THROUGH SEPT. 29

 

Rockford City Market

Water Street at East State Street, Rockford

weekly on Fridays, 3:30-8:30 p.m.

free admission

The market is an open air public market featuring locally grown and made items includ-ing vegetables, fruit, meat, cheese, flowers, herbs, baked goods, artisans, prepared food, local beer and wine. There is weekly live entertainment in two areas, kids’ activities, and cooking demos. Information: (815) 988-2825.

 

THROUGH OCT. 28

 

North End City Market

Intersection of North Main and Auburn Streets, Rockford

weekly on Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

free admission

The market is full of fresh, local products and food and will be a nice place for the community to gather to shop, eat, and socialize. Information: (815) 977-5124.

 

THROUGH NOV. 5

 

Bruce Munro: LIGHT

Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens

1354 N. 2nd St., Rockford

varying admission prices and entry times

Call (815) 987-8858 for specifics.

The exhibition, Munro’s eighth large-scale gar-den exhibition in the U.S., allows visitors to literally see the gardens in a new light. The gardens and Conservatory will provide a stunning backdrop for eight sculptures, including Munro’s iconic “Field of Light” and “Water-Towers.”

 

JUNE 7

 

Summer Concert Series 2017

Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church

2715 Mulford Rd., Rockford

7 p.m.

The Winnebago H.S. Jazz Band performs. A free-will offering after each performance enhances mu-sic and educational programs at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church. Information: (815) 399-5503.

 

Wildflower Walkabout

 Kieselburg Forest Preserve

5801 Swanson Rd., Roscoe

free

Come experience the north central Illinois landscape. Walk where flowers carpet the forest floor and birds fill the air. Severson Dells Nature Center and the Natural Land Institute are the organizing agencies of the event, with local groups providing leaders from their organizations. No admission fee, but membership in both organizations is encouraged: www.naturalland.org, www.seversondells.org.

 

JUNE 7-9

 

Beauty and the Beast

presented By Starlight Theatre at Rock Valley College

3301 N. Mulford Rd., Rockford

Step into the enchanted world of Broadway’s modern classic, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, an international sensation that has played to over 35 million people worldwide in 13 countries. Information and tickets: (815) 921-2160. JUNE 7

 

Ski Broncs Waterski Shows

Shorewood Park

 235 Evelyn Ave., Loves Park

7 p.m.

free

Shows run every Wednesday and Friday trough September. The Rockford Ski Broncs’ dazzling water ski show is in its 50th year. Modern bleachers and lawn seating available and concessions on-site.

 

 

JUNE 8

 

Dwight Yoakam

Coronado Performing Arts Center

314 N. Main St., Rockford

$35-$125

8 p.m.

Yoakam has sold more than 25 million albums worldwide, and he is a 21-time nominated, multiple Grammy  Award winner. Information: (815) 968-5222

 

Garden Explorers: Birds of a Feather

Anderson Japanese Gardens

318 Spring Creek Rd., Rockford

9 a.m.

$5 for non-members, free for members

The program is designed for children ages 3-5 years old, but all ages are welcome. Children and their guardian(s) will learn something about nature and then have a chance to explore the Garden after the program. Information: (815) 229-9390.

 

Species Spotlight: Bat Hike

Forest Preserves Headquarters

5500 Northrock Dr., Rockford

8:15 p.m.

free

Enjoy the nearly full moon and search for nocturnal wildlife. The nearly full moon should offer plenty of light but bring a small flashlight and mosquito repellent, just in case.

 

JUNE 9

 

Free Public Opening – Bittersweet Observations

Rockford Art Museum

711 N. Main St., Rockford

6:30 p.m.

free admission

The show explores the grown-up wonder of childlike nostalgia in a dramatic, fairytale setting through paintings, drawings, prints, animation, and installations by Casey Riordan Millard, Jenny Mathews, Sarah Reed-McNamara and Jeremy Klonicki. Exhibit runs through Oct. 1. Information (815) 968-2787

 

Groovin’ in the Garden – Jim Gill

Anderson Japanese Gardens

318 Spring Creek Rd., Rockford

10 a.m.

Gill is an award-winning children’s author and musician. He has released six playful children’s CD’s and two books that are favorites in family rooms, classrooms and playrooms. Kids are encouraged to jump, clap and dance along as Jim strums-out energetic rhythms on his banjo. Information: (815) 229-9390

 

JUNE 10

 

Hooked on Fun – Free Fishing Event, presented By Forest Preserves of Winnebago County

Four Lakes Forest Preserve

10207 Fish Hatchery Rd., Pecatonica

9 a.m.

free

Designed to open the door to fishing and outdoor recreation for children and families. Volunteers will be available to instruct and assist to help people to enter into the fun. Bring your own equipment; limited quantity loaner equipment availa-ble. Bait is provided. No experience necessary. No fishing license required. Information: (815) 877-6100.

 

The Original Trailer Race of Destruction

9572 Forest Hills Rd., Loves Park

7:07 p.m.

$5-$18

Along with Original Trailer Race of Destruction, the event also includes four divisions of racing. Tickets are available online at rockfordspeedway.tix.com. Tickets may also be purchased by phone at 815-633-1500 and in person at the Rockford Speedway Office during regular business hours Monday-Friday.

 

JUNE 10-SEPT. 3

Hello from Japan

Discovery Center Museum

711 N. Main St., Rockford

10 a.m.

$8 per person, free for members and children age one and under

Children will have fun learning about life in present-day Japan in this playful and interactive exhibit. Families will be transported to two distinct areas of Tokyo that exist side by side: one serene and exquisite, the other, too cute for words. Information: (815) 963-6769.

–Winnebago County Calendar of Events–