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!

Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens

Tue

20

Jan

Sinnissippi Station Model Garden Railway Exhibit

12:00 AM @ Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens

Share

Info

Share this post

Sinnissippi Station Model Garden Railway Exhibit

Copy Link

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!

Let Us Know

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

Share

Info

Share this post

Captain's Reserve Now Available

Copy Link

Inzombia Coffee

Birthday Club

Always Available

Hours Today: Closed

Share

Info

Share this post

Birthday Club

Copy Link

Bourbon Street Lounge

Night Shift Diff

Always Available

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

Share

Info

Share this post

Night Shift Diff

Copy Link

Baked Wings

Munchie Hour 4:20pm-6:00pm

Always Available

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

Share

Info

Share this post

Munchie Hour 4:20pm-6:00pm

Copy Link

Murphy’s Pub

Murphy's Happy Hour : 3 - 6 PM

Every Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

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

Share

Info

Share this post

Murphy's Happy Hour : 3 - 6 PM

Copy Link

Lucha Cantina

Birria Tuesdays

Every Tuesday

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

Share

Info

Share this post

Birria Tuesdays

Copy Link

Reel Nutrition

Double Punch Tuesday

Every Tuesday

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

Share

Info

Share this post

Double Punch Tuesday

Copy Link

27 Aluna

Big Kids Meal Tuesdays

Every Tuesday

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

Share

Info

Share this post

Big Kids Meal Tuesdays

Copy Link

Franchesco’s Ristorante

$5 House Wines

Every Tuesday

Hours Today: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Share

Info

Share this post

$5 House Wines

Copy Link

5BAR

Happy Hour

Every Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

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

Share

Info

Share this post

Happy Hour

Copy Link

Fozzy’s Bar & Grill

Happy Hour

Every Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

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

Share

Info

Share this post

Happy Hour

Copy Link

The Canna Cafe & Bar

Happy Hour

Every Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

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

Share

Info

Share this post

Happy Hour

Copy Link

Baked Wings

Tuesday is Tender Day

Every Tuesday

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

Share

Info

Share this post

Tuesday is Tender Day

Copy Link

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

Share

Info

Share this post

Take the Same Supplements Your Doctor Uses

Copy Link

MembersAlliance Credit Union

Save to Win Account

Always Available

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

Share

Info

Share this post

Save to Win Account

Copy Link

Varo Fence Co.

Free Estimates

Always Available

Hours Today: Closed

Share

Info

Share this post

Free Estimates

Copy Link

John Berlin Agency

GET A FREE QUOTE

Always Available

Hours Today: Closed

Share

Info

Share this post

GET A FREE QUOTE

Copy Link

Moving Guys

Power Washing free estimate

Always Available

Hours Today: 24 Hours

Share

Info

Share this post

Power Washing free estimate

Copy Link

Inzombia Coffee

Zombie Discount

Always Available

Hours Today: Closed

Share

Info

Share this post

Zombie Discount

Copy Link

SPoRT Makeup, Apparel, & Collectibles

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

Always Available

Hours Today: 24 Hours

Share

Info

Share this post

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

Copy Link

Rockford IceHogs

Hamboni Rides

Always Available

Hours Today: Closed

Share

Info

Share this post

Hamboni Rides

Copy Link

First Class General Contracting

Free Home Inspection

Every Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

Hours Today: 24 Hours

Share

Info

Share this post

Free Home Inspection

Copy Link

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!

Ernie’s Midtown Pub

Call

Map

Web

Today: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Neighborhood bar with great food and good drinks.

Share

Info

Share this post

Ernie’s Midtown Pub

Copy Link

Slots of Fun

Call

Map

Web

Today: 7:00 AM - 2:00 AM

We were one of the first video poker and slots cafe/ parlor to apply for a license and open in Rockford, IL. Inside you will find the most up to date games available from your favorite manufacturers such as IGT, Bally, AGS & Speilo. Within months of opening Slots of Fun has always had more money won than ANY other location in Winnebago County and consistently ranks in the top 15 locations in the state. We credit this to a extremely clean and comfortable establishment that our clients enjoy.

Share

Info

Share this post

Slots of Fun

Copy Link

Skateland

Call

Map

Web

Today: Closed

We are a family owned roller skating center. In addition to our public skating hours, we are available for private rentals for schools, churches and businesses. We have great birthday party packages availalble. We are located on the north side of Sandy Hollow Road just 2 blocks east of Alpine.

Share

Info

Share this post

Skateland

Copy Link

Fresh Start Cafe

Call

Map

Web

Today: 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Family Restaurant with kids menu.

Share

Info

Share this post

Fresh Start Cafe

Copy Link

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! 💖

Share

Results

Share this post

In 2025 I'm looking forward too...

Copy Link

Rockford brining the heat as we are ranked the most popular city in the country for home shoppers for 2025.

If you missed it, here’s some good news worth sharing.Rockford earned a big title last year. According to Zillow, Rockford was ranked the most popular city in the country for home shoppers for 2025.Yes. Number one.Rockford climbed to the top after ranking second the year before. And while the title was earned last year, it’s still turning heads now. Especially for people looking for a place that feels like home without the big city price tag.So why Rockford?It comes down to affordability and quality of life. Most of Zillow’s top markets have typical home values under $350,000. Rockford fits right in. You get space. You get community. And you’re still close enough to Chicago for work opportunities without paying Chicago prices. About 90 minutes away, but a whole lot easier on the wallet.People outside the area are paying attention too. More than three out of five Zillow page views for Rockford came from shoppers who don’t live here yet. And they’re not just looking. Homes in Rockford were going under contract in about five days. That’s fast.The Midwest dominated Zillow’s rankings, with Rockford leading the pack. Other cities on the list include places like Dearborn, Toledo, and South Bend. Markets where people can live well without stretching themselves thin.Here’s Zillow’s top 10 most popular markets for 2025:Rockford, Illinois Berkeley, California Albany, New York Dearborn, Michigan Toledo, Ohio Carmel, Indiana South Bend, Indiana Abilene, Texas Springfield, Illinois Allentown, PennsylvaniaZillow based these rankings on real behavior. Page views. How quickly homes sell. Looking at home value growth, not opinions, and not hype. For locals, this might not feel shocking. We know what Rockford offers. Strong neighborhoods. Local businesses. Arts, food, and events. And people who care about this city. But it’s nice to know the rest of the country is starting to see it too.If you haven’t heard it yet, now you have. Rockford earned the title.Remember, it is a good day to go local.

Share

Info

Share this post

Rockford brining the heat as we are ranked the most popular city in the country for home shoppers for 2025.

Copy Link

Four Generation One Dream to 40 years In October At Franchesco

This is a tribute to Franchesco’s Ristorante, a place that has been part of our community for nearly four decades. Franchesco’s opened on October 10, 1986. The goal back then was simple. Open the doors. Cook good food. Take care of people. There wasn’t time to think about milestones. They were too busy building something from the ground up.About a week later, something clicked. Benny remembers sitting in the office with his brother and father, and he noticed the calendar on the wall. He looked at the date and said, “Look, that was our 20-year anniversary in this country (10/10/66).” It wasn’t planned. No speeches. No banners. Just a quiet realization while the restaurant was coming to life.To Frank, who was 57 at the time, that date meant even more. It was proof of what hard work, patience, and family can create. Being born in 1929 in Aragona, Sicily. He was the first of ten children. Later in life, his mother passed away in childbirth, and Frank stepped up and became a protector for his sibling. Looked out for his sister and three brothers, and later for four more brothers and a sister from his father’s second marriage. It's no surprise that he had responsibility come to him young, but if you ever got the chance to meet Frank, you can agree it never left.That work ethic carried him across an ocean and into a new life. And eventually, into a restaurant that would become part of Rockford’s story, heart, and everyday memories.Opening Franchesco’s wasn’t just about business, but also about legacy. Legacy of heart and show that legacy by giving the next generation a place to learn, grow, and belong. It was about creating something that could last.Now, as October approaches, Franchesco’s is closing in on 40 years in business. Four generations strong. Still family-run. Still welcoming people in like they always have.Frank, we all at the Buzz can’t thank you enough for dreaming, loving, and becoming a pillar to so many people. Please keep watch over us all. Keep being with us in spirit as we laugh, love, and eat at Franchesco’s.To the family, please know that you not only keep Frank’s legacy alive, but also make it stronger every single day. You are a family of born leaders, with patience, care, strength, and passion. Hearts so big even the Grinch couldn’t steal them on Christmas.So let us be the first to say congratulations on 40 years. Yes, we know it’s a bit early. But hey, it’s never too early to celebrate, right?Remember, it is a good day to DREAM, a good day to EAT, and a good day to go LOCAL!

Share

Info

Share this post

Four Generation One Dream to 40 years In October At Franchesco

Copy Link

✨ Stepping Into A New Year Together! Hello 2026!

There is something quietly powerful about the start of a new year. Not because everything suddenly becomes perfect, but because it reminds us of something deeply human. We are allowed to change. We are allowed to grow. We are allowed to love deeper and remember what really matters. As the calendar turns, many of us are carrying a mix of emotions. Hope, exhaustion, gratitude, lessons learned, and maybe even a little heartache. That is okay. The beauty of humanity is not about starting fresh without a past. It is about moving forward with everything we have learned along the way.❤️ The Moments That Turned Into MemoriesHere in Rockford, some of our favorite memories are tied to moments we shared together. Wandering through City Market on a warm evening, hands full of food and music floating through the air. Spending crisp fall days picking apples at Edwards or Curran’s Orchard, boots muddy, bags full, and kids laughing as they run between the trees. The Adult Book Fair that reminded us how fun it is to be curious again. Art Scene nights where downtown felt alive with creativity, conversation, and color. These moments were not just dates on a calendar. They were reminders to slow down, show up, and feel connected.🍽️ The Tables Where Life HappensSo many of our memories are tied to meals and the places we gather. Late nights at Easy Tiger, where conversations stretch longer than planned. Family dinners at Franchesco’s Restaurant that feel like celebrations even when nothing special is happening. Sitting at Lucha Cantina sharing plates and stories. A casual stop at The Detour or a thoughtful meal at Salt. These places are not just restaurants. They are where life happens in between everything else.🎨 The Places That Give Rockford Its HeartbeatEvery city has a pulse, and Rockford’s heartbeat lives in its creative spaces and small shops. It is in the quiet focus at Pottery Lounge, hands shaping something new. The joy of digging through treasures at The Scrap Jar. Getting lost in the shelves at Maze Books. Wandering through Quaint. Shop and feeling history, resilience, and second chances wrapped into every corner. These places remind us that community is built by people who create, curate, and care deeply.🌱 Moving Forward With What MattersThe new year does not ask us to be perfect. It invites us to be honest. Honest about where we have been and hopeful about where we are going. Growth might mean trying something new. It might mean letting go of what no longer fits. It might mean choosing kindness for yourself and others a little more often. As we step into the year ahead, let us remember that change is possible because we are human. Growth happens because we are willing to try. Love stays because we choose it. And memories matter because they remind us of who we are and where we belong.Remember, it is a good day to go local.

Share

Info

Share this post

✨ Stepping Into A New Year Together! Hello 2026!

Copy Link

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!