The weekend brings Spring ArtScene, Huracanes del Norte and the City Nature Challenge, along with fundraisers, live music and more to the Rockford area.
Arbor Day Celebration
What: Celebrate Arbor Day and participate in an activity on free admission day. There is a drive-thru tree giveaway from 9 a.m. to noon and guided walking tours through the arboretum at 1 and 2 p.m.
When: 9 a.m. April 24
Where: Klehm Arboretum and Botanical Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission all day
City Nature Challenge
What: Join a global team of citizen scientists and help document the diverse flora and fauna found at Kilbuck Bluffs Forest Preserve. The group will search for spring ephemerals like spring beauties, mayapples and bloodroot, as well as migratory birds, early insects and signs of life in Kilbuck Creek. All data collected will join the observations recorded during the 2026 Rock Valley City Nature Challenge. Meet at the north entrance.
When: 10 a.m. April 24
Where: Kilbuck Bluffs Forest Preserve, 5500 Northrock Drive, Rockford
Cost: Free
The Cause
What: Community members are invited to clean out their closets and make a meaningful difference at Clean Out Your Closet for a Cause, a special resale clothing event benefiting Sharsheret, a national nonprofit organization supporting breast and ovarian cancer patients and their families. Proceeds will directly benefit Sharsheret and its mission to provide critical support, education and resources to those facing breast and ovarian cancer. Shoppers will have the opportunity to refresh their wardrobes while supporting women and families navigating cancer diagnoses and treatment.
When: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. April 24 and April 25
Where: b Jones, 1655 N. Alpine Road, Rockford
Fashion Week Boutique Crawl
What: 16 local boutiques are joining forces to bring you a week of fun, fashion and style inspired by the upcoming release of “The Devil Wears Prada 2.” Pick up a punch card at participating shops, then spend the week visiting each stop, enjoying specials along the way. Visit at least 12 shops by noon May 1 to be entered into the Grand Prize Drawing of two movie tickets to the 7 p.m. May 1 showing of the film at AMC Rockford.
When: April 24 – May 1
Where: Lallygag Boutique, 202 E. State St., Cherry Valley
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 artsforeveryone.com for venue information.
Cost: Free admission
Hear/Here
What: Rockford’s new Poet Laureate Adam al-Sirgany has curated “Hear/Here,” a groundbreaking art and poetry showcase, featuring beer, wine and live music by Spencer Scott. Collaborative artists are Adam al-Sirgany and Emily Grobe, Jenna Goldsmith and Sarah Reed-McNamara, Dave Pedersen and Kim Pedersen, Don Heneghan and Marilyn Heneghan, Rachel León and Tempest Jones, Mary McNamara Bernsten and Rebecca Beneditz, Jordan DeWilde and Kelvin Candie II, M.K. Davis and Xen, Fauna M. Lewis and Violet Alana Muñoz. “Hear/Here” reflects the concept of ekphrasis: works of art inspired by other works of art. Nine local poets wrote original verses responding to some of Rockford’s most beloved public art pieces.
When: 5-7:30 p.m. April 24 with live reading at 6 p.m., and 4-7:30 p.m. April 25
Where: RPL’s Nordlof Center, Black Box Theatre, 118 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
Music Academy & Friends
What: This special event features Rachel Handlin together with Michael Beert, Aria Beert, Tim Anderson, Music Academy’s Measure 5 and the church’s majestic organ. The performance will feature music by Tartini, Bach, Rheinberger and Puts.
When: 7:30 p.m. April 24
Where: First Lutheran Church Rockford, 225 S. Third St., Rockford
Cost: $35; $30 in advance; $6 for students
Indie Bookstore Day/Anniversary Celebration
What: Celebrate Indie Bookstore Day and The Novel Spot’s second business anniversary with sweet treats, 25% off new and used books and signings by local authors.
When: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. April 25 and noon – 7 p.m. April 26
Where: The Novel Spot, 516 Main St., Pecatonica
Spring Cash Scramble
What: Play golf and win cash. Tickets include golf, food and prizes.
When: 9:30 a.m. April 25
Where: The Ledges Golf Course, 7111 McCurry Road, Roscoe
Puppy Yoga
What: De-stress and have fun doing some engaging yoga with puppies from Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary by your side. This in-person event combines the relaxation of yoga with the joy of furry friends. Whether you’re a yoga pro or a beginner, this event is perfect for everyone. Each sessions will be an hour long. Event doors open 15 minutes before event starts.
When: 10 and 11:30 a.m. April 25
Where: Rockford City Market, 116 N. Madison St., Rockford
Cost: $45
The Essences of Spring Craft Show
What: Join more than 40 vendors displaying crafts, artwork, jewelry, crochet, woodworking, photo shoots, books, gift baskets, wreaths, greeting cards and more.
When: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. April 25
Where: Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford
Cost: Free admission
Spring Craft Vendor Fair
What: The fourth annual Spring Craft Vendor Fair is hosted by the American Legion Auxiliary. Shop a wide variety of local craft vendors for unique handmade items, home décor, gifts and more.
When: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. April 25
Where: American Legion Post #332, 221 W. Main St., Rockton
Cost: $5; free for children age 12 and younger
Beginner Plant Identification Hike
What: Enjoy a staff guided hike and learn how you can contribute to science by participating in the City Nature Challenge. Take a slow pace as you notice all the living things along the trail. Use the free app iNaturalist to help identify plants. The event starts with a brief indoor presentation, then participants will take a group wander on the trails to practice identifying spring ephemeral plants. Your RSVP is appreciated via the website. The event is designed for ages 8 and older, but all people are welcome. Trails are unpaved and may be muddy.
When: 11 a.m. – noon April 25
Where: Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit
Cost: Free
Pop-Up PAWS Summer Market
What: Welcome to the first Pop-Up at PAWS Summer Market, a family-friendly craft market celebrating your beloved companions. Do not bring outside pets; service animals are welcome.
When: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. April 25
Where: PAWS Humane Society Rockford, 7282 N. Cherryvale Mall Drive, Rockford
Cost: Free admission
Business in Bloom
What: Business in Bloom: A Brunch Affair is a curated, elevated brunch experience designed for entrepreneurs, professionals, creatives and visionaries ready to grow with intention. This isn’t just networking — it’s meaningful connection in a space where strategy meets sophistication. Guests will exchange ideas, build authentic relationships and cultivate opportunities that extend beyond the table. Expect intentional conversations, collaborative energy and practical insights that help you strengthen your brand, expand your reach and move your vision forward with clarity.
When: Noon – 3 p.m. April 25
Where: 309 Seventh St., Rockford
Cost: $30
Dead Guy Festival
What: Haunted Rockford hosts this event featuring speakers about serial killers, gangsters, murder and mayhem. For years, the Dead Guy Festival – True Crime Expo has been one of the premier True Crime events in the Northern Illinois-Southern Wisconsin area. Host Kathi Kresol will share some horrible regional crimes she has researched. Author Chad Lewis will tell tales of gangsters in Illinois and Wisconsin and author Sylvia Shults will present her research into some notorious crimes. After the presentations, participants will have time to tour the museum. Fee must be paid in advance.
When: Noon – 5 p.m. April 25
Where: Historic Attractions, 13825 Metric Drive, Roscoe
Cost: $40
American Legion Family Day
What: The community is welcome to American Legion’s Family Day for food, children’s games and live entertainment. The band, Hot Flash performs from noon – 2 p.m.; The Shufflers will play from 3-5 p.m.; and DJ Screaming Parrot will entertain starting at 5 p.m.
When: Noon – 8 p.m. April 25
Where: American Legion Riders Boone Post 77, 900 Chrysler Drive, Belvidere
Poetry 815 release party and open mic
What: Celebrate #815 poets at the release party of poetry815’s spring 2026 anthology. Meet and mingle with fellow poets. Expect to hear from Fauna Lewis, founder of poetry815 and other featured poets. Contributor copies and pre-orders will be available for pickup and copies will be available for sale. There will be a sign-up sheet at the door if you would like to read. Poetry815 poets are not obligated to read. The event will be held in the pavillion with the rain location inside main studio space. The open-mic portion of the event will begin around 3:30 p.m. Light refreshments and water will be provided.
When: 3-5 p.m. April 25
Where: Womanspace, 3333 Maria Linden Drive, Rockford
Murder Mystery Dinner
What: In this dinner show, “I Love The 80’s To Death,” it’s the 80’s again, and the biggest names in music have gathered for an unforgettable concert event. But behind the scenes, tensions are running high—and when backstage secrets spill into the spotlight, the results are totally tragic. Grab your detective instincts and get ready to solve a murder. Dress in 80s style. This is a social event with open seating. Participants must be 21 and older.
When: 5 p.m. April 25
Where: DC Estate Winery, 8877 State Line Road, South Beloit
Cost: $87
City Nature Challenge Sunset Stroll
What: Join in this year’s City Nature Challenge. Get involved with citizen science and learn more about the natural areas around you. Go for a hike around different ecosystems while documenting plants and wildlife via iNaturalist to contribute to worldwide biodiversity research. Downloading the free iNaturalist app on your phone ahead of time is highly recommended. Pre-registration is highly recommended and appreciated.
When: 6:30-8 p.m. April 25
Where: Atwood Center, 2685 New Milford Road, Rockford
Cost: Free
Huracanes del Norte
What: Los Huracanes del Norte is one of the most influential groups in música norteña, with over 40 years at the top of the regional Mexican music scene and a discography of more than 50 albums. Originally from Michoacán, they launched their careers in San Jose, California, forming in 1969 as Los Cuatro del Norte. Their breakthrough came in 1978 with the gold-certified La Musiquera. Known for their energetic performances and steady chart presence, the group continued to release hits into the 2000s and 2010s.
When: 7 p.m. April 25
Where: Hard Rock Live, 7801 E. State St.
Cost: $74.25-$280.20
Moonlight Bowling Fundraiser
What: Riggins Racing Bowling Fundraiser Night includes three games of Scotch Doubles 9-Pin No Tap, rental shoes, basket and 50/50 raffles and a liquor wagon basket raffle.
When: 7 p.m. April 25 (check in starts at 6 p.m.)
Where: Park Lanes, 5318 N. Second St., Loves Park
Cost: $40 per couple
America’s Loverboys
What: See America’s Loverboys perform.
When: 9 p.m. April 25
Where: Benny’s @Nest, 8790 N. Second St., Machesney Park
Cost: $20-$40
The Rockford Card Show – Sports Only
What: There will be 80 tables full of sports cards. Minted cards will be set up. Drop off card grading submissions to PSA and SGC. Bring your cards to the show to make deals with the best sports vendors around. Buy, sell or trade.
When: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. April 26
Where: IBEW 364 Henry Miller Hall, 6820 Mill Road, Rockford
Cost: Free admission and parking
Stones & Stuff
What: Welcome, curious minds and collectors of the extraordinary, to the workshop of Stones and Stuff. Hostess Vicki Robey has been studying stones and their properties for more than 40 years. Learn about each stone’s peculiar personalities. Some are smooth from ancient rivers, some sparkle like they’ve borrowed light from the stars and others hold quiet strength deep within. You’ll learn what each represents and how to harness its magic. Enjoy games and refreshments while making your own special magical bag of stones to keep or give as a gift.
When: Noon – 2 p.m. April 26
Where: Inscape Collective, 201 Seventh St., Rockford
Cost: $20
Bingo Fundraiser for Special Education
What: Help the special education department raise money for the program through some Bingo games. There will also be food and a 50/50 raffle. Winners will receive a basket filled with donations from local establishments. Only adults can claim prizes.
When: 1 p.m. April 26
Where: South Beloit High School, 245 Prairie Hill Road, South Beloit
Bingo for CASA
What: Play Bingo for Boone County CASA. Win prizes and enjoy some drinks as you help a worthy cause. All proceeds go to support the CASA mission, to ensure that all children who have experienced abuse or neglect in Boone County have an advocate to represent them.
When: 2-5 p.m. April 26
Where: 5 Bines Brewery, 515 S State St, Belvidere
Cost: $5 per ticket
Dia del Nino
What: Día del Niño is a special celebration dedicated to honoring and uplifting children. The first 20 families will receive a free Candyland board game. The event will feature a DJ, vendors and a photo booth.
When: 2-5 p.m. April 26
Where: Belvidere Community Building, 111 N. First St., Belvidere
Rockford Wind Ensemble concert
What: Rockford Wind Ensemble presents “Springsong, its spring concert, with Director Emeritus Kevin Jensen conducting. Rockford’s professional all-wind instrument concert band will play selections from Sousa, Maslanka, Mackey, Milburn and others.
When: 3 p.m. April 26
Where: Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $15; $10 for seniors 65 and older; $10 for students age 10-18
Coming next week
Bruce Katz Band
What: Legendary keyboardist Bruce Katz, has toured with The Allman Brothers band and was a member of Gregg Allman’s band for six years. Bruce has been playing piano since age 5 and was a professor at Berklee College of Music for 14 years.
When: 7 p.m. April 28
Where: Mary’s Place, 602 N. Madison St., Rockford
The Archaeology of Ancient Greek Dress
What: Join Rockford’s Archaeology Society for a presentation with guest speaker Professor Mireille Lee, author of “Body, Dress, and Identity in Ancient Greece.” Her presentation demonstrates how dress reflected aspects of Greek social identity and provides a unique insight into ancient Greek ideologies. Her professional research interests include Greek art and archaeology. There will be a reception immediately after the in-person presentation.
When: 7:30-9 p.m. April 28
Where: Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: Free
Sip and Sample
What: Join RAMP Disability Resources and Services at Cahoots for an evening of live music, wine, beer, spirits and food samplings from various local vendors. Bid on the annual silent auction via smartphone.
When: 5-7:30 p.m. April 30
Where: Prairie Street Brewing Co., 314 N. Prairie St., Rockford
Cost: $45
Kathi Edwards is a freelance contributor to the Rockford Register Star.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Spring ArtScene, Puppy Yoga among 29 Rockford area things to do
Reporting by Kathi Edwards, Special to the Rockford Register Star / Rockford Register Star
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