THROUGH MARCH 5 

 

In Full Bloom: The Orchid Exhibit

Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens

1354 N. 2nd St., Rockford

Tuesdays-Fridays 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturdays-Sundays 10 a.m.-3 pm.

admission:adults $6/$8 | Seniors & Veterans $4 residents/$6 non-residents,  ages 5-17 $4/$6, ages 3-4 $1/$2, under 2 free

It may be the depth of winter, but Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens is teeming with color! Our annual orchid exhibit is sure to impress, with hundreds of tropical orchids creatively displayed in the warm tropical exhibition area. Orchid sales and orchid vendors, presentations and workshops – there’s something for everyone. Information:   (815) 987-8858.

 

The Graduate

Pec Playhouse Theatre

314 Main St., Pecatonica

weekly on Friday, Saturday and Sunday

$14

In this adaptation of the classic novel and cult film, Benjamin Braddock has just finished college and, back at his parents’ house, he’s trying to avoid the one question everyone keeps asking: What does he want to do with his life? An unexpected diversion crops up when he is seduced by Mrs. Robinson, a bored housewife and friend of his parents. What begins as a fun tryst turns complicated when Benjamin falls for the one woman Mrs. Robinson demanded he stay away from, her daughter, Elaine. Information:  (815) 239-1210.

 

 

THROUGH MARCH 19 

 

 

Salute to Black Military Units

Ethnic Heritage Museum

1129 S. Main St., Rockford

2-4 p.m.

$5 adult, $3 students, $10 families

The exhibit spotlights the accomplishments of the Buffalo Soldiers, Tuskegee Airmen, the Montford Point Marines and the servicemen who served with Operation Red Ball Express, and spotlights members of the Rockford community who served in these units. Uniforms on display are on loan from Veteran’s Memorial Hall.  Information: (815) 962-7402

 

 

 

THROUGH APRIL 16 

 

75th Anniversary Exhibit – “Rediscover Burpee”

 Burpee Museum of Natural History, Woodward Hall

737 N. Main St., Rockford

through April 16, 2017

$10 adults, $9 children

This new exhibit celebrates the 75-year history of Burpee Museum and is an opportunity for the community to rediscover the treasure trove of artifacts, specimens, and memorabilia in the museum collection alongside newly developed exhibits. Visitors will go back in time to see what makes Burpee Museum a local treasure and unique among the country’s best natural history museums.

 

 

 

 

FEB. 13, 15 

 

Feverland, The Shumway Grand Opening Performance

Rockford Area Arts Council

713 E. State St., Rockford

7:30 and 8:30 p.m.

Monday and Wednesday

$5

Feverland is a dark comedy that commemorates the 88th anniversary of the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. It is a feverish celebration of the love between Al Capone (corruption) and Lady Liberty (the American dream). The play features historical characters such as Al Capone, Herbert Hoover, Emma Lazarus, and Eliot Ness as well as the Statue of Liberty herself. The characters appear and disappear within the confines of Al Capone’s final fever dream. Information:  (815) 963-6765

 

 

FEB. 14-19 

 

Rockford Auto Show

CherryVale Mall

7200 Harrison Ave., Rockford

Tuesday-Saturday during normal mall hours

Free

This year’s show features everything that’s new for 2017… New Cars, SUV’s, Trucks, and Vans in all the new styles and colors. Again, for the 22nd year, this year’s show will be highlighted with a $10,000 donation to a local Rockford area charity from the Rockford New Car Dealers Association. Information:  (815) 332-2451 ext. 261.

 

 

FEB. 16 

 

Travis Tritt

Coronado Performing Arts Center

314 N. Main St., Rockford

7:30 p.m.

$37-$57

Performing some of his biggest hits, including “T-R-O-U-B-L-E,” “It’s A Great Day to Be Alive” and “Best of Intentions,” the Grand Ole Opry member will bring his award-winning songs to life during this up-close and personal event punctuated by personal stories and anecdotes about his life and musical influences. Information: (815) 968-0595.

 

 

FEB. 17-19 

 

Rockford Boat, Vacation & Fishing Show

Mercyhealth Sportscore Two and Indoor Sports Center

8800 E. Riverside Bvld., Loves Park

3-8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday

$6 adults, free for children under 12

The show features fishing boats, pontoons, runabouts, personal watercraft, charters, guides, lodging, or just need to buy the right fishing tackle, the show will have exactly what you are looking for. Some of the most experienced Illinois and Wisconsin anglers and guides will also be giving seminars. Information:  (815) 997-1744

 

 

 

 

Shrek The Musical, presented by Children’s Theater Project/Youth Theater Project

Nordlof Center, J.R. Sullivan Theater

118 N. Main St., Rockford

7 p.m. Friday, 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday

$10

The tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you’ve got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there’s one on hand… and his name is Shrek. Information: (920) 412-7151.

 

 

FEB. 17 

 

Augustana Choir Tour 2017

First Lutheran Church

225 S. 3rd St., Rockford

7:30 p.m.

Free

The Augustana Choir has a tradition of touring across the country and around the world that goes back decades. Many current students and alumni say the highlight of their Augustana experience was touring with an ensemble. Information: (309) 794-7323.

 

 

FEB. 18-19 

 

Black History Month Celebration

Veterans Memorial Hall

211 N. Main St., Rockford

1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

$5, free for students and seniors

The center celebrates “African American Veterans from World War Two and Beyond” featuring members of the Tuskegee Airmen, the Montford Point Marines and veterans from the Korean and Vietnam Wars who will share stories of brave service, patriotism and their unique understanding of what it was like to be an African American serving in the United States Military. Information: (815) 969-1999