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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!

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Today's Events & Things to Do | Rockford IL Region

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!

Full Events Calendar

Today's Lunch, Dinner, & Drink Specials | Rockford IL Region

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

Barnstormer Distillery

Captain's Reserve Now Available

Captain's Reserve Now Available

Always Available

Hours Today: Closed

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Inzombia Coffee

Inzombia Coffee

Birthday Club

Birthday Club

Always Available

Hours Today: Closed

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Bourbon Street Lounge

Bourbon Street Lounge

Night Shift Diff

Night Shift Diff

Always Available

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

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Baked Wings

Baked Wings

Munchie Hour 4:20pm-6:00pm

Munchie Hour 4:20pm-6:00pm

Always Available

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

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Murphy’s Pub

Murphy’s Pub

Murphy's Happy Hour : 3 - 6 PM

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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Lucha Cantina

Lucha Cantina

Birria Tuesdays

Birria Tuesdays

Every Tuesday

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

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Reel Nutrition

Reel Nutrition

Double Punch Tuesday

Double Punch Tuesday

Every Tuesday

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

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27 Aluna

27 Aluna

Big Kids Meal Tuesdays

Big Kids Meal Tuesdays

Every Tuesday

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

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Franchesco’s Ristorante

Franchesco’s Ristorante

$5 House Wines

$5 House Wines

Every Tuesday

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

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5BAR

5BAR

Happy Hour

Happy Hour

Every Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

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

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Fozzy’s Bar & Grill

Fozzy’s Bar & Grill

Happy Hour

Happy Hour

Every Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

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

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The Canna Cafe & Bar

The Canna Cafe & Bar

Happy Hour

Happy Hour

Every Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

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

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Baked Wings

Baked Wings

Tuesday is Tender Day

Tuesday is Tender Day

Every Tuesday

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

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Rockford Buzz Logo

Rockford Buzz

Missing Special

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

All Things Food

Deals, Sales, & Shopping | Rockford IL Region

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

Hulsebus Rockford Chiropractic

Take the Same Supplements Your Doctor Uses

Take the Same Supplements Your Doctor Uses

Always Available

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

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MembersAlliance Credit Union

MembersAlliance Credit Union

Save to Win Account

Save to Win Account

Always Available

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

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Varo Fence Co.

Varo Fence Co.

Free Estimates

Free Estimates

Always Available

Hours Today: Closed

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John Berlin Agency

John Berlin Agency

GET A FREE QUOTE

GET A FREE QUOTE

Always Available

Hours Today: Closed

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Moving Guys

Moving Guys

Power Washing  free estimate

Power Washing free estimate

Always Available

Hours Today: 24 Hours

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Inzombia Coffee

Inzombia Coffee

Zombie Discount

Zombie Discount

Always Available

Hours Today: Closed

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SPoRT Makeup, Apparel, & Collectibles

SPoRT Makeup, Apparel, & Collectibles

Use Code

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

Always Available

Hours Today: 24 Hours

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Rockford IceHogs

Rockford IceHogs

Hamboni Rides

Hamboni Rides

Always Available

Hours Today: Closed

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First Class General Contracting

First Class General Contracting

Free Home Inspection

Free Home Inspection

Every Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

Hours Today: 24 Hours

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Rockford Buzz Logo

Rockford Buzz

Missing Deal

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!

All Shopping Deals & Sales

Local Businesses & Cool Places | Rockford IL Region

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!

Mama Sue's Deli & Slots

Mama Sue's Deli & Slots

Mama Sue's Deli & Slots

Today: 8:00 AM - 12:00 AM

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KBQ Loves Park

KBQ Loves Park

KBQ Loves Park

Today: 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Korean BBQ and Chicken

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North Suburban Library District

North Suburban Library District

North Suburban Library District

Today: Closed

Public Library with two locations: Loves Park and Roscoe. Serving areas in NE Winnebago and Boone Counties.

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Pure Janitorial & Maintenance

Pure Janitorial & Maintenance

Pure Janitorial & Maintenance

Today: Closed

We pride ourselves in offering over 15 years of the best service to the Rockford, Northern Illinois, Southern Wisconsin and Chicago areas. We specialize in building maintenance and Janitorial services. Our company cleans for all types of commercial businesses. Our team cleans for major grocery stores that are open 7 days a week 24hrs a day. We pride ourselves on having well trained, friendly and professional staff members that go above and beyond for our clients. We want our client's location to look spotless as your success is our success. We are not just looking for new clients, we are looking for new business relationships.

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Current Poll & Positive Rockford IL News

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...

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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✨ Stepping Into A New Year Together! Hello 2026!

✨ 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.

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🎄 Christmas Has Always Been About Community and That Is Why Shopping Local Fits So Naturally

🎄 Christmas Has Always Been About Community and That Is Why Shopping Local Fits So Naturally

This Christmas Eve, let's make everything just slow down. Gifts are mostly wrapped, plans are falling into place, and homes are filling with that familiar mix of excitement, reflection, and togetherness we all hope for. So if you get even a small moment today, let’s hit pause before the celebration and take a breath. Not to think about gifts, parties, shopping, unless you're shopping local, then go for it. Today is about remembering what this season is really centered on. Time together, supporting each other, and spending time with loved ones. Maybe shopping local, who knows? Back to the topic christmas has roots that stretch far beyond our modern traditions. For Christians, tomorrow marks the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, a spiritual figure whose message focused on love, humility, and caring for others. Long before Christmas looked the way it does today, ancient cultures already treated the middle of winter as a time to slow down and rely on one another. The winter solstice symbolized the gradual return of daylight, a reminder that even in the coldest and hardest moments, brighter days were coming. There is something deeply beautiful about that idea, especially this time of year.So what did the holidays look like then, and what do they look like now? Across the world, Christmas is celebrated in many different ways. In the United States, it has been a federal holiday since 1870, and for a long time, it became a mix of warmth and love alongside shopping local, I hope. In Scandinavia, families gathered to celebrate Yule with fire, food, and shared time. Large logs burned for days while people ate together and told stories, believing each spark carried hope for the year ahead. In parts of Germany, winter traditions included honoring Odin, believed to travel the night sky and observe the world below. His presence kept people indoors, gathered together, passing the time with meals and stories. Even across different cultures and centuries, the message stayed the same. Stay close. Stay warm. Take care of one another. If you're asking yourself how can I take care of my community then you are asking great questions! Supporting local can fit so naturally into this season and can be a great way to enjoy new parts of our community. Such as going to local events, performances, and gatherings. Trying new restaurants and thrift stores. Look, the topic of the article isn't to flood you with reasons to support local, because we both know at least 10 off the top of our heads, but to remind you that when you choose local, you are choosing connection. And Isnt that why it fits so naturally, just like the true spirit of Christmas?This Christmas Eve, as you prepare for tomorrow, we invite you to slow down and be present. To appreciate the people around you. To support the places that make our community feel like home. And to remember that Christmas has always been about coming together when it matters most.Remember, today is a good day to go local!

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This Christmas in the 815 lets talk about The Do’s, the Don’ts, and Affordable Ways to Support Small Businesses!

This Christmas in the 815 lets talk about The Do’s, the Don’ts, and Affordable Ways to Support Small Businesses!

The Christmas season in Rockford hits different. The lights go up at Sinnissippi, Stroll on State fills downtown, and the whole city feels ready to slow down, warm up, and make memories with the people we care about. But this time of year is also one of the most important for the small businesses that make the 815 feel like home.Shopping local during the holidays is not just about gifts. It is about community. It is about keeping our dollars here, helping our neighbors, and making sure the places we love are still here next Christmas. And the best part is that you don't have to spend a lot to make a real impact.Here are the dos, the don’ts, and simple ways to support local this Christmas without breaking the bank.✔️ The Do’s of Shopping Local for the Holidays🎁 Do choose local first when gift shoppingRockford is home to a diverse range of unique shops, makers, and small businesses offering items that cannot be found online. Vintage treasures, handmade goods, specialty foods, local art, candles, clothing, toys, and so much more.🌟 Do give meaningful giftsA gift card to someone’s favorite local spot, tickets to a local event, or a handmade holiday gift from a local maker means more than a big box purchase ever will.👍 Do show love on social mediaLike their holiday posts, comment something supportive, share their sales or open hours. Small actions help more people see them.💬 Do leave reviewsHoliday shoppers read reviews more than ever. Your kind words can boost their visibility and build trust.🎄 Do bring friends and family with youMake it a tradition. Hot chocolates, Christmas lights, and shopping local together is a memory on its own.❌ The Don’ts of Holiday Shopping Local🚫 Do not expect small shops to move like big chainsThis season is their busiest time and they are juggling staff, inventory, and long hours. A little patience goes a long way.🚫 Do not compare prices to online giantsYou are supporting people, not corporations. Your dollars stay in Rockford and help real families thrive.🚫 Do not skip over local for convenienceA quick online order might save you five minutes, but a local purchase makes a real difference in your community.🚫 Do not wait until the last minuteHoliday stress hits small businesses harder. Shop early when you can.💸 Ways to Support Local Without Spending Much📣 1. Share their holiday postsIt costs nothing and helps a lot.❤️ 2. Tell your friends about themWord of mouth is a Christmas gift small businesses love.👀 3. Visit their holiday open houses and eventsEven if you browse, showing up supports momentum and visibility.🎁 4. Buy small itemsA cookie, a coffee, a small stocking stuffer, a holiday card. It all adds up.☕ 5. Grab a warm drink from a local café on your way to see the lightsMeg’s Daily Grind, Mary’s Market, Rockford Roasting Company, and more. Small purchases help keep them thriving through winter.🎄 6. Attend holiday pop-ups and marketsRockford is loaded with them this time of year, and they are perfect for affordable, thoughtful gifts.📸 7. Post photos of your gifts and tag the businessThis is huge. Free advertising with real people behind it.🎅 Why It Matters During ChristmasThe holidays can make or break a small business. For many, this season is what carries them into the new year. When you choose local, you help keep favorite shops open, support local families, and keep Rockford vibrant and full of life.Shopping local does not mean spending more. It means spending with purpose. It means choosing connection over convenience and community over corporations.So this Christmas, before clicking add to cart, ask yourself one question.Is there a local business that can give me this instead?Most of the time, the answer is yes.Remember, it is a good day to go local.

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Latest Rockford Buzz Videos

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!

MAS Mail and Print Center Is Serving and Help The Community

When your father is someone who immigrated here more than 30 years ago, you learn early on the value of hard work, staying humble, and treating people with kindness. For Mohamed, owner of MAS Mail and Print Center, growing up in a family of business owners meant seeing the reality behind the scenes. The long nights. The stress. The frustration that comes with building and running a business.Like every loving child, he asked himself one simple yet powerful question. How can I help?Fast forward a few years, and those lessons from his father never left him. With over 10 years of experience in graphic design and photography, Mohamed realized he could utilize his skills to address real-world problems for his family and community. That is what led him to open MAS Mail and Print.The journey was not easy. Earning trust in the community, and especially becoming a reliable partner for larger companies like FedEx and UPS, took time, patience, and consistency. But Mohamed kept showing up. Supported by a family that believed in him from day one, spreading the word and being his first customers.So remember. Work hard. Stay humble. Treat people with kindness.Because that can make it a good day to go local!

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All Aglow The Best peaceful and magical way to soak in the holiday season!

Looking for a peaceful and magical way to soak in the holiday season? All Aglow at Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens is pure winter magic. From November 30, 2025 through January 11, 2026, the outdoor gardens transform into a glowing holiday walk filled with sparkle and wonder.The grounds shine with more than 500,000 LED lights, including glistening lights that add extra shimmer, 99 glowing pole trees, and brand-new mega stars that light the way. The display is set up as a one-way walking loop, making it easy to enjoy at your own pace.Lights are on from dusk to dawn, so whether you visit early in the evening or later at night, the magic is waiting for you.Have you made All Aglow part of your holiday tradition yet, or is this your sign to check it out? Let us know in the comments.Remember, it is a good day to go local.

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Merry Christmas to you all!!!

We know the holidays are crazy and everyone is running around, but today let's unplug from everything and replug into those we love. We wish you a wonderful day, nothing but smiles and laughter, and a happy Christmas from all of us here at the Buzz!

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815 Junk Removal is a locally owned Rockford business!

If you are looking for junk removal that actually feels fair, this is one you need to know about 💪🗑️ 815 Junk Removal is a locally owned Rockford business that started in 2023 with help from the Rockford Small Business Development Center and has been growing strong ever since.What makes them different is simple. They do not guess. While some companies quote before seeing the job, 815 Junk Removal only gives pricing after they see the work or fully understand the scope. That means you are paying for what actually gets removed, not an estimate that misses the mark.It is honest, straightforward service from a local team that truly cares about the community they serve.Have you used 815 Junk Removal before, or do you have a cleanup coming up? Let us know in the comments.Remember, it is a good day to go local.

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