Welcome to Rockford Buzz! Your Guide for Things to Do in Rockford IL

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As we dive into the new year 🎉 we want to know: What are you most looking forward to in 2025? Vote below and let’s kick off the year with some local love! 💖

Walk into any local market in Rockford, Illinois, and you will immediately feel it. The hum of creativity, the spark of invention, and the unmistakable drive of people who are building something from scratch. From handmade soaps to locally roasted coffee and custom woodcrafts, Rockford’s small businesses and maker movement are alive, growing, and making a name for themselves across the community.What makes Rockford’s makers so special is not just the incredible talent, it is the heart behind every product. These are not giant corporations. These are your neighbors, your baristas, your old classmates turning dreams into businesses. Whether it is someone selling earrings from their kitchen table or a woodworker running a garage studio, there is a personal story behind every creation. Take a walk through the Rockford City Market during the summer months, and you will see it firsthand. Booth after booth filled with passion projects. New small batch recipes, upcycled fashion, fresh local art prints, it is a celebration of self-starting and sharing. There is a special magic in meeting the person who made the thing you are taking home. You are not just buying a product. You are investing in someone’s dream.The impact goes deeper than just commerce. Rockford’s small businesses and maker community fuel the local economy. When you choose to shop local in Rockford, your dollars stay here. They support families, help pay for dance lessons, contribute to mortgage payments, and keep our neighborhoods vibrant. Makers often partner with other local Rockford businesses too, whether it is sourcing materials, doing pop-ups at local coffee shops, or teaming up for community events and causes. And it is not just products being made. It is a connection. It is creativity. It is confidence. Rockford makerspaces and community workshops are opening doors for people of all ages to access tools, mentorship, and encouragement. It is proof that when you give people the space and support to create, they will rise. They will experiment, fail, grow, and keep going. The Rockford maker movement is more than a passing trend. It is a sign that our city is filled with builders, not just of things but of hope and resilience. These are the people who do not wait for opportunities to come to them. They make their own.So next time you are shopping for a gift, redecorating a room, or looking for something unique, skip the big box stores. Shop local in Rockford. Support a maker. Remember, every handmade item has a heartbeat behind it.GO LOCAL AND STAY IN THE BUZZ

In the heart of Rockford, the local newspaper has long been more than just printed words; it has been a mirror, a megaphone, and a map for the community. For over a century, newspapers in Rockford Illinois, have captured the triumphs and trials of the people who call this city home. From headlines of industrial boom to civil rights marches, from snowstorm updates to high school football victories, the press has stitched together the very fabric of Rockford’s public memory.When we think of the history of newspapers one person comes to mind, and that's Kevin Haas. It was an amazing moment to get to question Kevin on the history. First reason is it's a turntable moment as Kevin has done tons of interviews on me, secondly, he knows this better than most. Born into the newsroom, Kevin’s father was a longtime editor at the Rockford Register Star. Kevin himself grew up delivering papers, then became a copy clerk, a job that no longer exists in today’s digital world. Back then, he would dash around the newsroom, typing up press releases and running courthouse records back to reporters. It was hands-on, ink-stained work. Over time, he climbed the ladder from reporter to editor, then senior editor, and now leads news coverage at The Current.Kevin’s story is rooted in legacy, but it also speaks to the shifting landscape of journalism.As print editions have shrunk and local staff cuts have hit newsrooms hard, Kevin reflects on what’s at stake, “The scary thing is we wouldn’t even realize what we’ve lost. We don’t know what we don’t know. If there aren’t enough reporters out there, stories just don’t get discovered.”He’s right. Local journalism is a cornerstone of accountability and connection. When reporters are out in neighborhoods, sitting in council meetings, and talking to everyday citizens, they’re not just reporting, they’re building bridges. Without them, gaps in knowledge widen, misinformation spreads, and communities are left unheard.Rockford’s newspaper history traces back to titles like the Morning Star and the Daily Register, which eventually merged to form the Rockford Register Star. Over time, the paper changed ownership and adapted to survive. Today, the Register Star is owned by Gannett Co., Inc., which operates USA Today and numerous other local newspapers across the country.And yet, journalism in Rockford is still deeply local. Writers like Kevin are focused on covering what matters here, not just national headlines, but what’s happening on your block, in your schools, at your city hall. That mission is more urgent than ever.Online media has added a new chapter to this story. It’s difficult to pinpoint when Rockford’s shift to digital began, but key milestones include:The Rockford Public Library’s digitization of historical newspapers, including archives from the Register Star, The Crusader, and The Labor News, dating back to the 19th centuryThe Midway Village Museum’s online collection of historical photographs and documentsLocal newspapers like the Register Star launching digital subscriptions and searchable archives, with coverage going back to 1999New platforms like The Current emerging to offer fast, mobile-first reportingThis evolution speaks to the resilience and reinvention of local journalism. While the printing press might be quieter than it used to be, the mission hasn’t faded. If anything, it’s louder. More immediate. More personal.As Logan put it, local news keeps you informed and grounded. It is rooted in the place you live, made by and for the community it serves. Without it, we risk trading trusted storytelling for filtered algorithms, letting Google decide what’s worthy and what’s not. And as the joke goes, if you want to hide something, just bury it on page three of a Google search.Looking ahead, Rockford’s news scene will continue to evolve, but its purpose will stay the same: to inform, to connect, and to hold space for every voice. Whether it’s delivered in ink or pixels, the real story is still Rockford itself, and we’re all part of writing the next chapter.GO LOCAL AND STAY IN THE BUZZ

When Stacey Wright joined the YWCA Northwestern Illinois, it wasn’t just about finding a job, it was about aligning her passion with a mission that truly matters. Eliminating racism, empowering women is more than a slogan at the YWCA. It’s a foundation for transformation. It’s what pulled Stacey in, and what drives programs like the YW Tech Lab forward.The YW Tech Lab is more than a classroom. It’s a launchpad for people looking to break into the ever-growing field of IT, particularly in support and help desk roles. The cornerstone of the program is its IT Support Specialist track, a 16-week course that blends technical training with hands-on life and career development. Think of it as a toolkit, one packed with Google IT Support and CompTIA A+ certification prep, but also confidence, communication skills, and community connections.This program is especially impactful for people of color, women, and anyone who has faced financial or systemic barriers. It meets folks where they are and helps them rise, not just to get a job, but to find pride, purpose, and potential.Participants receive weekly stipends, but only if they show up, on time, every day. It’s a system that mirrors the expectations of a real workplace, and Stacey makes no apologies for its structure. We operate as if we're their employer, she explained. If you're late, your stipend is gone for the week. That teaches accountability.But accountability doesn’t come without compassion. If a participant’s bus breaks down or a babysitter falls through, the staff at YWCA expects a text or a call, just like any job would. Life happens, but communication is key. We’re not heartless, Stacey said. We just want to prepare them to meet real-world expectations.Participants also receive assistance with transportation like bus passes and help completing applications for childcare assistance, recognizing the real-world barriers many face just trying to show up.Soft skills get just as much attention. There’s 80 hours dedicated to things like resume building, mock interviews, conflict resolution, and professionalism. We want them to be the full employee package, Stacey said. Not just know IT, but know how to carry themselves and communicate clearly.After completing the 16-week course, students are placed in a four-week paid internship with one of several local partners, including Rockford Public Schools, Winnebago County, Aqua Aerobic, Rockford Ball Screw, Rockford IT, and SupplyCore. For some, that internship can extend another 14 weeks through the Workforce Connection’s WEX program. This isn’t just about giving people a certificate, it’s about giving them a real shot at lasting employment.Support continues long after the program ends. The YW Tech Lab offers job coaching for up to a year afterward. We don’t want to abandon them, Stacey said. We want them to land that job and keep growing.This program was built for those who need a hand up, not a handout. It’s designed to lift up people who may have been told they weren’t enough or didn’t belong in tech. It’s structured, yes, but it’s filled with heart. A lot of young people have never had structure like this, Stacey said. But once they get used to it, it sets them apart.This isn’t just a class, it’s a new way of life. And the goal isn’t just employment, it’s empowerment, for families, for futures, for Rockford.The YWCA Northwestern Illinois has its own powerful story. Founded in Rockford in 1891, it has a strong, proud history and a rich tradition of providing progressive services to individuals and families in the region. Its mission is clear: eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.YWCA continuously adjusts to the emerging needs of the six counties it serves: Boone, Jo Daviess, McHenry, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago. It provides a holistic approach for each client or participant and believes strongly that the success of many of its programs is the ability to offer one-on-one case management to clients and connect them directly to the services they need.All staff in the organization receive implicit bias and cultural competency, and racial justice trainings. All have a deeper understanding of the many cultures that exist, beyond race and ethnicity.The next cohort begins July 21, 2025. Classes run weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the YWCA on East State Street in Rockford. Interested individuals should reach out to Stacey Wright at 815-968-9681, ext. 262 or email StaceyW@ywcanwil.org. Registration closes July 11, and space is limited.For anyone seeking a fresh start, a career change, or just a path forward with more stability and support, this might just be your moment.GO LOCAL AND STAY IN THE BUZZ

Ready to explore the outdoors? Rocktown Adventures in Rockford has everything you need to get started, from kayaks and canoes to hiking gear and paddle boards.They don’t just sell gear. They offer classes, rentals, and guided trips to help you make the most of the beautiful nature we have right here in the Stateline.Whether it’s your first paddle or your next big adventure, Rocktown has you covered.GO LOCAL & STAY IN THE BUZZ

The new Rockford Public Library downtown is more than just a library — it’s 66,000 square feet built for connection, creativity, and community.✨ First floor: A full kids’ zone with a computer lab, play structure, baby garden, and program rooms.✨ Second floor: Maker Lab with 3D printers, podcasting, green screen, teen gaming center, adult computer labs, meeting rooms, and rooftop terraces.✨ Third floor: Local history archives preserving Rockford’s stories.With underground parking and a drive-thru book drop, visiting has never been easier.📍 215 N Wyman Street, Rockford, IL

We all know Rockford is a city on the rise — but it’s not just about what we read. It’s about what we hear from the people who live it every day.So we hit the streets to ask a simple question: "What’s one thing you love about Rockford?" The responses? Real, full of awkwardness, and totally Rockford in the best way.💬 Want to be in the next video? We’ll be downtown at City Market every Friday asking folks this very question — come say hi and be part of the fun.You can also send us a video, drop a comment, or message us to tell us what YOU love about Rockford. We might feature your story in the next video or give it a spotlight of its own.Let’s keep showing the real Rockford — one local voice at a time.Remember it’s a good day to go local.

Do you know how hard it is coming to America from another country? Roni does.And instead of slowing down, he built something bold—The Underground Art Gallery right here in Rockford.It all started with a tiny gallery in his front yard. That’s how he met his neighbors, sparked conversations, and shared his love for art.Now, his gallery is a space to showcase local talent, fuel creativity, and inspire community connection. Roni believes if you want to see change, you have to help make it—and he's doing exactly that.🎨 Want to support? Visit the gallery, meet Roni, and get inspired. 🧡 Let’s lift up the people making Rockford better, one bold idea at a time.The Underground Art Gallery – because it’s a good day to go local.