The weekend brings David Spade and Board Game Day, along with fundraisers, live music and more to the Freeport area.
Baby Goat Snuggle Session
What: Come to the farm and snuggle the spring kids. The group will be kept very small to ensure that the babies are comfortable and everyone gets some relaxing one-on-one time with the babies. In case of inclement weather, the snuggle session will be held in the barn with a heater. Chairs will be provided for you to sit down with a baby, who will probably fall asleep in your lap. This is a working farm. Everyone must have a ticket.
When: 1:30-2:30 p.m. May 29 and 9 a.m. May 30
Where: Gretta’s Goats, 498 Farwell Bridge Road, Pecatonica
Cost: $24; free for age 3 and younger when accompanied by an adult
Rockford Rivets
What: The Rockford Rivets is the local Northwoods League elite college wood bat baseball team. Put on your black and gold and cheer the Rivets on. The Rivets play the Waterloo Bucks Friday and Saturday; they play the Battle Creek Battle Jacks on Sunday.
When: 6:35 p.m. May 29 and May 30; 3:35 p.m. May 31
Where: Rivets Stadium, 4503 Interstate Blvd., Loves Park
Cost: $10
David Spade
What: David Spade became a household favorite during his tenure as a cast member on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live.” Spade has starred in film and television in “Joe Dirt,” “Grown Ups,” “The Wrong Missy,” “Rules of Engagement,” and “8 Simple Rules.” For his role in “Just Shoot Me”, Spade received nominations for a 1999 Emmy Award, Golden Globe and American Comedy Award. Spade continues to be a box office draw, touring his stand-up shows nationwide. He also co-hosts the podcast, “Fly on the Wall,” alongside Dana Carvey, and their spin-off pop culture podcast “Superfly.”
When: 8 p.m. May 29
Where: Coronado Theatre, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $42-$71
Revenge of the Cryptids Art Show
What: Revenge of the Cryptids features Lizard Man live. Enjoy music, freak show entertainment and Cryptid/spooky-inspired art of all kinds. From 4-8 p.m., there will be an all ages meet and greet with Lizard Man. At 8 p.m., guests must be age 21 or older for live music and entertainment show from Lizard Man for a $10 admission fee. Enjoy live music from King of the Demons, Super Brick, Burgess Shale; and art by Phoenix Morningstar, Leo Agular, Cris @crispymade, Sean McIntosh, Anibal Crespo, John Billman, Christian Dawson, Brittany Darcy, Lyric Rose Ellis, Kate Mayo, Wendy Flores, Becca Houlihan and Kenniy Auth.
When: 4-8 p.m. May 30
Where: The McPherson, 1210 Buchanan St., Rockford
Blue Steel
What: Blue Steel will perform.
When: 8-11 p.m. May 30
Where: The Cedar Inn, 4747 IL Route 26 N, Cedarville
The Real Deal
What: The Real Deal will be playing its signature blend of R&B, Top 40, Motown and a twist of Country tunes.
When: 8 p.m. – midnight May 30
Where: Best Dam Bar, 13965 Best Road, Davis
Freedom 250 Mobile Museum
What: A fleet of six mobile museums known as “Freedom Trucks” are traveling throughout 2026, bringing the story of American independence to students, families and citizens in every corner of the country and near many military communities. The exhibits tell the story of how 13 colonies declared independence, defeated the greatest empire in the world and secured American sovereignty 250 years ago. With quizzes, a kiosk to sign your name digitally to the Declaration of Independence and a wall of 50 American heroes, these exhibits celebrate the remarkable achievements that 250 years have made possible.
When: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. May 31, June 1 and June 2
Where: Veterans Memorial Hall, 211 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: Free
Special Needs Bike Expo
What: The first Audrey Cismesia Special Needs Bike Expo will feature at least 15 adaptive bikes to try, experts to help fit and educate about picking out an appropriate bike. There will be entertainment and activities for everyone, with Phantom Regiment, rock painting, bike riding demonstrations, a YMCA of Rock River Valley spin class and therapy dogs. The Superhero Center for Autism will have a sensory tent and there will be food trucks, including Kona Ice of Rockford and Cantina Taco. There will also be an ice cream celebration in memory of Audrey, whose favorite food was ice cream.
When: noon – 4 p.m. May 31
Where: Harlem High School, 9229 N. Alpine Road, Machesney Park
Board Game Day
What: Come for a board game day. There will be some different options for games to play and anyone can bring down their own games to get others involved.
When: Noon May 31
Where: Quest Givers Gaming & Collectibles, 18 S. Galena Ave., Freeport
Sunday Funday with Route 66
What: The band Route 66 will perform.
When: 2-5 p.m. May 31
Where: Lena Brewing Company, 9426 Wagner Road, Lena
LGBTQ+ Veterans March
What: National factors like Executive Order 14183 which bans trans individuals from serving in the military, along with other forces working to suppress the LGBTQ+ community and its opportunities have created a fearful environment that trickles down to the local level. Traditions created for Rockford Pride such as the annual flag raising for LGBTQ+ veterans are being challenged and rolled back year over year. This is a visibility and solidarity march for LGBTQ+ veterans and military to honor their service and to create visibility for these larger issues in the queer community. March together down the parade route and gather near Memorial Hall for a ceremonial flag raising.
When: 2 p.m. May 31
Where: East State and Third Streets, Rockford (near the Faust)
Carden International Circus
What: The Carden Circus is bringing its all-new 2026 Spectacular Show including animals, acrobats and magical illusions. Arrive one hour early for free pre-show fun the whole family will love: animal rides, giant inflatables, ride the Circus train, fabulous face painting and hands-on activities for every age.
When: 3-5 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m. May 31
Where: Boone County Fairgrounds, 8847 IL-76, Belvidere
Cost: $10-$40; one child ticket free with each paid adult ticket
Open Mic Night
What: Enjoy an evening of open mic. A guitar, a bass, a cajon drum, microphones and karaoke are all available for anyone. Come try some comedy or poetry, too.
When: 3-6 p.m. May 31
Where: PJ’s Corner, 504 N. Stanton St., Davis
Coming next week
Teen Tuesday: Summer Workday
What: Handy with a pair of scissors? A pro at preparation? Come for a special Teen Tuesday to work on Summer Reading Program materials.
When: 4-5 p.m. June 2
Where: Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas St., Freeport
Paint Night
What: Paint a peaceful little scene featuring a glowing moon, fluttering fireflies and a mason jar you can personalize with any word or name you’d like. Pick your either a serene blue or dreamy purple sky and add glow-in-the-dark paint that makes your canvas shine when the lights go out. This event is for either first-timers or seasoned painters. A full menu and cash bar will be open.
When: 6 p.m. June 2
Where: Mort’s Bar & Grill, 114 S. Chicago Ave., Freeport
Cost: $35 for 16×20 canvas
Riverdance 30: The New Generation
What: Riverdance is a fusion of Irish and international dance and Grammy award-winning music. To celebrate its 30th year milestone, Riverdance will embark on a special anniversary tour. This production rejuvenates the original show with new choreography and costumes and state of the art lighting, projection and motion graphics. For the first time, Riverdance welcomes “The New Generation” of performers, all of whom were not born when show began 30 years ago.
When: 7:30 p.m. June 2
Where: Coronado Theatre, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $60-$227
Story time
What: Bring your blankets and chairs for an outdoor story time. Listen to stories, sing songs and join in movement activities. In the event of inclement weather, story time will be held in the library.
When: 10:30-11 a.m. June 3
Where: Debate Square Park, Freeport
Plant Bingo
What: Free to play Bingo. Karaoke with Alyssa after the game.
When: 7-9 p.m. June 4
Where: Hot Rod Nellie’s, 122 S. Jackson Road, Pecatonica
Kathi Edwards is a freelance contributor to the Freeport Journal-Standard.
This article originally appeared on Journal Standard: David Spade and Board Game Day among 13 weekend events around Freeport
Reporting by Kathi Edwards, Special to the Freeport Journal-Standard / Journal Standard
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
