This weekend in Rockford, IL

This annual golf outing at The Ledges Golf Course honors Ben’s legacy while supporting a meaningful cause in Northern Illinois. The event features 18 holes of play, welcomes teams of four, and provides sponsorship opportunities for individuals and local businesses. It is planned as a day centered on golf, community, and shared purpose that continues to make a difference each year, with ways to learn more about Birdies for Ben and its mission.

Explore fresh produce and locally made goods at a farmer-focused market that spotlights area growers and makers. Shop seasonal fruits and vegetables, baked treats, and unique handmade items. The atmosphere is welcoming and dog friendly, so pets can tag along. SNAP/Link benefits are accepted to help make wholesome food accessible for everyone.

Relive the carefree spirit of summer at an adults-only retreat filled with creek splashes, crackling campfires, farm-fresh meals, baby goats, and stargazing. Designed to pause the pull of screens and schedules, this experience focuses on curiosity, connection, nature, and simple joy. Hosted on the organic, regenerative grounds of Farmers Rising in Caledonia, IL, the weekend includes three chef-prepared, farm-to-table meals for lunch, dinner, and breakfast, with overnight lodging in bunk-style rooms at the Lodge or the option to bring a tent. Explore a full slate of activities such as cuddling goats and helping with animal care, gathering eggs for breakfast, a hands-on winemaking workshop, creek exploration and water play, and relaxed campfire time where instruments and hula hoops are welcome. After dark, venture out for a night hike, practice forest bathing, and take in the stars, then dive into creative sessions featuring stained glass, fire spinning, and watercolor, along with yoga, culinary classes, herbalism, chances to make new friends, and a few surprises. Pricing is 200 dollars for an individual and 300 dollars for a couple. No experience is necessary, and an adventurous spirit is encouraged.

A monthly spirituality group offers a calm, down to earth setting to explore meaningful topics. Each meeting centers on a single theme, beginning with a short introduction to the subject and continuing with open conversation and shared insights. Many sessions end with a brief visualization or guided practice, and the flow adjusts to the needs of the group. It is suited to both seasoned seekers and those who are simply curious, with a focus on genuine connection through dialogue. Cost is $20 per person via Zelle, CashApp, or Venmo, or $22 per person by credit card.

The event offers food, plus plenty of games and fun. A student must be present to receive a backpack.

This annual community kickball event supports violence prevention. The focus is on teamwork, positive connection, and a shared commitment to silencing violence through a friendly game. Sponsorship includes Alderwomen Janessa Wilkinson Neal, Go Rockford, the City of Rockford, and the Rockford Park District.

Rebel Hearts opens the festivities for Benny’s inaugural Wing Ding, kicking off a full day of live music. Expect a high-energy set that spans genres and eras and sets the tone for the celebration.

Marking nine years of Female Energy Festival, this community gathering celebrates women, local voices, and creative entrepreneurship. What began as a small meetup of creators has grown into a recognized regional event, featured by WREX, 23 News, and Beloit Daily News, with momentum that reflects growth in both size and purpose. This edition introduces a birthday-themed experience as the festival looks ahead to its tenth anniversary, filling the space with dreamy photo backdrops, soft details, and festive touches. Highlights include a vendor market made up entirely of women-owned businesses spanning beauty, wellness, and handmade goods, a lineup of live entertainment, a dedicated kids zone, and six or more food trucks. Admission is $5, and children under 5 are free. The first 150 guests receive an exclusive gift bag packed with sponsor goodies and local deals. Those interested in vending or sponsoring can find an application link and contact information in the event materials.

Unity Fest will be held at Levings Lake. Organizations and families can participate in a parade on foot. To take part, contact Ann Rundall at annrundall@gmail.com.

Local author Kathi Kresol hosts a celebration for her newest release, Haunted Rock River Valley, at Veterans Memorial Hall and Museum. The event features a brief presentation, a question and answer session, and opportunities to purchase any of Kathi’s books. Refreshments will be served, and no purchase is required to attend.

A book club centered on self improvement invites participants to focus on wellness and personal growth. It offers a welcoming space with support and accountability throughout your journey. Registration is required.

Head up to the rooftop for a late-summer day party benefiting autism awareness. The lineup includes live music from The Synergy Band, plus sets from four DJs, with additional live performance by Crown Zubie. There will also be an artist painter, Jesse Leach Jr., showcasing his work on-site. Music, appetizers, and a private bar for VIP guests are part of the experience, with proceeds supporting a Rockford autism nonprofit. This is an in-person event for ages 21+.

Rockford Rumble brings the local fighting game community together at The RPL Nordlof Center in downtown Rockford for a tournament focused on Super Smash Bros. Ultimate along with other titles. Competitors can enter at no cost, with free registration and free bracket entry. As a premier gathering for Rockford’s FGC, it offers a welcoming setting to test skills and face off against fellow players.

Catfish anglers gather at Martin Memorial Park for the 6th Annual Rock Monsters Tournament, a team competition focused on flathead and channel catfish. Teams of one to three anglers fish the boundary waters from north of the Milan Dam to the Wisconsin border. Each team may use up to six rods and present a five fish bag. Rod and reel are required, with no bank poles or other methods allowed, and boats must remain at least 50 yards from any anchored boat. Entry is $75 per team, with an optional big fish category for $25, and participation is limited to 30 teams. All fish must be alive and healthy and must be released, and any fish that does not swim away under its own power will result in disqualification. Registration takes place at Martin Memorial Park before fishing begins, no lines may enter the water until the official start, and chips must be returned by the posted deadline to avoid disqualification. Disputes are handled by tournament directors Jon Race and Ernest McKee, and cheating will result in disqualification and a permanent ban from Rock Monster Tournament Series and Monsters on the Fox Tournament Series events. For questions, contact Jonathan Race at 815-668-1744 or Ernest Mckee at 815-298-2217, or email rockmonsters2021@gmail.com. Find them on Facebook at Rock Monster Tournament Series and Monsters on the Fox Tournament Series.

Erskin Anavitarte, a singer, songwriter, diversity spokesman on his Live Louder podcasts, and music co-producer from Nashville, Tennessee, will share an outdoor performance of original songs. Attendees can bring lawn chairs and relax under the night sky while hearing his latest hit and a high-energy presentation. The set features music from his own recordings, with CDs available for purchase. Admission is free, and registration is requested to help with planning. A goodwill offering will be collected during the concert to support his ministry.

Next Stop Comedy brings a live stand-up showcase to Pig Minds Brewing Co., featuring comedians with appearances on television and popular podcasts. Each performance introduces a new roster, delivering fresh material and different voices every time.

Grass Attack brings its Newgrass sound to Concerts On The Creek, blending familiar songs arranged for bluegrass instruments with traditional bluegrass tunes. The Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin ensemble 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 with lead and harmony vocals. Regularly seen at town and music festivals, county fairs, community park concerts, wineries and breweries across the region, the band also has two CDs available to stream or purchase.

Enjoy food, drinks, and music at the outdoor bar.

PeaceFreak brings an evening packed with rock and roll to Splitter's Bar & Grill. Beat the rush by showing up early, then soak up the music until the very end.

Hard Rock Casino Rockford hosts an evening of 80s MTV favorites with My 80s Band leading the retro party. Expect songs made famous by The Cars, Duran Duran, Billy Idol, Prince, The Cure, A Flock of Seagulls, Tears for Fears, Simple Minds, INXS, Robert Palmer, and others. Admission is free, and 80s-inspired outfits are welcome but not required.

The previously scheduled Sunday ride at Deer Run has been rescheduled, with the same plan in place. Riders will meet up, then saddle up and head out on the trails. A Winnebago County tag is required for this location. If air quality does not improve, the ride will shift to a later Sunday, which would result in two Sunday rides that month, and all other details will remain unchanged.

A relaxed gathering at Mary's Market (Perryville) brings together food, conversation, and creative work at the table. Any art form that suits a public, table-friendly setting and stays considerate of others is welcome.

The event features Standard format play for the Pokemon Trading Card Game. There is a regular league as well as a League Challenge, which is a slightly more competitive option with a higher entry fee and expanded prizing. Entry is $9 for regular league play and $15 for the League Challenge. When available, every participant receives a prize pack, and prizes include booster packs from the latest Standard set.

DRR returns to Benny’s at Nest in Machesney Park, IL with a high-energy country party packed with loud, lively tunes and a carefree, good-time atmosphere. Bring friends, grab a cold drink, and get ready for a fun, crowd-pleasing set from DRR.

At UW Sports Factory in downtown Rockford, the 815 Showdown from Tricoci University offers a lively celebration of beauty artistry for all ages. The spotlight is on competitive showcases in hair fades, braids, updos with makeup, and hair graphics, highlighting skill and imagination. The scene also features area vendors, food trucks, and raffles. The Life Community Center is highlighted, emphasizing the power of connection across the community.

The Beaux bring their music to the Venetian Club in Rockford, Illinois for their debut performance at this venue. Enjoy a live show as the band takes the stage here for the first time.

Celebrate spooky vibes any time of year with a Summerween-themed paint party at Buckbee Wake & Bakery. Enjoy refreshing drinks and a few games of bingo, then follow a friendly, step by step painting session designed for beginners, so no experience is required. Each ticket includes all painting supplies, a pre sketched 11 by 14 inch canvas, and a complimentary nonalcoholic lemonade. Infused lemonade options are available for an additional charge with a valid ID.

An invitational, head-to-head breakdance showdown unfolds in a single-elimination format, drawing several hundred attendees to a park on the southwest side. Dancers from Chicago, Rockford, and nearby communities face off before a panel of judges, showcasing styles that include uprock, intricate floorwork, and explosive power moves. Competitors trade responses with one another in real time, creating a conversation through movement. Picture the back-and-forth of a rap battle, only the story is told with footwork and athleticism.

The Petty Kings make their first appearance at Klehm Arboretum and Botanical Garden in Rockford, Illinois. The performance features two hours of rock and roll celebrating Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, along with songs from the Traveling Wilburys, Fleetwood Mac, and a few unexpected extras.

Celebrate the music of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers with the Petty Kings, a Chicago tribute founded in 2016 that aims to faithfully capture the sound and spirit of a live Petty show. Presented as part of Klehm’s Woodsong Concerts, this lawn-style event takes place in the Fountain Garden, and there are no reserved seats. Attendees should plan to bring their own blankets or chairs. Outside food and beverages are welcome when enjoyed responsibly during the concert.