ABBA tribute, wine tasting and more: 15 things to in Rockford
If you're looking to get out of the house after a chilly week in Rockford, there's plenty for you and your family to do.
You can check out an ABBA tribute, the IceHogs, a tattoo pop-up and more.
Here are 15 things to do in the Rockford area this weekend.
Mania: The ABBA Tribute 50th Anniversary Tour
What: This year the iconic Swedish pop group, is celebrating the 50th anniversary of their breakthrough hit single "Waterloo" and celebrating by delivering a tribute to the legendary Swedish band, ABBA.
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20 (doors open at 6:30 p.m.)
Where: The Coronado Performing
Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford Cost: $25-$110
For more: 815-968-5222
Intro to Cross Country Skiing
What: Learn how much fun crosscountry skiing can be in a low key, social setting. Meet some new like-minded people and learn a new skill.
When: 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 19 Where: Sinnissippi Golf Course Clubhouse, 2003 Arlington Ave., Rockford
Cost: $40, including skis, boots, poles; $20 if you have your own skis
For more: 815-636-9066
Rockford IceHogs
What: Watch the IceHogs play AHL rivals the Chicago Wolves Friday or the Iowa Wild Saturday. Friday is $2 beer night. Saturday is Autism Awareness/
Specialty Jersey Auction Night.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 19 and Saturday, Jan. 20
Where: BMO Center, 303 Elm St., Rockford
Cost: $16.50-$30
For more: 815-968-5222
Annual Robert Burns Banquet
What: Annual Robert Burns Banquet. Rockford Burns Club is the oldest ethnic society in Rockford. The event will feature the traditional Haggis, the Clan MacAlpine Bagpipe Band, The Thistle and Heather Highland Dancers, a silent auction and a performance by the local group, Emerald Wind.
When: 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20 Where: Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Country Club, 5151 Guilford Road, Rockford
Cost: $70; $60 for members; $15 for kids
For more: 815-713-8366
Lights Out at Burpee
What: Come for the first ever "Lights Out at Burpee". Bring your own flashlights or rent one for a unique museum adventure.
When: 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20 Where: Burpee Museum of Natural History
Cost: $14, $12 for ages 4-13; free for members or children age 3 and younger
For more: 815-965-3433
Tattoo and Vintage Pop-Up
What: Tattoo artists Gianna Gambino and Alex Taylor (Rare Scum) will be popping up with flash tattoos to choose from. Anna Thomas from Ramblin Folk will also be on hand with her curated selection of vintage clothing and small home goods. There will be beverages
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and pastries available.
When: Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20
Where:
Rockford
Cost: Free to attend
For more: 815-494-3649
Rooted, 1408 N. Main St.,
Spanish Wine Tasting with the Continental Drifter
What: Sample from over 20 Spanish wines and snack on a variety of Spanish cheeses, olives and jamón (Iberico ham). Drink from a porrón. Ralph Velasco will be there to present his fall 2024 Northern Spain's Basque Country & La Rioja tour. For 15 years running, Ralph has curated and executed 5-star rated immersive travel tours with a focus on food, wine, spirits, and culture through his Continental Drifter small-group travel experiences.
When: 4 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20
Where: Artale Wine Co., 6876 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
Cost: $20
For more: 815-877-9463
Paint Heal and Soul
What: Relax, rejuvenate, unwind and unleash your creativity while healing your soul as you paint your way to inner peace and serenity.
When: 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20 Where: Katie's Cup, 502 Seventh St., Rockford
Cost: $40
For more:
Paint Heal and Soul on
Houseplant Care and Re-Potting Workshop
What: Bring in one small houseplant (6" pot or smaller and covered for the weather). We'll talk about re-potting methods, lighting, fertilizer, pests, diseases, pruning and propagation. Soil and basic plastic pots will be provided. Register in advance.
When: 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20 Where: Rock Valley Garden Center, 785 N. Bell School Road, Rockford Cost: $10
For more: 815-398-1937
Coffee & Donuts with the Dead
What: Come for the first Death Cafe, a gathering for like-minded people to share thoughts about death. Hosted in the newly renovated liminal space and facilitated by Frank Langholf, the discussions of Death Cafe are centered around no agenda other than to share thoughts off one question asked to spark conversation. Wolf Hollow will be supplying the coffee, hot chocolate and donuts. Please enter behind the shoppe, at the north side of the building off Morsay Drive. Look for the sign in the window, to the right of the rooftop stairs. Limited seating.
When: 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 20 (doors open at 8:30 a.m.)
Where: Wolf Hollow, 3800 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: Free; donations appreciated For more: 779-256-2972
Discovery Town Temporary Exhibit
What: There's so much to do and see in this city where children are in charge. Fly a plane, put out a fire, conduct a checkup on a pet, perform in the theater, deliver the mail or make a pizza. Be on the lookout for a food truck and construction site.
When: Jan. 20 to May 19.
Where: Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $11; free for members
For more: 815-963-6769
In the Outdoors: Snowy Views in Snowshoes
What: Explore Atwood Park in the wintertime with a snowshoe tour.
Whether you are a beginner or skilled at snowshoeing, everyone is welcome. Please arrive at the north entrance of the park and meet at the Atwood Center. Pre-registration is recommended. When: 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20 Where: Atwood Center, 2685 New Milford Center Road, Rockford
Cost: Free
For more: 815-966-8747
Winter Sunday
What: The topic is what travel, work and fun were like in winter in the early 1800s. Learn about skiing, skating, snowshoeing, ice cutting and more. Historic buildings and settlement grounds will be open.
When: 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 21 Where: Macktown Living History, 2221 Freeport Road, Rockton
Cost: $5; free for members
For more: macktownlivinghistory.com
Family Shelter Building
What: Come to the shelter building area to learn how to build an emergency shelter that will keep you out of the elements if you get separated from the group while out on a hiking adventure. Suitable for families with children ages 7 and older. Pre-registration required.
When: 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21
Where: Severson Dells Nature Center, 8786 Montague Road, Rockford Cost: $15; $10 for members
For more: 815-335-2915
Snowshoe Poker
What: Celebrate the natural wonders of winter with a snowshoe hike. Have some fun in the snow, meet some new people and learn the ins and outs of the fastest growing winter sport. As an added twist, you'll play a hand of poker, with the best hand winning a $20 Rocktown Adventures gift card. There will be five stops along the way. At each stop, a volunteer from Klehm will provide education about the trees at that location. You will also receive one card at each stop. When: 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, Jan. 21 Where: Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford Cost: $10 to $25
For more: 815-636-9066
Coming next week: Illinois Sculpting Contest 2024
What: Blocks of snow are transformed into works of art as teams from around the state compete in Rockford for the right to represent Illinois in the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Competition in 2025. There is also a high school division. You may drive or walk through to view the sculptures. They will remain up in the park after the event for as long as weather conditions allow. If a postponement is needed due to weather or conditions, the event will be Feb. 7-10, 2024.
When: Viewing from Sunrise to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24 through Saturday, Jan. 27
Where: Sinnissippi Park, 1375 N. Second St., Rockford
Cost: Free; donations welcomed
For more: ilsnowsculpting.com
808 Cheesecake Pairing
What: Purchase a flight of 3 mini flavored cheesecakes from 808 Cheesecakes in Janesville, Wis., and 3 tasting glasses with wines paired perfectly with those flavors. You can then purchase a bottle of any one of those wines tasted at a 20% discounted price that night only.
When: 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24
Where: After the Vine, 163 E. Hawick St., Rockton
Cost: $15
For more: 815-957-0505
If you wish to submit an event for Things To Do, please send an email with event details and contact information to news@rrstar.com. Kathi Edwards is a freelance correspondent.