The weekend brings the Rockford Symphony Orchestra: Beethoven’s 9th, Annual ABATE KVA Safety and Awareness Parade and an English High Tea, along with fundraisers, live music, art exhibits and more to the Rockford area.
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
What: Enjoy a performance of Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd adapted by Margaret Raether, presented by Artists’ Ensemble Theater. Performances run May 8–25. This is a locked-room mystery packed with secrets, suspects, and just enough red herrings to keep you guessing until the very end. There will be a special Theater Talk with playwright Margaret Raether 45 minutes before performances on Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11. Limited seating.
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 4 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays, May 8-May 24
Where: Artist’s Ensemble Theater, Rockford College Art Gallery, 5050 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: $28; $19 discount Thursdays; $10 for students
Bob Hill
What: Ernie Pyle Legacy Award-winning columnist Bob Hill will speak. Bob’s newspaper career began in the Rockford area. He started reporting and writing columns in 1967 at the Sycamore Sun Tribune and True Republican newspapers, then moved to the Rockford Morning Star (now Register Star) which sent him to cover the 1973 World Ice Skating Championships in Bratislava (then Czechoslovakia). Bob was there to report on Rockford skater Janet Lynn who took home the Silver Medal.
When: 1 p.m. Friday, May 9
Where: Ethnic Heritage Museum, 1129 S. Main St., Rockford
John Berens, an Evening of Comedy
What: John Berens, comedian and co-writer of Manitowoc Minute with brother comedian Charlie Berens, showcase his comedic talents along with three other comedians from Wisconsin.
When: 8 p.m. Friday, May 9
Where: The Music Box, 218 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: $18.85
Ars Pvblica: The Sacred Thread
What: How do we make sense of the great universe and our place within it? What are the sacred threads that tie us together across culture, time and space? Spitaman “Spitty” Tata, Aeronautical Engineer and Consultant; Yvonne Boose, Public Radio Reporter and Announcer (WNIJ); Erick “the Grey” Kanus, Empathic Psychic Medium and Seer; Gauri Jog, Kathak dancer and instructor; and the Rev. Matthew Johnson of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockford. Hosted by Emily Klonicki and Roni Golan.
When: 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 9
Where: The Underground Gallery, 418 E. State St., Rockford
Live Poetry
What: Join Rockford University students as they perform their original poetry live. Come early to ensure your free, handmade copy of the Student Voices poetry chapbook for Spring 2025. Rockford University English Major Alumni and professors will be present if you are interested in learning more about the university’s English department. Performers include Kaley Bruce, Sara Carter, Faye Dorcely, Tatiana Garduno, Richard Hart, Veronica Lawson, Gia Midthun, Jay Pierce and Jenn Ruesch.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, May 9
Where: Maze Books, 406 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: Free
Sip and Stroll
What: Stroll through 10 participating stores, each offering exclusive shopping discounts and a different wine to sip. Must be 21 or older. Your ticket automatically enters you to win prizes.
When: 3-6 p.m. Saturday, May 10
Where: Edgebrook Center, 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford
Cost: $20
Rockford Symphony Orchestra: Beethoven’s 9th
What: The season closes with Beethoven’s classic, Symphony No. 9, performed by the Nielsen Chorale, world-class soloists and the Rockford Symphony Orchestra.
When: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, May 10
Where: Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $10-$77
BloomFest Spring Artisan Market
What: BloomFest is a celebration of art, nature and community. Shop for unique handmade goods, enjoy some food and get creative at this family-friendly festival. There will be artisan goods, food trucks, a free community art project, live music, a plant and flower sale and free children’s activities.
When: 10 a.m. Saturday, May 10
Where: Womanspace, 3333 Maria Linden Drive, Rockford
English High Tea
What: Celebrate spring and Mother’s Day with a traditional English high tea. Set in the cove, dining and garden rooms of the Laurent House, guests will enjoy fine loose-leaf teas paired with an assortment of finger sandwiches, scones served with lemon curd and preserves and sweet treats. Enjoy the music of local harpist Lois Schlueter while enjoying this opportunity to immerse yourself in the Laurent House as if you were a guest of Phyllis Laurent. The event will be catered by Tracey Vukalovich of Vintage Goose Café.
When: 10 a.m. – noon Saturday, May 10
Where: Laurent House, 4646 Spring Brook Road, Rockford
Cost: $65; $40 for ages 7-14
Third Annual Flower Fest and North End City Market
What: Enjoy the North End City Market and planting at Veteran’s Memorial Circle. Grab a passport at a participating business to get stamped at each location and enter to win a North End market tote filled with items from local businesses. Participating businesses: Greenwood Cemetery, Half Baked Bar, North End City Market, Rooted, The GOAT Pub and Grill, The Norwegian, The Olympic Tavern, Veteran’s Memorial Circle and Winnie Nutter Vintage. Volunteer to help plant flowers from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The North End City Market is open from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
When: 8 a.m. Saturday, May 10
Where: North End Neighborhood, N. Main and Auburn Streets, Rockford
Local 413 Mini-Putt Crawl
What: Play mini-golf in downtown. Show off your putting skills and enjoy friendly competition with friends and family as you help raise money for the Rockford Firefighters Local 413 charitable fund. Support downtown businesses and participate in friendly competition for prizes no matter your skill level.
When: 11:45 a.m. Saturday, May 10
Where: District Bar & Grill, 205 W. State St., Rockford
Cost: $25-$90
Spring Swap Meet
What: If you’re looking for something rare, obsolete motorcycle parts or manuals, this is your chance to grab it before it’s gone. We also have fixtures, restaurant equipment and other unique items. Vendors include Buzz Walneck; Chiro One Wellness Center — Rockford offering complimentary screenings and education; Matt Szymanski; Jiiva Creations offering handmade jewelry; Phantom Nagini Creations with handcrafted and copper wire wrapped jewelry and crystals; R.A.D. Creations offering permanent jewelry, custom apparel and laser engraved tumblers; Unique Magnetic Jewelry for Men & Women; Titan International Knives and Tim Danner.
When: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday, May 10
Where: Kegel Harley-Davidson, 7125 Harrison Ave., Rockford
Cost: Free
Puzzle Swap
What: Bring your used puzzles (with no missing pieces please) for a swap. For each puzzle you bring, you can pick one from the pile. All participants will also receive 10% off all new puzzles, and miscellaneous merchandise.
When: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, May 10
Where: Inkwell Books & Threads, 106A W. Main St., Rockton
Safety and Awareness Parade
What: ABATE of Illinois — Kishwaukee Valley Chapter, INC. leads this annual police-escorted Safety and Awareness Parade from Carlson Ice Arena to Kegel Harley-Davidson. Come together to support their mission and remind the community to stay alert and watch for motorcycles on the road. Line up at 10 a.m. at Carlson Ice Arena. The parade rolls out at 11 a.m. sharp and makes its way to Kegel Harley-Davidson, 7125 Harrison Ave., where a hot dog lunch will be waiting. This event is free and open to the public, but donations are always welcome.
When: 10 a.m. Saturday, May 10
Where: Carlson Ice Arena, 4150 N. Perryville Road, Rockford
Cost: Free
Leafing Through
What: Experience some incredible authors, poets and performers as they recite original literary works in the beauty of nature at the outdoor amphitheater. The program will consist of several performances of approximately 10 minutes each, with a short break in the middle. Wooden benches are available for seating, but there’s also space to bring your own lawn chairs.
When: 7-8 p.m. Saturday, May 10
Where: Atwood Park, 2685 New Milford School Road, Rockford
Cost: Free
Mother’s Day Brunch
What: This special event to celebrate moms includes a buffet-style brunch with chicken and carnita chilaquiles, fruit, pancakes, waffles, bacon and eggs. There will be live music, a mariachi and a band. Every mom will receive a mini flower bouquet and there will be an area for photos.
When: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Sunday, May 11
Where: Harmony Banquets, 1104 15th Ave., Rockford
Cost: $25; $10 for children age 9 and younger
Mother’s Day Market
What: Enjoy a spring celebration where you can shop for gifts and treats for Mom while also enjoying a first look at the new permanent vendors.
When: 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday, May 11
Where: Lino’s at the Mercato, 8400 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park
Coming next week
Full Moon Walk
What: Under the light of the moon, join Severson Dells Nature Center staff to explore the woods and prairies in search of nocturnal mysteries. All ages welcome. Registration required.
When: Monday, May 12
Where: Severson Dells Nature Center, 8786 Montague Road, Rockford
Cost: $5; $3 for members
Full Moon Yoga
What: Experience a peaceful evening yoga session with Cassie Piske. Afterward, join in the full moon hike. Register separately for the hike. For ages 8 and older.
When: Monday, May 12
Where: Severson Dells Nature Center, 8786 Montague Road, Rockford
Cost: $15; $10 for members
Researching Family History
What: The families who came to Illinois and Wisconsin came from varied ethnic backgrounds and created a varied landscape of urban and rural environments. The records which were created by and about them reflect that variety, both in type and availability. This presentation will first examine the similarities between Illinois and Wisconsin family history resources, then look at the unique records of each state, including ethnic, religious and governmental archives and repositories. The discussion will also include a brief review of the history of this part of the “Old Northwest.”
When: 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 13
Where: Nordic Cultural Center, 327 S. Third St., Rockford
Cost: $15; $10 for members
Rock ‘n’ Recovery
What: Join Rosecrance for an evening of music and hope, featuring a special dining experience, the Castle Award presentation and a performance by the World Class Rockers, featuring band members from Journey, Boston, Santana, Steppenwolf and Lynyrd Skynyrd. The event starts with a social hour at 5 p.m. A gourmet, seated dinner prepared by Hard Rock chefs and the program of stories and celebrations starts at 6 p.m. Dressy attire is encouraged; neckties are optional. Dancing shoes are recommended.
When: 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 13
Where: Hard Rock Casino Rockford, 7801 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: $250
Give Back Night
What: Enjoy some food and drink on the dock or inside and a percentage of your bill will go back to Golden Apple Foundation from this Rockford City Tin participant.
When: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Wednesday, May 14
Where: Prairie Street Brewing Co., 200 Prairie St., Rockford
Cruise Night at the Museum
What: Cruise Night events feature cool cars, music and food. Show off your car (for free). The first 50 cars will get a prize. Food and drinks will be available every night. Historic Attractions is partnering with Perfectly Seasoned Catering, with burgers, hot dogs and fries on the May 14 menu.
When: 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 14 and the second Wednesday of each month through September
Where: Historic Attractions, 13825 Metric Drive, Roscoe
Cost: Free
In Honor of Trees Tranquility Walk
What: On this twilight stroll through the forest and the last tranquility walk of the 2024-2025 season, consider the relationship we have with trees, and honor those living beings that give us so much. Reconnect with the prehistoric world that surrounds us to this day. Because this is an after-hours program and the arboretum will be closed to the general public, please plan to arrive a few minutes early as the gates close promptly at 6:30 p.m.
When: 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 14
Where: Klehm Arboretum, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $10; $5 for members
Franchesco’s Summer Concert Series
What: Franchesco’s Ristorante’s Summer Concert Series features live music under the stars from April to September, food, handcrafted cocktails and a lively atmosphere. Each week spotlights a different local or regional band, covering everything from jazz and soul to classic rock and modern hits. Performer May 14 is Gabriel Datcu.
When: 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 14
Where: Franchesco’s Ristorante, 7128 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
Alchemy Summer Concert Series
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 available. The performer May 14 is Miles Nielsen and the Rusted Hearts.
When: Wednesday, May 14
Where: Alchemy at Aldeen, 1902 Reid Farm Road, Rockford
Dinner on the Dock
What: The Mystery Dates are a powerhouse group of award-winning musicians, recognized by the Rockford Area Music Industry (RAMI). Known for their electrifying performances, they bring a party atmosphere. Their setlist spans eight decades of hit songs, covering everything from classic rock and Motown to pop anthems and modern favorites. Dinner on the Dock features live music from 6-9 p.m. The kitchen is open until 10 p.m. and drinks are available until at least 11 p.m.
When: 5-10 p.m. Thursday, May 15
Where: Prairie Street Brewhouse, 200 Prairie St., Rockford
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Live theater, music and comedy among 17 things to do this weekend in the Rockford area
Reporting by Kathi Edwards / Rockford Register Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
