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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!

Habitat Restore- Rockford

Habitat Restore- Rockford

Rock the Rockford ReStore Event

Fri

19

Apr

Rock the Rockford ReStore Event

10:00 AM @ Habitat Restore- Rockford

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Lucha Cantina

Lucha Cantina

Spring Art Scene at Lucha Cantina

Fri

19

Apr

Spring Art Scene at Lucha Cantina

11:00 AM @ Lucha Cantina

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Midway Village Museum

Midway Village Museum

Hands-on History, the Great War: WWI School Day event.

Fri

19

Apr

Hands-on History, the Great War: WWI School Day event.

1:00 PM @ Midway Village Museum

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Anderson Japanese Gardens

Anderson Japanese Gardens

Spring ArtScene- Positive Distractions

Fri

19

Apr

Spring ArtScene- Positive Distractions

4:00 PM @ Anderson Japanese Gardens

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Test Site

Test Site

Cultural Kaleidoscope

Fri

19

Apr

Cultural Kaleidoscope

5:00 PM @ Test Site

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Pig Minds Brewing Co.

Pig Minds Brewing Co.

An Evening of Music with the Driftless Revelers

Fri

19

Apr

An Evening of Music with the Driftless Revelers

5:30 PM @ Pig Minds Brewing Co.

$18.00 - $25.00

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Tinker Swiss Cottage

Tinker Swiss Cottage

Speakeasy Murder Mystery Night

Fri

19

Apr

Speakeasy Murder Mystery Night

6:00 PM @ Tinker Swiss Cottage

$20.00 - $25.00

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Prairie Street Brewing Company

Prairie Street Brewing Company

Barrel of Laughs featuring Calvin Evans

Fri

19

Apr

Barrel of Laughs featuring Calvin Evans

6:30 PM @ Prairie Street Brewing Company

$30.00 - $160.00

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The Liam Foundation

The Liam Foundation

Open Mic Poetry Night @ LIAM

Fri

19

Apr

Open Mic Poetry Night @ LIAM

6:30 PM @ The Liam Foundation

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Rockford Park District

Rockford Park District

Frosty Fridays Public Skate Sessions

Fri

19

Apr

Frosty Fridays Public Skate Sessions

7:00 PM @ Carlson Ice Arena

$10.00

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City First Church

City First Church

Original Conference 2024 (RFD)

Fri

19

Apr

Original Conference 2024 (RFD)

7:00 PM @ City First Church

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BMO Center

BMO Center

IceHogs 2023-24 Regular Season Schedule

Fri

19

Apr

IceHogs 2023-24 Regular Season Schedule

7:00 PM @ BMO Center

Free

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Rockford IceHogs

Rockford IceHogs

IceHogs Games

Fri

19

Apr

IceHogs Games

7:00 PM @ Rockford IceHogs

Free

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Rockford University

Rockford University

Ken Ludwig's The Game's Afoot

Fri

19

Apr

Ken Ludwig's The Game's Afoot

7:30 PM @ Rockford University Clark Arts Center

Free - $12.00

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Chasin' Feelings Car Club

Chasin' Feelings Car Club

Rockford Friday Night's Park and Chill @ Buddy's Smoke Shop

Fri

19

Apr

Rockford Friday Night's Park and Chill @ Buddy's Smoke Shop

8:00 PM @ Chasin' Feelings Car Club

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District Bar and Grill

District Bar and Grill

Emo Night w/ All American Throwbacks @ District [Rockford]

Fri

19

Apr

Emo Night w/ All American Throwbacks @ District [Rockford]

8:00 PM @ District Bar and Grill

$10.00

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Coronado Performing Arts Center

Coronado Performing Arts Center

Hairball

Fri

19

Apr

Hairball

8:00 PM @ Coronado Performing Arts Center

$29.00 - $124.00

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Discovery Center Museum

Discovery Center Museum

Discovery Town Exhibit

ON

GO

ING

Discovery Town Exhibit

9:30 AM @ Discovery Center Museum

Free - $11.00

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Rockford Buzz Logo

Rockford Buzz

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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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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!

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!

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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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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Moving Guys

Moving Guys

Power Washing  free estimate

Power Washing free estimate

Always Available

Hours Today: 24 Hours

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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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Inzombia Coffee

Inzombia Coffee

Zombie Discount

Zombie Discount

Always Available

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

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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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Varo Fence Co.

Varo Fence Co.

Free Estimates

Free Estimates

Always Available

Hours Today: Closed

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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!

Smarty Pants Rockford Art Studio

Smarty Pants Rockford Art Studio

Smarty Pants Rockford Art Studio

Today: Closed

smARTy pants Rockford Kids Art Studio is a local business offering high quality art classes, art camps and painting art parties for kids ages 5 and up!

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gift it! Rockford

gift it! Rockford

gift it! Rockford

Today: 12:00 AM - 12:00 AM

We are thrilled to offer “Uniquely Rockford” gift baskets and packages, each proudly celebrating our local innovations and artistic creations that exemplify the greatness of our home town. Our packages may include these local favorites: the original Sock Monkey, Mrs. Fisher’s Potato Chips, Ole Salty’s Popcorn and Cacaocuvee Chocolates to name a few! We offer a variety of packaging presentations and sizes, each displayed on our website, so please take your time browsing our products. If there is a local item we have yet to include in our gift baskets, please do not hesitate to contact us – we will do our best to add it your order. We are also happy to incorporate promotional products that represent your company to make your gifts more personalized. Thank you for visiting us – we sincerely appreciate your interest!

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Midwest Hair Academy

Midwest Hair Academy

Midwest Hair Academy

Today: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

At MHA we pride ourselves in making sure that we provide our students with the tools & knowledge to start their barber career once graduated, call today!!

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640 Meats

640 Meats

640 Meats

Today: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM

640 Meats is your friendly local butcher shop where you can stop in to grab a great steak or one of our specialty brats or burgers. Or enjoy a great lunch made fresh from our Deli.

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Full Business Directory

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.

Top Stops in the City of Gardens

Top Stops in the City of Gardens

Spring is finally back after our strange popcorn Winter! Which Local Garden is at the top of your list to visit???

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Traditional Thai Flavors at Sister's Thai

Traditional Thai Flavors at Sister's Thai

Sister's Thai is a downtown staple located at 514 E State St, Rockford, IL 61104. The authentic Thai cuisine is out of this world and worth exploring during your next trip downtown. We visited for dinner and stayed for the atmosphere.We started with their Crab Rangoon: deep fried won-ton stuffed with imitation crab meat, cream cheese & green onions. These savory appetizers are served with a sweet and sour sauce and come out piping hot and fresh. Made by hand, each one is unique and stuffed full. This is a perfect shareable for two.Next we tried Pad Thai: stir fried thin rice noodles with ground peanuts, green onions, bean sprouts & eggs in their delicious homemade sauce. You can choose to add of beef, chicken, shrimp, tofu, pork or veggies to your Pad Thai as well. This Thai classic is perfect for beginners just starting to test their international palate, but also a beloved dish by all. The mild flavors with the homemade peanut sauce really blend together nicely. Rice noodles can be tricky, but the team at Sister’s Thai prepare them perfectly. No overly sticky, or mushy noodles here! Love Pad Thai but want a kick? Ask them to make it spicy!We also tried their authentic Nam Kow: ground pork sausage with crispy deep fried rice, mixed in Thai house spices, served with lettuce cup garnish on the side. Squeeze your lime over the heaping pile of rice and sausage, and then load up your lettuce cups for a delicious trip through the flavors of Thailand. The generous portion and intricate flavors of the Thai spices make this an incredibly satisfying dish, making this a popular menu item over the years.Next time you want to explore classic Thai dishes, head downtown to Sister's Thai. The service is fast and friendly, the food is delicious, and the atmosphere is cozy. See you there, Rockford!

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Welcome Vanakkam India!

Welcome Vanakkam India!

Vanakkam India has opened at 1620 N Bell School Rd, Rockford, IL 61107. With classic flavors from the heart of India, you can travel the world with every bite. Keep reading for all the spicy details!You cannot have Indian food without Naan, and Vanakkam has four types for you to choose from. We tried the Garlic & Cilantro flavor and it was amazing! Buttery flavors really come through along with the classic toasty flavor from the clay oven. Find your favorite flavor and enjoy!Next up was their Lamb Tikka Masala, pieces of lamb cooked in creamy onion tomato sauce flavored with spices. We ordered a medium spice level and it definitely had a kick! The sauce is creamy and flavorful. The lamb is mild and fun deviation from the usual chicken. Served with cumin rice this is a delicious meal that won't leave you hungry.We also ordered their House Special Chicken Curry, a special home style chicken curry made of chef's secret recipe. I don't know what in it, and I don't care... this curry was fantastic! The medium spice certainly wakes up your sinus system, in the best way. The flavors were out of this world. This is not a cream-based sauce, so it has a lighter texture. The chicken pieces were generous and the chicken was tender and delicious. This is a house favorite for sure!Because we simply couldn't stop, we also had to try their Chicken Tekka Kabob, boneless chicken cubes marinated with ginger, garlic, herbs, yogurt, and spices skewered and roasted in the clay oven. The flavor of this chicken was delicious and the fresh salad was a perfect addition to our meal. This is perfect for fans of a milder flavor and was a hit for the kids.  If you find yourself on the east end of town and want a meal that will let you explore the world, try Vanakkam India. See you there, Rockford!

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Bop Bop Korean BBQ & Rice Bowl has a Storefront!

Bop Bop Korean BBQ & Rice Bowl has a Storefront!

Bop Bop Korean BBQ & Rice Bowl is now more than a food truck! They opened up inside City Market at 116 N Madison St Market, Rockford, IL 61107. Order at the counter and be served table side with fresh Korean BBQ favorites.  First, we had to try their Potato Korean Hot Dog. No meat in this dog, it's solid mozzarella cheese deep fried in potato-laden batter. Served fresh out of the fryer, the cheese pull is Instagram worthy and cheese lovers will find their new holy grail. Eat it plain or top it with ketchup, Gochujang Sauce, or hot cheetos dust to make it your own. Go head to head with your friends for longest cheese pull!Next up, the Galbi Rice Bowl, marinated short ribs. These short ribs are the hero you didn't know you needed. The flavor is out of this world and the portion is generous. The ribs are on the bone, making this a fun finger food if you like. The sauce they are marinated in is slightly sweet and completely delicious.  Next we tried the Bulgogi and Chicken Combination Rice Bowl. Bulgogi is a thinly sliced marinated ribeye. The sauce is savory and the meat is tender and juicy. You can choose a mild soy garlic sauce or spicy Gochujang Sauce. I went with soy garlic and its flavor is stunning. The chicken is tender and delicious. Paired together, this combo is filling and makes a fun dinner with lots of flavor.Rice bowls come with rice, japchae noodles (Korean sweet potato noodles), lettuce and yum yum dressing. The noodles are prepared perfectly, not sticky or chewy. The salad is fresh and the yum yum dressing is light and fresh with a hint of ginger.  You can't go wrong at Bop Bop Korean BBQ and Rice Bowl. They have fun specialty drinks to explore and the service was attentive and incredibly friendly. We can't wait to stop by again for Korean BBQ!

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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!

Bon Voyage Amy!!

I got to hang out with Amy (From Gratitude Bistro) before she leaves tomorrow, April 19th, for a big journey! Over the next 11 weeks, Destination Healthy Skin will be traveling the US performing FREE skin cancer screenings!✨ They will make two stops in Rockford, on July 2nd and 3rd! They will be parked at the Edgebrook Shops from 10 am to 4 pm on both days! To learn more about Destination Healthy Skin and where they will be this summer, check out the Skin Cancer Foundation's website at https://www.skincancer.org/early-detection/destination-healthy-skin/I hope you drive safe, Amy! We will see you in July!☀️❤️

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A Place For All Your Sewing Needs

I got to spend some time with the amazing Paige and Eric, who own and operate Simple Stitches. They are your go-to alteration and design squad. They're all about making your apparel fit like a glove and crafting custom pieces that scream YOU. Plus, they're not just about clothes – leather, vinyl, thick canvas, you name it, they stitch it!Whether you're an individual with a wardrobe dilemma or a business with bulk orders, they've got flexible pricing to suit your needs. They're also the go-to for dry-cleaning spots too!Meet the brains behind the needles: Paige Haefke, the sewing aficionado extraordinaire! Paige's passion for all things sewing kicked off at Starlight Theatre of Rock Valley College. With a degree in Fashion Design and a lifelong dedication to the craft, she's the ultimate "sewing nerd" ready to turn your visions into reality. When you're in a stitch-y situation, Paige has got your back! ✂️💫

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A New School for Lifelong Learners

Education is key 🔑 and there is a new school that wants to inspire lifelong learners. I'm so thankful to have gotten to know Carrie, Melissa, and Pastor Michael while on a tour of Calvary Baptist Christian School. ❤️ They have spacious facilities with many ideas to help nurture students academically. I think the best part about them is their passion! They truly want to help every student that walks through their doors! Calvary Baptist Christian School would like to invite everyone to their open house on Tuesday, April 16th at 7 pm, where you can tour the school, ask questions, meet staff, learn about the enrollment process, and discover what sets Calvary Baptist Christian School apart. Children are welcome to the event as well! ✨🗓️ Tuesday, April 16th⏰ 7:00 PM📍6286 Linden Rd, Rockford, ILYou can also find more information about Calvary Baptist Christian School at www.https://calvarybaptistrockford.com/

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WOYC Free Fun Fair 2024!!

This Saturday, April 13th, All Parents of little learners are invited to the Week of the Young Child Free Resource Fair!✨ It will be a fun-filled morning of:Playful activities that'll make your kiddos giggle with glee.Valuable resources for raising superstar kiddos.Connections with other awesome parents & caregivers."Play is the Work of Childhood."If you pre-register at the link below, you will be entered into a free raffle drawing for some cool prizes!🎁🧺🎟️https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdpMHyUWP9vy2TUUjIkL3b-sKypQ5Vq0XW_H2-U9A1hY8RsTQ/viewform?fce_id=5ee3d1d2-e900-4b9a-92e4-2324b7e272b7&fbclid

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