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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! 💖

As of last week, there is only 1 spot open!The stage is set for one of Rockford’s most creative and charitable nights of the year. INCROWD815 has officially announced the return of its wildly popular Masked Karaoke Trivia Contest, and tickets are now on sale for the third installment of this crowd-favorite event.Taking place on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 7:00 PM at the Tebala Event Center (7910 Newburg Rd, Rockford), this unique competition brings together the excitement of trivia, the fun of karaoke, and the heart of community giving — all to benefit local not-for-profit organizations.🎤 Trivia, Tunes, and a TwistTwelve enthusiastic teams will compete across three rounds of trivia and one “celebrity judged” karaoke performance. Each team will be playing for a chosen nonprofit, but here’s the twist — the organization they represent will remain “masked” until the end of the event, keeping audiences guessing right up to the grand reveal.At stake is over $7,000 in prize money, including a $5,000 Grand Prize courtesy of Medicare411, which will go directly to the winning team’s nonprofit organization.“This event is a fantastic way to engage our community, highlight the incredible work of local not-for-profits, and have a lot of fun doing it,” said Greg Saunders, host of The INCROWD815 Podcast. “A few of the organizations that teams will be playing for this year include Mosaic in Rockford, Carpenter’s Place, Ski Broncs, SOS, and Rock House Kids.”💸 Prizes for the Audience, TooFor the first time, audience members will have the chance to win cash and prizes of their own. Every attendee will receive a raffle ticket upon entry. If their number is called, they’ll play a quick game of “TRIV or KARE” — answer a trivia question or sing a karaoke snippet for the chance to win hundreds of dollars in prizes, including donations for their favorite nonprofit.🎟️ How to AttendEarly bird tickets are only $15 through November 6 and can be purchased online at tinyurl.com/INCROWD815. Regular tickets will be available afterward, but seating is limited — and past events have sold out fast.📅 Event DetailsWhat: The INCROWD815 Masked Karaoke Trivia Contest When: Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 7:00 PM Where: Tebala Event Center, 7910 Newburg Rd, Rockford, IL Highlights: 12 teams, 3 rounds of trivia, 1 karaoke performance per team, celebrity judges, over $7,000 in prizes for local nonprofits, and prize opportunities for audience members.💬 About INCROWD815INCROWD815 is a community networking group and podcast dedicated to promoting and supporting local not-for-profit organizations and the businesses that champion them throughout the Rockford and 815 area. Through unique events, creative fundraising, and community-driven storytelling, INCROWD815 connects people, builds awareness, and celebrates the positive impact of local initiatives.Learn more at INCROWD815.com.Contact: Greg Saunders Host, INCROWD815 Podcast 📞 815.509.6383

Rockford’s history is not confined to textbooks or museum plaques. It is alive, embedded in the architecture, the people, and the pulse of a city that has continually reinvented itself. Every brick and beam tells a story. From grand theatres to quiet gardens, the city’s landmarks reveal the ingenuity, diversity, and creativity that built Rockford into what it is today.Whether you are a lifelong local or a weekend visitor, these historic attractions offer a journey through time that connects the city’s industrious past with its vibrant present.🏙️ Rockford Register Star News TowerStanding tall at 99 East State Street, the Rockford Register Star News Tower has been a defining feature of the downtown skyline since 1930. Designed by local architect Jesse Barloga, the building captures the elegance of the Art Deco era, with clean lines, decorative stonework, and its most recognizable feature, the shining Lantern of Liberty that once glowed over the city for more than 90 years.Originally built as the headquarters for the Rockford Register Republic, the tower became home to the Rockford Register Star after a merger in 1979. Inside, the hum of the printing presses filled the lower floors while journalists and editors worked in the offices above, crafting the stories that connected Rockford to its people. For decades, this was the beating heart of local news. 🏠 Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum & GardensPerched on a bluff overlooking Kent Creek, Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum & Gardens feels like a portal to another era. Built in 1865 by Rockford businessman and mayor Robert Tinker, the home reflects both Victorian craftsmanship and Swiss-inspired design. Inside, the rooms remain much as the family left them, furnished with original artwork, photographs, and heirlooms that tell the story of a family whose life intertwined with the city’s growth.Visitors can take guided tours led by knowledgeable historians who bring the stories of the Tinker family to life, from Robert’s civic leadership to his wife Mary’s community contributions. Outside, the gardens bloom with color in warmer months, offering a serene escape that mirrors the peaceful rhythms of 19th-century Rockford.🎭 Coronado Performing Arts CenterFew places embody the soul of Rockford quite like the Coronado Performing Arts Center. Built in 1927 during the golden age of American theatres, it was affectionately known as Rockford’s Wonder Theatre. Its ornate Spanish and Italian-style architecture, twinkling starry ceiling, and gold leaf details still stop visitors in their tracks.For nearly a century, the Coronado has been a gathering place for community and culture. Vaudeville acts, silent films, and traveling orchestras once filled its stage. Today, it continues that legacy with Broadway productions, concerts, and local performances that keep the theatre’s lights and its spirit shining bright.As Executive Director, Beth Howard once said, “Every person who walks through these doors becomes part of Coronado’s story. It is not just about preserving history. It is about creating new memories.”🏭 Midway Village MuseumIf the Coronado is Rockford’s cultural heart, Midway Village Museum is its memory keeper. Spread across 148 acres, the museum’s Victorian-era village invites visitors to wander through 26 historic buildings, from a general store and schoolhouse to a blacksmith shop and print studio. Each structure is brought to life by costumed interpreters who re-create the sights, sounds, and routines of daily life in early Rockford.The main museum exhibits dive deeper into the city’s role in innovation and manufacturing. Displays highlight Rockford’s impact on furniture design, tools, and the rise of the Swedish-American work ethic that helped shape the community. It is immersive, educational, and deeply connected to the region’s identity.⚙️ Ethnic Heritage Museum and Graham-Ginestra HouseOn South Main Street sits one of Rockford’s most culturally significant destinations, the Ethnic Heritage Museum. Housed in a former residence dating back to the 1850s, the museum celebrates six of the immigrant groups that built Rockford, including Italian, Irish, Hispanic, Polish, Lithuanian, and African American. Each room tells a different story through artifacts, music, and photos that honor the contributions of those who came here seeking opportunity.Next door stands the Graham-Ginestra House, an impeccably preserved Italianate-style home built in 1857. It offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of Rockford’s early industrialists and continues to serve as a testament to the city’s architectural and cultural preservation. Together, these landmarks remind us that Rockford’s story is not one narrative but a collection of many.🦴 Burpee Museum of Natural HistoryThe Burpee Museum of Natural History might be best known for Jane, one of the most complete juvenile T. rex skeletons ever discovered, but its story goes far beyond dinosaurs. Since opening in 1942, Burpee has been a hub of discovery, education, and wonder for visitors of all ages.The museum blends science and storytelling, connecting ancient fossils to modern ecology. Exhibits such as Jane: Diary of a Dinosaur and Carboniferous Coal Forest highlight the natural history of the region and the planet. It is a place where learning feels like adventure and where local curiosity meets global exploration.🌉 The Symbol and Sinnissippi ParkStanding tall along the Rock River, The Symbol is one of Rockford’s most recognizable landmarks. Created by artist Alexander Liberman in 1984, the massive red steel sculpture has become a visual shorthand for the city itself, bold, creative, and resilient.Just steps away, Sinnissippi Park and Gardens stretch across rolling hills and riverside trails. The park’s walking paths, fountains, and floral displays provide the perfect backdrop for reflection, connecting art and nature in one seamless experience. It is a reminder that Rockford’s beauty lies not just in what it has built, but in how it continues to evolve.A Living Tapestry of HistoryFrom preserved Victorian homes to roaring theatres, Rockford’s historic attractions are more than tourist stops. They are living chapters in an ongoing story that reflects the city’s resilience, creativity, and community spirit.For locals, they are reminders of the generations that came before. For visitors, they are an invitation to discover a city that values its past as much as its future.In Rockford, history is not something to read about. It is something you can walk through, touch, and feel, one story, one landmark, and one proud community at a time.

Halloween season in Rockford isn’t just about haunted houses and pumpkin patches — it’s about the joy of Trunk or Treat, where decorated vehicle trunks replace doorstep trick-or-treating and the whole community can share in safe, festive fun.Imagine walking through a parking lot lined with cars dressed up in spooky, playful, or creative themes. Kids dart from trunk to trunk with candy bags in hand, families snap photos, DJs spin tunes, and local organizations bring games, snacks, and smiles. That’s the magic of Trunk or Treat in Rockford.📅 A Few Rockford Favorites Worth MarkingThe 8th Annual Trunk-or-Treat Festival at Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum & Gardens on Oct 12 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Expect candy at decorated trunks, craft tables, face painting, live music by The JB Project, food trucks, and free tours of the first floor. Hunt HalloweenLockwood Park hosts Screw City Jeeps 815’s Trunk or Treat — a family favorite where decorated Jeep trunks, games, and community vibes come together. 97ZOK+1For those who like local neighborhood events, there’s a trunk or treat at 1710 Rural St, Rockford, on Oct 20 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. The event invites families and vehicles to join in the fun. AllEventsThese are just a few — throughout October, Rockford lights up with dozens of trunk or treat offerings for families to enjoy. StayHappening+2Bluewater Healthy Living+2👻 Why Trunk or Treat MattersTrunk or Treats do more than hand out candy. They’re local stories in motion. They let neighborhoods come alive. They give parents peace of mind with a controlled, safe environment for costumed kiddos. They allow small organizations, local churches, and clubs to shine in their communities.In Rockford, these events help strengthen bonds. They let neighbors meet neighbors. They let young hands shake older hands. They let every child walk away with more than candy — they walk away with memories of laughter, community, and the simple magic that only fall in our city can bring.🛠️ Tips to Make Your Trunk or Treat GlowTheme your trunk — ghosts, superheroes, forest creatures — creativity makes it unforgettable.Budget for candy, but also small toys or stickers so you don’t run out too quickly.Use soft lighting (fairy lights, lanterns) — both safe and magical.Invite neighbors ahead of time; even small trunks make a difference.Take time to stand back and enjoy — watching children’s faces is part of the charm.✅ How to Stay in the KnowKeep an eye on community calendars like StayHappening Rockford for new updates. StayHappening: Check local museum and church websites. Follow Rockford Buzz — we’ll post updates as events are confirmed.Bring your costumes, your camera, your spirit — Rockford’s Trunk or Treat season is waiting.Remember, it is a good day to go local.

Experience the magic of the holidays at Meyer’s Tails Up Farm in Belvidere. Enjoy twinkling lights, wagon rides, Santa visits, and cozy holiday fun for the whole family. ❄️🎅Plan your visit for a Christmas experience you will never forget.👉 Learn more at facebook.com/ChristmasAtTheFarm

Brothers John and Doug turned Coaches Corner Bar & Grill into one of Belvidere’s most beloved local hangouts. With the support of General Manager Mary and their dedicated team, they have built a community hub known for great food, friendly service, and hometown pride. Discover their story and why Belvidere loves Coaches Corner.Remember, it's a good day to go local!

Last Wednesday, GoRockford shared the game plan for this year’s Stroll On State, and it is going to be bigger and brighter than ever! 🌟They are adding three new experiences to the event while keeping and improving all the community favorites we already love — from lights and parades to music, shopping, and family fun. 🎁✨Stay tuned, Rockford… Stroll season is almost here! ❤️

Remember that childhood thrill of walking into a book fair? It is back, only this time for adults.Enjoy an evening surrounded by books, creativity, and community. Meet local authors, browse local book tables, and take part in fun activities like DIY bookmark making and other literary surprises.Whether you love to read or just want a cozy night out, this event is pure nostalgia, grown-up style. 💫🎥 Watch the full reel to see why book lovers all over Rockford are marking their calendars.