THROUGH JAN. 14, 2018

Great Balls of Fire! Comets, Asteroids, Meteors,  Discovery Center Museum 711 N. Main St.
Rockford, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, $10 (including museum admission), free for members.  Come explore the mysteries of other celestial objects at Discovery Center’s new temporary exhibition.

THROUGH JAN. 28, 2018

“Misfits” – Art Exhibition and Related Programming, Rockford Art Museum 711 N. Main St., Rockford, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, $7, $3 seniors and students, free for members and children under age 12. Misfits surveys 1960s biker subculture through film, literature, and Danny Lyon’s iconic photography portfolio, The Bikeriders. This 15-week feature exhibition incorporates a portion of that decade’s social landscape, exploring the influence the movement made on filmmakers, authors, and artists during this turbulent era. 

NOV 9

End of the Year Gardening, presented By University of Illinois Extension, Winnebago County Extension Office, 1040 N. 2nd St., Rockford, 5:30 p.m., free but pre-registration required. Is your garden ready for winter? Join Jeff White, University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener, to learn how to make sure your garden is ready for winter. White will also share ideas on how you can extend the growing season next year. Information: (815) 986-4357.

Laughs for Literacy, presented By The Literacy Council, University of Illinois College of Medicine 1601 Parkview Ave., Rockford, 6 p.m., $40. An Evening of Laughs, Music, Comedy, Tall Tales and Singing! Featuring The Harry Caray Guy, Ken Sevara and The Human Jukebox, Gerry Grossman. Information: (815) 963-7323

Peppa Pig LIVE!, Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, 6 p.m., $15-$59.50. An action-packed live show featuring favorite characters as life size puppets and costume characters in Peppa Pig’s Surprise. Come join Peppa, George, Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig and more in an all singing, all-dancing adventure full of songs, games and surprises. Information: (815) 968-5222.

Solo Charleston Swing Dance Workshop, resented By Forest City Swing, Mt. Olive Lutheran Church,  2001 N. Alpine Rd., Rockford, 8 p.m., $5. Solo 20s Charleston has gained popularity in the early 2000s, in many local Lindy Hop scenes around the world. Charleston can be danced solo, or with a partner. Its simple, flexible basic step makes it easy to concentrate on styling, improvisation and musicality. No partner required.

NOV. 10

Night Hike, Severson Dells Nature Center 8786 Montague Rd., Rockford, 6:30 p.m. Reawaken your senses by exploring our trails after sunset, learn about some of the creatures that are most active after dark, and witness the beauty of the night sky.

Pucks & Paws Game at IceHogs, Rockford IceHogs Pro Hockey, BMO Harris Bank Center 300 Elm St., Rockford, 6 p.m., $20 for one fan and one dog, $10 for additional human tickets. Fans who wish to bring their dog to the game will be required to provide the dog’s registration number and county of registration upon purchase of tickets. TGhe IceHogs will also be accepting donations of new or gently-used pet-care items and office supplies at the entrance of the BMO Harris Bank Center. Information: (815) 968-5222.

Santa’s Magical Arrival at CherryVale Mall, 7200 Harrison Ave., Rockford, 5 p.m., free. Santa will be available for visits and photos now through Christmas Eve located in center court. Come, experience both old and new traditions at CherryVale Mall this holiday season. Information: (815) 332-2451 ext. 261.

NOV. 11

Family Outdoor Skills – Shelter Building, Severson Dells Nature Center, 8786 Montague Rd., Rockford, 10 a.m.  Each family will be tasked with making a water-proof shelter that will keep them snug. including how to selectbuilding site, the pros and cons of size and shape, and  tips to help a creation be weather-tight.  All shelters will be dismantled at the end of the program. Long pants, sturdy shoes, and long sleeves recommended. Best for families with children ages 6 and up.
Information: (815) 335-2915 .

NOV. 11-12

Arts & Crafts Holiday Spectacular, Mercyhealth Indoor Sports Center, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd.,
Loves Park, 9 a.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. Sunday, $4 ages 12 and over.  Find a wide range of high quality hand crafted items. Talented crafters will fill over 25,000-square feet  showcasing a variety of hand made items.

Juneteenth Celebration Dinner/Dance, Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center, 406 N. Main St., Rockford, 6 p.m., $20 (VIP tickets $35). “A Night on the Downtown” is a fundraiser dinner/dance to support keep the annual Juneteenth celebration free. RAMI award winner R&B Female Vocalist of the Year 2017, Ms. Gina Meeks, is the featured performer. Information: (815) 218-2861. 

Mendelssohn and Brahms featuring over 100 voices, presented By Rockford Symphony Orchestra,  Coronado Performing Arts Center,  314 N. Main St., Rockford,  7:30 p.m., $9-$65. Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 5 (Reformation) is featured with its recognizable melody, based on Martin Luther’s chorale Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott (A Mighty Fortress Is Our God) in the final movement. A German Requiem described by Brahms himself as a “requiem for humanity,” is heavy with imagery and lush choral sounds. Information: (815) 965-0049.

–Winnebago County Calendar of Events Nov. 8 – Nov. 12–