The weekend brings Beatles vs Stones and a Board Game Night, along with fundraisers, live music and more to the Freeport area.
Beatles vs Stones
What: In 2011, an innovative concept came to life in Costa Mesa, Calif. The acclaimed Beatles tribute band The Fab Four joined forces with Jumping Jack Flash to present the first-ever Beatles vs Stones show. Since the debut, JJF has continued to refine this production for audiences and venues across the US, Mexico, and Canada. This electrifying battle-of-the-bands showcases the greatest hits from these legendary groups, pitting The Beatles and The Rolling Stones in a musical showdown. The show features multiple costume changes and stage banter, as the rival bands trade playful jabs throughout the performance. The grand finale brings everyone to their feet, as both catalogs merge in an innovative mashup. Must be at least 21, with valid photo ID to attend. This is a fully seated event. All tickets grant entry and reserved seating.
When: 8 p.m. Dec. 26 (doors open at 7 p.m.)
Where: Hard Rock Casino Rockford, 7801 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: $34-$45
Rockford Ice Hogs
What: The Rockford IceHogs take on the Texas Stars. The first 1,500 kids age 14 and younger will receive a youth jersey.
When: 7 p.m. Dec. 27
Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford
Cost: Tickets start at $22
Holocene Holiday
What: Burpee Museum transforms into Holocene Holiday, a festive celebration of mammoths, glaciers and Ice Age adventures. Discover how glaciers carved Illinois, explore the survival stories of extinct giants like the Columbian Mammoth and Smilodon and meet resilient species that still thrive. Enjoy themed crafts and hands-on workshops. Connect with local landscapes, community art projects and interactive booths that highlight the power of nature, conservation and shared history.
When: 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Dec. 27
Where: Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $18; $15 for ages 4-12; free for ages 3 and younger and members
Board Game Day
What: There will be options for games to play here. Anyone can bring down their own games to get others involved.
When: Noon Dec. 28
Where: Quest Givers Gaming and Collectibles, 18 S. Galena Ave., Freeport
Chosen Family Holidays
What: The holidays can be difficult, isolating or complicated for a lot of people. This gathering is about coming together, showing up as you are and creating connection, comfort and chosen family, so that no one feels alone this season. There will be warm drinks, food and treats; games, music and open mic; an art exhibit; and an affirming, welcoming space for all. No matter what holiday you hold, or if you hold none at all, we come together in unity and care. The event is hosted by Rockford PFLAG.
When: 1-3 p.m. Dec. 28
Where: Emanuel Lutheran, 920 Third St., Rockford
Coming next week
Harlem Globetrotters 100 Year Tour
What: This is a once-in-a-century celebration of 100 Years of jaw-dropping moves and heart-pounding thrills. The Harlem Globetrotters are touring to show their gravity-defying dunks and game-changing tricks. Experience the team that redefined basketball. See all-new surprises like the Golden Basketball by Spalding. This is fan celebration from the moment you arrive, with new pre-game magic and post-game interactions.
When: 7 p.m. Dec. 29
Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford
Cost: $51-$131
Cardboard Arcade
What: Try your luck at a cardboard arcade. Play your favorite arcade games, including skeeball, basketball shoot out, bowling and more.
When: 1-5 p.m. Dec. 29 and Dec. 30
Where: Meeting room, Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas St., Freeport
Teen Tuesday: Diamond Art
What: Close out 2025 making diamond art and recounting favorite memories of the past year.
When: 4-5:30 Dec. 30
Where: Conference room, Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas St., Freeport
Countdown to Noon
What: Come celebrate with music, dancing, slime making, crafts, a countdown to noon and more New Year’s fun.
When: 10:30 a.m. – noon Dec. 31
Where: Meeting room, Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas St., Freeport
Party like it’s 1999 NYE House Party
What: Anyone who wants just one more college party will enjoy this house party. Guest must be at least 21. There will be appetizers from Hilldale Café & Catering and tunes from DJ Davis and Company Productions.
When: 7 p.m. Dec. 31
Where: Grand River Hall, 101 S. Liberty St. Sixth Floor, Freeport
Cost: $20 keg cup at the door
New Year’s Eve
What: From 9 a.m. to noon is $2 madness. From 1-4 p.m. or 5-8 p.m., enjoy a family “Bowl before the Ball Drops” pre-party with unlimited bowling and shoe rental, a large pizza and pitcher of soda per lane, contests and prizes (nine pins will equal a strike), sparkling toast and party favors. The pre-party is for all ages. Count down into 2026 from 8:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. with the “Bowl ‘til the Ball Drops” New Year’s Eve Party. This party includes unlimited bowling with shoes the whole night, live DJ and cosmic bowling lights, prizes all night (including a 65-inch Smart TV), games, contests, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight.
When: 9 a.m. – 12:30 a.m. Dec. 31
Where: 4 Seasons Bowling Center, 1100 W. Galena Ave., Freeport
Cost: $2 games of bowling; $2 shoe rental from 9 a.m. – noon; $49 for one lane (up to six people) for family Bowl Before the Ball Drops; $89 for two lanes; $59 for one lane (up to six people) for Bowl ‘til the Ball Drops party; $99 for two lanes
New Year’s Eve
What: The Low Tide Quintet will play live jazz from 8 p.m. until midnight. There will be dinner specials, including the lobster and filet surf and turf. End the night with a midnight toast.
When: 8 p.m. – midnight Dec. 31
Where: The Great Debate at the Wagner House, 1 E. Spring St., Freeport
Early Bird NYE Drop
What: Celebrate New Years Eve with an 8 p.m. ball drop.
When: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Dec. 31
Where: Lena Brewing Company, 9426 Wagner Rd, Lena,
The Real Deal NYE Party
What: The Real Deal will be partying like it’s 1999.
When: 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. Dec. 31
Where: Best Dam Bar, 13965 Best Road, Davis
New Year’s Eve Dart Tournament
What: Play in a New Year’s Eve Dart Tournament. There will be prize bags, free walking tacos and a champagne toast at midnight.
When: 7 p.m. Dec. 31
Where: Lucky Pines Pub House and Gaming, 5040 US-20 Bus., Freeport
Cost: $10 buy-in, 100-percent pay-out
A Funky New Year’s Eve
What: Ring in the New Year with jazz fusion funk band, Rare Element. There will be prizes for the best funk attire, dance moves and more. Enjoy drink specials and a free champagne toast at midnight. Rare Element is a high-energy funk band based in Madison, Wis., known for delivering live performances packed with groove, soul, and tight musicianship. Blending deep-pocket grooves, bold brass and soulful melodies, Rare Element delivers an infectious sound rooted in classic funk traditions while pushing into modern territory. Drawing inspiration from funk legends like Tower of Power, The JB’s and The Meters, as well as modern torchbearers like Lettuce, Cory Wong and Karl Denson, Rare Element blends old-school funk with modern flair, creating a sound that’s both nostalgic and fresh. The group’s repertoire fuses elements of jazz, soul and R&B with funk’s groove, creating music that is equally compelling for serious listeners and dance-floor devotees.
When: 9 a.m. – 2 a.m. Dec. 31 (doors open at 4 p.m.)
Where: The Music Box, 218 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: $40
Rockford Ice Hogs
What: Ring in the New Year early with the Rockford IceHogs as they play the Chicago Wolves. It’s a Screw City Night and Pizza Hut Family Packs will be available.
When: 4 p.m. Dec. 31
Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford
Cost: Tickets start at $22
Kathi Edwards is a freelance contributor to the Freeport Journal-Standard.
This article originally appeared on Journal Standard: Beatles vs Stones and more happening this weekend in Freeport area
Reporting by Kathi Edwards, Special to the Freeport Journal-Standard / Journal Standard
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