The weekend brings the Pretzel City Winefest, A Night at the Theatre, opening of the 21st Regional Juried Exhibition, along with fundraisers, Mother’s Day events, live music and more to the Freeport area.
Community Clean Up Day
What: This volunteer event for families, individuals and service groups involves cleaning up near Taylor Park. Please meet at the intersection of North Wilbur Avenue and East Orin Street. Clean up materials such as garbage bags and gloves will be provided. Volunteers are encouraged to bring bug spray, boots, and wipes.
When: 8 a.m. – noon Friday, May 9
Where: Taylor Park, North Wilbur Avenue and East Orin Street, Freeport
Mother’s Day Event
What: Cassi will be at the salon to answer questions about Botox. Guest vendors include Sweet Stitches Market, Cookies by Renea, Truly Divine Designs-permanent jewelry, Deininger Floral and Cassandra Reed Aesthetics.
When: 5-8 p.m. Friday, May 9
Where: JK Salon, 1816 S. West Ave., Freeport
Mother’s Day Plant and Flower Sale
What: Shop for plants, herbs, vegetables, and garden accessories until noon or until they’re gone.
When: 9 a.m. – noon Saturday, May 10
Where: Friends Forever Humane Society, 966 W. Rudy Road, Freeport
A Night at the Theatre
What: This event marks the next evolution of traditions, growing from the Shindig to the Gala, to what is now Highland Community College’s annual Celebratory Fundraising event. This year’s event will be designed for connection, celebration and entertainment, without the formality of a seated meal. Guests will enjoy a social atmosphere with heavy hors d’oeuvres, libations and a full evening of live entertainment in the remodeled Student Welcome Center. There will be a performance by the Royal Scots, recognition of award recipients, remarks from President Kuberski, a celebration of money raised for Highland and its students, and live music by local band, Freefall.
When: 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 10
Where: Highland Community College, 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport
Cost: $75
Pretzel City Winefest
What: Pretzel City Winefest is a wine-tasting event in downtown Freeport featuring Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa wines. Venture to more than 20 boutique and shopping locations while you enjoy your wine. Check in is at Re-Spun Records. Ukulele Express 815 plays at This Is It Eatery from noon to 2 p.m. Proceeds go to All Veteran’s Memorial Park. You can hop on a trolley and ride through downtown Freeport as you sip, shop and explore. Event admission includes a souvenir wine glass and a gift. Sophie Coyote will perform from 7-10 p.m. at the Great Debate; Bob Rub performs there from 2-5 p.m. Rootz & Branchez will be offering tarot readings plus games with prizes.
When: Noon – 4 p.m. Saturday, May 10
Where: Re-Spun Records, 119 E. Stephenson St., Freeport
Cost: $35
21st Regional Juried Exhibition
What: The Regional Juried Exhibition offers both established and emerging Midwest artists the opportunity to debut work created in the last two years. This year, the museum received 221 submissions from more than 87 artists in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin. The regional show will display a wide range of ideas and forms. The show runs through July 19, 2025.
When: Opening reception, 5-7 p.m. Saturday, May 10
Where: Freeport Art Museum, 121 N. Harlem Ave., Freeport
Seasonal Spread
What: This event features local artists and provides the opportunity to gather thoughtful gifts for that special mom or mom figure in your life. Vendors include dried floral cake decorating with Cakes by Anna, baked goods from Our Daily Bread and fresh flowers from Schlachter Farm Flowers.
When: 3-6 p.m. Saturday, May 10
Where: Ashley Jackson Salon, 123 E. Stephenson St., Freeport
World Migratory Bird Day
What: Shared Spaces: Creating Bird-friendly Cities and Communities is a family-friendly event that will provide opportunities for finding birds, rain or shine. There will be activities for all ages and abilities. In an open-house style event in and around the Oakdale Pavilion, you can participate in hands-on activities including arts and crafts, games, birdwatching and an obstacle course. There will be giveaways while supplies last. Northern Illinois Raptor Rehab and Education will also be here for two hours with a Meet and Greet of live Birds of Prey, plus many educational materials. At 10 and 11 a.m. and noon, there will be outings to take the trails to bird watch. Bring binoculars if you have any. There will be some available to borrow, too.
When: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, May 10
Where: Oakdale Nature Preserve, 4433 S. Cranes Grove Road, Freeport
Cost: Free
Davis FPD Spaghetti Dinner
What: Carryouts will be available. There will also be a silent auction.
When: 4:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 10
Where: Davis Fire Protection District, 602 N. Stanton, Davis
Cost: $10; $5 for children age 10 and younger; donations appreciated
Women’s Conference
What: The conference includes worship music, prayer, communion and teachings from five women. Fee includes lunch.
When: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, May 10
Where: Faith Community Church, 212 W. McKimmy St., Davis
Cost: $10
Mother’s Day
What: The Flower Cart from Schlatcher Farm Flowers at will be on site from 11 a.m. until they run out. Lady and The Tramp will play from 2-5 p.m. There will be food and cocktail specials all day.
When: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday, May 11
Where: Lena Brewing Co., 9426 W. Wagner Road, Lena
STEREOtype
What: STEREOtype is making their debut appearance at Bobbers for some pure pop punk mayhem! This RAMI award-winning Rockford band formed in 2019 will bring a mix of pop punk and rock bangers from every era. Think blink-182 meets Green Day with a modern twist. Enjoy three hours of non-stop anthems, singalongs, high-energy stage chaos, food, specialty cocktails and a riverside vibe.
When: 2-5 p.m. Saturday, May 11
Where: Hooks and Bobbers, 612 Bridge St., Winslow
Cost: No cover charge
Coming next week
Teen Volunteer Workshop
What: This informational meeting for 7th-12th graders looking to volunteer at the Freeport Public Library will provide everything you need to know to get involved this summer. Teens will learn about Summer 2025 programs and have an opportunity to sign-up for designated volunteering slots throughout the summer. Parents are strongly encouraged to attend.
When: 4-5 p.m. Tuesday, May 13
Where: Youth Program Room, Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas St., Freeport
Matthew Desmond Virtual Watch Party
What: Come to the library or register to watch online this conversation between bestselling author Matthew Desmond and award-winning journalist, Natalie Moore. Desmond is a professor of sociology at Princeton University and author of the award-winning book, Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City. The recipient of a MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship, Desmond was named one of “fifty people across the country who are most influencing the national political debate” by Politico 50 in 2016. His research focuses on poverty, city life, housing insecurity, public policy, racial inequality and ethnography in the U.S. Based in Chicago, Natalie Moore’s reporting tackles race, housing, economic development, food injustice and violence. She is the author of the acclaimed The South Side: A Portrait of Chicago and American Segregation. Moore is the recipient of Chicago Library Foundation’s 21st Century Award and a Studs Terkel Community Media Award. Her work has helped shift the way Chicagoans today think about segregation in the region.
When: 7-7:45 p.m. Tuesday, May 13
Where: Boardroom, Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas St., Freeport
Perennial Plant Sale
What: Support the Historical Society while stocking up on plants, including vibrant flowers and lush greenery. There will be something for every plant lover.
When: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Thursday, May 15 and Friday, May 16; 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday, May 17
Where: Stephenson County Historical Society, 1440 S. Carroll Ave., Freeport
Candle Workshop
What: Get a hands-on experience by mixing your wax and scents and hand pour into your wooden dough bowl vessel. Ticket includes all supplies.
When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, May 15
Where: Sugarbakers Cocktail Lounge, 141 W. Railroad St., LenaCost: $55
This article originally appeared on Journal Standard: Mother’s day events, wine tasting among 12 things to do this weekend in the Freeport area
Reporting by Kathi Edwards / Journal Standard
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
