The weekend brings a Pokemon Day celebration, the Rockford Home Show and the Arctic Ale and Art Walk, along with fundraisers, live music and more to the Freeport area.
Artist Workshop: Kari McDonald
What: Join artist Kari McDonald for a hands-on Block Printing Workshop and explore the timeless art of printmaking. Participants will design and carve their own wood block, then use it to create unique ink prints. Guided by Kari, you’ll learn the fundamentals of composition, carving techniques and printing by hand. No experience necessary. All materials are provided.
When: 1-4 p.m. Feb. 27
Where: Freeport Art Museum, 121 N. Harlem Ave., Freeport
Cost: $50; $45 for members
Yolanda Del Rio
What: Known for her soulful voice and captivating stage presence, Yolanda Del Rio will perform. Guests must be at least 21.
When: 8 p.m. Feb. 27 (doors open at 7 p.m.)
Where: Hard Rock Casino Rockford, 7801 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: $53-$170
Mom & Me Masquerade
What: Young men, age 13 or younger, will escort their mothers to this event for dancing, prizes and entertainment. Space is limited; pre-registration is required.
When: 6-8:30 p.m. Feb. 27
Where: Masonic Event Center, 305 W. Stephenson St., Freeport
Cost: $17; $16 for residents
Pokemon Day Celebration
What: Twisted Games & Collectibles is celebrating all things Pokémon. Show off your creativity in a coloring contest for a chance to win Pokémon prizes. There will be drawings throughout the day for Pokémon goodies. Join the Pokémon Tournament at 6 p.m. for a $15 entry fee. The winner takes home a Phantasmal Flames Elite Trainer Box. Bring your best deck and celebrate Pokémon Day. Promotional items will be available while supplies last. Get some Pikachu hats and stickers. Whether you’re a competitive trainer or just love collecting and coloring, there’s something for everyone. Wear your favorite Pokémon gear.
When: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Feb. 27
Where: Twisted Games & Collectibles, Class One, 1030 W. Riverside Drive, Freeport
Rockford Home Show
What: The 45th Annual Rockford Home Show features the latest trends in home design, expert advice and a wide variety of products and services to help plan spring home projects. See more than 200 local vendors showcasing services for interior remodeling, solar, windows, doors, landscaping, interior design, flooring, garages, roofs, decks, gutters and more. While you explore, kids can do a gardening project or learn how to do balloon twisting. On Saturday and Sunday, see Birds of Prey with Hoo Haven Wildlife Center, witness the Bubble Wizard, and learn about bugs with the Bug Squad.
When: 2-7 p.m. Feb. 27, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 28 and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. March 1
Where: Indoor Sports Center, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park
Cost: $7; free for children age 11 and younger
Arctic Ale & Art Walk
What: Enjoy shopping, beer tasting and art viewing in downtown Freeport for the Seventh Annual Arctic Ale and Art Walk. Downtown stores will be hosting local artists and artisans as well as offering samples of local beer. Live music fills the streets at warming stations throughout downtown as you stroll. 17 businesses are participating in the event.
When: Noon – 4 p.m. Feb. 28
Where: downtown Freeport
Cost: $10 for wristband and tasting cup
Future Leaders Kids Market
What: This family-friendly event celebrates young entrepreneurs and kid-focused businesses and services in the community.
When: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Feb. 28
Where: Lincoln Mall, 1255 W. Galena Ave., Freeport
Fundraising Bowling Party
What: This bowling party fundraiser for FHS S.T.A.R.S. Showtime 46 has a Country Western theme and includes extreme lighting, music and prizes. There will be glow-style moonlight bowling, adult/adult, adult/child and child/child teams. Lousy bowlers are welcome; skill not required. There will be a 50/50 raffle and a silent auction. Fee includes shoe rental.
When: 8 p.m. Feb. 28 (check-in starts at 7:30 p.m.)
Where: 4 Seasons Bowling Center, 1100 W. Galena Ave., Freeport
Cost: $50 per couple
Joys of Gardening
What: The 28th annual Joys of Gardening program is offered by the University of Illinois Extension and the U of I Extension Master Gardeners. The program features a keynote address and breakout sessions. The keynote presenters, Kathi and Michael Rock, will present Gardening for Hummingbirds. The presentation will cover identification of the Ruby-throated hummingbird, ideal habitat, migration, nesting, feeding, importance of water features and how the best hummingbird feeders and plants can bring you up close to these birds. There will be two garden-related breakout sessions. Local professionals, extension staff and U of I Extension Master Gardeners lead each class.
When: 8:25 a.m. Feb. 28 (registration starts at 8 a.m.)
Where: Highland Community College Student Conference Center, 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport
Cost: $15
Rob Thomas
What: Multi-Platinum, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Rob Thomas brings an intimate performance to support Sidewalk Angels Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by him and his wife, Marisol, in this re-scheduled event. Sidewalk Angels Foundation is dedicated to providing critically needed funds and support to more than 20 no-kill animal shelters and animal rescues that help fight for the rights and fair treatment of those with no voice. Thomas will perform hits from his illustrious solo career, as well as classic songs from Matchbox Twenty. Guests must be at least 21 years old.
When: 8 p.m. March 1 (doors open at 7 p.m.)
Where: Hard Rock Casino Rockford, 7801 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: $120-$252
Coming next week
Slime Making
What: This month, make St. Patrick’s Day slime.
When: 3:30-5:30 p.m. March 3
Where: Freeport Public Library youth program room, 100 E. Douglas St., Freeport
Book Discussion
What: Come discuss “Way Off the Road” by Bill Geist. The celebrated roving correspondent for CBS News Sunday Morning and bestselling author Bill Geist serves up a rollicking look at some small-town Americans and their offbeat ways of life. No registration required. All are welcome.
When: 10:30-11:30 a.m. March 5
Where: Senior Resource Center, 206 E. Stephenson St., Freeport
2026 Spring Tee Off Open House
What: The festivities will include golf simulator contests with prizes, a golf etiquette overview, a sneak peek at new merchandise in the pro shop, registration updates for 2026, club re-grip specials and a grand prize drawing for a 2026 membership or a $200 merchandise gift certificate. Get the event schedule for 2026, see what’s new, enter to win and get ready for the golf season.
When: Noon March 1
Where: The Freeport Club, 1614 S. Park Blvd., Freeport
Kathi Edwards is a freelance contributor to the Freeport Journal-Standard.
This article originally appeared on Journal Standard: Arctic Ale and Art Walk is among 10 events this weekend around Freeport
Reporting by Kathi Edwards, Special to the Freeport Journal-Standard / Journal Standard
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