By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — This weekend has special cinema showings, a brand new festival, a scavenger hunt and a muddy obstacle course challenge.
Those are just a few of the things you can do in the Rockford area.
Check out our events page for a daily list of things to do, including recurring events such as weekly farmers markets and concerts.
For now, here are a dozen quick picks for things to do:
Get muddy if your tough enough
About: The Tough Mudder Chicago (don’t let the name confuse you, it’s in Rockford) takes place this weekend. You can challenge yourself on 5K, 10K and 15K obstacle courses.
When: 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 26 and Sunday, Aug. 27
Where: Chicago Rockford International Airport, 2 Airport Circle, Rockford
Cost: $139 to $209 depending on length of course
Info/tickets: toughmudder.com/events/chicago
Collect your comics
About: The Rockford Comic Book Convention allows you to shop for a variety of comics and related collectibles, such as action figures and non-sports cards.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27
Where: VFW Hall, 2018 Windsor Road, Loves Park
Info: epguides.com/comics or call Alan at 309-657-1599
March over to some step dancing
About: The Irish Marching Society is hosting The Fitzgeralds, a high-energy fiddling and step-dancing group from Canada.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25
Where: RPL Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $25
Tickets: irishmarchingsociety.com.
See a drive-in movie
About: RVC Student Life will host drive-in movie night featuring “Guardians of the Galaxy 3.”
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25
Where: Parking lot 2A/2B at Rock Valley College, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford
Info: 815-921-4000
More cinema from the car
About: Drive 815 will show “The Super Mario Bros.” movie on Friday and “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” on Saturday.
When: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25, and Saturday, Aug. 26
Where: 12801 Old River Road, Rockton
Cost: $15 per car
Info: 815-323-0164
A car show for charity
About: Roscoe United Methodist Church will hold a car show fundraiser featuring anything on two or more wheels. There will also be live music and food.
When: 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 26
Where: Roscoe UMC, 10816 Main St., Roscoe
Info: 815-623-2292
Sip whiskey and wine in downtown
About: Artale Wine Co. and Rockford City Market will host the fourth annual Whiskey & Wine tasting event. Sample a variety of spirits while live music plays under the market pavilion.
When: 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26
Where: Rockford City Market pavilion, 116 N. Madison St., Rockford
Cost: $50 in advance; $60 at the gate
Get tickets: On Eventbrite here
Scavenger hunt at Severson
About: Severson Dells Nature Center will host a digital scavenger hunt using the free app Scavos. Teams have up to five hours to complete as many of the missions as possible. Missions include taking photos and answering riddles while hiking around Severson.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26
Where: Severson Dells Nature Center, 8786 Montague Road, Rockford
Cost: $20
Info/Register: seversondells.com/calendar/scavenger-hunt
Celebrate Ferragosto at Lino’s
About: Ferragosto, an Italian holiday, will be celebrated with six hours of live music, multiple vendors and other entertainment at Lino’s Restaurant. The new festival is funded by the city’s Forward for Fun initiative. Musical entertainment will start with the Vince Chiarrelli Band, which is known for a musical style that is authentic to Italian-American culture, and continues with the NIU Jazztet and Espinosa & Coffey. Proceeds benefit six nonprofits in the Rockford area.
When: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26
Where: Lino’s Italian Restaurant, 5611 E. State St., Rockford
Admission: Free
Kids cinema at the Coronado
About: The Coronado Performing Arts Center will show the Disney and Pixar film “Turning Red.” Pre-movie activities include magician Johnny Silver, the Rockford Park District’s mobile library and other activities put on by the Rockford Park District. The first 500 kids to arrive receive a free bag of chips.
When: 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26
Where: Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
Admission: Free
Info: 815-847-6314
Choose to have the blues
About: The 14th Annual Crossroads Blues Festival raises money for the Crossroads Blues Society’s Blues in the Schools program. The event features five acts on the main stage and more underneath the pavilion. Curtis Salgado headlines the festival.
When: 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 26
Where: Lyran Park, 4781 South Bend Road, Rockford
Cost: $10 advance, $15 at the gate. Free for children younger than 18 accompanied by an adult
Info: 779-537-4006
Angelic outdoor acoustics
About: Angelic Organics Learning Center will host the Alfalfa Bluegrass Festival, a cash-only event featuring an acoustic open stage with multiple performers. Bring your own chair or blanket to sit on. Food and beer are available for purchase.
When: 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26
Where: Angelic Organics Learning Center, 1545 Rockton Road, Caledonia
Cost: $25; $10 kids; $20 camping
Info: 815-389-8455
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas