Beach Boys, Polish Fest, fairs and more: 14 things to do in the Rockford area this weekend

ROCKFORD — So much to do, so little time.

The second weekend in August is filled with activities and events in the Rockford area for the entire family.  

Boone County Fair

What: The annual Boone County Fair features fun for the whole family. Attractions include carnival games, demolition derbies, live musical entertainment, horse shows, livestock exhibits, truck and tractor pulls and more.

When: Fair runs through Sunday

Where: Boone County Fairgrounds, 8791 IL 76, Belvidere

For ticket prices and more:https://www.boonecountyfair.com/

Beach Boys-Sixty Years of the Sounds of Summer

What: The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers will perform their classic tunes including “Good Vibrations”, “I Get Around” and “California Girls.”

When: 8 p.m. Friday 

Where: Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford 

Cost: $45 to $110

For more:https://coronadopac.org/events/beach-boys-rockford

Second of Four Friday’s in the 14th Ward

What: Music provided by Silver Lining. The movie “Finding Nemo” will be shown. Seating is limited. Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets. Proceeds from food and beverage sales will benefit Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful.

When: 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. 

Where: Lino’s, 5611 E. State St., Rockford 

Cost: Free admission

For more: https://linos815.com/

Vampires Among Us

What: Local authors read from their vampire novels. Cat Stark will be reading from “The Grey House” and NPR’s own Dan Klefstad will be reading from “Fiona’s Guardians.”

When: 7 to 8 p.m. Friday

Where: The Underground Art Gallery/Jazz Bar, 418 E. State St., Rockford

Cost: Free admission

For more: https://www.gorockford.com/listings/the-underground-art-gallery-jazz-bar/1266/

Family Garden Hikes-Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens 

What: Join Nicholas Conservatory program staff each week on a guided hike to discover the plants, animals, and insects that call the gardens home. Hikes begin by the outdoor restrooms at the Conservatory, and take place rain or shine.

When: 10 to 10:45 a.m. Friday

Where: Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. Second St., Rockford

Cost: Free admission

For more: https://nicholasconservatory.com/

Music on the Mall

What: 70’s music performed by That Gurl

When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday

Where: Edgebrook Center Court, 1641 N. Alpine Road, Rockford

Cost: Free admission

For more:https://edgebrookshops.com/events/music-on-the-mall/

Rockford City Market

What: You can find some of the best local makers, growers, artists, and bakers underneath the Rockford City Market Pavilion. The market has two local breweries on site pouring beer, a Main Stage area with a local band, and an acoustic stage area with a local performer. The pavilion and two of the surrounding streets are lined with vendors and food trucks, and the market partners with local nonprofits and organizations to host kids’ activities.

When: 4 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays through Labor Day, 4 to 7:30 p.m. on Fridays in September after Labor Day

Where: E. State & Water streets, Rockford

For more:http://www.rockfordcitymarket.com/

River District Bike Tour

What: Touring includes stops at the Armory, Indian Terrace, Franklin Place, Churchill's Grove, and stopping at the grave sites of citizens that have impacted Rockford’s development and growth in Greenwood Cemetery and returning through the Edgewater Neighborhood.

When: 8 to 10:15 a.m. Saturday

Where: Meet at Memorial Hall, 211 N. Main St., Rockford 

Cost: Free

For more:https://riverdistrict.com/

815 Fun Fair

What: Enjoy a day of family fun, including carnival games, food, prizes and more.

When: 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday

Where: Dahlquist Park, 3251 Oak Grove Ave., Rockford

Cost: Free admission

For more:https://miraclemilerockford.com/

Rockford Boxing Classic

What:  A joint production of Plus Seven Company and Rockford Patriots Boxing Club, the Rockford Boxing Classic will feature area youth and first responder boxers competing for city pride as part of an all-ages micro-festival.

When: Gates open 5 p.m. Saturday

Where: City Market outdoor pavilion at E. State and Water streets

Cost: General admission is free

For more: https://www.plussevencompany.com/rockfordboxingclassic

Movies on the Mile

What: Miracle Mile Rockford will show “First Man”, an action packed movie about the Apollo 11 moon mission. Several local manufacturing companies will be on hand to showcase their contributions to the nation’s space program.

When: Gates open at 6 p.m. Saturday. Activities begin at 7 p.m. The movie begins at dusk.

Where: Old Magna parking lot, 3900 E. State St., Rockford 

Cost: Freewill offering

For more:https://miraclemilerockford.com/

Forward for Fun 

What: El Barrio Community Center is hosting a parade and festival as part of the City’s Forward for Fun Initiative. 

When: Parade kicks off at 11 a.m. Saturday at the corner of Seminary Street & 15th Avenue, Rockford. The festival will be held between 12 and 8 p.m.

Where: Keye-Mallquist Park, 1702 11th St., Rockford

Cost: Free admission

For more:https://www.gorockford.com/event/parade-and-festival-forward-for-fun/22779/

Second Saturday Cinema

What: Mamma Mia, featuring the music of Abba

When: Activities begin at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. The movie begins at dusk. Come early to get a good spot, enjoy refreshments, and do a movie-themed activity before the show starts.

Where: Cherry Valley Library, 755 E. State St., Cherry Valley

Cost: Free admission

For more: http://www.cherryvalleylib.org/wpcherryvalley/

Polish Fest

What: The 39th Polish Fest returns after a two year hiatus. Polish Fest is Rockford’s second-longest running festival and features ethnic Polish offerings: pierogi, potato pancakes, pastries, sausage, sauerkraut, and beef. 

When: Entertainment throughout the day will be provided by the I.P.A. Band and Sebastian Kikolski "DJ Seba" from Chicago. Also featured is the Syrena Polish Folk Song and Dance Ensemble from Milwaukee at 1:00 p.m., 2:45 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Krakowiaczek, a children's group from the church's Polish language school, will perform at 11:30 a.m.

Where: St. Stanislaus Church, 201 Buckbee St., Rockford

Cost: Free admission

For more:http://www.st-stanislaus.org/

Ken DeCoster covers business news and features. Contact him at 815-987-1391, kdecoster@rrstar.com or @DeCosterKen.