The weekend brings Living History Weekend, Cars & Coffee and Frida Fest, along with fundraisers, live music, Independence Day celebrations and more to the Rockford area.
4th of July: The Standard
What: Celebrate the 4th of July with live music by Miles & Kelly, views of the fireworks show and drinks. All ages are welcome; the bar will be checking IDs. There will be a cash bar available.
When: 5 p.m. Friday, July 4
Where: The Standard, 214 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: $10; $5 for guests younger than 21
Bulldog Bolt Run
What: This is the fourth annual Bulldog Bolt 5K and one-mile fun run. Lace up those running shoes and grab your four-legged sidekick. Whether you’re gunning for a personal record or just enjoying a patriotic jog, this is your race to celebrate Independence Day in style. Enjoy the scenic, dog-friendly course. There will be hydration stations to keep you and your pup cool and hydrated and a vendor area with local favorites plus surprises. All proceeds benefit Durand’s 4th of July Festival.
When: 8 a.m. Friday, July 4
Where: Saelens Park, 200 S. Center St., Durand
Cost: $30
4th of July: The Top
What: Enjoy access to the best view of the downtown Rockford fireworks, plus a $50 dining credit to use exclusively at The Top that night.
When: 5 p.m. Friday, July 4
Where: The Top Rooftop Bar & Lounge at Embassy Suites, 416 S. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $75
Rockford Rivets
What: The Rockford Rivets are a baseball team in the Northwoods League, a collegiate summer baseball league. They will play the Battle Creek Battle Jacks.
When: 6:35 p.m. Friday, July 4
Where: Rivets Stadium, 4503 Interstate Blvd., Loves Park
Cost: $14 tickets
Front Row Fireworks
What: The full brewpub menu will be available inside, outside and to-go from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Ethan Larson performs from 5–9 p.m. Downtown Rockford is an Entertainment District, which means you can take your drink to go and enjoy it as you walk around for the parade or along the riverfront. With fireworks launching from the Jefferson Street Bridge at 9:30 p.m., Prairie Street offers a great view from the dock. Grab a table or bring your lawn chair and settle in for the show. The north end of the dock will have summertime games available before the fireworks. Family-friendly. First come, first served seating on the dock, with a two-hour time limit for tables to help accommodate everyone.
When: 5 p.m. Friday, July 4
Where: Prairie Street Brewhouse, 200 Prairie St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
Rockford’s 4th of July
What: The Rockford 4th of July Civic Committee has created this year’s celebration with the theme, “Peace – Love – Unity,” to honor the community’s enduring spirit and the legacy of founder Joe Marino, who led this event from 1963 to 2018. The day’s events include the Lifescape 5K Classic Run/Walk at 7 a.m., Patriotic Prayer Breakfast at 8:30 a.m. Beattie Park. Road closures start at 2 p.m. The main patriotic parade steps off at 5 p.m. from Seventh Street, heading west on East State Street and concluding at Church Street. There will be live entertainment and drink vendors at the City Market Pavilion and the Beattie Park Gazebo. The fireworks display is at 9:30 p.m. from the Jefferson Street Bridge.
When: 7 a.m. Friday, July 4
Where: Downtown Rockford
Red, White and Boom!
What: Experience a day of parking lot demonstrations, sensory-friendly fireworks displays, sparkler making, arts and crafts, and a fun picture spot to capture the memories.
When: Friday, July 4
Where: Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: Included in general admission; free for members
Cherry Festival
What: There will be live music, food, drinks, wagon rides and more. Come pick tart/sour cherries. All cherries are U-Pick only and cost $3.39 per pound.
When: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, July 5
Where: Valley Orchard, 811 E. State St., Cherry Valley
Science Saturday: Nature’s Blueprint
What: Have you ever wondered how bees build hives or animals build shelters? Come learn how engineers mimic animal ingenuity. This is a family-friendly event. No registration required.
When: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, July 5
Where: Severson Dells Nature Center, 8786 Montague Road, Rockford
Cost: Free
Cars and Coffee
What: This dog-, bike- and family-friendly event will feature coffee and donuts from Katie’s Cup, best of show awards for first and second place, sponsor booths, Twisted Lanes’ RC track, a Hot Wheels track, Marines, a blood donation sign-up for the September show and more. The County Sheriff will be cooking. The car club of the month is the Northern Illinois Corvette Club. The Furthest Traveled award is open to everyone. Sisson’s Tree Service will be displaying the flag over Seventh Street.
When: 9 a.m. – noon Saturday, July 5
Where: The parking lot at Rockford Public Schools 205 District, across from Katie’s Cup, 502 Seventh St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
Living History Weekend
What: Visit Midway Village for its Civil War based Living History weekend. Get “recruited to join the army” and march and drill with other “soldiers.” Learn how to dance, wear clothes and treat injuries as they did back then. Costumed tour guides will be on hand to tell you all about lady spies, underground railroad, old-time school lessons and more.
When: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, July 5 and Sunday, July 6
Where: Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford
Cost: $14; $12 for seniors age 62 and older or children age 5-12
Bark Shop
What: Maze Books has partnered with Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary to showcase adoptable dogs at the bookstore. No registration required; just stop into the bookstore garden, meet one of the dogs, get a few pets in, and maybe meet your future furry companion.
When: 1-2 p.m. Sunday, July 6
Where: Maze Books, 406 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: Free
Frida Fest Kick-Off
What: Celebrate Frida Kahlo’s birthday with kids painting and craft activities, Frida Kahlo merchandise vendors, live music, Mexican food, a Frida Kahlo look-a-like contest and birthday cake.
When: Noon – 5 p.m. Sunday, July 6
Where: Ethnic Heritage Museum, 1129 S. Main St., Rockford
Live at Levings: Patten Pending
What: Enjoy a family-friendly celebration of music, dance and culture featuring a live R&B/jazz band, line dance and steppin’ presentations, cash prizes for a couples dance challenge, celebrity judges and more. Hosted by George Daniels. Music provided by DJ Queen, with a live performance by Patten Pending, a jazz-funk fusion band based in Beloit, Wis., founded by trumpeter and vocalist Naomi Patten.
When: 5-8 p.m. Sunday, July 6
Where: Levings Park, 1420 S. Pierpont Ave., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
Boone County Arts Council Concert Series
What: Rockford Wind Ensemble will perform patriotic and American music.
When: 6:30 p.m. Sunday, July 6
Where: Baltic Mill Stage, Belvidere Park, 1006 W. Lincoln Ave., Belvidere
Coming next week
Dockside Live: Jaik Willis
What: Jaik Willis is a strumming and drumming One Man Band, playing an 11-piece drum set with his feet while playing guitars, bass and harps while singing and beatboxing simultaneously, live with no looping or electronics. Jaik is the July 7 performer.
When: 6-9 p.m. Monday, July 7
Where: Prairie Street Brewing Co., 200 Prairie St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
Backpacking with Burpee: Aquatics
What: Dive into the wonders of stream ecosystems. Uncover plants, animals and insects that call the water home. This is a hands-on activity for curious explorers of all ages.
When: 10 a.m. Monday, July 7
Where: Seward Bluffs Campground, 16999 Comly Road, Seward
Cost: $7
Guest Bartender Event
What: Join Golden Apple Foundation for drinks and dinner at this fundraising event. The nonprofit will get a portion of receipts and all the tips in the tip jar. There is also a car show from 5-9 p.m. that night along with Texas Hold ‘Em at 7 p.m. There will be a bar and food on the smoker outside. There will be a raffle as well. Money raised at this event supports grants, scholarships and recognition programs for teachers in Boone and Winnebago County schools
When: 4-7 p.m. Monday, July 7
Where: Coach’s Corner, 622 S. State St., Belvidere
Cost: Free to attend
Movies, Musicals and More
What: Enjoy a concert by the Rockford Concert Band conducted by TJ Mack, with oboe soloist Gracie McMahon and vocal soloist The Studio Rockford.
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 8
Where: Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, 1401 N. Second St., Rockford
Tuesday Evening in the Garden: Johnny and the Yooahoos
What: Tuesday Evening in the Gardens features local, regional and nationally touring musicians. The July 8 headliner is Johnny and the Yooahoos from Munich, Germany, with opening act, Lone Canary of Rockford. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Blankets, lawn chairs and small tables are welcome. Guests can start setting up at 5 p.m. The parking lots fill early. A complimentary shuttle is provided between UIC-Rockford and the Gardens. Carry-in picnic suppers are welcome, but carry-in beverages are not allowed. Bags will be checked upon entry.
When: 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, July 8
Where: Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
Cost: $13; $12 for seniors; $11 for students and military; free for age 5 and younger
New Resident Mixer
What: Whether you’re new to Rockford or simply looking to connect, get a warm welcome at the Grow Your Roots: New Resident Mixer. Enjoy an evening of live music, complimentary appetizers and drinks and a family-friendly atmosphere. There will be prizes, a vibrant community vibe and a great opportunity to meet fellow residents and learn more about your new home.
When: 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 8
Where: Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
Cost: Free
Roger Clyne & PH Naffah
What: Roger Clyne and PH Naffah are the founding members of The Refreshments and The Peacemakers. In The Refreshments, Clyne and Naffah put the fun in rock during the 90s grunge era with a sense of humor. The Refreshments’ debut album, “Fizzy, Fuzzy, Big & Buzzy,” became a cult classic. Changes within their record label and internal band issues resulted in Clyne and Naffah going on a vision quest of sorts in the Whetstone Mountains near the Clyne Ranch in southeastern Arizona. Clyne and Naffah wrote and recorded under a new moniker what would become Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers’ debut album, “Honky Tonk Union” and eight more albums.
When: Tuesday, July 8 and Wednesday, July 9
Where: The Music Box, 218 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: $25
Rockton River Market: Sheez-It
What: Sheez-It will play July 9. The market opens at 5 p.m. with music starting at 6 pm.
When: 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 9
Where: Settler’s Park, 165 E. Hawick St., Rockton
Cost: Free admission
Intro to Embroidery
What: Held as part of the cultural celebration of Frida Fest, this experience introduces participants to the foundational stitches and creative techniques that make embroidery a timeless and expressive art form. Learn how to transfer designs, select threads and stitch simple yet beautiful patterns inspired by Mexican folk art and Frida Kahlo’s legacy. Whether you’re a complete novice or looking to refresh your skills, this class is perfect for unwinding and expressing your creativity in a supportive environment.
When: 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 9
Where: Ethnic Heritage Museum, 1129 S. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $10
Bourbon & Beats: Lola Blu Band
What: From vibrant jazz tunes to classic rock anthems and everything in between, the summer concert lineup promises something for every music aficionado. Savor food and drinks from onsite vendors as you mingle with fellow music lovers and dance the night away. Food and wine specials will be made available. The performer on July 9 is the Lola Blu Band.
When: 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, July 9
Where: Alchemy at Aldeen, 1902 Reid Farm Road, Rockford
Music on the Rock: Stefan Hillesheim
What: This is a music event on the banks of the Rock River at Burpee. Relax and enjoy food and drink with friends and family at the beautiful outdoor theater. If it rains, the event will be moved inside. The July 9 performer is Stefan Hillesheim.
When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 9
Where: Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
Mamma Mia Rooftop Party
What: This event is inspired by Mamma Mia! and the vibes of the Greek Isles. Build your own flower crown from 5-7 p.m., join themed karaoke from 6:30-8:15 p.m. Dress to impress. There will be costume judging at 7:45 p.m., with prizes for Best Overall Costume, Most Creative Look, Ultimate 70’s Icon, & Dancing Queen Energy. There will be an outdoor screening of the movie “Mamma Mia!” at 8:30 p.m. Make it a night full of ABBA, cocktails and rooftop views.
When: 4-11 p.m. Thursday, July 10
Where: The Top
Cost: No cover charge
Dinner on the Dock: PettyCash
What: The performer July 10 is PettyCash. PettyCash is the celebration of two iconic legends, Tom Petty and Johnny Cash, brought to life by five musicians who share a passion for amazing tunes and good times. PettyCash delivers a high-energy stage show that brings all the hits you know and love. This band guarantees a performance full of shredding and sing-alongs.
When: 5-10 p.m. Thursday, July 10
Where: Prairie Street Brewhouse, 200 Prairie St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
Rockford Jams: JUMP
What: Rockford Jams (formerly Music in the Park), presented by the Rockford Park District, is an outdoor summer concert series held at the open-air Sinnissippi Park Music Shell. Surrounded by trees, a variety of musical performers, styles and genres is presented. Arrive early for best seating; ending time is approximate. The series consists of both free and admission fee shows, depending on the performance. Bring a picnic to enjoy or buy concession items on site. The July 10 performer is JUMP. This band has positioned themselves as one of the top up-and-coming Van Halen tributes on the planet. immerse yourself in youth, nostalgia, and rock ‘n roll.
When: Thursday, July 10
Where: Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, 1401 N. Second St., Rockford
Cost: $5; free for children age 5 and younger
Movie Screening: Frida
What: Enjoy Frida Kahlo’s modern biographical filled with tragedy, love and art.
When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, July 10
Where: Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $5
Beats and Bites: Luau
What: Enjoy this summertime event in downtown Rockford featuring food trucks, music, games, local businesses, giveaways and fun surprises. Each week brings a unique theme, offering something new for guests of all ages. The July 10 theme is Luau.
When: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Thursday, July 10
Where: the corner of West State and Church Streets, Rockford
Cost: free admission
Poetry Walk
What: Go for a walk through the forest and fields with Rockford’s Poet Laureate Lydia Kozlowski. Enjoy nature, share readings and more. For all ages. Registration is required.
When: 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, July 10
Where: Severson Dells Nature Center, 8786 Montague Road, Rockford
Cost: $5; $3 for members
Kathi Edwards is a freelance contributor to the Rockford Register Star.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Fourth of July, Cars & Coffee and Frida Fest among 15 things to do in the Rockford area
Reporting by Kathi Edwards / Rockford Register Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
