The weekend brings the Pretzel City Winefest, Peter Pan Goes Wrong and the opening reception of the Regional Juried Exhibition at Freeport Art Museum, along with fundraisers, live music and more to the Freeport area.
Peter Pan Goes Wrong
What: Brace yourselves for a big adventure as the Cornley Drama Society attempts to bring J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan to life. With flying effects, pyrotechnics and even a few sharp hooks, this ambitious production quickly spirals into hilarious chaos. Expect missed cues, collapsing sets, backstage mishaps and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments as everything that can go wrong does. Despite the disasters, the cast pushes forward with determination, because no matter what happens, the show must go on!
When: 7 p.m. May 7 – May 9
Where: Jeannette Lloyd Theatre, 701 W. Empire St., Freeport
Cost: $10
An Evening with Ward Davis
What: Ward Davis is an acclaimed Americana musician and songwriter known for his soulful voice, storytelling and authentic songwriting. Hailing from Monticello, Ark., Davis combines traditional country roots with a modern edge, creating music that resonates with both honky-tonk purists and contemporary audiences. He gained recognition as a songwriter, penning tracks for country icons like Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard and Trace Adkins. His solo career took off with the release of his debut album in 2015. Ward will perform a solo show, with guest opener, Myron Elkins.
When: 8 p.m. May 8
Where: Music Box, 218 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: $37-$53
Mother’s Day Plant Sale
What: There will be annuals, perennials, hanging baskets, herbs, vegetables, statues, birdhouses, pots, lanterns, shepherd’s hooks, lanterns, plant holders, trellises, jewelry and more. All proceeds benefit the shelter.
When: 9 a.m. – noon May 9 (or until sold out)
Where: Friends Forever Humane Society, 966 Rudy Road, Freeport
Camp Fuller Civil War Day
What: In this one-day public history event, Midway’s historic village will be transformed into the Civil War Era with visitors learning about Rockford’s 1862 Civil War training camp for Illinois recruits. Meet famous people: President Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, General U. S. Grant and many others. Experience being a soldier, including marching and drilling. Visit the 1850s barn to learn about the Underground Railroad. Experience period school lessons in a one-room schoolhouse. Learn about Civil War doctors and medicine and see other Living History stations throughout the village. This is a rain-or-shine event. No pets are allowed, however, service animals are permitted.
When: 10 a.m. May 9
Where: Midway Village, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford
Cost: $15; $12 for ages 5-12 and seniors age 62 and older; free for children age 4 and younger and museum members
Sixth Annual Migratory Day
What: This family-friendly event will include activities for all ages and abilities in an open-house style event in and around the Oakdale Pavilion. There will be giveaways while supplies last. This is a rain or shine event on Annual World Migratory Bird Day. From 10 a.m. to noon, Northern Illinois Raptor Rehab and Education will have live birds of prey as well as many educational displays about raptors. At 10:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m., there will be outings to take the trails to bird watch. Meet at the Pavilion to join one of these outings. Events ongoing from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. include a migration game with 25 stations and a migration obstacle course. Please wear appropriate footwear for the trails.
When: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. May 9
Where: Oakdale Nature Preserve, 4433 S. Cranes Grove Road, Freeport
Cost: Free
Pretzel City Winefest
What: Event admission includes a souvenir wine glass and a gift. Pretzel City Winefest is a wine-tasting event in downtown Freeport featuring Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa wines. Get your tastings at participating downtown locations. Venture to more than a dozen boutique and shopping locations in downtown Freeport while you enjoy your wine. Check in is at Re-Spun Records, 119 E. Stephenson St.
When: Noon – 4 p.m. May 9
Where: downtown Freeport
Cost: $30
Opening Reception: Regional Juried Exhibition
What: FAM’s Annual Regional Juried Exhibition showcases emerging and established artists from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin, featuring work created within the past two years. The exhibition runs from May 9-July 18. It highlights the latest contemporary art from the Midwest. This year’s guest juror, Brian Allen, selected 50 works from more than 185 submissions. Top awards will be announced at the opening reception.
When: 5-8 p.m. May 9
Where: Freeport Art Museum, 121 N. Harlem Ave., Freeport
Rockford Symphony Orchestra: America 250
What: The RSO season concludes with a celebration honoring the 250th anniversary of the United States, showcasing American music and its heritage. The evening begins with Jessie Montgomery’s “A Hymn for Everyone,” and moves on to Leonard Bernstein’s “Symphony No. 1 Jeremiah.” Jeff Midkiff’s Mandolin Concerto “From the Blue Ridge,” inspired by Appalachian traditions, brings the soul of bluegrass to the concert hall. To celebrate the innovator of the “American sound,” the concert closes with two movements of Aaron Copland’s tribute to the American West, Rodeo.
When: 7:30 p.m. May 9
Where: Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $46-$108
Foghat + Nazareth
What: After 55 years, Foghat is still going. Last year, they celebrated 50 years of “Slow Ride,” the timeless anthem that put them on the global map. The band has earned eight Gold records, one Platinum, one Double Platinum, and has a new #1 Blues album. Nazareth rose from playing the pubs, clubs and dance halls of their native Scotland to become one of the most successful rock bands in the world. Their hits include “Bad Bad Boy,” “Dream On,” “Hair Of The Dog” and “Love Hurts.” Guests must be at least 21 to attend the show. There is no smoking. This is a general admission, standing room only show.
When: 8 p.m. May 9 (doors open at 7 p.m.)
Where: Hard Rock Casino Rockford, 7801 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: $49-$97
Sunset Strip
What: Get your 80’s hairband fix.
When: 8:30-11:30 p.m. May 9
Where: Hot Rod Nellie’s, 122 S. Jackson St., Pecatonica
Coming next week:
Find Your Farmer
What: Explore common farming practices, break down certifications and labels and discuss how nonprofits and local initiatives support farmers and communities. Learn how to navigate farmers markets, CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture) and other local food resources. Whether you’re curious about soil health, climate impact or just want to make informed food choices, this session will help connect the dots from field to table. No registration is required. The workshop is presented by Farmers Rising, a farmer supporting and training non-profit based in Caledonia.
When: 6:30-7:30 p.m. May 11
Where: Freeport Public Library meeting room, 100 E. Douglas St., Freeport
Cost: Free
The Great Pages Circus
What: With aerial acts, clowns and juggling feats, there’s something for everyone. The show also features liberty ponies, majestic horses and camels. If you’re craving edge-of-your-seat excitement, the famous Pages Globe of Death might rev up the adrenaline with some high-speed motorcycle madness.
When: 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. May 13 and May 14; 6 p.m. May 15
Where: Stephenson County Fairgrounds, 2250 S. Walnut Road, Freeport
Cost: free for children age 12 and younger with paid adult
Menopause the Musical 2
What: The sequel to the smash-hit Menopause The Musical is here set five years after their chance encounter in a department store. Set sail with these beloved ladies for more high jinks on the high seas. “Menopause The Musical 2: Cruising Through The Change” takes a heartfelt look at the joys of menopause and friendship plus hot flashes, mood swings and memory lapses. Take a trip of self-discovery, backed by a new soundtrack of toe-tapping parodied hits from the 70s, 80s and 90s. For these four ladies, menopause was not the end, but the beginning of a beautiful friendship where love conquers all, and friendships never fail.
When: 7:30 p.m. May 14
Where: Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $49-$72
Kathi Edwards is a freelance contributor to the Freeport Journal-Standard.
This article originally appeared on Journal Standard: Wine fest, Peter Pan among 10 things to do in the Freeport area
Reporting by Kathi Edwards, Special to the Freeport Journal-Standard / Journal Standard
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