The weekend brings the Stephenson County Restaurant Week, Pretzel Fest and the Main Street Monroe April Wine Walk, along with fundraisers, live music and more to the Freeport area.
Stephenson County Restaurant Week
What: Your favorite restaurants and featured dishes are celebrated during Stephenson County Restaurant Week. Visit your favorites and check out a few new ones.
When: April 24-May 1
Where: Freeport
Arbor Day Celebration
What: At the annual Arbor Day Tree Planting celebration, you can help plant trees and celebrate the spirit of community and conservation. This educational, hands-on event features more than 100 students rotating through four interactive learning stations supported by the University of Illinois Extension staff while the Freeport Park District guides tree planting. The public is welcome to attend this rain or shine event.
When: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. April 24
Where: Krape Park, 1799 S. Park Blvd., Freeport
Main Street Monroe April Wine Walk
What: Join Downtown Monroe merchants for a wine tasting tour. Each location will have two wines (1 white and 1 red or a beer/cider) for sampling. Attendee registration includes event entry, drink samples, commemorative wine glass, food pairings and shopping specials. Each ticket holder must stop at Buehler Interiors, 1900 12th St. between 2 and 6 p.m. the day of the event to show proof of legal drinking age and to pick up a wristband, commemorative glass and list of participating businesses. Wristbands will be secured at check in. End your evening at Minhas Kitchen with a free specialty cocktail (open 7-9 p.m. for event attendees).
When: 5-9 p.m. April 24 (early bird ticket holders can start at 4 p.m.)
Where: downtown Monroe, Wis.
Cost: $40; $30 in advance; $20 for designated drivers
Spring ArtScene
What: ArtScene, a Rockford tradition since 1987, is a biannual gallery walk, hosted by the Rockford Area Arts Council, featuring new and established artists of the Rockford region. All are welcome. ArtScene offers a wide variety of art for purchase including paintings, sculpture, prints, photography, jewelry, quilts + fiber art and more. Artists are available for conversation—sharing their unique approach and inspiration for their work. Surrounding restaurants and shops are open for your retail enjoyment and hunger solutions
When: 5-9 p.m. April 24 and 4-9 p.m. April 25
Where: See https://www.artsforeveryone.com/artscene/ for venue information.
Cost: Free admission
Biscuits & Gravy Breakfast
What: The mission team is hosting a biscuits and gravy breakfast, with proceeds going to the Kevin and Wendy Erbsen family and Camp Adeline. The menu includes biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, fruit, pastries, juice and coffee.
When: 7:30 – 10 a.m. April 25
Where: Dakota United Methodist Church, 120 S. Church St., Dakota
Cost: freewill offering
Pretzel Fest
What: Whether you are a graduate or a local resident, the pretzel is honored and revered in Freeport. The fifth annual Pretzel Fest will be on National Pretzel Day. Activities include petting zoo, axe throwing, live performances and more. Pretzel Fest is also an opportunity to enjoy the Downtown Freeport Festival District. Buy an alcoholic beverage from participating restaurants/bars and carry it with you through the downtown festivities. Dozens of boutiques, shops and restaurants will offer pretzel merchandise and food options.
When: 11 a.m. April 25 – 3 p.m. April 26
Where: downtown Freeport
Spring Makers Market
What: Shop unique local makers, enjoy some drinks and support small businesses.
When: Noon – 5 p.m. April 25
Where: Eilert’s Cocktails & Tee Box, 1100 W. Galena Ave., Freeport
Bike Night
What: Enjoy biker games, live music, food and drinks, a 50/50 raffle and more.
When: 2 p.m. April 25
Where: King’s Bar & Grill, 1805 S. West Ave., Freeport
Jun Hee Han Piano
What: Dr. Jun-Hee Han has been actively giving solo recitals in Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Utah and Wisconsin. Notable performances of recent years are the concerts in which he played both on modern and period pianos, conducting Mozart and Beethoven concertos from the keyboard.
When: 3 p.m. April 25
Where: Freeport Masonic Temple, 305 W. Stephenson St., Freeport
Free Fall
What: Free Fall will perform.
When: 8:30 p.m. April 25
Where: Best Dam Bar, 13965 Best Road, Davis
OFD Consignment Auction
What: The Orangeville Volunteer Fire Department’s annual consignment auction will be held rain or shine.
When: 8:30 a.m. April 26
Where: Orangeville Volunteer Fire Department, 306 W. High St., Orangeville
Spring Scramble
What: Kick off the 2026 golf season at the Spring Scramble, with 18 holes of scramble golf with cart and lunch included. Teams will have four players. There will be cash payouts to 1st, 4th, 8th and 12th place teams (payouts depend on field size). This is a rain or shine event. The field is limited to the first 24 teams.
When: 9:30 a.m. April 26
Where: The Freeport Club, 1614 S. Park Blvd., Freeport
Cost: $80; $50 for members
Spring Showcase
What: Our athletes take the floor for the Spring Showcase. From our competitive tumbling team to stunt, fundamentals and recreational athletes, you’ll see passes, plays and skills from all levels. Bake sale, concessions and raffle baskets will be available for purchase.
When: 2-5 p.m. April 26
Where: Pierce Athletics, 916 S. Arcade Ave., Freeport
Cost: Free admission
Coming next week
Concretes for a Cause
What: Concretes for a Cause benefits Friends Forever Humane Society.
When: April 28
Where: Culver’s, 1690 S. Dirck Drive, Freeport
Teen Tuesday: Life Sized Clue
What: Come for an afternoon of mystery and fun as you become the game.
When: 4-5:30 p.m. April 28
Where: Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas St., Freeport
Take Back the Night
What: The event begins at 6:30 p.m. with Denim Painting (Bring Your Own Denim) and the Resiliency Walk begins at 7:30 p.m. Take Back the Night is an annual event hosted by VOICES during Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
When: 6:30 p.m. April 29
Where: Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas St., Freeport
Kathi Edwards is a freelance contributor to the Freeport Journal-Standard.
This article originally appeared on Journal Standard: Pretzel Fest, wine walk among 13 weekend events around Freeport
Reporting by Kathi Edwards, Special to the Freeport Journal-Standard / Journal Standard
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