Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — There are plenty of ways to keep you and your family entertained this weekend in the Rockford area.
There are musicals, comedy shows, bands, carnival-style events and multiple markets to shop.
More news: A new cannabis dispensary with local ownership is under construction in Rockford
Looking for ways to fill the rest of your week? Here are 15 options to consider. You can always find more on our events page.
Stretch out for Yoga Day
About: Womanspace has collaborated with several local yoga studios and instructors to offer yoga and meditation practices all day long for Rockford Yoga Day and International Day of Yoga.
Where: Womanspace, 3333 Maria Linden Drive, Rockford
When: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 21
Info: womanspace-rockford.org/event-5279581
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Hear music on the Rock
About: Music on the Rock is a free music event on select summer Wednesdays on the banks of the Rock River at Burpee Museum of Natural History. This week Jimmy Nick and Don’t Tell Mama perform.
Where: Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford
When: 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 21
Info: burpee.org/music-rock
See ‘Oliver’ at Starlight
About: The latest production from Starlight Theatre is Lionel Bart’s classic musical based on the Charles Dickens novel, “Oliver Twist.”
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Starlight Theatre, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford
Info/tickets: Go HERE
Have a musical dinner on the dock
About: Unity performs at this week’s Dinner on the Dock. The weekly riverside concert brings different bands and musicians in each Thursday through Sept. 7.
Where: Prairie St. Brewing Co., 200 Prairie St., Rockford
When: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday, June 22
Cost: Reserve tables from $25-$90
Info/tickets: psbrewingco.com/event/dinner-on-the-dock-june-22
Hear the Phantom Regiment
About: Phantom Regiment, the local drum and bugle corp., will perform inside the Sinnissippi Band Shell as part of the weekly Music in the Park.
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, June 22
Where: Sinnissippi Park Band Shell, 1401 N. Second St., Rockford
Info: rockfordparkdistrict.org/soundsofsummer
Take your kids to an outdoor storytime
About: The South Beloit Public Library and Nature at the Confluence partner for Friday Nature Friends, a weekly summer reading and activity time under a cottonwood tree. It’s recommended for ages 4-7.
Where: Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit
When: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday, June 23
Register in advance: Go here
Support a ‘broke’ comedian
About: Kevin Haas, the editor of the Rock River Current who also moonlights as a stand-up comedian, is hosting a one-night only show to help pay off some of his medical expenses after breaking his neck in a snowboard crash May 9. “Necking” with Kevin Haas is a one-hour special with opening acts by Dan Garcia, Dame Grant and Kevin Wood.
Where: West Side Show Room, 1414 N. Main St., Rockford
When: 7 p.m. (sold out) and 9 p.m. Friday, June 23
Tickets: $20
Where to buy: wssr.org/necking
Shop at Rockford City Market
About: Rockford City Market features music from Vince Chiarelli and Lucas Sanor this week. The market features more than 60 vendors offering produce, baked goods, food, beer, clothing, handmade goods and other merchandise.
Where: Rockford City Market, 116 N. Madison St., Rockford
When: 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday, June 23
Info: rockfordcitymarket.com
Hear Music on the Mall
About: Edgebrook Shopping Center’s free weekly summer concert series Music on the Mall continues Friday with a performance by 3 Good men.
Seating is free at the outdoor event. Lucha Cantina will provide quick-service food.
When: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday, June 23
Where: Edgebrook, 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford
Head to Heritage Days in Belvidere
About: Heritage Days is a two-day carnival style event in downtown with mural painting, games, food, music and other activities.
Where: South State and Buchanan street in downtown Belvidere
When: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday
Info: rockrivercurrent.com/event/heritage-days-in-belvidere/2023-06-23/
See Moana come to life
About: The Studio presents Disney’s “Moana Jr.,” a heartwarming coming-of-age story that follows Moana as she sets sail across the Pacific Ocean to save her village and discover the truth about her heritage.
Where: Rockford University’s Maddox Theatre, 5050 E. State St., Rockford
When: 7 p.m. Friday, June 23 and 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday, June 24
Tickets/info: tickets.thestudiorockford.com
Celebrate Pride with a short run
About: B103 is hosting its third annual Pride .1K Run in conjunction with Collins Aerospace. Shortly after the race, there is a “Most Pride contest” with prizes for the best Pride Month-themed outfits. A portion of the proceeds benefit Spectrum of Rockford LGBTQIA+ Counseling at the Harmony Center in Loves Park.
Where: The Office Nite Club, 513 E. State St., Rockford
When: Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 24
Tickets: $15-$25
Get tickets HERE.
Comedy at Pig Minds Brewing Co.
About: Luca Ferro headlines this show produced by Fats Productions Presents. The show also features Kelley Teteak Migacz, AJ Leidig and Jose Montero.
Where: Pig Minds Brewing Co., 4080 Steele Dr., Machesney Park
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 24
Admission: Free
Info: Facebook event page here
Shop the Saturday North End Market
About: A group of farmers, makers and growers setup the weekly North End Market, which is near the North Main and Auburn streets roundabout in Rockford. You can find an assortment of fresh veggies, fruits, flowers, honey, baked goods and more.
When: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, June 24
Where: Auburn and North Main streets
Info: rockfordcitymarket.com/northend
Six strings for Susan
About: Four different venues will host live music Saturday to benefit Susan Verdon Schulze, who has a rare genetic cancer with an inoperable tumor in her neck that is attached to her swallowing nerve.
Where: The District Bar & Grill, 205 W. State St., Rockford; Mary’s Place, 602 N. Madison St., Rockford; CJ’s Public House, 300 E. State St., and J&K Lounge, 505-507 E. State St., Rockford.
When: 2 p.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 24
How much: $25 for all-day four venue wristband
Info/tickets: Go here
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on Twitter at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas.