Events in Winnebago County today

A volunteer docent leads a walking tour of the outdoor gardens at Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, highlighting native and exotic plants, examples of sun and shade lovers, and memorable stories from NCG and Sinnissippi history. The tour begins in the Nicholas Conservatory lobby and lasts about one to one and a half hours. Attendees should prepare for the weather, wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring water. This program is free, and advance registration is required due to limited capacity.

Adventurer, television personality, and author Josh Gates takes the spotlight in an event centered on bold exploration and curious minds. Best known as the host and executive producer of Discovery Channel’s Expedition Unknown, he chases down archaeological finds, unravels historical puzzles, and follows threads of scientific discovery around the world. He throws himself into every story with on-the-ground investigations, amplifies the work of dedicated explorers, and celebrates the people and places that make each journey memorable. Backed by a background in archaeology, a sharp sense of humor, and a relentless drive to discover, Gates has traveled to some of the most remote corners of the planet, sharing immersive tales that blend insight, energy, and plenty of laughs.

Fats Productions presents a free comedy open mic at The Hope & Anchor, hosted by Michael Palmenderi. This welcoming showcase invites first-timers, newer comics, and seasoned regulars to try out new material or sharpen their sets. Sign-ups are available, with 20 total spots. Sets run 5 minutes, and performers traveling from outside the Stateline area receive 7 minutes. Out-of-town comics can message the Fats Productions Presents Facebook Page to secure a guaranteed spot. To keep the room supportive for everyone, keep swearing light, avoid graphic or explicit material, steer clear of violent or disturbing content, and do not use hate speech, slurs, or target marginalized groups.

Lincoln and Liberty returns, welcoming the public and featuring a new group of reenactors on site. More details will be shared soon. Admission is $5 in advance and $8 at the gate.

Tamaleland will be on site for this event.

Seeking a spark of inspiration and friendly creative company? This laid-back, bring-your-own-project crafting night welcomes women from the Greater Rockford area at the Junior League Headquarters House. All skill levels are encouraged. Work on knitting, quilting, needlepoint, embroidery, paper crafts, or similar projects, and please skip glitter and paint. Expect a relaxed evening of making, conversation, and connection. RSVP is required by emailing membership@jlrockford.org. Personal snacks and beverages are welcome.

The Parks hosts an evening of live acoustic music.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.