Memorial Day weekend in Rockford features 19 fun things to do

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kick-off to summer for a lot of folks.

The holiday weekend in Rockford features the Memorial Day Parade, live music, farmer's markets and much more.

Here are 19 things to do this holiday weekend.

What: A Rockford tradition since 1870, the Memorial Day Parade honors the country's fallen soldiers and features area veterans organizations, school bands, police and fire departments and organizations that support area veterans.

When: 9 a.m. Monday

Where: The parade will line up near the intersection of 7th Street and 6th Avenue. The parade will proceed north on 7th Street to Charles Street, Charles Street to State Street. Units will then travel west on State Street and turn north on Wyman Street and then proceed north to Beattie Park where the parade will end. Unit review and commentary will be at the Armistice Peace Memorial on the east side of Veterans Memorial Hall.

Cost: Free

For more: https://allevents.in/rockford/memorial-day

What: The 2023 Dinner on the Dock music series is presented by Prairie Street Brewing Co. and offers guests food, craft beer, and musical acts from Rockford and surrounding areas. Come by car or boat and relax Thursday nights in downtown Rockford. This week's performer, Hillbilly Rockstarz, has toured the world performing at every big event from Royal Carribean Cruise Ships to The CMT and ACM country music awards.

When: 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday

Where: Prairie Street Brewhouse, 200 Prairie St., Rockford

Cost: Free to attend; table and boat slip reservations available

For more: https://psbrewingco.com/event/dinner-on-the-dock-may-25/

What: Tours, ice cream, root beer floats and kids activities.

When: 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday

Where: Hoo Haven, 10823 Cleveland Road, Durand

Cost: Free

For more: 815-629-2212

What: Many produce vendors, coffee and Mexican food truck, bakery, soap, honey, jewelry, children's books, plants, handmade items, body and hair products.

When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday

Where: Colonial Village Farmers Market, 1280 S. Alpine Rd. Rockford

Cost: Free to attend

What: You’ll find 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 along with activities for kids. Live music this week from Jerry Criss Band and the JB Project.

When: 4 to 8:30 p.m. Friday

Where: Rockford City Market, Water and East State streets

Cost: Free to attend

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

What: Join Pottery Lounge for true crime trivia and paint night. There will be plenty of pottery to choose from and paint while you participate in rounds of true crime trivia. There will be a total of six prizes given out. Tickets do not go towards your pottery purchase at the event. This is a closed studio event.

When: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday

Where: Pottery Lounge, 6059 E. State St., Rockford

Cost: $10 plus cost of pottery selected; advance tickets required.

For more: 815-977-3937

What: Local band, Minimal, will perform.

When: 8 p.m. Friday

Where: Casey's Pub, 7307 N. Alpine Road, Loves Park

Cost: No cover

For more: 815-637-6088

What: This new event is part of the America's Team Table Tennis Championship hosted by Everyone Loves Table Tennis. The free Major League Table Tennis exhibition match at 6 p.m. will feature the top ten players of the league. The tournament has hundreds of competitors ranging in age from 7-80. There will be 48 teams from 25 different countries.

When: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday

Where: UW Health Sports Factory, 305 S. Madison St., Rockford

Cost: Free admission

For more: 815-966-8770

What: Cruise the track at Rockford Speedway one last time. Participate in the Burnout Contest with cash prize, then cruise to the premier Car Show at Don Carter Lanes from noon to 4 p.m. More than 75 trophies will be awarded. Only cars who pre-register will receive a goody bag and commemorative t-shirt.

When: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday

Where: Rockford Speedway, 9572 Forest Hills Road, Loves Park and Don Carter Lanes, 4007 E. State St., Rockford

Cost: $20 to $25 for show cars; free for spectators

For more: https://miraclemilerockford.com/6th-annual-cruise-car-show

What: The water park formally known as Magic Waters opens for the season Saturday.

When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday

Where: 7820 Cherryvale N. Blvd. in Cherry Valley

Cost: Single-day tickets start at $34.99

For more: sixflags.com/hurricaneharborrockford

What: Admire one of the most extensive collections of John F. Kennedy, Kennedy Family artifacts and memorabilia in the country. Learn about all the artifacts from an on-site historian. Presentation with Tony Farrell start at noon, with the tour through the exhibit starting at 12:45 p.m.

When: Noon Saturday

Where: Historic Auto Attractions, 13825 Metric Road, Roscoe

Cost: $35; $25 for youth; group rate of $120

For more: https://www.historicautoattractions.com/events

What: Heath D. Alberts will be signing books and hanging with fans. Alberts is the author of four novels, three novellas and a marketing and business strategy guide geared toward cottage and small business owners. He's also co-authored two addiction recovery memoirs, compiled and contributed to the "Rockford Writes" and "Forest City Stories" book projects and has contributed to a number of other works. A native of Rockford, he is co-founder of Digital Ninjas Media, Inc. Alberts now resides in Rockton and is working on a pair of new novels.

When: Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday

Where: Maze Books, 117 S. Third St., Rockford

Cost: Free to attend

For more: 779-970-5912

What: Celebrate the start of summer with Nature at the Confluence. This is a free, family-friendly event and there is no registration. The event features kids story time, outdoor yoga, a family creek walk in Kelly Creek, exhibits and more. This event is a collaboration with the South Beloit and Beloit Public Libraries.

When: 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday

Where: Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit

Cost: Free admission

For more: https://natureattheconfluence.com/

What: Local '90s cover band will perform.

When: 8 p.m. Saturday

Where: Rascal's, 5223 Torque Road, Loves Park

For more: 815-636-9207

What: Rockford Dance Company presents The Sleeping Beauty, a retro twist on a ballet classic, this whimsical production features dancers from RDC's company and school, as well as from the community. The Sleeping Beauty features one guest artist, Christopher Damle, who is a dancer with Madison Ballet, and has a cast of more than 50 dancers of all ages, as well as professional skaters.

When: 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday

Where: Maddox Theatre, Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford

Cost: $25; $20 for children younger than 12; additional $5 at the door

For more: https://www.rockforddancecompany.com/sleepingbeauty

What: A 6-mile ruck march hosted by the Rockford Vet Center to bring awareness to veteran suicide and the services provided by the Center. Participants are encouraged to carry a 20-pound backpack (ruck) to symbolize the 20 veterans who die by suicide every day. A half-march (3 miles) with/without a ruck can also be done. All proceeds benefit the Veterans Drop-In Center in Rockford.

When: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday

Where: Peak Sports Club, 4401 Peak Drive, Loves Park

Cost: $35

For more:veteransdropincenter.com

What: Join Neighbors Bar & Grill for the debut of another amazing band made up of local artists, Last Call 815.

When: 7 to 11 p.m. Sunday

Where: Neighbors Bar & Grill, 7745 Forest Hills Road, Loves Park

For more: 815-633-6990

What: A fun day of shopping from Midnight Sun Farm (plant starts, farm fresh free range chicken eggs and more), Grazy Acres (grass-fed beef) and products at the farm store. There will be various ticketed events happening that day from a goat hike to baby goat yoga. This is a free event unless you are joining for one of the scheduled ticketed events that day. Artisan Cheesemaking class and baby goats from 1 to 3 p.m.; goat hike from 11 a.m. to noon; goat snuggle session 2 to 3 p.m.

When: 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday

Where: Gretta's Goats, 498 N. Farwell Bridge Road, Pecatonica

Cost: Market Day free; ticketed events are $19 to $75

For more:grettasgoats.com/events

What: Tuesday Evening in the Gardens features local, regional and nationally touring musicians. Join friends and family for a summer filled with live music and comradery in this outdoor setting. Guests are invited to enter and set up seating areas starting at 5 p.m. Blankets, lawn chairs and small tables are welcome. This week's performer is Greg Koch with The Koch Marshall Trio (of Milwaukee, Wis.) at 6:30 p.m. The opening act at 5:45 p.m. is the Stephen Hall Experience (of Racine, Wis.).

When: 5:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesdays, May 30 through Aug. 29

Where: Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford

Cost: $12; $11 seniors; $10 military and students; free for age 5 and younger and for Premium Garden Members.

For more: 815-229-9390

Kathi Edwards is a freelance correspondent.