The weekend brings a Toad the Wet Sprocket concert, World War II Days and Tour de North End 2025, along with fundraisers, live music and more to the Rockford area.
Creatures of the Night
What: Roast s’mores around the fire before heading indoors to learn about nocturnal creatures. Hear from local Bigfoot investigator, Ron Read, as he pulls back the curtain on the Sasquatch mystery and follows the scientific method to search for answers throughout North America and beyond. Stories, artifacts and equipment from the field will be shared. This event is geared for ages 6 through adult.
When: 6-7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26
Where: Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit
Cost: $5; $10 for family
Here Come the Mummies: Mummfest Tour
What: Here Come the Mummies is an eight-piece funk-rock band of 5000 year-old Egyptian Mummies with a one-track mind. Since their discovery, HCTM has been direct support for P-Funk, Al Green, Mavis Staples, KC and the Sunshine Band and Cheap Trick; rocked Super Bowl Village; become a regular on The Bob and Tom Show; appeared on That’s My Jam with Jimmy Fallon; played festivals and sold tickets by the thousands across North America. Lachy Doley is a world-renowned keyboardist and singer who has earned a reputation as one of the most dynamic and soulful musicians of his generation. Born and raised in Australia, Doley has been playing music since he was a child and has developed a unique style that blends blues, soul and funk into a high-energy, powerhouse performance. He is best known for skills on the Whammy Clavinet and the Hammond Organ.
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26 (doors open at 6:30 p.m.)
Where: Hard Rock Casino Rockford, 7801 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: $38.75
Toad the Wet Sprocket
What: Enjoy an epic night of 90s and 2000s rock hits as Toad the Wet Sprocket, Vertical Horizon and KT Tunstall take the stage. Whether you’re reliving your favorites or hearing them live for the first time, it’s going to be a night full of energy, nostalgia and incredible music.
When: 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26
Where: Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $62-$190
Coffee Crawl
What: The third seasonal Rockford Coffee Crawl includes several participating shops operating on their own schedules throughout the weekend; check each location’s hours before you go. Visit your favorite baristas and discover new cafés along the way. Support local businesses, try something new and experience what makes each Rockford coffee shop unique. Participating locations are Wired Cafe’, Inzombia Coffee, My Cafè Amorè, Katie’s Cup, Meg’s Daily Grind, Rockford Roasting Company, Almoka Coffee House, Rosie’s Coffee Company, DeeDee’s Main Street Coffee & Decor, HearthRock Cafe, Velvet Robot Cold Brew, Buckbee Wake & Bakery and La Croûte Bakery Cafe.
When: Friday, Sept. 26- Sunday, Sept. 28
Where: participating Rockford coffee shops
Monarch Festival
What: This family-friendly event will feature a variety of activities, exhibits and hands-on learning centered around monarch butterflies and other incredible bugs. Learn about the monarch life cycle and migration journey. See migration maps and life cycle diagrams. See insects’ strength and biomechanics. Explore areas specifically designed to attract and support butterflies and other pollinators. See the updated nature nook. Create a foldable book. Design and color insects to camouflage in different environments.
When: 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26 – Sunday, Sept. 28
Where: Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $15; $13 for ages 4-12; free for children age 3 and younger and members of all ages
Scare Fair 2025
What: This third annual event at Terrifying Trails opens with a Halloween-themed market. Check out the haunted trail along with vendors.
When: 5-11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26 and Saturday, Sept. 27
Where: Terrifying Trails, 4102 S. Main St., Rockford
World War II Days
What: Visitors to World War II Days engage in elaborate 1940s displays in historical buildings on the museum’s 148-acre campus. Midway Village transforms into the backdrop of a European village during World War II. Festivities include encampments of Allied and Axis troops in the woods. See elaborate and realistic battles complete with tanks, artillery, armored vehicles and pyrotechnic displays. There will be uniformed re-enactors representing soldiers from the United States, Great Britain, France, Poland, Ukraine, Russia, Japan, Italy and Germany along with vintage tanks, half-tracks and other 1940s military vehicles.
When: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27 and 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28
Where: Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford
Cost: $20; $15 for ages 5-12; free for veterans and children age 4 and younger; member discounts available
GSR Oktoberfest 2025
What: The festival will include authentic German cuisine, cultural and souvenir booths, children’s area, stein holding contest, stein racing, tapping of the keg with former Loves Park Mayor Darryl Lindberg, crowning of Miss Oktoberfest 2025, authentic German dancing and beer. Music will be provided by Nate Troxell, The Legendary Barefoot Becky, and The Tom Brusky Polka Band.
When: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27
Where: Loves Park festival grounds, 100 Heart Blvd., Loves Park
Cost: $10
Astronomer Explorers
What: Design your own straw rockets, launch glowing foam rockets and watch them light up the dark in our black light theater.
When: Saturday, Sept. 27
Where: Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: Included with general admission; free for members
Chicago Dance Company
What: Flourishing Threads marks the debut production of Chicago Dance Company, a newly founded 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating meaningful artistry and connection through dance. This inaugural event will feature eight world premieres of contemporary choreography, showcasing a range of works by choreographers from the Rockford–Chicago area.
When: Saturday, Sept. 27
Where: Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: Free; donations welcomed
Community Celebration
What: This family-friendly event includes kid’s activities, live music, local organizations, food trucks and a beer garden. Activities include a sensory station by Superhero Center for Autism, Bouncy Obstacle Course, pumpkin decorating, bounce house, photo booth, foam party, face painting and more. Andrew Robinson will perform acoustic, soul, rock and pop tunes.
When: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27
Where: Rock Valley College, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford
Cost: Free
Gospel Favorites Concert
What: The Trinadora Duo (Janel Nelson and Ron Holm) returns to the concert series. Their performance features gospel music that has anchored the Christian faith tradition for the past 300 years, plus original compositions. Janel and Ron select from keyboard, guitar, fiddle, ocarina, concertina, bass, lap steel, sax and other instruments to self-accompany their vocals. A video presentation establishes the background for the concert and provides sing-along lyrics. Light refreshments will be available during intermission.
When: 7-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27
Where: Freedom Through The Word Church, 2115 S. Alpine Road, Rockford
Cost: Free; donations welcomed
Ron White
What: Renowned comedian Ron White, affectionately known as “Tater Salad,” catapulted into the limelight as the cigar-wielding, scotch-savoring humorist who stole the spotlight within the Blue Collar Comedy Tour phenomenon. He has risen to chart-topping Grammy-nominated comic and a captivating feature film actor. At his core, Ron White remains an exemplar of timeless storytelling. His narratives weave the fabric of his existence, spanning from his upbringing in a Texan hamlet to the reflections of his every day encounters, ultimately culminating in his ascension as one of America’s most celebrated comedians.
When: Saturday, Sept. 27 – doors open at 5 and 9 p.m.
Where: Hard Rock Casino, 7801 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: $66-$121
Resource Fair/Safety Expo/Open House
What: Discover, learn and connect at this family-friendly event. Explore local resources for families, meet safety professionals, enjoy hands-on activities and tour the facility.
When: Saturday, Sept. 27
Where: The Superhero Center for Autism, 4205 Galleria Drive, Loves Park
Cost: Free
Tour de North End 2025
What: This is the 14th Tour de North End and Neighborhood Block Party. Participants can register for the bike ride between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at The Olympic Tavern or online in advance. Pre-ride activities include games and mini-competitions. At 1 p.m., riders will set off on a casual, self-paced tour through Rockford’s historic North End, stopping at participating locations to collect passport stamps. Riders return to The Olympic by 6 p.m. to redeem stamps and enter drawings for giveaways. The block party features live music, food and drinks, and family-friendly activities.
Only the bike ride has an entry fee; everyone is welcome to join the party, enjoy the entertainment and celebrate community spirit on the North End.
When: 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27
Where: The Olympic Tavern, 2327 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $12
Whiskey and Wine
What: The sixth annual tasting event features whiskey and wine from around the world. This fundraiser directly supports Rockford City Market, which champions small businesses in the community.
When: 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27
Where: Rockford City Market Pavilion, Water Street at East State Street, Rockford
Cost: $55; VIP is $95
Rockford Card Show
What: This event supporting Rockford Christian Athletics features more than 100 tables full of sports cards, non-sports cards and related collectibles. Minted cards will be set up accepting drop off card grading submissions to PSA and SGC. There will be concessions available for purchase. There will be vintage, modern, TCG (Pokemon) and high-end cards; bargain boxes; sealed product; autographs; sports memorabilia; and supplies. Buy, sell or trade at the show.
When: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27
Where: Rockford Christian School, 1401 N. Bell School Road, Rockford
Cost: $2; free for ages 12 and younger; free parking
Fall Festival
What: The festival includes games, face painting, food, music and crafts for the whole family. Open to all.
When: 10 a.m. – noon Saturday, Sept. 27
Where: Puri Family YMCA of Rock River Valley, 1475 S. Perryville Road, Rockford
Stone Bridge half-marathon and 5K
What: The race starts at Leland Park and proceeds on the Stone Bridge Trail. All proceeds from this out and back 5K or half-marathon will benefit the Stateline Family YMCA’s LIVESTRONG program, which helps those with a current or prior cancer diagnosis strengthen their minds, bodies and spirits. Register online.
When: 7:45 a.m. – noon Saturday, Sept. 27
Where: Leland Park, 5770 Harrison St., Roscoe
Cost: $30-$75
Fall Prairie Harvest Day
What: Collect seeds in the prairie from native wildflowers and grasses. This activity is for all ages and provides valuable community service for nature. NLI uses the seeds to establish and restore prairies in preserves throughout northern Illinois. By using these seeds not buying more seeds, NLI saves thousands of dollars each year. Staff will show you how to collect the seeds and provide the necessary tools. Bring gloves if you have them. Cider, donuts and other snacks will be provided. Groups welcome. Dress for the weather in layers and wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes.
When: 9 a.m. – noon Saturday, Sept. 27
Where: Nygren Wetland Preserve, 3714 W. Rockton Road, Rockton
Cost: Free
No Fleas Market
What: Shop local vendors, crafters, bakers, all supporting PAWS Humane Society.
When: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27
Where: Lou Bachrodt Auto Mall, 7282 N. CherryVale Mall Drive, Rockford
Abram Collier
What: Hear Chicago-based baritone saxophonist/vocalist Abram Collier, who is influenced by artists such as Frank Sinatra and Michael Bublé.
When: Sunday, Sept. 28
Where: Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center, 415 N. Church St., Rockford
Cost: $25; $6 for students
Rock Cut 100
What: Ride 100 miles of road loops at Rock Cut. It’s roughly 23 laps, but the group will start from the bike shop, take the bike path to Hart Road and begin the laps from there. There will be an aid station to refill water bottles. Even if you don’t think you can do 100 miles, come do as many as you can.
When: 9 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 28
Where: Trek Bicycle Rockford, 4169 N. Perryville Road, Loves Park
Cost: Free
Fall PG Market
What: The Poplar Grove Lions Club hosts this market with more than 45 local vendors. There will be farmers/ranchers/food producers, crafters/artisans, local businesses and non-profit organizations.
When: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28
Where: Poplar Grove Community Market, 200 Hill St., Poplar Grove
Shop-a-Trunk Fall Market
What: Youth Movement is a registered nonprofit organization consisting of high school students and young adults working towards self-improvement and empowerment. Its mission is to empower youth to follow their dreams through education, leadership and community service. Shop and support local vendors at their second annual event.
When: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28
Where: Boone County Museum of History parking lot, 314 S. State St., Belvidere
Coming next week
An Evening with Jason Narducy
What: Jason Narducy is a Chicago musician who writes and sings in Split Single. Jason has performed with Robert Pollard, The Pretenders, Liz Phair, Eddie Vedder and more. Jason and his first band, Verböten, were featured in the Foo Fighter’s HBO series “Sonic Highways” and in Dave Grohl’s NYT best seller, “Storyteller.” Playwright Brett Neveu wrote a musical about Verböten (featuring music by Jason) that opened in Chicago in January 2020. Verböten the musical garnered rave reviews and sold out performances and is currently being re-worked for a film adaptation. The actual band Verböten is reuniting for this year’s Riot Fest.
When: 7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 29
Where: The Music Box, 218 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: $18-$25
Eerie Autumn Lights
What: Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden is completely transformed into the ultimate outdoor Halloween experience with LED uplighting of trees and more than 14,000 feet of lighting throughout landscapes and gardens. Take a half-mile journey through spookily lit landscapes and not-so-scary, family-friendly displays and activities, including: a straw bale maze, photo-opportunity displays, a market for Halloween items and themed refreshments from The Vintage Goose Café. See Rockford’s biggest pumpkin, projected to weigh in at nearly 2,000 pounds. There will be a special themed Thursday Night Curious and Creepy Educational Programs from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the Ghostly Market.
When: 5-9 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays, Oct. 2 – Oct. 26
Where: Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $14; $8 for ages 11 and younger
Flannel Jam
What: Flannel Jam Country + Rock Confidential features national touring country and rock bands. You won’t know the bands until they hit the stage.
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2 (doors open at 6 p.m.)
Where: Hard Rock Casino, 7801 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: $61 – $130
Kathi Edwards is a freelance contributor to the Rockford Register Star.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Mummies, monarchs and markets among 25 things to do this weekend in the Rockford area
Reporting by Kathi Edwards / Rockford Register Star
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