By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — It’s the last weekend of 2023, and finding something to do before 12-31-23 is as easy as 1-2-3.
There are a variety New Year’s Eve celebrations whether you’re a night owl or prefer to party in the daylight.
Get home safe: Sheriff to offer free safe ride homes during New Year’s celebrations again this year
If you’re not much for partying, you can catch a play, a sports event, see a tribute band, shop a winter market or let your kids get creative with cardboard crafts.
Here are 20 ideas for things to do this weekend in the Rockford area:
Get creative with cardboard
About: Cherry Valley Public Library will host its Cardboard Challenge, allowing you to build and construct your own creation using the library’s kid-safe Makedo tools and cardboard. Registration is required.
Where: Cherry Valley Public Library, 755 E. State St., Cherry Valley
When: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 29
To register: Go HERE
See a burlesque-style comedy
About: West Side Show Room is celebrating its 10-year anniversary by bringing back its very first play, “Vampires Lesbians of Sodom.” The campy and occasionally crude burlesque-style comedy is about two vampiresses whose paths first collide in ancient Sodom.
Where: West Side Show Room, 1414 N. Main St., Rockford
When: 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 28; 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 29; 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 30
Tickets: Free. Go HERE
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Face 2 Face tribute band
About: Face 2 Face is the country’s longest-running tribute to Billy Joel and Elton John. The tribute artists take turns at an onstage piano to perform classics from the singers and songwriters.
Where: Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 29
Tickets: Starting at $29; go HERE
Go see the Globetrotters
About: The Harlem Globetrotters return to the BMO Center for their 2024 World Tour.
When: 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 30
Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford
Tickets: Go HERE
Photos: Harlem Globetrotters bring 2023 World Tour to Rockford
Winter craft and farmers market
About: Downtown Beloit Association hosts this Winter Crafter and Farmers Market every Saturday through April.
Where: 557 E. Grand Ave., Beloit, Wisconsin
When: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 30
Info: Facebook event page HERE
Experience the Ice Age
About: Dive into the past with Burpee Museum of Natural History and experience what life was like during the Ice Age at the Holocene Holiday event.
When: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 30
Where: Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $14 adults; $12 kids 4-12; free for children 3 younger; free admission for members
Info: Go HERE
New Year’s warm-up party
About: District Bar & Grill will host a pre-New Year’s Eve celebration with DJ Petey P. The first 50 guests don’t pay cover.
Where: District Bar & Grill, 205 W. State St., Rockford
When: 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 30
Info: Facebook event page HERE
Countdown to fun
About: Discovery Center Museum will host its annual Countdown to Fun, with a Times Square-style ball drop and confetti you can experience while the sun is still out.
Where: Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31 (ball drop happens every hour)
Admission: $10
Tickets/info: Go HERE
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Ring in the New Year in downtown
About: Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront Hotel will host a New Year’s celebration in the Ziock ballroom. A full buffet spread will be served featuring prime rib, crab claws, chef’s action stations, and other holiday specialties along with a full cash bar of all of your favorite drinks. The night starts with live entertainment by Jon Bon Stamos, followed by Rock Vegas DJ.
Where: Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront Hotel, 416 S. Main St., Rockford
When: 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31 to 1 a.m. Monday, Jan. 1
Admission: $75 event and buffet only; $329 room packages
Info/reservations: Go HERE
Rock & Roll Institute winter concert
About: Join about 30 youth musicians from the Rock & Roll Institute for their annual winter concert. There will be five bands and four DJs performing.
Where: Keith Country Day School, 1 Jacoby Place, Rockford
When: 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 30
Info: Facebook event page HERE
An afternoon New Year’s Eve party
About: Party in the afternoon and sleep at night at this New Year’s Eve celebration featuring the musical trio Minimal. The champagne toast will happen at 5 p.m.
Where: Louie’s Tap House, 5689 Elevator Road, Roscoe
When: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31
Info: Facebook event page HERE
Cheer on the IceHogs
About: The Rockford IceHogs take on the Milwaukee Admirals on New Year’s Eve.
When: 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31
Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford
Tickets: Starting at $16. Buy them HERE
SM & SF Club New Year’s Bash
About: Acoustic musician Paul Bronson will perform from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and 80s rock-and-roll band AudioDrive hits the stage at 8:30 p.m. There is a balloon drop and champagne toast at midnight.
Where: SM & SF Club, 1010 Sandy Hollow Road, Rockford
When: Starts at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31
Tickets: $50
Info/reservations: Call 815-399-9471; see the Facebook event page HERE
Greenwich New Year’s celebration
About: Barnstormer Distillery, Rockford’s hometown craft distillery, will host a New Year’s celebration on Greenwich mean time, or 6 p.m. in our time zone. A five-course dinner paired with uniquely crafted cocktails will be served with a toast at midnight Greenwich time.
Where: Barnstormer Distillery, 6969 S. Main St., Rockford
When: 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31
Tickets: $130 per person, which includes taxes and tip. Get them HERE.
New Year’s Eve Bash
About: DJ A Banger provides the music at this New Year’s Eve celebration.
Where: Brewsky’s Rockford, 4414 Charles St., Rockford
When: 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31
Admission: No cover
Info: Facebook event page HERE
New Year’s Eve party and drag show
About: The Office night club will host a New Year’s Eve celebration with music from DJ Q Rock, a balloon drop and drag show with multiple performers. The event is for ages 21 and older.
Where: The Office, 513 E. State St., Rockford
When: 8 p.m.; show starts at 10 p.m.
Cover: $10
Info: Facebook event page HERE
Celebrate with SALT
About: SALT Rockford‘s New Year’s celebration starts with a tasting menu prepared by chef Michael Turley, followed by a five-course meal as jazz saxophonist Harlan Jefferson performs. After dinner is a champagne toast, cocktail specials and music from DJ Rude Minor until. 1
Where: SALT Rockford, 6860 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
When: 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31
Cost: Starting at $95
Reservations: Go HERE; More info on Facebook event page HERE
A party on two floors
About: DJ Petey will spin club hits on the first floor and DJ Dark will play music en Español on the second floor for this two-story celebration. The event has a dress code. No hooded sweatshirts or baseball caps. Dress to impress.
Where: Shooters Bar and Grill at Don Carter Lanes, 4007 E. State St., Rockford
When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31
Cover: $10
Info: Facebook event page HERE
Ring in the New Year with Rollin’ Whiskey
About: Have a New Year’s Eve dinner and then ring in the New Year with country music band Rollin’ Whiskey.
Where: The Mill Saloon, 9032 N. Second St., Machesney Park
When: 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31
Info: Facebook event page HERE
New Year’s Rebelz
About: Rascals Bar & Grill will host Dirt Road Rebelz, a high-energy country rock band, to bring in the New Year.
Where: Rascals Bar & Grill, 5223 Torque Road, Loves Park
When: 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31
Info: Facebook event page HERE
Compiled by Kevin Haas. Want to see an event your hosting on our next things to do list? Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas