By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — The first weekend of February is packed with things to do in the Rockford area.
You can sample local brews at 815 Ale Fest, check out the opening of new art shows, shop at various pop-up events or learn more about Black History Month at a new exhibit.
And that’s just a few of the options.
More news: You Name It: Rockford-area restaurants honor regular customers with menu items
Here are 20 ideas for things to do this weekend:
815 Ale Fest
About: Sample new brews and special releases from dozens of breweries from around the region. Last year’s event sold out and VIP tickets have already sold out for this year’s 815 Ale Fest. There are a limited number of general admission tickets still remaining.
Where: Tebala Event Center, 7910 Newburg Road, Cherry Valley
When: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3
Tickets: Go HERE
Celebrate Wired Cafe
About: Wired Cafe will hold a farewell celebration for the Douglas family, which sold Wired Cafe to Eight Fifteen Capital at the start of the year. The Douglas family had run the business for 13 years.
When: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3
Where: Wired Cafe, 414 E. State St., Rockford
Related: Rockford-area restaurants honor regular customers by putting their name on the menu
Boat and fishing show
About: The Rockford Boat, Vacation & Fishing Show will hold its 50th anniversary event. Everything from docks to pro-fishing boats, personal watercraft and pontoons will be on display. The show will also have charters and guide services to book your next fishing trip.
When: 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb.3; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 4
Where: Mercyhealth Indoor Sports Center, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park
Cost: $8 for adults 12 and older; free for 12 and younger
Info: rockfordboatshow.com
Black History Month | Divine 9
What: The African American Gallery of the Ethnic Heritage Museum will unveil its newest exhibit called The Divine 9. It goes on display Sunday and runs through the end of April. The Divine 9 refers to a group of nine historically black Greek lettered fraternities and sororities. This exhibit showcases each group and their service to the community.
When: 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 4
Where: Ethnic Heritage Museum, 1129 S. Main St., Rockford
Cost: Free
Information: ethnicheritagemuseum.org
Valentine’s Market
About: Rockford City Market will host its annual Valentine’s Market with local vendors, live music from Kayla Seeber and season drinks at its market bar.
When: 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2
Where: Rockford City Market, 116 N. Madison St., Rockford
Info: rockfordcitymarket.com
Dude Dad live
About: Taylor Calmus, also known as the Dude Dad, is a Colorado-based content creator who has become a viral sensation for his family-based comedy videos. He also stars in Magnolia Network’s “Super Dad,” in which he helps other dads make their kids’ backyard dreams a reality.
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2 (doors open at 7 p.m.)
Where: Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
Tickets: Starting at $35; go HERE
Dueling DJs
About: Union Event Space will host a two-night event featuring DJs ILL-Chay and Jordan Chance on Friday and J-Millie and Tee Reckz on Saturday.
Where: Union Event Space, 112 N. Second St., Rockford
When: 8:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2 and Saturday, Feb. 3
Tickets: $40, go HERE
Cupid Crush vendor show
About: About 40 crafters and other vendors will have Valentine’s Day-themed merchandise for sale at the Cupid Crush Craft & Vendor Show.
Where: Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3
Info: Go HERE
Winter Tea Party
*Update* This event has sold out
About: Tinker Swiss Cottage will welcome the winter princesses from Characters 2 Life for this special Victorian Tea Party. This three-course lunch will be followed by a tour of the Tinker Swiss Cottage. Reservations are required.
Where: Tinker Swiss Cottage, 411 Kent St., Rockford
When: 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 3
Reservations: Go HERE
Cat Show
About: The American Cat Fanciers Association and Rock Valley Cat Club present this AFCA championship and household pet cat show. See a variety of breeds and learn more from experienced breeders.
Where: The Bricks, 125 S. Walnut St., Cherry Valley
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3 and Sunday, Feb. 4
Info: Go HERE
IceHogs at home
About: The Rockford IceHogs take on the Grand Rapids Griffins on Friday and Manitoba Moose on Saturday.
Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2 and Saturday, Feb. 3
Tickets: Go HERE
‘Sight/Unseen’ opening reception
About: “Sight/Unseen” is a moving exhibit of 17 mixed-media drawings by Norm Knott created during a very challenging time in his life.
When: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2
Where: Emmanuel Lutheran Church art gallery, 920 Third Ave., Rockford
Admission: Free
‘Silk Scenes’ opening reception
About: “Silk Scenes” is a new art exhibit from Sarah Bell, who brought her traditional watercolor paintings to a new medium with wearable paintings on silk scarves.
When: 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2
Where: Kortman Gallery, 107 N. Main St., Rockford
Admission: Free
Information: jrkortman.com or 815-968-0123
Celebrate the Lunar New Year
About: Celebrate Lunar New Year with cultural sights, sounds, food, art and activities for the whole family.
Where: Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. Second St., Rockford
When: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3
Info: Go HERE
Comedy at Hope & Anchor
About: Comedian Paul Farahvar, a former litigator turned stand-up comedian from Chicago, headlines this show. It also features Angie McMahon and Carter Dockert and it’s hosted by Matt Hall.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3
Where: Hope & Anchor English Pub, 545 McKinley Ave., Loves Park
Admission: $10
Reservations: Call 815-633-2552
Concerts on the Creek
About: This show features songs made famous by Buddy Holly, Big Bopper, Ritchie Valens and other stars. It showcases what their tour would have looked like if they had not been killed in a Feb. 3, 1959, plane crash.
When: 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2 (doors open at 6 p.m.)
Where: Spring Creek Church, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
Admission: Free; $10 donation encouraged
Info: 815-979-1949
Wedding Open House
About: Rockford City Market will host its fourth annual Wedding Open House. The indoor venue will be filled with vendors from all ends of the wedding industry. Gather ideas for your own wedding and meet with some of the best local vendors.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3
Where: Rockford City Market, 116 N. Madison St., Rockford
Admission: $10
Info: Go HERE
Wine for the arts
What: This month’s First Friday Wine Tasting benefits the Rockford Area Arts Council. Sample from 24 wines will raising money for the organization.
When: 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2
Where: Artale Wine Co., 6876 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
Admission: $20 cash or check donation to the Arts Council
Info: 815-877-9463
Rockford New Words
About: This year’s New Words festival focuses on lessons learned from ex relationships. Ten plays, poems, monologues, and stories by writers from Rockford and beyond will be presented in a staged reading.
When: 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2 through Sunday, Feb. 4
Where: West Side Show Room, 1414 N. Main St., Rockford
Admission: Free
Info: wssr.org
Sunday Funday pop-up boutique
About: Multiple local boutiques will gather under one roof to showcase and sell winter and spring fashion.
When: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 4
Where: MeshWorks, 4949 Harrison Ave., Rockford
Info: Go HERE