Community calendar

Rockford City Market, Fridays, 3:30 08:30 p.m., 100-200 Blocks of Water Street and surrounding area. Free. Market features local growers and vendors who sell handmade products, including vegetables, fruit, eggs, meat, cheeses, flowers, herbs, baked goods, wine and prepared food, as well as artisans and vendors with unique offerings. Most vendors originate within 150 miles of Rockford. Information: (815) 977-5124, email rockfordcitymarket@rrdp.org or visit www.rockfordcitymarket.com

Rockford Area Arts Council’s ‘Scene Peek’ fundraiser, Oct. 1, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Veterans Memorial Hall, 211 N. Main St., Rockford. RAAC’s new celebration will kick-off ArtScene which will be held on Friday, October 2 and Saturday, October 3, 2015 at 40 venues throughout the Rockford area. “Scene Peek” will include performances, a cash bar and appetizers from local restaurants including Abreo, Vintage and Prairie Street Brewhouse. Admission: $30 RAAC Members | $40 non-members. Information:  (815) 963-6765, email: info@artsforeveryone.com or visit http://www.artsforeveryone.com

50th Anniversary National Short Track Championships, Rockford Speedway, Oct. 2-4, Rockford Speedway, 9572 Forest Hills Rd., Loves Park. Main gates open: Friday 4 p.m., Saturday 2 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. Admission: Friday $1-$15, Saturday $3-$20, Sunday $5-$25. This season’s edition of NSTC features a wide array of short track racing machines and drivers from across the country converging on Rockford Speedway, vying for a chance at glory on Rockford’s famed ‘high banks.’ The high-powered Super Late Models once again return as the main attraction of NSTC, taking part both Saturday and Sunday. Information:  (815) 633-1500 or visit www.rockfordspeedway.com

First Fridays, Oct. 2, downtown Rockford, 5 p.m.-midnight. Various art galleries, shops and music venues. Each month downtown art galleries, shops, music and theater venues work together to stay open late providing great new art, music and goods. Visit the website for a complete schedule. Information:  Ed McCullough, THE ELEMENT, (779) 537-5319, email  ed@theelementrockford.com or visit www.facebook.com/FirstFridaysRockford

Locktoberfest Weekends, Lockwood Park, 5201 Safford Rd., Rockford, Oct. 3-31, Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. plus Monday, October 12, Columbus Day. Locktoberfest is a family fun festival, with a different theme each week plus carnival rides, games, children’s farm, pony rides, wagon rides, pick your own pumpkin, seasonal food, face painting, and more. Free admission with some paid activities. Information: (815) 987-8809 or visit rockfordparkdistrict.org/lockwood

–Winnabago News Briefs–