10 concepts for weekend enjoyable within the Rockford space

By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — This weekend is stuffed with music and comedy, together with a neighborhood cease for slapstick comedian and film star Martin Lawrence.

Here are 10 concepts for enjoyable this weekend within the Rockford space. You can discover extra issues to do on our occasions web page or submit your personal occasion HERE.

Lights Out at Burpee

What: The third annual Lights Out at Burpee occasion invitations you to expertise the museum with solely a flashlight to information your self by way of three flooring of prehistoric wonders. Bring your personal flashlight for this distinctive after darkish journey.

When: 5 p.m. to eight p.m. Friday, Jan. 23

Where: Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford

Tickets/data: Go HERE

Cheer on the Icehogs

What: The Rockford IceHogs have two house video games this weekend. First, they tackle the Texas Stars after which the rival Chicago Wolves. Saturday’s recreation is Autism Awareness Night.

When: 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23 towards the Texas Stars; 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24

Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford

Tickets: Go HERE

An night with Ike Reilly

What: Ike Reilly is a punk-poet-troubadour identified for rebellious punk/folks/nation/blues-influenced rock. He’s collaborated with artists similar to Johnny Hickman and David Lowery of the band Cracker, Shooter Jennings and Tom Morello. Reilly was additionally the topic of the documentary “Don’t Turn Your Back On Friday Night.”

When: 7 p.m. (doorways) 8 p.m. showtime on Friday, Jan. 23

Where: The Music Box of Rockford, 218 E. State St., Rockford

Tickets: Go HERE

Martin Lawrence at Hard Rock

What: Comedian Martin Lawrence brings his all new one-hour stand-up set “Y’all Know What It Is!” to Rockford.

When: 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23

Where: Hard Rock Live, 7801 E. State St., Rockford

Tickets: Go HERE

Philipsen-Chuang Oboe & Piano Duo

What: Mendelssohn presents Dane Philipsen and Ya-Ju Chuang, who will carry out numerous works for oboe and piano. “Whether you are a seasoned aficionado or completely new to the repertoire, the Philipsen-Chuang Duo will immerse you in this musical niche. A deeply collaborative partnership, both artists have worked together extensively both on stage and in the teaching studio,” Mendelssohn says of the efficiency.

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23

Where: Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center auditorium, 415 N. Church St., Rockford

Tickets: Go HERE

Winter Wonderfest

What: Winter Wonderfest brings collectively a dozen distinctive cubicles so that you can create your personal merchandise. There is shirt urgent, signal portray, everlasting jewellery, a beaded pen bar and extra. Each station may also have money and carry gadgets on the market.

When: 11 a.m. to three p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24

Where: VFW Post 1461, 1310 W. Lincoln Ave., Belvidere

Admission: $3 or $1 with a donation of grownup gloves or socks

Info: Go HERE

Next Stop Comedy

What: Pig Minds Brewing Co. hosts Next Stop Comedy with Brando Harris, Mark Krikorian, and Forest Wheeler.

When: 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23

Where: Pig Minds Brewing Co., 4080 Steele Drive, Machesney Park

Tickets: $25, go HERE

Hope & Anchor comedy

What: Comedian, author and producer Seth Davis, a Second City grad, headlines this week’s present. The lineup additionally contains Chicago-based comedians Owen Damon, Dina Lewis and Sean Nitschman.

When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24

Where: Hope & Anchor English Pub, 5040 N. Second St., Loves Park

Tickets: $10; Call The Hope & Anchor at 815-633-2552 to order your desk — or roll the cube with walk-up availability the night time of the present.

An night with Anne Harris

What: Chicago-based singer-songwriter and fiddle participant Anne Harris’ kicks of right here 2026 reveals in Rockford, the place she’ll be accompanied by Rockford natives and longtime bandmates Ernie Hendrickson (guitar, vocals) and Bob Garrett (percussion.) Her most up-to-date album, “I Feel It Once Again,” was launched in May 2025.

When: 7 p.m. (doorways) 8 p.m. showtime Saturday, Jan. 24

Where: The Music Box of Rockford, 218 E. State St., Rockford

Tickets: Go HERE

RSO’s Chamber Series

What: Rockford Symphony Orchestra is bringing again its Chamber Series, an intimate live performance sequence centered on small teams of musicians performing classical and up to date works. The lineup begins with Bach’s Art of the Fugue. “Performed by a brass sextet, this unique arrangement offers an extraordinary journey through Bach’s genius, blending intellectual complexity with profound beauty,” RSO says of Art of the Fugue.

Where: Trinity Lutheran Church, 200 N. First St., Rockford

When: 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25

Tickets/data: Go HERE

This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at [email protected] or observe him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas