By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — This weekend in the Rockford area there is a punk Celtic concert, hockey pregame party, red-carpet movie premiere, masquerade ball and more.
In other words, there’s no shortage of things to get you out of the house.
You can find more things to do on our events page. For now, here are some of the big happenings to help you plan for fun.
More news: New street taco and tequila restaurant to fill former Vintage 501 space in Rockford
Trick or treat in a Victorian Village
What: Midway Village Museum will host its annual All Hallow’s Eve event, a trick-or-treating tradition dating back to 1987. More than 20 buildings in the village will be decorated for kids to walk through and collect candy. There are also potato sack races and other family activities.
When: Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21
Where: Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford
How much: $7 or children age 3-17; $5 for ages 18 and up; $4 for museum member children; free for adult museum members; free for children ages 0-2.
Info: midwayvillage.com
Rock with the Dropkick Murphys
What: The Dropkick Murphys, an American Celtic punk band formed in 1996, bring their blend of rock, punk and Celtic music to Rockford.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20
Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford
Cost: Tickets start at $40
Info: thebmocenter.com
Be there for a Beatles tribute
What: The Fab Four, an Emmy-winning Beatles tribute band, bring their new show to Rockford as part of their latest tour.
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20
Where: Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: Tickets start at $35
Info: coronadopac.org
Cheer on the ‘Hogs
What: The Rockford IceHogs will host a pregame block party with live music from AudioDrive before they take on the Chicago Wolves. There are also numerous local food trucks, including Blaz’in Magic BBQ, Cheezy’s Grilled Cheeses, Inzombia Coffee, Olivo Taco, and Quixotic Bakery.
When: 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21 block party begins; 7 p.m. game time
Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford
Cost: Free for the block party; game tickets start at $16.50
Info: icehogs.com/blockparty
Start shopping for the holidays
What: Holidazzle is a two-day holiday arts and crafts show that features more than 150 makers selling handcrafted holiday items for Christmas, Thanksgiving and Halloween. No pets are allowed.
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22
Where: Winnebago County Fairgrounds, 607 W. Third St., Pecatonica
Cost: $5 admission; free for ages 12 and younger
Info: strideevents.com
See the Salute to Boston Pops
What: Rockford Symphony Orchestra will kick off its Pops Series’ with a salute to conductor Arthur Fielder and the Boston Pops Orchestra. Yaniv’s Salute to Boston Pops features orchestral favorites of Strauss and Dvořák, along with some of the most cherished melodies from John Williams’ movie music, Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story, and classics of Leroy Anderson.
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21
Where: The Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: Tickets start at $14
Info: rockfordsymphony.com
Attend an earth-friendly masquerade ball
What: Earth: A Zero Waste Company will host its first Zero Waste Masquerade Ball. Walk the runway to show off your homemade masks and costumes. There is a candy bar, and a regular bar, too. There will be a DJ, photo booth and raffles and prizes for best costumes.
When: 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21
Where: Future Memory Media, 314 W. Jefferson St., Rockford
Cost: $60
Tickets: Go HERE
Info: Facebook event page HERE
Attend a red-carpet movie premier
What: Writer and director Yash Musabji will host a red-carpet premier of the visual album “Prelude to L1F3,” a movie shot partially in Rockford. The event includes a Q & A with the cast and crew, photoshoots, cocktails and a special behind-the-scenes look.
Where: RPL Nordlof Theater, 118 N. Main St., Rockford
When: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21
Cost: General admission is free; VIP access is $60
Info/tickets: official-icon.com/red-carpet-event
Shop an artisan market in downtown
What: The Fall Vintage & Artisan Market features local makers, artists and vintage booths.
When: 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21
Where: Rockford Indoor City Market, 116 N. Market St., Rockford
Info: Find it on Facebook HERE.
Celebrate young entrepreneurs
What: Celebrate young entrepreneurs with the first Kids Market Event, featuring makers and creators between the ages of 9 and 15. Guests can expect to see art, jewelry, various crafts, sewing projects, keychains, clothing, soap, crocheted items, candles, bookmarks, and more — all made and sold by young entrepreneurs in the area.
When: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 21
Where: Rockford Indoor City Market, 116 N. Market St., Rockford
Compiled by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas