve got you covered with a variety of events happening in Rockford. Whether you’re into cars, music, outdoor activities, or even the paranormal, there’s something for everyone. Check out these exciting events taking place on Saturday, Aug. 26:

1. Start your day with a unique car show fundraiser at 6:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at 12801 Old River Road. It’s only $15 per car, and you’ll get to enjoy a wide range of vehicles, live music, and delicious food.

2. If you’re up for an adventure, head over to Roscoe UMC at 10 a.m. for a digital-based scavenger hunt in the forest. Using the Scavos app, you and your team will have five hours to complete as many “missions” as possible. Prizes will be awarded to the most creative and productive teams. Get ready to hike, take photos, and solve riddles!

3. Love bluegrass music? Don’t miss the Alfalfa Bluegrass Festival at Severson Dells from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This one-day event features multiple performers on an acoustic open stage. Take your picnic blanket or chair, sit back, and enjoy some fantastic live music. Food and beer will be available for purchase.

4. For the blues enthusiasts out there, the 14th Annual Crossroads Blues festival is a must-see event at Angelic Organics Learning Center. Starting at 2 p.m., this festival features five big acts, including renowned artist Curtis Salgado. Indulge in delicious foods, beers, and beverages while supporting the Crossroads Blues Society’s Blues in the Schools program.

5. Looking for family-friendly entertainment? Head to Lyran Park at 11 a.m. for an Italian-themed event. With Italian food, drink specials, beanbag competitions, and performances by the Amici Italian dancers and The Vince Chiarelli Band, there’s something for everyone. Plus, the event benefits six local non-profit organizations.

6. Have an interest in the paranormal? Attend the Paranormal Research Expo at Veterans Memorial Hall & Museum from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn from speakers and explore vendors from all aspects of paranormal research.

7. Families with kids will love the special screening of the Disney and Pixar film “Turning Red” at the Coronado Performing Arts Center from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Enjoy pre-movie activities, including magic shows and kids’ activities provided by the Rockford Park District and Rockford Public Library. The first 500 kids will even receive a free bag of chips!

8. If you’re interested in connecting with loved ones on the other side, don’t miss the intuitive readings by Medium Erick Knaus at Wolf Hollow from noon to 6 p.m. Reserve your time slot and get ready for a unique experience.

9. Lastly, take a trip back in time by joining the walking tour of Rockton’s historic buildings. Hear captivating stories of the village’s history while exploring its architectural gems.

So, there you have it! A variety of exciting events happening in Rockford this Saturday, Aug. 26. Gather your family, friends, or paranormal-enthusiast group and have a blast exploring everything this vibrant city has to offer.

the heart of Rockton at the annual Open-Air Market. This market offers a wide variety of vendors selling everything from local produce to artisan crafts. Whether you’re looking for fresh flowers, organic goodies, or unique home decor, this market has it all. Plus, they even accept SNAP and WIC for those in need. So rain or shine, come on down to the Beloit Farmers Market on Grand Ave. in Beloit, Wisconsin this Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and enjoy a day of shopping, music, and community.

After you’re done shopping, why not head over to Screw City Tavern for some laughs? Comedians Bob Zany and Jim McCue will be performing, along with Rockford’s very own Double T. Enjoy a hilarious evening of comedy while savoring a delicious dinner. The show starts at 8 p.m., so be sure to arrive at 6 p.m. for dinner. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased by calling 815-708-8286.

If you’re interested in history and sports, then the Boone County Museum of History has a special event just for you. They will be celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Dixie Kirk representing the United States in Caracas, Venezuela, where she earned a silver and bronze medal in international bowling competition. The museum will unveil her medals and other bowling memorabilia as part of their local sports exhibit. All are welcome to attend this free event, which will also include light refreshments. Join them from 1 to 3 p.m. this Saturday at 314 S. State St. in Belvidere.

For those who appreciate the beauty of fall and love to shop for unique treasures, Downtown Rockton is the place to be this weekend. The local shops will be transformed into a fall wonderland, offering the best in antiques, vintage items, home decor, and boutique fashion. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, you can explore the charm of downtown Rockton and find some one-of-a-kind treasures. For more information, call 815-997-0156.

And if you’re in the mood for some thrilling entertainment, head over to the Rockford Speedway on Saturday night for an evening of racing excitement. Watch as late models, roadrunners, super stox, and super cups compete for victory. Plus, don’t miss the RR figure 8 championship and the high school racing championship. The races start at 7:07 p.m. at 9572 Forest Hills Road in Loves Park. For more information, visit the Rockford Speedway on Facebook.

No matter what you’re interested in, there’s something happening this weekend in the Rockford area that is sure to pique your interest. From shopping and entertainment to history and sports, there’s a wide variety of events to choose from. So grab your friends and family, and head out to Rockton, Beloit, or Rockford for a weekend of fun, laughter, and community.

This weekend, the exciting event of Tough Mudder will be making its return to the city of Rockford, Illinois. This thrilling event promises to bring a lot of fun and excitement to the participants and spectators alike.

Taking place on Saturday, August 30th, this event will be held in downtown Rockton, allowing visitors to enjoy a variety of food and goods vendors. With so much to offer, it is sure to be a day filled with delicious treats and unique finds. And to add to the festivities, the Sensations will be performing live music from 6 p.m. onwards, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.

The location for this event is Old Settlers Park, conveniently situated at 150 E. Hawick St. in Rockton. This picturesque park is the perfect venue for an event of this magnitude, with its spacious grounds and beautiful surroundings. And the best part is, admission to the event is absolutely free, making it accessible to everyone.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! If you’re looking for a family-friendly event, First Free Rockford has got you covered. On the same day, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., they are hosting an event specifically catered to families and kids aged 3 through fifth grade. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy hot dogs and inflatables, ensuring a memorable experience for all. Additionally, there will be a special offer of 50% off Kids Club registration for the years 2023-2024, providing even more incentives to attend.

Located at 2223 N. Mulford Road in Rockford, First Free Rockford is a welcoming and inclusive community that embraces families. This event is a perfect opportunity to join in the fun and get involved in their warm and friendly environment.

The Tough Mudder event and the First Free Rockford event offer two distinct experiences, catering to a wide range of interests and preferences. Whether you prefer a thrilling obstacle course or a laid-back evening with the family, there is something for everyone to enjoy this weekend in Rockford, Illinois.

So mark your calendars for Saturday, August 30th, and make sure to bring your friends and family along. It’s going to be a day filled with excitement, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience the thrill of Tough Mudder and the warmth of First Free Rockford. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a music lover, or simply looking for a fun day out, these events are guaranteed to provide entertainment and enjoyment for all.