The weekend brings the Tutty Baker Festival and the Men’s City Golf Tournament, along with fundraisers, holiday events, live music and more to the Freeport area.
Tutty Baker Festival
What: This weekend event is full of family friendly fun, ax throwing, pageant, carnival, music, games, crafters, vendors, car show, fireworks and more. The family-friendly 5k run/walk is at 8 a.m. Saturday. Tim Gleason performs his Eric Church tribute show from 7-11 p.m. Friday at the Ferguson Pavilion. The show 7-11 p.m. Saturday at the Pavilion is Burning Red: Tribute to Taylor is the premier Taylor Swift tribute act, by and for Swifties. Every Burning Red show is a journey through all of Taylor’s “Eras” from her pop hits, to folk, to country, to dance and back again.
When: 5 p.m. Friday, July 11 – 5 p.m. Sunday, July 13
Where: 11 E. Douglas St., Freeport
Music on the Patio
What: Enjoy the talents of Bill Petersen and the Early Jazz Society, along with food and adult beverages. Fun for all ages, including children.
When: 5-8 p.m. Friday, July 11
Where: Park Hills Golf Course, 3240 W. Stephenson St., Freeport
Cost: Free admission
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
What: Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit features musicians from the legendary Muscle Shoals regions. It was assembled by Isbell after he left Drive-By Truckers. Their album “The Nashville Sound” won the 2018 Grammy Award for Best Americana album.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, July 12
Where: Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $85-$343
Movie in the Park
What: Join us at Krape Park for a night of family fun under the stars. Pack your snacks, bug spray, chairs and blankets. Featuring the movie, Wicked, the movie will start at dusk (approximately 8:30 p.m.).
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, July 12
Where: Krape Park, 1799 Park Blvd., Freeport
Cost: Free admission
Stolen Grace and In the Stix
What: Stolen Grace and In the Stix are teaming up for one night of music under the summer sky in Coach’s Summer Concert Series. They will perform rock to country and everything in between. Buy tickets on Zeffy; proceeds go back to two local NFP groups: LeWin Ventures and L.A.S.E.R.
When: 5-10 p.m. Saturday, July 12
Where: Coach’s Golf & Grill, 621 W. Lena St., Lena
Cost: $10-$250
Men’s City Golf Tournament
What: Open to all amateur golfers who either live or work in Stephenson County or are members at Park Hills, The Freeport Club or Wolf Hollow. The tournament is 36 holes, stroke play, for all men and seniors. Golfers can sign up as a foursome for a Saturday tee time or sign up as an individual and the committee will pair you with someone in your division. After the first round, you will be flighted for the final round by your first round 18-hole score. Once flighted, you can only win that flight. Winners and places of all flights will be determined by their two-round total. Sign up in the Pro Shop by Friday.
When: 8 a.m. Saturday, July 12
Where: Park Hills Golf Course, 3240 W. Stephenson St., Freeport
Cost: $50; $25 for season pass holders
Freight Train Rabbit Killer
What: Freight Train Rabbit Killer’s The Dark Wedding is an audience participation concert and theatrical performance art celebration. If you’re a fan of FTRK, be sure to come to this. Dress for a wedding in suits or dresses. Not gender specific. Wedding colors are black light reactive red/blue/green.
When: 7-10:30 p.m. Saturday, July 12
Where: 317 Art Collaborative, 317 Market St., Rockford
Cost: $10 donation
Illinois Paranormal Conference
What: Join speakers and vendors from all aspects of paranormal research. The headline speaker this year will be well-known paranormal researcher and author Richard Estep. Other speakers are Dave Schrader, Larry Eissler III, AJ Gutierrez and Tobias Wayland. After the conference, join in a special paranormal investigation from 7-11 p.m. at Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum.
When: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, July 12
Where: Veterans Memorial Hall and Museum, 211 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $25
Stereotypical Sunday
What: Formed in 2019, STEREOtype of Rockford will blow the speakers with its explosive mix of pop punk and rock bangers from every era. Think blink-182 meets Green Day with a modern twist.
When: 3-7 p.m. Sunday, July 13
Where: Hooks & Bobbers, 612 Bridge St., Winslow
Music under the Stars
What: Enjoy music from the Freeport Concert Band in their weekly concert. There’s plenty of bench seating or bring lawn chairs.
When: 7-8:15 p.m. Sunday, July 13
Where: Krape Park, 1799 S. Park Blvd., Freeport
Cost: Free
Coming next week
Inspiring Speakers Toastmasters
What: Learn and apply communication and leadership skills for your professional and/or personal life. When you visit a Toastmasters club as a guest, there’s no pressure to participate until you are ready and comfortable.
When: 6:15-7:15 p.m. Tuesday, July 15
Where: Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas St., Freeport
Cost: Free
Cedarville Historical Society program
What: In the program “Jane Addams as Reformer: Striving for the Lincoln Ideal In A Rapidly Changing America,” you will hear about Lincoln’s political and philosophical influence on Jane Addams, especially through her father and Lincoln’s friend, John Addams.
When: 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, July 15
Where: 450 W. Second St., Cedarville
Cost: $10; $7 for members
Grease
What: Welcome to Rydell High, class of 1959! The stage sizzles with the swagger of the “T-Birds” and the sass of the “Pink Ladies” in Grease, the ultimate rock ‘n’ roll musical. Grease is a celebration of the 1950s that has captured hearts on Broadway and beyond. Join us this summer for nights of bobby socks, leather jackets and pure nostalgia.
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 16 – Sunday, July 20
Where: Starlight Theater at Rock Valley College, 3301 Mulford Road, Rockford
Cost: $28; $26 for seniors/teachers/military; $17 for students; $12 for ages 12 and younger
Business After Hours
What: The Greater Freeport Partnership and Lena Business Professionals Association are combining a Business After Hours event for Lena Brewing Company and Stateline Solar. This free event will also be a celebration of Stateline Solar’s 8th anniversary of business. This event is completely free. Everyone is welcome. No RSVP is necessary. Come for a drink and treats, and learn more about Stateline Solar and Lena Brewing Company.
When: 5-7 p.m. Thursday, July 17
Where: Lena Brewing Co., 9416 W. Wagner Road, Lena
Cost: Free
Music on Debate Square
What: Bring your lawn chairs for an evening of music from the Highland Community College Big Band.
When: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 17
Where: Lincoln-Douglas Debate Square, 114 E. Douglas St., Freeport
Cost: Free admission
Kathi Edwards is a freelance contributor to the Freeport Journal-Standard.
This article originally appeared on Journal Standard: Tutty Baker Festival, jazz music, men’s golf among 10 things to do in Freeport this weekend
Reporting by Kathi Edwards / Journal Standard
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