The weekend brings the Krape Park Art Walk, CeeLo Green and Loranfest, along with fundraisers, live music and more to the Freeport area.
Music on the Patio
What: Enjoy entertainment from Lobbin Robbins, food and adult beverages. The event is for all ages.
When: 4-7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 17
Where: The Freeport Club, 1614 S. Park Blvd., Freeport
Cost: Free admission
CeeLo Green
What: CeeLo Green is an American singer, rapper, songwriter, and record producer. He first gained recognition as a member of the Southern hip-hop group Goodie Mob before launching a successful solo career. Green is also known for his collaboration with Danger Mouse in the duo Gnarls Barkley, which produced the global hit “Crazy.” His solo work includes the Grammy-winning song “Forget You” and albums like The Lady Killer. Beyond music, he has appeared as a judge on The Voice and acted in various films and TV shows.
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15
Where: Hard Rock Casino Rockford, 7801 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: $50-$83
Silent Disco
What: Celebrate 815 Day with a silent disco, where guests wear wireless headphones and choose from multiple music channels to create their own vibe while staying connected to the energy around them. It’s a high-energy, inclusive party perfect for music lovers, with all the fun and none of the noise complaints.
When: 8:15-10:15 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15
Where: Brewsky’s, 4414 Charles St., Rockford
Cost: Headphone rental is $8.15
Ribbon Cutting and Open House
What: Come for the ribbon cutting and stay for the open house. See what services are available and get a discount off your next appointment.
When: 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15
Where: Effervescent Aesthetics LLC, 1717 W. Church St., Freeport
Summer Concert Series
What: Sunset Strip – the ultimate ‘80s Hairband tribute band Sunset Strip will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. Break out the leather, tease up that hair and relive the glory days of glam rock with all your favorite hits from bands like Motley Crüe, Poison, Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Guns N’ Roses, and more.
When: 7:30-10:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15
Where: Coach’s Golf & Grill, 621 W. Lena St., Lena
Messy Masterpieces
What: Come create a masterpiece you can take home. Come dressed to make a mess.
When: 10-11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 15
Where: youth program room, Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas St., Freeport
Quilt Exhibition Opening Reception
What: The exhibit Art in Every Stitch opens.
When: 5-7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15
Where: Freeport Art Museum, 121 N. Harlem Ave., Freeport
Krape Park Art Walk
What: This family-friendly artisan marketplace brings artists and makers together from across the region to showcase their handmade treasures. There will be live music, children’s art activities and regional food vendors. Discover unique works and connect with skilled creators. Krape Park offers its own amenities as well, including paddling yellow creek, mini-golf and a historic carousel. Three-time International Singer Songwriter Award finalist, 2025 Intercontinental Music Award nominee, national touring Nashville recording artist and renowned songwriter, Gabe Schillman performs at 12:30 p.m.
When: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16
Where: Krape Park, 1799 Park Blvd., Freeport
Cost: Free
Cousins Maine Lobster
What: Download the Cousins Maine Lobster app and set your location to Chicago, pay with any major debit or credit card and collect points with each order. The truck will be cashless.
When: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16
Where: Krape Park, 1799 Park Blvd., Freeport
Car Show & Swap Meet
What: The Cedarville Lions Club Car Show & Swap Meet is for car enthusiasts, bargain hunters and supporters of great causes. Bring your auto parts, vintage finds, tools, collectibles, or crafts. There will be food trucks, vendors, raffles and a silent auction. Bid on incredible items and prizes, with 100% of proceeds going to support Leader Dogs for the Blind, an organization that provides guide dogs and mobility training to individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
When: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 17
Where: Stephenson County Fairgrounds, 2250 S. Walnut Road, Freeport
Cost: Free admission
Loranfest
What: There is a parade at 1 p.m., bags tournament, vendors and crafters. Bands start at 2 p.m. Just 4 Fun band plays at 2 p.m. Saturday. There is a car show Sunday.
When: Saturday, Aug. 16 and Sunday, Aug. 17
Where: Sandy’s Slurp & Burp, 4319 S. Loran Road, Pearl City
Polish Fest
What: This event with music and dancing all day also features Polish foods such as pierogi, potato pancakes, smoked and fresh Polish sausage, Polish and domestic beer. There will be bingo, games for children, novelties, raffles and more.
When: Noon – 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 17
Where: St. Stanislaus Church, 201 Buckbee St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
Two Left Feet Reunion Show
What: The original band lineup that your grandparents told you about, will reunite for an afternoon of fun, old rock tunes.
When: 2-6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 17
Where: Rock City Tap, 106 N. Main St., Rock City
Coming next week
Music on Debate Square
What: Bring your lawn chairs to the Lincoln-Douglas Debate Square for an evening of music by John Hartman Jazz Alliance.
When: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21
Where: Debate Square, 114 E. Douglas St., Freeport
Cost: Free
(This story was updated because a previous version included an inaccuracy.)
Kathi Edwards is a freelance contributor to the Freeport Journal-Standard.
This article originally appeared on Journal Standard: The Krape Park Art Walk is among 13 events this weekend in the Freeport area
Reporting by Kathi Edwards / Journal Standard
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