Kathi Edwards| Special to the Rockford Register Star
The weekend brings Tamale Fest, a rodeo, Cycle on Second, along with fundraisers, educational programs, live music and more to the Rockford area.
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. Trash 80s performs on the main stage Sept. 6. Fall hours start Sept. 6.
When: 4-7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6
Where: Water Street at East State Street, Rockford
Cost: free admission
First Friday Wine Tasting
What:Join Golden Apple Foundation of Rockford for its annual wine tasting fundraiser event. Artale offers a balanced variety of red and white, sweet and dry and all price points. Sample all 24, or just a few. Every wine sampled is stocked in house, so if you find something you enjoy, you can take home a bottle with you that night. Discounts available on quantity purchases. Funds raised support the local nonprofit’s mission to inspire, celebrate and support excellence in local education. Golden Apple teachers, board members and staff will be there and would love to see you.
When: 5:30 – 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6
Where: Artale Wine Co., 6876 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
Cost: $20 donation
Synergy’s Open House
What:Enjoy a complimentary glass of red or white wine as you browse the new fall inventory and décor. A featured reader will be offering services in the private reading lounge. Spark by Synergy will be offering permanent jewelry services. There will also be giveaways, raffles and new clearance markdowns.
When: 5-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6
Where: Synergy, 1625 N. Alpine Road, Rockford (in Edgebrook Center)
Cost: Free to enter
Moth Night
What: Identify, handle and learn about nocturnal insects with Burpee Educators and FPWC Natural Resource experts.
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6
Where: Blackhawk Springs Forest Preserve, 5360 Mulford Road, Cherry Valley
Cost: Free
Summer Concert Series: Three Good Men
What:The Three Good Men (3GM) are a spinoff version of northern Illinois favorites Men of Our Times, in an informal, acoustic set. You're likely to hear some songs you wouldn't expect along with a bunch that you will recognize. Fun, informal event.
When: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6
Where: Franchesco’s Italian Ristorante, 7128 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
Music on the Mall
What: On Sept. 6, The Beaux Band will perform 60s-90s music.
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6
Where: Center Court at Edgebrook Center near Cora Physical Therapy, 1643 N. Alpine Road, Rockford
Cost: Free admission
Great Northern Illinois Pro Rodeo and Bull Riding
What:This is a full rodeo featuring bull riding, bronc riding, tie-down roping, team roping, breakaway roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing and all the arena excitement. In addition to standard, grandstand seating, Silver Spur Tickets and Gold Buckle Tickets are available for seating close to the rodeo action. Gold Buckle Tickets include water, soda, small snacks and a meet and greet with cowboys and clowns at 6 p.m. Silver Spur Tickets include soda and water. No outside food or drink allowed. No pets. No refunds. Event will take place rain or shine.
When: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6 and Saturday, Sept. 7 (gates open at 5 p.m.)
Where: Boone County Fairgrounds, Belvidere
Cost: $35; $20 for ages 5-11; free for children age 4 and younger; $45 for Silver Spur or $75 for Gold Spur tickets (only available online); free parking
8thAnnual Tamale Fest
What: The event includes more than a dozen food trucks, drinks, a car show, dancers, Miss Latina contest, a jalapeno eating contest, live music, DJs, craft and marketplace vendors, nonprofit information tables and more. Car Hop at 6 p.m.
When: 1-8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7
Where: 5909 E. State St., Rockford (former Kmart parking lot)
Cost: $10 admission
Walk With U Guided Walk
What: Meet at Towering Pines shelter house for a guided walk. Leashed dogs allowed. No RSVP required.
When: 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7
Where: Hononegah Forest Preserve, 80 Hononegah Road, Rockton
Cost: Free
Vets Warrior Roll
What: Help send local veterans on a trip of a lifetime visiting their memorials in Washington DC. The fundraising event for VetsRoll will include a pig roast, raffles, bourbon pull and a silent auction. Shifty Shafer will play from 6-10 pm.
When: Noon – 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7
Where: Benny’s at Nest, 8790 N. Second St., Suite A, Machesney Park
Up in the Air
What: A fun-filled “day in the park” for the entire family, where kite flyers of all types come together to bring a colorful palette of shapes and sizes in the sky above Prairie Fields. Enjoy kite flying demos, train rides, inflatable play, face painting, Park & Play Mobile, games, crafts, food trucks and more.
When: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7
Where: Prairie Fields Sports Park, 1200 Big Thunder Blvd., Belvidere
Cost: $5 for face painting; $1 for each activity ticket (activities range from 1-4 tickets each); $20 for unlimited activities including face painting
Doodle Day
What: Enjoy a day filled with doodle snuggles and vintage shopping. Frosted Farmhouse is hosting AKA Doodles looking for furever homes.
When: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7
Where: Frosted Farmhouse, 112 Hawick St., Rockton
Screw City Beer Fest After Party
What: After Screw City Beer Fest, enjoy an after party with 3 Floyd's and Stone Brewing Company, where there will be select 3 Floyd's and Stone beers available in cans and on tap. You'll even have a chance to win some 3 Floyd's swag.
When: 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7
Where: Mary’s Place, 602 N. Madison St., Rockford
Native American Storytelling
What: Gerald Savage, a tribal elder with the Ho-Chunk Nation, will discuss the re-introduction of his family to Illinois, who he is and how he came to be. He carries on his grandfather’s tradition of teaching people about their tribal ways and storytelling.
When: 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7
Where: Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit
Cost: Free
One Table: an Open Air Dining Experience
What:Curated by Chef Paul Sletten of Abreo and the YWCA, this event brings the community together to dine al fresco along the river in downtown Rockford. Tickets include welcome co*cktail and a five-course menu and wine pairing, live band and dessert. Entertainment provided by Groove Hotel. Dessert from Bad Humor Ice Cream Truck.
When: 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7
Where: Market and Water streets, downtown Rockford
Cost: $225
Music in the Park: Sinnissippi Jams V3
What: This show features local music from The JB Project at 4 p.m., Paul Bronson at 5 p.m., The Yes Club at 6 p.m. and Jodi Beach at 7 p.m.
When: 4-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7
Where: Sinnissippi Music Shell, 1401 N. Second St., Rockford
Science Saturdays: Wonders of Water
What: Come for hands-on games, crafts and demonstrations all about water and take home some water-themed giveaways. Drop in anytime between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. No registration required.
When: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7
Where: Severson Dells Nature Center, 8786 Montague Road, Rockford
Cost: Free
Roscoe Lions Fall Festival
What: The event features food, drinks, carnival games and rides, vendors, exhibitor’s tent, raffles, bingo, beer tent and musical entertainment. A drop-off station for eyeglasses will be available. Children’s parade Saturday and full festival parade Sunday. All-you-can-eat pancake breakfast Sunday. Music by The O.G.M.C. (6-10 p.m. Friday), Dead Man’s Hand (6-10 p.m. Saturday) and Lula Blu Band (3-7 p.m. Sunday). Karaoke from noon – 4 p.m. Saturday.
When: Saturday, Sept. 7 and Sunday, Sept. 8
Where: Leland Park, 5727 Broad St., Roscoe
Cost: Free admission; rides and food available for purchase
Archaeology Sunday
What: Find out what happens when archaeologists go on a dig. Learn about the historic and prehistoric excavations that have taken place at Macktown.Discover how and why archaeologists know where to dig, how they set up excavation units, dig in standard levels and collect artifacts. Participate in the washing, sorting and identifying artifacts collected.
When: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8
Where: Macktown Living History, 2221 Freeport Road, Rockton
Cost: $5; free for members or children age 7 and younger
Cycle on Second
What: The southbound lanes of IL-251/North Second Street will be closed to vehicles and only open to bicycles, tricycles, rollerblades or scooters for two hours. There will be a bike rodeo for kids, a bike rack tutorial with RMTD buses, coffee by Symbol and an opportunity to provide input about bike-related infrastructure and more. No registration. Come and ride in a car-safe zone as much or as little as you like during these two hours.
When: 8-10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 8
Where: North Second Street, Rockford/Loves Park
Cost: Free
Book Sale
What: Shop the selection of fiction, mysteries, biographies, history, home & garden, nonfiction, children’s and teen books.
When: Sunday, Sept. 8 – Sunday, Sept. 15
Where: Cherry Valley Public Library, 755 E. State St., Cherry Valley
Cost: Free admission
Woodsong Summer Concert: Heartache Tonight – A Tribute to the Eagles
What: This lawn-style event is held in the Fountain Garden. No reserved seats. Bring your own blankets or chairs. Guests are welcome to bring food and drink. Gelato Joe’s will offer gelato for purchase. Heartache Tonight’s show is a true Eagles concert experience featuring all the timeless classic songs.
When: 6-8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8 (gates open at 4 p.m.)
Where: Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $15; $12 for members. Tickets sold online only.
The History of Beer in Rockford
What: Gary Patton started the Facebook group, “Rockford Made It,” in 2018 to focus attention on all things made in Rockford. His presentation will consist of the history of brewing beer in the Rockford region.
When: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8
Where: Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum & Gardens lower level of the Barn, 411 Kent St., Rockford
Cost: $10; $5 for members
Third Annual Rockford Hero Climb
What:Honor the fallen of 9/11 to benefit The Greg Lindmark Foundation and Stateline First Responders. Challenge yourself on the steps of Swanson Stadium in a simulated climb of the 110 floors of the World Trade Center towers (or the distance equivalent on the track). Registration tickets include commemorative event t-shirt, finisher medal and more.
When: 11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 8
Where: Swanson Stadium at Guilford High School, Rockford
Cost: $25-$100
Broncos & Bagels/Jeeps & Java
What: Automotive Solutions has teamed up with multiple 4X4 organizations for this event. Come hungry and hang out. Coddiwomple Café food truck will be on site.
When: 9-11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 8
Where: Automotive Solutions, 616 Whitney Blvd., Belvidere
Chasing a Dream: Women in Baseball Exhibit grand opening
What: Curated by baseball historian John Kovach, Chasing a Dream features artifacts and information detailing the long history of women's involvement in the national pastime. The exhibit will be available during library hours through mid-December.
When: 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8
Where: Howard Colman Library, Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford
Coming next week
Duo Penseur
What: Pianist Alex Chang and violinist Chantel Davis of San Francisco reunite as a duo to perform both classical and contemporary selections.
When: 5:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 9
Where: Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center, 415 N. Church St., Rockford
Cost: $15; $12 in advance; $6 for students
Snackin on Science: Getting Kids Outdoors
What: Join Severson Dells and Bryn Lottig, author of “No Child Left Inside,” who will discuss her new book and the importance of getting children outside. She will share tips and tricks everyone can use to connect to nature.
When: 6:30-7:30 p.m. (come at 6 p.m. if ordering food, not included in fee)
Where: Lucha Cantina, 1641 N. Alpine Road, Rockford
Cost: $5; $3 for members
Battle of the Chefs: A Hidden Creek Estates Food & Wine Fundraiser Festival
What: Join Chef Joe Flamm, Top Chef Season 15 winner and owner of three Chicago restaurants, and other chefs from Chicago and Nashville. Enjoy an Italian food and wine festival experience featuring a variety of live chef stations; a live battle of the chefs; wine tasting with the option to purchase bottles (and glass to take home); live auction; desserts; live music and entertainment. Cigar vendor, whiskey and cash bar available. Proceeds go to the Joey Fecci Foundation.
When: 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11
Where: Hidden Creek Estates, 13276 White School Road, Roscoe
Cost: $150; VIP upgrade for $225; VIP table for 8, $2500
Joe Gatto: Let’s Get Into It
What: Joe Gatto is a comedian best known for TV shoes, “Impractical Jokers” and “The Misery Index.” He is passionate about supporting anti-bullying organizations and animal rescue initiatives.
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12
Where: Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $31-$67
