The weekend brings Paint the Port, Eats and Beats and the Pearl City Boulevard Bash, along with fundraisers, live music and more to the Freeport area.
Community Baby Shower
What: Family Connects of Illinois – Stephenson County and FHN present an informative event for new and expecting parents. Connect with local resources to support you and your baby (ages 0 – 1 year). There will be door prizes and giveaways, including baby care items and clothes.
When: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22
Where: Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas St., Freeport
Cost: Free
Paint the Port
What: Enjoy an evening of creativity and community. People of all ages will transform the streets into hundreds of colorful works of art, all while supporting the development and maintenance of the Freeport Arts Plaza, ensuring it remains a dynamic space for community engagement. New this year is the Downtown Sculpture Walk—a new public art initiative that will bring inspiring sculptures by both renowned and emerging artists to the heart of the city. Chicago Avenue will be transformed into an open-air gallery, enriching Freeport’s cultural landscape and making art more accessible to all.
When: 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22
Where: Downtown Freeport, 24 S. Chicago Ave., Freeport
Sophie Coyote
What: Sophie Coyote returns to The Great Debate for an evening of live music. Come early for dinner, stay late for the tunes.
When: 7-10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22
Where: The Great Debate, 1 E. Spring St., Greeport
Cost: No cover charge
Eats & Beats
What: Freeport Area Eats & Beats is a two-day food and music festival that helps raise money for local nonprofits. This year’s participating nonprofits include the Children’s Hands-On Museum of Northwest Illinois, DD Homes, Friends Forever Humane Society, Grace Episcopal Church, Hope Wins, Malcolm Eaton Enterprises, Norman C. Sleezer Youth Home, RAMP, Salvation Army and Voices. Each nonprofit group will serve one or more food items at the event. The food lineup includes pulled pork sandwiches, walking tacos, cheese curds, hot dogs, hamburgers, pork chop sandwiches, corn dogs, monster cookies, snow cones, cotton candy and more. The event also features music performances by the Lobbin’ Robbins, The Usual Suspects, Greg Terkanian and Mike & Joe.
When: 5 -9:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22 and Saturday, Aug. 23
Where: 11-15 E. Douglas St., Freeport Freeport Arts Museum (FAM) Arts Plaza in downtown Freeport
Cost: $4; $2 for ages 6-17; free for ages 5 and younger
Lincoln Mall Car Show
What: There will be trophies for Best in Show, 1st Runner up, Best Engine, Best Interior and Best Paint. All registrants will receive a Dash Plaque, while supplies last. Judging will be done by non-partial attendees. There also will be door prizes, face painting, a DJ and food trucks.
When: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23
Where: Everything Home, 1261 W. Galena Ave., Freeport
Cars and Coffee
What: Come by during this event and wash your vehicle to receive a raffle ticket for prizes.
When: 10 a.m. – noon Saturday, Aug. 23
Where: Kane’s Car Wash, 731 Midwest Court, Freeport
Pearl City Run with the Wolves
What: Come run before the 3 on 3, parade and Pearl City Boulevard Bash. J3 timing will be doing live race results. This event benefits Pearl City Park District Recreation programs. Walk, run or crawl!
When: 7:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 23
Where: Pearl City Park District, 321 W. South St., Pearl City
Cost: $50-$100
Birth chart readings
What: Astrology is all about energies and archetypes. Your birth chart is a map to your soul’s essence, including your personality, karmic lessons, past life imprints and your mission on Earth. There are different sessions for your level of astrology knowledge. Learn the basics if you’ve never had your chart read or dive deeper if you’ve dabbled in your birth chart before.
When: 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23
Where: Rootz & Branchez, 101 W. Main St., Freeport
Cost: $11-$100
Dubuque Takeover
What: Skinny & The Shakes make their first appearance at Hooks & Bobbers for a night of original rock and roll. Kicking things off on the Pontoon stage will be the Shake’s “Skinny,” aka Chad Olson Jr. performing his one-man band boom-clicking originals and covers. Ben Dunegan, the Shakes’ drummer is a renowned singer/songwriter playing an hour-long set after Chad. The Shakes take the stage at 9 p.m. after Ben’s set.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23
Where: Hooks & Bobbers, 612 Bridge St., Winslow
Pearl City Boulevard Bash
What: This annual event features a car show, parade, bingo, beer garden, kiddie tractor pull, hog roast lunch/dinner, pie stand, kid’s activities, raffles and more. Live bands performing are Rock Rebel Junction at 11:30 a.m., Two Stroke Johnson at 3:30 p.m. and Cal Stage Band at 7:30 p.m. The Pearl City Education Foundation is hosting Picassos in the Park, a sidewalk chalk art contest for $10 per square for individuals or $20 per square for groups/families from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Pearl City School, 100 S. Summit St. Proceeds from this event are donated to community organizations/needs.
When: 7:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23
Where: Pearl City
Blue Steel
What: Blue Steel merges two music styles: Country & Rock. Formed in 2017, the band has won the coveted Rockford Area Music Industry (RAMI) Artist of the Year in 2019 and Best Country Cover Band for 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022. Their powerful male and female lead vocals are backed with three-part harmonies.
When: 2:30-6:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24
Where: Coach’s Golf & Grill, 621 W. Lena St., Lena
This article originally appeared on Journal Standard: Paint the Port, Eats and Beats among 11 things to do this weekend in the Freeport area
Reporting by Kathi Edwards / Journal Standard
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
