By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — This weekend you can catch live music and comedy shows, attend a masquerade fundraiser or start prepping for Monday’s solar eclipse.
Those are just a few of the things to do this weekend in the Rockford area.
More things to do: 86,000 square feet of ‘pure history and passion’: Historic Auto Attractions opens for the season
Here are 17 ideas for education and fun:
Solar Eclipse Preview
About: Discovery Center Museum will host an interactive and educational event centered around the upcoming total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8. Kids can learn about solar eclipses in 15-minute planetarium shows, explore the science behind solar cooking and delve into the concepts of light, sound and the unique phenomena associated with solar eclipses. Eclipse glasses will be given to children while supplies last.
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 6
Where: Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford
Info: Go HERE
Circus After Dark
About: Circus After Dark is a masquerade ball with music, food and drinks benefiting the Family Peace Center, a one-stop location that serves survivors of domestic and sexual abuse.
Where: Union Event Space, 112 N. Second St., Rockford
When: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, April 6
Cost: $125
Tickets: Go HERE
Tommy James & The Shondells
About: Tommy James & The Shondells with special guests The Buckinghams will perform. Tommy James, whose songs such as “I Think We’re Alone Now” continue to be covered by new bands, has sold more 100 million records worldwide and currently has one of Sirius XM’s most popular radio shows.
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 6
Where: Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
Tickets: Starting at $32; go HERE
Sales tax forum
About: Transform Rockford will host an informational session on how sales tax dollars are spent in the city. The goal is to help engage residents so they can determine whether money is being spent as intended and whether that aligns with the community’s vision and values. Panelists include Andy Benson, owner of Benson Stone Co., Greg Brown, chief financial officer for Rockford Public Schools, Realtor Staci Brown, Carrie Haggerty, finance director for the city of Rockford, and Jason Holcomb, a director on the Winnebago County Mental Health Board.
When: 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 4
Where: Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford
Admission: Free
Celebrate John Briggs Way
About: A portion of Court Street in downtown Rockford is being renamed for John Briggs, who was the city’s first Black hotel owner.
When: Noon on Saturday, April 6
Where: At the corner of Cedar and Court streets in Rockford
Post-ceremony celebration: 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Stephenson’s Business Center, 730 N. Church st., Rockford
Info: Go HERE
Honoring a Civil War veteran
About: The African American Gallery of the Ethnic Heritage Museum will host a gravestone dedication ceremony for Robert Parker, a former slave who later fought for the Union Army. Parker was an active member in the primary national veterans organization in Rockford and the Grand Army of the Republic. His wife, Mary, was a member of the auxiliary, the Women’s Relief Corps. Their membership in both the GAR and the WRC was during a time when integration in civic organizations was not at all typical.
Parker was buried without a headstone at Cedar Bluff Cemetery in 1891. Local and federal Veterans Administration created a gravestone for him.
When: 11 a.m. Thursday, April 4
Where: Cedar Bluff Cemetery, 1200 Rural St., Rockford
Cars and Coffee in Midtown
About: The monthly Cars and Coffee car show kicks off the 2024 season on Saturday. The event averaged 300 cars and 600 spectators in 2023 and runs from April through October.
When: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 6
Where: Outside of Katie’s Cup, 502 Seventh St., Rockford
More info: carsandcoffeerockford.com
Stuff the Bus with Brightpoint
About: Help stuff a Rockford Mass Transit District (RMTD) bus with anything and everything you might need to care for little ones: diapers (sizes 4 and up), pull ups, wipes, formula, snacks, clothing (NB-Youth S), cleaning supplies, etc.
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday
Where: Sam’s Club, 7151 Walton St, Rockford, IL 61108
Comedy at the cantina
About: Chastity Washington, who performs across the country and released a special “Live at Dandy” on Prime Video last year, will headline this monthly comedy show.
Where: Lucha Cantina, 1641 N. Alpine Road, Rockford
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 5
Cover: $10
Info/reservations: 815-977-4319
IceHogs local artist hat night
About: The Rockford IceHogs take on the Grand Rapids Griffins on the final of three local artist hat nights. This week’s hat was created by Ryan “Stuk One” Lape.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, April 6
Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford
Tickets: Go HERE
Derek Luttrell Live at Maze
About: Musical artist Derek Luttrell will be play an acoustic set.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, April 6
Where: Maze Books, 406 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: Free
Comedy with Joshua Chuboff
About: Comedian Joshua Chuboff tours across the country with his blend of wry observational comedy and stories about living with a disability. Robert Rule and KB Marion feature and Tony Lisowski hosts.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, April 6
Where: Hope & Anchor, 5040 N. Second St., Loves Park
Cost: $10
Reserve: Call 815-633-2552
Wildlife celebration
About: Rockford Regional Wildlife Coalition will host a celebration with children’s music and live birds of prey and other animal ambassadors. RRWC is a nonprofit coalition of volunteer state and federal licensed wildlife rehabilitators focusing on conservation, public education and wildlife rehabilitation in the Rockford area.
Where: Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford
When: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 6
Cost: Free
Walk with U guided walk
Update: This program has been canceled due to high levels of the Kishwaukee River.
About: The Forest Preserves of Winnebago County will host a guided walk at Kishwaukee River Forest Preserve, a historic and scenic preserve bisected by the Kishwaukee River.
Where: Kishwaukee River Forest Preserve, 5757 Blackhawk Road, Cherry Valley
When: 9 a.m. Saturday, April 6
Info: winnebagoforest.org
Solar eclipse experience
About: Children and families can learn about the total solar eclipse happening Monday, April 8. Solar eclipse viewing glasses will be provided. This program is best suited for children ages 6-8 and family members.
Where: Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit
When: 1 p.m. Sunday, April 7
Cost: Free
Info: Go HERE
Trinadora at Stockholm Inn
About: The Trinadora Duo of Janel Nelson and Ron Holm select from a dozen instruments to self-accompany their vocals.
When: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 6
Where: Stockholm Inn, 2420 Charles St., Rockford
Reservations: Call 815-397-3534
Celebrate Sattva Yoga Spa
About: Sattva Yoga Spa, formerly known as 815 Yoga Collective, will hold a grand opening event following a 16-month transformational relocation and expansion project. Attendees will be treated to free class passes, refreshments and 10% off all memberships, packs and spa sessions.
When: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, April 5
Where: Sattva Yoga Spa, 1615 N. Alpine Road, Rockford (at the Edgebrook Shopping Center)
Compiled by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas