ROCKFORD – The first weekend of August has arrived and that means activities and events in the Rock River Valley are in abundance.
This weekend offers everything from music and festivals to classic cars and women’s full-contact football.
What: This family-friendly event features carnival rides and games for toddlers through to adults, a Kids Krafts zone, bocce, food and drink, and live music and dancing throughout the day. festival.
When: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday; 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday; 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday
Where: Boylan Central Catholic High School, 4000 St. Francis Drive, Rockford
For more: https://www.festaitalianarockford.com/
What: The film “Encanto” will be presented.
When: Doors open at 7 p.m. The film will be screened at dusk.
Where: Davis Park, 320 S. Wyman Street, Rockford
Cost: FREE ENTRANCE. Moviegoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets early to reserve their spot – seats are first come, first served.
For more: https://www.gorockford.com/event/friday-night-flix-in-davis-park/22492/
What: Trinadora Rocks will perform a mix of free genre music featuring a dozen instruments and a tribute segment to Roy Orbison, Patsy Cline.
When: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Edgebrook Central Court, 1641 N. Alpine Road, Rockford
Cost: FREE ENTRANCE
For more: https://edgebrookshops.com/events/music-on-the-mall/
What: You can find some of the best local makers, producers, artists and bakers under the Rockford City Market Pavilion. Two local breweries are on site and serve beer. There is a main stage area with a local band and an acoustic stage area with a local artist. Vendors and food trucks line the pavilion and two of the surrounding streets. There are also plenty of activities and games for children.
When: 4:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday through Labor Day. 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Fridays in September after Labor Day
Where: East State and Water Streets
Cost: FREE ENTRANCE
For more: http://www.rockfordcitymarket.com/
What: This show is filled with humor, romance, energetic dancing and some of the greatest songs in musical theater history.
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday
Where: Starlight Theater at Rock Valley College, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford
For ticket prices and more: https://www.rockvalleycollege.edu/Community/Theatre/index.cfm
What: Watch amateur water skiers perform fun and exciting water ski stunts on a themed stage.
When: 6:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Shorewood Park, 235 Evelyn Ave, Loves Park
Cost: FREE ENTRANCE
For more: https://www.skibroncs.com/
What: The annual mud volleyball tournament served as a fundraiser for Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful Community Programs serving the area for over 40 years.
When: Competition starts Saturday at 8 a.m.
Where: Riverside Park, 100 River Street, Roscoe
For more: https://www.knib.org/
What: Monthly Cars & Coffee shows showcase all types of vehicles, from vintage to new.
When: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday
Where: 502 7th Street, Rockford
Cost: FREE ENTRANCE
For more:https://www.carsandcoffeerockford.com/
What: A community gathering of local canine organizations that will include training demonstrations, pet safety tips, and dog-related products from local vendors.
When: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday
Where: Midway Village Walking Path, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford
Cost: FREE ENTRANCE
For more: https://allevents.in/rockford/state-rep-dave-vellas-bark-in-the-park/200023080092710
What: NFL Hall of Famer Mike Ditka’s new National Women’s Full-Contact Football League, the Extreme Football League, or X LEAGUE, is set to debut at BMO Harris Bank Center with the Chicago Blitz facing the Seattle Thunder.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: BMO Harris Bank Centre, 300 Elm Street, Rockford
Cost: $15 to $55
For more: https://thebmoharrisbankcenter.com/events/x-league-chicago-blitz-vs-seattle-thunder
What: The LZ Smoke Brothers are proud to announce the birth of a new Purple Heart Memorial at the LZ Peace Memorial.
When: 2 p.m. Sunday
Where: LZ Peace Memorial, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford
Cost: FREE ENTRANCE
For more: https://www.lzpeace.org/
Ken DeCoster covers business news and features. Contact him at 815-987-1391, [email protected] or @DeCosterKen
