The weekend brings German Valley Days and FHN Healthy Heart Hustle, along with food, live music and more to the Freeport area.
German Valley Days
What: German Valley Days is an annual community celebration held the third weekend of July. There will be family fun events ranging from 5K and 10k runs, to Kiddie Tractor Pull, to basketball shooting contest, to our Grand Parade and fireworks show. Other activities include basketball, breakfast, pork chop dinner, bounce houses, food vendors, non-food vendors, musical entertainment, trivia game show, a parade, fireworks and a community worship service. The Lions Club will be serving up pulled pork or ribeye sandwiches from 5-7 p.m. Friday at the Ben Miller Park main shelter house. In addition to the All-Star ball games Friday, there will be a new event: German Valley Olympics from 5-7 p.m. at the park by the stage. Trolley history tours are at 3:15, 4:15 and 5:15 p.m. Saturday. The German Valley Fire Department’s pork chop dinner is from 4-7:30 p.m. Saturday. After the Little Miss and Little Mister pageant Saturday, stick around for Trivia Blitz hosted by Game Show Gurus at 7:30 p.m.; email the GV Lions club to enter. The Donna Smith Memorial firework show is at 9:15 p.m. Saturday at Lake Baalton.
When: 5 p.m. July 17 – 10 p.m. July 18
Where: Ben Miller Park, Church Street, German Valley
Cost: Free admission
Friday Night Unplugged
What: This special edition of Fry-Day Night Unplugged features nationally acclaimed singer-songwriter Scott Kirby. One of the most requested artists on SiriusXM Radio Margaritaville, Scott has even performed with Jimmy Buffett at the Margaritaville Café in Key West. His tropical-inspired music, engaging storytelling and laid-back humor will have you feeling like you’re on vacation.
When: 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. July 17
Where: Timber Pointe Golf Club, 5750 Woodstock Road, Poplar Grove
Freeport Walking Club
What: The Freeport Walking Club will meet at the old Met Life building. Park in the rear of the building on Lincoln Boulevard near Locust. Permission has been granted by the owner to use this lot. From there, participants will walk 1-2 miles.
When: 9 a.m. July 18
Where: Met Life building, 645 W. Lincoln Blvd., Freeport
Read Park Cardboard Boat Regatta
What: Watch participants (ages 8 and older) compete in teams of two, showcasing their creativity and boating skills as they race homemade, decorated and designed boats across the water. All boats must be fully built prior to race day. Swimming is not permitted for spectators.
Awards will be presented for speed, creativity and team spirit. Standard admission for spectators and must sit in designated seating area. Open swim will be available after the races.
When: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. July 18
Where: Read Park Family Aquatic Center, 867 W. American St., Freeport
Cost: $6-$8 general admission
Hook, Line and Market
What: This is Hooks and Bobbers’ first Riverside art market.
When: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. July 18 and July 19
Where: Hooks and Bobbers, 612 Bridge St., Winslow
Run the Valley 5K/10K
What: Proceeds help offset costs of the German Valley Days Festival.
When: 8 a.m. July 19
Where: Ben Miller Park, German Valley
Cost: $15-$35
FHN Healthy Heart Hustle
What: Give your heart a run and raise money to support the FHN Cardiopulmonary Department by participating in the FHN Healthy Heart Hustle 5K run (timed race) or a one-mile Victory Lap for Cardiac Services alumni, kids and families.
When: 8 a.m. July 19 (bib pickup starts at 7 a. m.)
Where: FHN Family Healthcare Center – Burchard Hills Clinic, 1010 W. Fairway Drive, Freeport
Cost: $35
Music in the Park
What: The Mississippi Man will be performing. Bring a lawn chair, grab a treat at the Snack Shop (open until 7 p.m. on concert nights) and enjoy great tunes. Music lovers of all ages can enjoy Music in the Park. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 625 Country Lane Drive; signs will be posted at the park.
When: 6 p.m. July 19
Where: Lions Park, 609 N. Schuyler St., Lena
Cost: Free
Music Under the Stars
What: Come hear the Freeport Concert Band in this summer music series. Enjoy all genres of music led by a guest conductor each week, with vocal and instrumental soloists adding to the excitement. Tom Huber will direct on July 19. Join us at Krape Park for a weekly concert. The variety of artists will entertain all ages. There’s plenty of bench seating or bring along some lawn chairs.
When: 7-9 p.m. July 19
Where: Koenig Amphitheatre, Krape Park, Freeport
Cost: Free admission
Coming next week
Make it Monday
What: This week we will be making dinosaurs with recycled materials.
When: 2-4 p.m. July 20
Where: Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas St., Freeport
2026 Stephenson County Fair
What: General admission includes free grandstand access to see Tractor Pulls, Demolition Derby, Tough Trucks, the Rodeo and concerts. Explore agriculture and animal exhibits, the Antique Tractor Parade, Vintage Cruise-Ins and Historic Heritage Hall. Bring the whole family for favorites like Goat Yoga and Fire Department activities. Savor local flavor at the Taste of Stephenson County Fair and enjoy daily entertainment in the Entertainment Tent, including the Kid’s Concert Series. Kids will love the Kiddie Tractor Pull, hands-on fun in the Community Tent and creative exhibits in the 4-H Building. Vendor hours are 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Carnival hours are 5-9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 1-9 p.m. Saturday. Sensory hours are 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday through Saturday. Grandstand events are included with admission.
When: 9 a.m. July 21 through 10 p.m. July 25 Gate Hours
Where: Stephenson County Fairgrounds, 2250 S. Walnut Road, Freeport
Cost: $10 daily admission; free for children age 7 and younger; $35 season pass; $5 Thursday admission; $30 wristband rides; $20 tractor pull pits; $30 demo derby pits
Leaf Printing/Stamping
What: Turn leaves into art by printing, stamping, hammering and using as paint brushes. Adults and teens are invited to make art in the meeting room. Register is required; register each person separately.
When: 6:15-7:45 p.m. July 22
Where: Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas St., Freeport
WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup Group Stage
What: The WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup Group Stage 2026 comes to the Rockford Region, marking the Illinois debut of the world’s premier women’s baseball championship. The event hosted by the International Women’s Baseball Center in partnership with the World Baseball Softball Confederation is a five-day tournament featuring 15 international games as teams from around the world compete for a spot in the World Cup Final Stage. There will be a full lineup of themed promotional nights throughout the tournament. Show your team spirit by wearing gear representing Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Korea, Mexico, the United States, or your favorite baseball team.
When: 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m. games July 22 – July 26
Where: Rivets Stadium, 4503 Interstate Blvd., Loves Park
Cost: $10 for single game tickets; $25 for one-day pass (three games); $95 for all-week pass (all 15 games)
Kathi Edwards is a freelance contributor to the Freeport Journal-Standard.
This article originally appeared on Journal Standard: The German Valley Days is among 9 weekend events around Freeport
Reporting by Kathi Edwards, Special to the Journal-Standard / Journal Standard
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By Kathi Edwards, Special to the Journal-Standard | USA TODAY Network
