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ROCKFORD — Looking for things to do the weekend after Valentine’s Day in the Rockford area?
There’s a new comedy series debuting, live music, a bike ride, a variety show and more happening around the Stateline.
More news: Snow Park at Alpine Hills in Rockford to close after this weekend due to warm weather
Here are 10 ideas for things to do this weekend, and a few things to look forward to next week.
New comedy series at Prairie Street
About: Prairie Street Brewing Co. is launching a new stand-up comedy series called “Barrel of Laughs,” and comedian Manny Acosta will headline the debut event. The show also features Chris Trani and Kevin Haas.
Where: Prairie Street Brewing Co., 200 Prairie St., Rockford
When: 6:30 p.m. doors open; 7:30 p.m. show starts Friday, Feb. 16
Tickets/info: Go HERE
Fat Bike Bonanza
About: Break out your fat-tire mountain bikes for this casual, non-competitive ride around Atwood Trails in Rockford. Then, head over to The Olympic Tavern for part two of the Fat Bike Bonanza. The Olympic will host a post party at 1 p.m. with Solemn Oath Brewing. There will be fire pits on the patio, hot chocolate and you can draw cards for a poker run style prize giveaway.
When: 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 17
Where: Atwood Trails, 7074 Ryberg Road, Rockford; then The Olympic Tavern, 2327 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: Free
Bridal Expo
About: Franchesco’s hosts its Bridal Expo 2024, featuring DJs, florists, wedding planners, decorators, photographers and venue options for your big day. There are also prizes and giveaways, including a grand prize $1,000 toward a reception at Frenchesco’s.
Where: Franchesco’s, 7128 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
Tickets: $10, get them HERE
Comic Book Convention
About: The Rockford Comic Book Convention will feature comics from the golden age to present day, along with related collectibles and merchandise from dealers from three states. Prices range from under a buck to hundreds of dollars, and some dealers are also buying comics if you’re looking to sell.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18
Where: Loves Park VFW, 2018 Windsor Road, Loves Park
Admission: Free
Info: Go HERE
Moon Dog Variety Night
About: Moon Dog Theatre is putting together a variety show with comedians, poets, writers and storytellers in this showcase of the arts.
Where: RPL Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford
When: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16
Cost: $15
Mardis Gras Masquerade
About: Cover yourself in beads for this Mardis Gras Masquerade Party featuring music from DJ Xtian.
When: 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17
Where: Rockton Inn Pub & Grub, 102 E. Main St., Rockton
Info: Go HERE
A night of blues, gospel and soul
About: Celebrate Black History Month with a night of blues, gospel and soul with Sheryl Youngblood. The event is free and open to adults and teens. Beverages will be available for purchase from Prairie Street Brewing Co.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17
Where: RPL Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford
Comedy at Hope & Anchor
About: Chicago-based comedian Sarah Perry headlines this weekly comedy night. Featured comedians are Jon Diaz, Katie Kincaid and host Keaton Ford.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17
Where: Hope & Anchor, 545 McKinley Ave., Loves Park
Cost: $10
Reservations: 815-633-2552
Info: Go HERE
Sock hop
About: Rockford Fraternal Order Of Eagles No. 392 is hosting a sock hop dance and “Heartbreak Cafe” dinner. Trinadora Rocks will provide a variety of music from the sock hop era.
When: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17
Where: Fraternal Order of Eagles, 3829 11th St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
Information: Call 815-229-3340
The Lone Canary at Pig Minds
About: The Lone Canary – Jesse Fox and Heather Camacho – brings its blend of folk and Americana to Pig Minds Brewing Co.
When: 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17
Where: Pig Minds Brewing Co., 4080 Steele Drive, Machesney Park
Admission: Free
Looking ahead …
Headshot Happy Hour
About: Catalyst Design & Photography is partnering with Ernie’s Midtown Pub for Headshot Happy Hour, a way to get your professional headshot in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Book for $75 in advance to get one high-resolution head shot and a $10 bar tab, a value of $185. Book by Feb. 20 to lock in the rate. It’s $100 day of the event.
When: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21
Where: Ernie’s Midtown Pub, 1025 Fifth Ave., Rockford
Tickets and info: Go HERE
Fight or Flight Classic
About: The inaugural Fight or Flight Classic features 12 USA Boxing amateur bouts including Golden Gloves and national champions.
When: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24
Where: Chicagoland Skydiving Center, 1207 E. Gurler Road, Rochelle
Tickets: $25 general admission; $300 for a table of eight; $500 premium table of eight with all you can drink domestic keg beer, pop or water.
Info: FightOrFlightClassic.com
Compiled by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas