The weekend brings the Bunny Trail and Killers of Tony, along with Easter egg hunts, fundraisers, live music and more to the Freeport area.
Cars & Coffee 2026
What: Cars & Coffee – Rockford is held the first Saturday of each month from April through October. A different car group will be featured each month. Anyone is welcome to register and participate. Enjoy coffee and food from Katie’s Cup, conversations about cars and a sense of community.
When: 9 a.m. – noon April 4
Where: RPS205 Administrative Building parking lot and along Seventh Street, Rockford
Cost: Free
High Tea with the Butterflies
What: Discover a unique and intimate high tea experience from Vintage Goose Café and Nicholas Conservatory during the Secret Life of Butterflies exhibit. Each high tea session takes place in the conservatory next to the butterfly house. Vintage Goose serves three teas, paired with treats and pastries, inspired by the butterflies in the exhibit. Interact with the butterflies in the butterfly house while there. Space is limited; pre-registration is required.
When: 9-10:15 a.m. April 4, 11 and 18
Where: Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. Second St., Rockford
Cost: $50; $45 for NCG members
Bunny Bash
What: From 1-3 p.m. Carlson Ice Arena will host a public ice skating session. Admission for skating only is $10 per person including skate rental; $7 not including skates. The festivities will also include handouts of Easter eggs. From 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., children age 3-12 can explore Playworld’s three-level indoor soft structure and children age 3 and younger can play in the Tiny Tots Playspace for $8 per child. Attend both April 4 events for $14 per person combined admission. No discount coupons will be accepted for the weekend’s admissions, events or activities.
When: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. April 4
Where: Carlson Ice Arena and Sapora Playworld, 4150 N. Perryville Road, Loves Park
Bunny Trail
What: Participate in activities and interact with barn yard animals in the petting zoo. No registration is needed. The paths are stroller, wheelchair and bunny friendly. The event is for all ages.
When: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. April 4
Where: Krape Park, 1799 S. Park Blvd., Freeport
Cost: Free
Barstool Golf
What: You and three friends form a team and sign up at any of the nine participating venues across Freeport. Participants must all be age 21 or older. Each venue has its own custom-designed miniature golf hole. Hit putts at every stop along the way. This event is part golf tournament, part bar crawl and part community event. The after-party starts at 5:30 p.m. and includes playoffs, cocktails, food (at 6 p.m.) and awards. Participating venues are The Freeport Club, King’s Bar and Grill, Big O’s, The Moose Lodge, Pretzel City Pub, Lucky Pines, Morts Bar and Grill, Tony’s and The Eagles Club. Proceeds benefit Hope Wins.
When: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. April 4
Where: Nine participating venues across Freeport
Cost: $40 per team of four players
Killers of Tony
What: Regulars and fan favorites from “Kill Tony” bring their standup show on the road with “Killers of Kill Tony.” “Killers of Kill Tony” showcases the diverse talent pool of comedians who have graced the stage of the original podcast with their wit, humor and unique comedic styles. This show may contain mature content and is recommended for ages 18 and older.
When: 7 p.m. April 4
Where: Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $47-$71
Rockford IceHogs
What: The Rockford IceHogs will play the Iowa Wild. After the game, fans will have the opportunity to take part in the Annual Postgame Live Jersey Auction to bid on game-worn jerseys right from the ice.
When: 7 p.m. April 4
Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford
Cost: $27-$51
Coming next week
Slime Making
What: Come make Glow in the Dark Paint Slime at this session for pre-school or elementary students, young adults and families.
When: 3:30-5:30 p.m. April 7
Where: Freeport Public Library youth program room, 100 E. Douglas St., Freeport
Good Climate Policy
What: The speakers for “Good Climate Policy, Real Savings: What Illinois Has Done and What We Can Do Next” will provide data-driven information about the effects of climate change in Northwest Illinois and what federal, state, and community leaders and organizations are doing to address or prepare for climate change in our country, state and region. They will also provide attendees with information about what they can do to mitigate the effects of climate change in their own lives.
When: 6:30-7:45 p.m. April 8
Where: Freeport Public Library meeting room, 100 E. Douglas St., Freeport
Downtown Recast Listening Session
What: Join in a collaborative discussion with business owners, building owners and local government officials to share perspectives, identify priorities and set goals that will shape a stronger, more vibrant downtown district. Lunch will be provided.
When: 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. April 9
Where: Greater Freeport Partnership Office, 110 W. Main St., Freeport
Cost: Free
Kathi Edwards is a freelance contributor to the Freeport Journal-Standard.
This article originally appeared on Journal Standard: Easter fun and egg hunts among 7 weekend events around Freeport
Reporting by Kathi Edwards, Special to the Freeport Journal-Standard / Journal Standard
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