Events in Freeport today

Sharpen skills, get extra rounds, and connect with local grapplers at a supportive open mat hosted by Freeport Martial Arts. Practitioners from any academy or affiliation are welcome, and all experience levels can train together in a no-ego environment focused on technical growth and hard work. The session is unstructured with ample space to choose your own focus. Roll Brazilian jiu-jitsu in gi or no-gi, refine submission wrestling with takedowns, cage work, and fast scrambles, or use the designated area for MMA sparring, where 16 oz gloves and shin guards are required for live work. Drilling with a partner is encouraged if you prefer skill refinement over live rounds. Safety and cleanliness guide the mat culture. Honor taps promptly, arrive with clean gear and uniforms, and participate whether you are a hobbyist or an active competitor. Bring your own equipment such as mouthguards and wraps, and pack water. Hydration stations are available on site.

Grass Attack appears at the Lena Lions Fall Festival with a set grounded in Newgrass, pairing familiar songs on bluegrass instruments with traditional bluegrass numbers. The group often plays festivals, fairs, park concerts, wineries, and breweries across northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. The lineup features Randy Tackett on guitar and lead vocals, Jeff Wagner on banjo with lead and harmony vocals, Liz Wagner on mandolin with lead and harmony vocals, Rick Nolting on upright and electric bass with harmony vocals, and Laura Lanza on fiddle and other instruments as needed with lead and harmony vocals. The band has two recordings available to stream or purchase.

Sing your go-to tracks at The Copper Cow during a karaoke night. Pick the songs you want, take the microphone, and perform solo or with friends. Prefer to skip the spotlight? You can chime in from your table while enjoying drinks.

A family-friendly car show and open house honors Bruce Nielsen while supporting Friends Forever Humane Society and the animals in its care. Spectators receive free entry and can enjoy music, food, raffles, and door prizes while exploring an array of vehicles competing for Top 40 awards, including Best of Show. Held rain or shine at Friends Forever Humane Society, all proceeds benefit FFHS and its mission to help shelter animals.

Tee Off on Crime 2026 is a golf outing featuring the Sponsor a Cop option, a Bloody Mary bar, the Gahm Enterprises golf ball launcher, crime scene themed bunkers, and offerings from the Wood Pellet Pizza Oven Company. Entry is $125 and includes 18 holes with a cart, access to the Bloody Mary bar, pizza samples and other treats, lunch, and plenty of on-course fun. Those who are not playing can still participate by becoming a sponsor or by sponsoring a cop to enjoy a day on the course.

Safe Sitter is a single day class for students in grades 6 through 8 who want to be prepared when staying home alone, caring for younger siblings, or babysitting. Participants learn how to respond to choking and practice CPR and choking rescue with mannequins. The course also covers what to do during severe weather and reinforces skills through activities and role playing. This program is presented in partnership with SSM Health Monroe Hospital and Clinics. Registration is required. The cost is $60 for members and $80 for non-members. Sign up online or at the YMCA.

Test your truck’s speed and style in a competitive showcase. Awards will be given to the three quickest Cummins, three quickest Duramax, and three quickest Power Stroke, plus the fastest manual transmission, best appearing, and most unique. Truck show entry is included with any paid admission.

Courtney is offering tarot and oracle sessions at Rootz & Branchez, with appointments available in person or virtually. Choose a three-card draw up to 10 minutes for $11, a five-card draw up to 20 minutes for $22, or a full reading up to 30 minutes for $33. A one-hour tarot reading with oracle insights is available for $60. When booking, include your preferred time and the package you want. Sign-ups are accepted by email at rootzandbranchez@gmail.com, by leaving a message at 815-616-5422, through Messenger, or by stopping into the shop.

Bethany Lutheran Church hosts the third annual Ladies Banquet, welcoming women of every age for an uplifting gathering. The program carries through the afternoon into the evening with conversation, encouragement, and a shared meal. It is planned as a time to renew hearts and spirits in a warm, supportive atmosphere. Friends are welcome.

Freedom on the Rocks marks America’s 250th with a red, white, and blue celebration filled with cocktails, live music, and community recognition. The evening features the presentation of the annual Cultural Leadership Awards and the unveiling of the United We Create Mural. Enjoy live music by the Highland Community College Big Band, an all-American cookout with Marketside Meats & Deli, desserts by Bezzie’s Bakery, and a full-service cash bar. Proceeds benefit the Freeport Art Museum’s work to keep admission free and to provide hands-on arts experiences for visitors of all ages each day. The United We Create Mural and related community programs are supported by grants from the Illinois Arts Council and the Foundation for Northwest Illinois.

RSA & NTL Productions present The Bacon Brothers featuring Kevin Bacon live at The Rhythm Section Ampitheater. Special guests Miles Nielsen & The Rusted Hearts and Myron Elkins are set to perform as part of the lineup.

Enjoy dancing with the Second Time Around Band in Monroe, Wisconsin. Entry costs $12, and seating is unassigned.