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

Welcome to Rockford IL's ultimate guide to things to do! Whether you're a local resident or just visiting, Rockford IL has a wealth of activities and attractions to offer. From outdoor adventures and cultural experiences to shopping, dining, and entertainment, this website is your one-stop-shop for discovering the best things to do in Rockford IL. We've handpicked the most popular and unique experiences to bring you an extensive list of activities to suit every interest, age group, and budget. Whether you're looking to have a family day out, a romantic getaway, or an exciting solo adventure, you'll find it all right here. Get ready to discover Rockford IL like never before, and make your next trip to this amazing city unforgettable!

Welcome to Rockford IL's one-stop-shop for today's events! This website is your go-to source for finding the latest and greatest happenings in Rockford IL. Whether you're looking for a fun family activity, a night out with friends, or a unique cultural experience, you'll find it all right here. We've handpicked a variety of events to suit every interest and budget, so you can easily plan your day and make the most of your time in Rockford IL. From festivals and concerts to exhibitions and workshops, there's always something exciting happening in this vibrant city. So check out our calendar of events and get ready to experience Rockford IL like never before!

Rockford Public Library

Wed

02

Apr

Storytime with the Mobile Library at Spring Creek Church

9:00 AM @ Spring Creek United Church of Christ

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Storytime with the Mobile Library at Spring Creek Church

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Rockford Public Library

Wed

02

Apr

It's a Stitch: Knit, Crochet, Cross Stitch

6:00 PM @ Rockford Public Library

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Rockford Buzz

Send Us Your Event

If you know of an upcoming event, please send us an email with the details and we'll add it to the website ASAP!

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Welcome to Rockford IL's guide to today's lunch, dinner, and drink specials! If you're looking for the best food and drinks in town, you've come to the right place. Here, you'll find a comprehensive list of the latest specials and promotions offered by Rockford IL's top restaurants and bars. Whether you're in the mood for a delicious lunch, a romantic dinner, or a night out with friends, you'll find the perfect meal or drink to suit your taste and budget. From classic comfort food to gourmet cuisine, and from refreshing cocktails to local brews, Rockford IL has something for everyone. So check out our list of specials and get ready to indulge in the best that Rockford IL has to offer!

Barnstormer Distillery

Captain's Reserve Now Available

Always Available

Hours Today: Closed

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Captain's Reserve Now Available

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Inzombia Coffee

Birthday Club

Always Available

Hours Today: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

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Birthday Club

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Bourbon Street Lounge

Night Shift Diff

Always Available

Hours Today: 7:00 AM - 12:00 AM

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Night Shift Diff

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Baked Wings

Munchie Hour 4:20pm-6:00pm

Always Available

Hours Today: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

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Munchie Hour 4:20pm-6:00pm

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Murphy’s Pub

Murphy's Happy Hour : 3 - 6 PM

Every Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Hours Today: 9:00 AM - 2:00 AM

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Murphy's Happy Hour : 3 - 6 PM

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5BAR

Happy Hour

Every Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Hours Today: 4:00 PM - 2:00 AM

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Happy Hour

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Murphy’s Pub

Wine Night

Every Wednesday

Hours Today: 9:00 AM - 2:00 AM

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Wine Night

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Reel Nutrition

Winning Wednesdays

Every Wednesday

Hours Today: 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM

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Winning Wednesdays

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27 Aluna

Bao-wow-Wednesdays

Every Wednesday

Hours Today: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM

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Bao-wow-Wednesdays

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Screw City Tavern

Wing Wednesday and Fish Fry

Every Wednesday

Hours Today: 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM

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Wing Wednesday and Fish Fry

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The Canna Cafe & Bar

Happy Hour

Every Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Hours Today: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

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Happy Hour

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The Pomodoro

Wine Wednesday at The Pomodoro

Every Wednesday

Hours Today: 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM

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Wine Wednesday at The Pomodoro

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Fozzy’s Bar & Grill

Happy Hour

Every Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Hours Today: 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM

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Happy Hour

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Fozzy’s Bar & Grill

Wing Wednesday

Every Wednesday

Hours Today: 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM

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Wing Wednesday

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Baked Wings

40% Off Waffle Wednesday

Every Wednesday

Hours Today: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

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40% Off Waffle Wednesday

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Salamones Italian Restaurant & Bar

Online BOGO

Limited Time Offer : Tuesday, Apr 1 - Tuesday, Apr 15

Hours Today: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

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Online BOGO

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Rockford Buzz

Send Us Your Lunch/Dinner/Drink Special

Don't see your favorite special? Please send us an email with the details and we'll add it to the website ASAP!

Let Us Know

Welcome to Rockford IL's ultimate shopping guide! We're your one-stop-shop for the latest deals, sales, and shopping experiences in Rockford IL. Whether you're looking for a unique gift, a stylish outfit, or just a great deal, you'll find it all right here. From trendy fashion and home goods to electronics and toys, Rockford IL has something for every shopper. So check out our list of deals and get ready to hit the shops in Rockford IL!

Hulsebus Rockford Chiropractic

Take the Same Supplements Your Doctor Uses

Always Available

Hours Today: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM

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Take the Same Supplements Your Doctor Uses

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MembersAlliance Credit Union

Save to Win Account

Always Available

Hours Today: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

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Save to Win Account

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Varo Fence Co.

Free Estimates

Always Available

Hours Today: Closed

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Free Estimates

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John Berlin Agency

GET A FREE QUOTE

Always Available

Hours Today: Closed

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GET A FREE QUOTE

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Moving Guys

Power Washing free estimate

Always Available

Hours Today: 24 Hours

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Power Washing free estimate

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Inzombia Coffee

Zombie Discount

Always Available

Hours Today: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

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Zombie Discount

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SPoRT Makeup, Apparel, & Collectibles

Use Code "BUZZ20" to Get 20% Off All Products

Always Available

Hours Today: 24 Hours

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Use Code "BUZZ20" to Get 20% Off All Products

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Rockford IceHogs

Hamboni Rides

Always Available

Hours Today: Closed

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Hamboni Rides

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First Class General Contracting

Free Home Inspection

Every Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

Hours Today: 24 Hours

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Free Home Inspection

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All Auto Parts

20% OFF all Windshield Wiper Components

Limited Time Offer : Tuesday, Apr 1 - Wednesday, Apr 30

Hours Today: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

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20% OFF all Windshield Wiper Components

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PC Tech 2U

The big spring clean

Limited Time Offer : Thursday, Mar 20 - Wednesday, Apr 30

Hours Today: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

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The big spring clean

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Rockford Buzz

Send Us Your Sales/Promotions

If you know of an upcoming sale or promotion, please send us an email with the details and we'll add it to the website ASAP!

Let Us Know

Welcome to Rockford IL's Random Adventure Generator! Every time you refresh the page, you'll be presented with a new set of four randomly selected destinations, each offering its own unique experience. Whether you're a local resident or just visiting, these random draws will inspire you to explore Rockford IL in new and exciting ways. From outdoor adventures and cultural experiences to shopping, dining, and entertainment, there's always something new to discover. So join us on this journey and get ready to explore Rockford IL like never before!

Salamones Italian Restaurant & Bar

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Today: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Here at Salamone's we strive to satisfy everyone's appetite with a variety of menu options. With our large portions, no one is left hungry. We have served the area for 17+ years and look forward to feeding your families for many more years to come!

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Salamones Italian Restaurant & Bar

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Forest City Pub

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Today: 6:30 AM - 10:30 PM

Forest City Pub, the on-site restaurant at Radisson Hotel and Conference Center Rockford, serves pizzas, pastas and panini, as well as a selection of fresh, flavorful chicken and seafood dishes. The restaurant's casual atmosphere makes it the ideal destination for a relaxed lunch or dinner. For guests who want to dine in the comfort of their rooms, room service is available daily until 10:30 p.m.

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Forest City Pub

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Trinity Lutheran

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Today: Closed

Trinity Lutheran Church is an affiliated church of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. We are located in downtown Rockford, IL. We are a welcoming congregation and invite you to experience worship with us Sunday mornings at 8:30am and 10am. We offer Sunday School for children ages 3 years through 4th grade every Sunday during our 10am worship service. Come experience our hospitality, learning and serving opportunities in a welcoming environment. Here we are united as brothers and sisters in Christ, redeemed by the love of Jesus and sent out into the world to serve others.

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Trinity Lutheran

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Alicia Janae Photography

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Today: Closed

Amateur Nature/Wildlife/Animal/Landscape/Portrait Photographer. I am based in the Rockford, Illinois area. Instagram: @aliciajanaephotography. Follow my photography journey here. Website to come soon.

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Our goal is to shed light on the Rockford IL's rich history, vibrant culture, and bright future. From local events and attractions to restaurant reviews and positive movements, this website has got you covered. Take part in our polls and have your voice heard, and stay informed with our articles written by us. Join us in celebrating everything that makes Rockford IL the incredible place that it is.

In 2025 I'm looking forward too...

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! 💖

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In 2025 I'm looking forward too...

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Rockford’s New Free Ride Program: How Students & Adult Learners Can Save Big on Transit!

815, get ready to ride for free! The City of Rockford and the Rockford Mass Transit District (RMTD) just dropped some big news—free rides for students and adult learners! If you’ve ever scrounged for bus fare in your couch cushions or sprinted after a departing bus, this one’s for you. Reliable transportation is key to building a better future, and this initiative is a massive win for anyone hitting the books.What is the Free Ride Program? RMTD has always been there for Rockford residents, but now they’re leveling up. Before, free rides were limited to K-12 students and veterans. Now, if you’re enrolled in a local post-secondary education program or an adult GED/High School Equivalency (HSE) program, you qualify for unlimited free rides starting February 1, 2025. That’s right—no more stressing over how to get to class. Just hop on, sit back, and enjoy the ride (or take a power nap, we won’t judge).Who Are Adult Learners? Adult learners are the superheroes of self-improvement—people juggling jobs, families, and life while going back to school to earn a GED or HSE. Whether they’re switching careers, chasing new opportunities, or proving it’s never too late to learn, these folks deserve all the support they can get. And now, free transportation is one less obstacle in their way!Why This Program Matters Let’s be real—transportation costs can be a dealbreaker when it comes to education. This initiative removes that roadblock and makes it easier for students to show up, learn, and succeed. Let me spill the tea for ya:More Access to Education: No more skipping class because you can’t afford a ride!Stronger Community Connections: More people out and about, engaging with local events, and networking.Eco-Friendly Bonus: More public transit use = less traffic and pollution. Mother Earth approves!Less stress in your way: Saving time and money = One less thing to worry about and more focus on studying and achieving goals.Who Qualifies and How to Ride for Free Students with a valid student ID for the Spring 2025 semester from any of the following local institutions can ride free by simply showing their ID when boarding an RMTD bus: Rock Valley College (RVC), Rockford Career College (RCC), Rockford University, NIU Rockford, Judson, Rasmussen, U of I College of Medicine, and OSF Nursing.For those enrolled in adult GED/HSE programs at RVC, Rockford Public Schools (RPS), Goodwill, or the Rockford Public Library Adult Online High School, RMTD will coordinate with these organizations to distribute free transit passes to eligible participants.Looking Ahead: The Future of Public Transportation in Rockford This is just the beginning. As the city continues to prioritize accessibility, there’s hope for more expansions, extended service hours, and better transit options. With community support, Rockford’s transit system can keep evolving into something even greater.This isn’t just about free rides—it’s about opportunity, growth, and building a stronger Rockford. So, if you know someone who could benefit, spread the word! After all, the best things in life (and now bus rides) are free! Stay in the Buzz and as always GO LOCAL!! STAY IN THE BUZZ!!

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Border collie with Rockford ties wins in Super Bowl of dog training events

There was another Super Bowl of sorts this past week and one of the winners was someone from the Rockford region.The Westminster Dog Show ended on Feb. 11 at Madison Square Garden in New York. It drew nearly 3,000 dogs and their owners from around the world and is the largest competition of its kind in the world.Among the entrants was Emily Klarman, a 2011 Harlem High School graduate. Emily's dog, Vanish, a border collie, was the winner of the Westminster Masters Agility Championship. Vanish tore through the obstacle source in 26.49 seconds. The next fastest time was a 26.91 by a shetland sheepdog.Emily now lives in Doyletown, Pennsylvania. She went to Northern Illinois University to go into nursing, graduating in December 2020, but instead became a dog trainer for UDog Agility in Huntington Valley, Pennsylvania. The Westminster show is just the latest accomplishment for Emily and Vanish. According to her Facebook page, Emily and her border collie have now competed in agility competitions in eight countries.Here's a link to the official story about Vanish's victory - www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/westminster-masters-agility-2025/.

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Soar Awards reaches an even higher level

It's not as if the Soar Awards are unknown in Rockford, it's more that perhaps the show is not celebrated enough.Started in 2016 in front of a few hundred people at the Tebala Event Center, the Soar Awards has amassed streams in the billions and is now the second biggest awards show in gospel music, annually drawing the biggest names in the genre to Rockford.As its reputation has grown so has the demand for space. After being held the past two years at the historic Coronado Performing Arts Center, this year's show on Feb. 3 beginning at 6 p.m. will be held at the Hard Rock Live at the Hard Rock Casino Rockford.Unlike most awards shows, the Soar Awards strive to honor specific artists each year for their impact on gospel music rather than focus on one-year achievements.On Monday the show will honor James Hall of New York, an international choirmaster and professor best known for his work in music and choir direction, and Percy Gray Jr., who organized the Praise II and Chicago Mass Choirs and has been nominated for three Grammy Awards in his career.The Monday night celebration also will have a heavy Rockford flavor. The Soar Awards also will celebrate Rockford natives Kimberla Lawson Roby, Fred VanVleet and Big Jim Wright. * Roby is perhaps Rockford's best selling author. She's published 28 books, the most recent in 2022, and her fans have bought more than 3 million copies.* VanVleet is perhaps Rockford's greatest athlete. He's played in the NBA since 2017, winning an NBA championship in 2019 with the Toronto Raptors and playing the NBA All-Star Game in 2022.* Big Jim Wright was an American musician, composer, songwriter, film score and record producer. A member of the vocal and instrumental ensemble Sounds of Blackness, Wright was a collaborator of production duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Wright, who died in 2018, worked with some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Aretha Franklin, Usher, Mariah Carey and Mary J. Blige.The show is put on by Soar Radio (soarradio.com), which was launched in 2014 by James Francis as a 24-hour streaming Internet station featuring gospel and inspirational music. By 2017, Soar Radio was so well respected that it became the first gospel internet station added to the Nielsen Ratings.Now in its 11th year, Soar Radio continues to deliver great music to its audience as well as a growing roster of shows, including Francis himself doing a morning show Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

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Whether you're a local resident or just visiting, our videos will inspire you to explore Rockford IL like never before. From outdoor adventures and scenic drives to shopping and dining experiences, we've got it all covered. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the latest videos about Rockford IL. Get ready to experience the city in a whole new way!