Events in Belvidere today

This neighborhood market in Rockford’s North End centers on farmers and local artisans, featuring seasonal produce, baked goods, and handmade goods, along with other locally made products. The atmosphere is welcoming and dog friendly, and SNAP/Link benefits are accepted to help make fresh, local food accessible to everyone.

At Rock Valley College, the World’s Largest Polio Walk highlights Rotary’s ongoing work to end polio around the globe. Participants learn along the route why polio remains a concern and how they can help. There is no fee to register to walk. To RSVP, email RockfordAreaPolioWalk@gmail.com. After RSVPing, a link to a merchandise store will be provided for those who want to further support the effort.

RAD’s annual Halloween Free Print Day returns with a fresh design that blends spooky charm with cheeky, theatrical energy, nodding to a legendary midnight movie tradition. Bring a blank shirt to get the artwork printed at no cost, or choose from a limited selection of blanks available to buy starting at $10. A new drop off service is available during regular store hours for those who want to skip the line, priced at $10 per garment with no limit on quantity. For best results, bring items that contain cotton, such as shirts, hoodies, dresses, or pillowcases. Printing is done on site while you wait and typically takes only a few minutes. There is a limit of two blank garments per person for the free printing offer. The design uses black ink, so it will show up best on lighter fabrics, though darker items can still be printed. RAD Coffee Club will be open with coffee drinks available while you wait. Share photos of finished pieces by tagging @RockfordArtDeli.

Hosted by the Norwood Park Chamber of Commerce, this family friendly Halloween celebration features trick or treating, pumpkin art activities, and a scavenger hunt. Costumes are encouraged. The annual neighborhood theater production returns with The Addams Family Vacation, a kid friendly show with tickets available.

Costumed dogs take the spotlight at a Halloween themed contest at Anderson Kia on Perryville. A photo booth will be available for snapshots, and participants can enter the Best Costume competition. The winner receives a year of BOMBoxes from @BarkonMulford, and four runners up will also receive BOMBoxes. Enjoy treats, photo opportunities, and prizes. Optional Kia test drives will be offered.

Settle in for story time. From May through October, the gathering takes place near the gazebo on the Historic Woodstock Square, moving under the tree inside the shop if the weather turns. From November through April, it happens under the tree in the shop.

Explore Medicare insurance choices at this free workshop for adults and seniors. Licensed Sales Representative Carol Cherry will explain the components of Medicare and how they relate to available plan options, helping participants make informed choices. No sign-up is needed. For more information, contact Samantha at samanthah@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 1701. TTY users should call (815) 762-0761-711 for assistance.

Enjoy a customized therapeutic massage with Julie, a board certified and state licensed massage therapist and Reiki Master Teacher. Each one hour session weaves classic massage with Compassionate Touch and complementary bodywork, tailored to your needs. Appointments are available every other Saturday following the meditation practice, and sessions take place in the healing room downstairs. To schedule, text or call Julie at 847-409-1355 to arrange your time. She offers a brief phone consultation to personalize your experience and requests that you connect with her before purchasing a ticket. With more than 30 years of experience and long-standing involvement in the Blue Lotus Temple Sangha, Julie brings extensive skill and a gentle, integrative approach that supports physical comfort and a calm mind.

Riftbound Constructed takes the spotlight with a $10 entry fee. Bring a 40 card deck that follows core rules, with no more than three copies of any single card, one Legend, three Battlefields, and twelve Runes. Matches are played as best two out of three, and you may use a sideboard of up to eight cards between games as long as it follows the same construction limits. Prize support grows with attendance, with two packs from the current set added to the pool for every registered player. Each participant receives one booster and a Nexus Night pack while supplies last, and the remaining packs go to the top finishers.

Hawai‘i heads to DeKalb to face Northern Illinois at Huskie Stadium. The matchup brings an island program to the Midwest to challenge the Huskies on their home field, highlighting differences in setting and approach. With field position, tempo, and late-game execution playing a central role, each possession could carry extra weight.

NIU Huskie Stadium hosts a college football matchup as Hawai‘i travels to face Northern Illinois. Expect a clash of styles, with the Warriors' wide open, road tested attack meeting the Huskies' physical approach on their home field. New contributors are making an impact, and the stakes of a midseason game give every possession added weight.

Capture the season with quick fall mini sessions at Rock Cut State Park in the Pierce Lake area. Each appointment lasts 20 minutes. The cost is $75 and includes 15 to 20 edited images. Sessions are available on two dates, and booking is available.

Fargo Venue in DeKalb hosts a first annual talent showcase dedicated to epilepsy awareness. Attendees can enjoy a celebration of talent and community, with refreshments available. The stage is open to performers of all ages and abilities, including those living with epilepsy, supporters of loved ones, and anyone wishing to help raise awareness.

Attendees will prepare and taste spooky treats in the Teen Zone, inspired by the creepy crawlies of Halloween. This hands-on activity centers on Halloween-themed snacks.

Stateline performer Denny “Diamond” Svehla returns to Concerts On The Creek with his tongue-in-cheek “Okayest” gala, a variety show that brings together highlights from across his performances into one showcase. Admission is free, and audience donations support the musicians and help cover the church’s hosting costs. A non-refundable $5 early donation, issued as a ticket, guarantees open seating upon arrival but does not reserve a specific spot, and the full amount supports the concert. The organizers’ nonprofit ticketing service does not charge them a transaction fee, with an option to add a contribution to that service at checkout. Special arrangements are available for those unable to purchase online. Free off-street parking is available for up to 95 vehicles. The listening area is on a single level with easy access, and the room offers clear, lively acoustics. Support for this event comes from Downtown Discount Drugs, City Center Market, and O’Briens & Dobbins Pharmacy.

Drum Club Sessions bring percussionists together at The Music Connection, LLC in Sycamore for regular, hands-on learning and playing. Participants receive guidance from the teaching staff on stick control and rudimental work, drum set skills, mallet percussion, and additional techniques. Please bring sticks and earplugs. Music and instruments are provided. The participation fee is $20 per student, paid upon arrival, and accepted by cash, check, Zelle, Venmo, or PayPal. This fee covers the use of instruments, music, and instruction. Friends and family are welcome to attend. Sessions continue through 2026. For questions, call 815-970-8106 or 815-217-5648, or email info@themusicconnection.com. Sponsored by The Music Connection, LLC.

Kids Spot transforms into a festive Halloween playground with activities for kids and families. A child’s ticket includes open gym time for ages 0 to 17, face painting, a themed photo booth, a spooky scavenger hunt, a Halloween movie, and creative crafts. Costumes are encouraged, and there is also a free trunk or treat outside that does not require a ticket. Tickets are $17 per child when purchased in advance or $20 at the door. Families save 15 percent on each additional child from the same family, which comes to $14.45 in advance or $17.00 at the door. Children under 2 and parents receive free admission. Each purchased ticket also counts as one entry in a drawing for a $50 Kids Spot gift card.

This relaxed automotive gathering welcomes every make and model, as well as any type of vehicle. Attendance is free for both participants and spectators, and on-site registration is complimentary. To keep the event safe and enjoyable, attendees are asked to avoid burnouts and excessive revving and to leave the area clean. Vendors are not part of this event, and there is no registration fee. Additional details are to be determined.

Atwood staff present Halloween festivities that highlight nocturnal wildlife and how senses can adjust in the dark. Participants will stroll a lit path with a variety of stations offering educational and sensory activities, and there will be candy along the way, so bring a bag for treats and come in costume. Meet at the Atwood Center to begin. The fee is $5 per child for ages 18 and under, and ages 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

St. Mary Catholic School hosts its seventh annual trivia night, a lively evening filled with friendly competition, vibrant table themes, and playful costumes. Tables seat up to ten participants for $250, and many teams choose a creative theme for their décor and outfits, though this is optional. The event is BYOB, so guests may bring their own food and beverages, with time set aside before the games begin for table decorating and food setup. Attendees can boost their score by purchasing Mulligans and can also take part in a 50/50 raffle. All participants must be 21 or older. Proceeds benefit MOSAIC inclusion services at the school, helping fund speech therapy, academic intervention, and behavior support that are not covered by tuition. A discount code, CHECKPAYMENT, is available at checkout for those paying by check.

This meetup offers a welcoming space for LGBTQIA+ teens ages 13 to 19 to connect with others, be themselves, and make new friends. It features a relaxed hangout atmosphere with food and refreshments provided. Participants can bring a friend and celebrate being themselves.

Take the mic at a karaoke night that happens each month and belt out favorite songs. Have fun singing and enjoy food and drink specials available throughout the evening.

Guided by Bhante Rahula at the Blue Lotus Buddhist Temple, this in-person session brings together sound healing, meditation, and chanting to encourage calm and clarity. Through sound vibrations, mindfulness, and the cultivation of metta, or loving kindness, participants are invited to release stress, welcome change, and find steadiness amid life’s transitions. Bhante Rahula is a resident monk at the Blue Lotus Temple, ordained in Sri Lanka over 30 years ago, certified in sound healing, and integrates loving kindness meditation, ancient Buddhist chanting, and the use of quartz crystal singing bowls. Each gathering features a unique theme, and some include a gift blessed through traditional Buddhist chanting. Reported benefits of sound therapy include reduced chronic pain, improved sleep, fewer negative emotions, improved respiratory rate, and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression, and it may help with some symptoms of conditions such as fibromyalgia and Parkinson’s disease. Please bring a yoga mat, pillow, or blanket to stay comfortable. Chairs are available.

With A Vengeance announces its return and shares the lineup with So Called Saints. This show brings both acts together on the same stage.

Celebrate the unforgettable scores behind some of Hollywood’s favorite films. This program spotlights the music of John Williams, moving from pulse-quickening adventure and sweeping romance to scenes filled with awe and curiosity that have helped define the moviegoing experience for decades. Revisit the themes you know by heart in a family friendly evening that brings cinematic excitement to life.

At Mary's Place, a pre-Halloween party spotlights Rockford's own Born in '86 delivering a driving Pop Goes Punk set filled with big sing-alongs and nostalgic anthems for fans of Nirvana, Blink-182, Foo Fighters, The Killers, Weezer, The Smashing Pumpkins, and No Doubt. Afterward, Jon Bon Stamos keeps the energy high with more favorites from the same era. Costumes are encouraged, cold drinks are available, and admission is $10.

The event returns to Rascal's in the fall.

The 48th Annual Sycamore Pumpkin 10K Road Race returns alongside Sycamore’s renowned Pumpkin Festival, a fixture in the Northern Illinois racing scene. This year also features the 3rd annual 1 Mile Fun Run, open to all ages. Registered Fun Run participants receive an exclusive shirt and bib. The Fun Run winds through Sycamore Park and finishes at the same line as the 10K. The 10K has been recognized as a Best of Chicagoland Race by the Chicago Area Runners Association. It is sanctioned by USA Track and Field, and the course holds USATF certification. Event proceeds help preserve the historic downtown, support small businesses, and strengthen area tourism through community events.

Spend a hands-on day of discovery at the Dane County Humane Society Equine Barn in Madison, WI. This all-ages program welcomes children and adults, and adult participants are encouraged to attend even without a child. Move at your own pace through a variety of experiences, including guest talks, bone study stations, microscope labs, and museum collections. A guided arts and crafts station invites you to make a resin cast of an animal track to take home. All stations are optional and available throughout the event, and planning for about two hours will let you see it all comfortably. Featured talks spotlight Wisconsin wildlife. Makeela Magomolla, a Wildlife Center volunteer and UW graduate student, shares insights on native bats. Master falconer and Wildlife Center volunteer Jack Pace introduces the world of falconry with help from his Red-tailed Hawk, Quill. DCHS Wildlife Educator and Rehabilitator Dave Mackler explores native herptiles, accompanied by Wildlife Education Ambassadors Bindi, a False Map Turtle, and Lorca, a three-legged Eastern Box Turtle, along with a feeding demonstration for Bindi. General admission is $15 per participant, and discounted rates are available for groups of five or more. Youth ages 16 to 17 may attend with or without an adult, while ages 4 to 15 must be accompanied by an adult participant at all times.

Liberty House Grill serves a relaxed brunch featuring favorite dishes and standout drinks. Guests can enjoy a buy one breakfast, get one free offer with the purchase of two drinks, and some exclusions apply.

Volunteer powered and community centered, this farmers market features a rotating lineup of vendors, live music, and ready-to-eat food. A vendor list organized by date is available on the market website. Free yoga classes are offered near the Higgins Avenue entrance, with pre-registration available online.

This weekly Pokémon League centers on Standard format play. Regular sessions have a $9 entry. On the last Sunday of each month, the League Challenge offers a more competitive experience, a $15 entry, and expanded prizing. Prize packs are given to all participants when available, and prizes include booster packs from the latest Standard set.

Spooky Skulpt brings a Halloween-themed party to Alma Social Club in Rockford, blending upbeat vibes with playful style and a touch of Skulpt flair. Attendees can lean into spooky-cute outfits and enjoy a lively, social atmosphere perfect for a fun day out with friends.

Newfoundland enthusiasts from the Midwest and beyond gather at Midway Village in Rockford for a dog-friendly day filled with activity. Highlights include playful canine games, a FastCAT fun run, a Fit Walk, friendly contests, and chances to win prizes. Browse vendor offerings and enjoy food while taking in informative sessions. All proceeds support Newfoundland rescue.

A community trunk or treat open to everyone. A simple way for the community to celebrate together.

Following the Lions Club Costume Contest, the fun continues across the street in the church parking lot with a Trunk or Treat offering plenty of candy and a few surprises. To reserve a spot for a trunk, contact Eric Mede or leave a message with the church at 815-522-3546.

Enjoy partner dancing with instruction tailored to your level. Separate basic and advanced sessions cover both Hustle and West Coast Swing, then the floor opens for practice so you can apply what you learned. VIP members attend at no charge. Entry can be covered with dance punchcards or a 1‑day membership for students and dancers for $20, which includes the lesson. Payment is cash only, and when credit card payment is available there is a $1 surcharge. For details, call 773-635-3000 or email Info@MayIHaveTHisDance.com.

Mushroomhead and Fear Factory lead the lineup, with Nine Treasures joining the bill. The performance welcomes fans of all ages.

The Good Feet Store is offering complimentary foot checks to help you learn more about how your feet support everything you do. During a visit, trained specialists provide an alignment assessment and a personalized arch support fitting, then guide a test walk in your own shoes so you can experience the difference before making a decision. The process is relaxed and pressure free with a try before you buy approach. Participants can access special pricing tied to the foot check and receive free swag. Many customers notice benefits right away and can leave with their new supports the same day.

Curious about the winged night workers that help keep mosquitoes in check? Bats spend the day roosting, then take to the sky at dusk to dine on insects. If one swoops past, it is not trying to frighten anyone, it is simply on the way to work. Certified Boone County Master Gardeners will provide information about bats and answer questions during an informational program at Ida Public Library in Belvidere, Illinois. This event is free. To register, call the library at 815-544-3838. For reasonable accommodation requests, contact Extension Program Coordinator Jan Saglier at 815-544-3710 or jsaglier@illinois.edu.

A monthly history book club meets on the final Monday each month for a group discussion. This session will focus on Destiny Disrupted: A History of the World Through Islamic Eyes by Tamin Ansary. Newcomers are welcome, and book club selections can be purchased in-store.

Hospitality workers take center stage at Mulligan’s Pub & Grill for a costume celebration dedicated to the service industry. The night welcomes bartenders, servers, cooks, barbacks, and restaurant crews to show off their most imaginative looks. A $200 cash prize goes to the best dressed, with the winner announced during the event. Leave the work uniform behind unless it is part of your costume.

An energetic storytime featuring read-aloud tales, sing-along songs, and lively dancing that gets everyone moving.

A ribbon cutting celebrates the grand opening of Opportunity House’s new Workforce Development and Training Center. Guests can explore the space, discover the training programs and opportunities it will offer, and share in recognizing this milestone for Opportunity House and the individuals it serves.

Take part in a free evening centered on Commander.

Enjoy an uplifting happy hour at Ridgemoor Country Club that blends social connection with giving back. The evening includes savory bites and desserts, a cash bar with wine and cocktails, local vendors to browse and shop, plenty of opportunities to network with a welcoming community of women, and raffle giveaways. Nonprofits focused on supporting women and girls will share their missions, and one will receive the quarterly donation to advance their work. The aim is to raise $10,000 at each gathering. Guests may attend at no cost to learn more, and those who wish to become voting members can make a $100 contribution that will be directed to the nonprofit selected at the event. RSVP is encouraged. For details about membership, sponsorships, vendor participation, or nonprofit involvement, please contact the organizers.

Mix up a bubbling batch of spooky slime in a cauldron. Enjoy holiday treats as part of the fun.

Discover how to recognize toxic plants during a free educational program presented by certified Boone County Master Gardeners at Cherry Valley Public Library. The session focuses on identifying plants that can be harmful and understanding what to look for. Registration is required and can be completed by calling the library at 815-335-5161. For reasonable accommodation requests, contact the Extension Program Coordinator, Jan Saglier, at 815-544-3710.

Walter Graham Post 332 of the American Legion in Rockton presents a competitive puzzle race for teams of up to four people, open to ages 12 and older. The entry fee is $5 per person. The top three teams will receive larger prizes, and teams near the bottom will still take home a small prize. Participation is capped at 15 teams, and pre-registration is offered.

Designed for both experienced and new songwriters and producers, this workshop offers a collaborative setting to develop skills together. Whether you already write or are just getting started, connect with local songwriters for a conversation about what makes a strong song and how to deepen that understanding. The gathering features performances, writing sessions, and presentations to make the craft of songwriting more accessible and community focused. Hosted by the Rockford Public Library.

At Squire on the Square, the mic is open to all and the spotlight is shared. Local talent takes the stage with live music, stand up comedy, poetry, and acoustic jams. Friends can enjoy a drink, cheer on the performers, or step up for a turn at the mic.

Self Love Club offers a welcoming space for people 16 and older to work on personal growth, healing, and mental wellbeing together. Conversations focus on real-life challenges such as anxiety, depression, stress, eating disorders, and the pressures that can feel overwhelming. The group is rooted in honesty, encouragement, and the belief that everyone is worthy of care, including care from oneself. Meetings are led by compassionate facilitators who draw on personal experience, keeping discussions relatable and hopeful. There is no expectation to have everything figured out. Participants are welcome exactly as they are. For questions or more information, contact Kirsten at 815-566-1808.

Edgebrook Farmers Market features local farmers offering seasonal fruits and vegetables, colorful flowers and garden plants, and a variety of prepared and pantry items. Browse freshly baked treats, honey, farm eggs, jams and jellies, mixes, crisp cheese snacks, and more.

Babes and Books is a small-group storytime designed for infants and toddlers from birth to 24 months. The interactive format encourages early development through stories, songs, movement, and playful activities. Miss Erin leads the program, guiding little ones with music, reading, and gentle motion. Older preschoolers are welcome to participate as well.

A family-friendly evening of safe trick or treating unfolds in the heart of Downtown Belvidere. A community favorite, it has expanded over the years and attracts thousands of families to the area.

Designed for ages 12 and up, this ceramics class welcomes every skill level. Newcomers receive clear, step-by-step guidance, while those with some experience can focus on personal projects. Choose from hand building or working on the potter’s wheel, and move at a comfortable pace.

This Play Lab introduces the Pokemon Trading Card Game through guided demonstrations led by Professors, with learn-to-play materials provided. New players may keep the demo decks they use while supplies last. There is no cost to participate.

Enjoy a free, in-person trivia game at Buffalo Wild Wings in Beloit where teams compete for prizes. Each show features a mix of rounds, including image and music challenges, hosted live by a game host. Players use their phones to follow a game link, submit answers, and collect points. Expect a wide range of questions from pop culture to history and a lively setting that encourages collaborative play.

Settle beneath the shop’s tree at Read Between The Lynes for a cheerful story time featuring lively tales. Enjoy a warm, welcoming atmosphere in a cozy bookstore setting as stories take center stage.

Clean Lakes Alliance and Dane County Parks host a volunteer seed collection at Lake Farm County Park. Volunteers gather native prairie seeds from plants that have finished blooming, sometimes working off trail within the prairie. The collected seed supports restoration and new native plantings throughout county parks, which in turn helps protect local waters. Native plants use deep, complex roots to hold soil in place, limit erosion, reduce the phosphorus that fuels algae, filter contaminated runoff, store more carbon than invasive species, offer habitat for pollinators and wildlife, and enhance natural spaces. Tools and on-site guidance are provided, and no prior plant knowledge is needed. Dress for outdoor work, bring water and sun protection, and feel free to bring garden gloves, though gloves will also be available. Closed-toed shoes and long pants are required for protection from bugs, ticks, and scratches. Participants meet at Shelter #2 inside the park.

Kishwaukee Brewing Co. offers $5 pints every Thursday, with the special available until last call. Enjoy a couple of pints with friends.

In the Youth Services area at Rockford Public Library, families can craft their own spooky slime by blending an assortment of eerie ingredients for a personalized creation. Guests may come dressed as a favorite character or ghoul. Registration is required.

Connect with local professionals at a free networking meetup hosted at PC Tech 2U, the PC store owned by Robert Lockwood. Bring your tech questions and any devices you have been considering for repair, since the setting is well suited for conversations about electronics. The gathering also includes time to learn about Darkhorse Lodge, which is dedicated to giving veterans a place for healing and camaraderie. Attendees are encouraged to bring business cards and a friendly smile.

This free film series in the J. R. Sullivan Theater at the RPL Nordlof Center in Rockford marks 250 years of American independence. Screenings include complimentary popcorn and a lineup that ranges from family favorites to classics and contemporary hits. Titles on the schedule include The Super Mario Bros. Movie (PG), The Princess Bride (PG), 42 (PG-13), Superman (PG-13), Independence Day (PG-13), Fantastic Mr. Fox (PG), The Karate Kid (PG), Sinners (R), Frankenweenie (PG), Pride and Prejudice (PG), and Muppet Christmas Carol (G).

Experience the art of hand building at Beloit Art Center in a six week pottery class led by instructor Rebecca Rehphol. Explore foundational methods such as pinch, coil, and slab construction, then learn glazing techniques to finish your pieces with personal flair. All experience levels are welcome, and creative exploration is encouraged. Clay and glaze are provided. Please bring your own tools, an apron, and a hand towel; pottery tool sets are available in the BAC Gift Shop. The class is open to ages 17 and up, with enrollment limited to eight students. The fee is $165.

Explore where Western philosophy and Buddhist teachings meet in a four-session seminar led by Gus Santo. Meetings take place weekly for four consecutive weeks, and the final gathering features a closing session with pizza. The cost is a single, non-refundable fee of $40, and all proceeds go to the Blue Lotus Temple. Themes include ethics through compassion, happiness, utility, and duty, with attention to what grounds ethical reflection and how the Buddha unites compassion with mindful awareness of suffering; the Buddha in conversation with Martin Heidegger on being thrust into the world, mortality, freedom, and the responsibilities that follow; Emmanuel Levinas on otherness alongside Buddhist emptiness and no-self, raising questions about unity, difference, and impermanence; and an examination of suffering through Arthur Schopenhauer and his influence on Friedrich Nietzsche, compared with the Buddha’s insight. The instructor’s path includes service as a U.S. Army drill sergeant, six years as a Benedictine monk studying philosophy, monastic history, and theology, graduation with highest honors from St. John’s University followed by an appointment to its philosophy faculty, later work as a job analyst for the City of Chicago’s Department of Human Resources, and subsequent service as a mental health professional at Pioneer Center in McHenry, Illinois. A dharmic practitioner since 2020, Gus has taught adult philosophy courses at Unitarian Universalist congregations in Hartland, Wisconsin, and McHenry, and has led seminars on Western philosophy and Buddhism at the Blue Lotus Temple in Woodstock.

This event is the week's second evening dedicated to Dungeons & Dragons, offering an additional session for those interested.