This weekend in Rockford, IL

Runners can choose an out-and-back 5K or half marathon that starts at Leland Park and follows the Stone Bridge Trail. Early bird pricing is available for a limited time. All proceeds support the Stateline Family YMCA’s LIVESTRONG program, which helps individuals with a current or past cancer diagnosis build strength in mind, body, and spirit.

North End City Market highlights fresh produce and locally made goods with a farmer-focused lineup. Browse seasonal fruits and vegetables, baked treats, and handcrafted items from regional producers. The setting is welcoming and dog friendly, and SNAP/Link benefits are accepted to help make fresh food accessible to all.

A women’s retreat at Victory Reigns Ranch invites participants to connect while learning to set down the burden of regret. Expect supportive conversations about letting go of what-ifs and releasing responsibility for situations that were beyond personal control. The program is facilitated by FBEAP facilitator Carol Langley. The cost is 15 dollars per person, which covers breakfast and lunch. Registration is only complete once payment is received in advance, either via Venmo to steve-langley-2 or by mail to the location’s mailing address. Early signups are encouraged. Registering ahead also ensures any food allergies are noted and provides contact information in case a refund is needed if the retreat is canceled due to rain. There is no riding during this retreat. All activities are groundwork with horses, so wear clothing and footwear appropriate for working around them.

The season finale of the Outdoor Market takes place at Hidden Treasures Mall & Antiques. It is the final outdoor market before the series moves indoors. Expect cozy fall vibes and more than 50 vendors offering vintage items, handmade goods, seasonal decor, and one of a kind pieces, all within a crisp air, small town market atmosphere. Food trucks on site include Sizzlin’ Suzies and DSO’s Texas Style BBQ for comforting bites alongside the browsing. Vendors: limited spaces remain. Registration is in store at Hidden Treasures only, and spots are not sold through comments or messages.

The 62nd annual GSR Oktoberfest packs a full day of German tradition into one celebration. Enjoy authentic dishes prepared by Café 20 from Marengo along with German beer. Highlights include cultural and souvenir booths, a dedicated children’s area, stein holding and stein racing contests, a ceremonial keg tapping with Loves Park Mayor Greg Jury, and the crowning of Miss Oktoberfest. Live music will feature performances by The Deutsches Trio, Jolly Brewers, and The Ryan Keuter Band. Tickets are $5 in advance and $10 on the day of the event, with sales opening closer to the event.

Entry is $10. The focus is Riftbound Constructed play, where decks contain 40 cards with no more than three copies of any unique card, plus one Legend, three Battlefields, and twelve Runes. Matches are best two out of three, and players may use an up to eight card sideboard to swap cards between games, following standard deckbuilding limits. Prize support scales with attendance, with two packs from the current set added to the pool for each registered player. Every participant receives one booster and a Nexus Night pack while supplies last, and the remaining packs are awarded to the top finishers.

A supportive workshop for families with children ages 7 to 12 focuses on common mental health challenges, encourages open communication, and builds practical coping skills together as a family. The program is part of an ongoing workshop series. Dinner is provided. Registration is requested, and responses are kept confidential.

At The Railroad Tap, this competition uses a true blind draw format and awards PRP and NADO points. The entry fee is $11 per player, and the payout is set at 200 percent.

Trinadora returns to the Freedom Through the Word Church concert series with a program of uplifting gospel spanning roughly 300 years of Christian tradition. The set blends time-honored favorites with original works and new selections not heard in earlier appearances. Vocals are supported by a colorful mix of instruments, including keyboard, guitar, fiddle, ocarina, concertina, bass, lap steel, and jSax. Some songs encourage group singing, creating moments of shared sound and spirit. Admission is free, and a freewill offering will be taken during the concert.

Poet James Hamilton marks the release of his newest album with an evening at The Clean Gallery featuring performances from standout local artists. On stage he brings high-octane energy and will sometimes pause mid-performance to trade moments with the crowd. His delivery blends warmth and vigor, with a jazz-inflected cadence and offbeat phrasing that mirrors the quick pivots of his thoughts. The result is a presence driven by visible passion and inventive wordplay, shaping a sound that feels both fresh and unforced. Hamilton is a seven-time published poet, a 2025 NSWA finalist for Spoken Word Performer and Entertainer of the Year, and a 2026 WAMI finalist for Spoken Word Album of the Year for The See Word Sessions. He also produces, directs, and hosts the Poetry on the Radio program VERSEd.

A free rockabilly show returns to Splitter's Bar & Grill inside Park Lanes in Loves Park, Illinois. Upbeat, hip shaking tunes set the tone for a lively, no cost experience.

An 80s rock deck party hits Neighbors Bar & Grill as part of a 20th Anniversary Tour. After some time away, the performers return to deliver a high energy rock and roll experience on the deck with the excitement up close.

Sheila's Daiquiri Lounge welcomes The Real Deal, an R&B band from Rockford that blends classic grooves with modern flair. The set is packed with crowd-pleasers from artists such as Keith Sweat, Bruno Mars, and Lizzo, fueling a high-energy show that keeps the dance floor moving and voices singing along. With a party-focused vibe and nonstop momentum, this performance is built to keep the celebration going from the first beat to the last.

This Pokémon League centers on Standard format play. Regular League entry is $9. Once each month, the League Challenge offers a more competitive event with a $15 entry fee and additional prizing. Participants receive prize packs when available, and prizes include booster packs from the most recent Standard set.

Handmade Harvest is a leading juried craft show in the Machesney Park area, showcasing the creativity of local makers. This curated event spotlights artisans who handcraft every piece with skill, passion, and originality. To preserve quality and variety, no more than two vendors are accepted in any product category, and every item must be handmade by the approved artisan. Commercial or resold goods are not allowed. Visitors can browse one-of-a-kind gifts, home decor, and handmade treasures while supporting local talent and discovering standout craftsmanship. Confirmed vendors include Aadoorable Creations, Alost Creations, Big Baluka Snacks, Busy Bee's Wild & Free, Colys Creations, Core Memory Co, Elements of Nature, F3D Creations, g's Creative Company, Healthy Hemp Huntley, Holy Grain LLC, Ix-Chel Boutique llc, KaLily Essentials LLC, Loaves by Lauren, Me-Ma's Crafts, Missy Makes, O.L.S. Crystals, Pixie Pie Creative, Poppy and Pine, RAD, Roses and Ruby’s Crafts, Sarita's Crafts, Unity Road Tallow, and Wonderfully Knitted.

Enjoy a relaxed park playdate for the whole family, where children can play, explore, and burn off energy while parents connect and build community. Participants can bring kids, a blanket or chairs, and anything a family might want for a morning at the park. Packing snacks or a picnic is welcome, and the atmosphere centers on casual conversation, laughter, and new friendships. Whether new or returning, all are welcome.