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

Thu

22

Jan

Sinnissippi Station Model Garden Railway Exhibit

12:00 AM @ Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens

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Sinnissippi Station Model Garden Railway Exhibit

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Fozzy’s Bar & Grill

Thu

22

Jan

Karaoke

8:00 PM @ Fozzy’s Bar & Grill

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Karaoke

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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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The Pomodoro

$5 Martinis at The Pomodoro

Every Thursday

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

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$5 Martinis at The Pomodoro

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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

Karaoke

Every Thursday

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

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Karaoke

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Reel Nutrition

Toys for Tots Thursdays

Every Thursday

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

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Toys for Tots Thursdays

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Screw City Tavern

Superhero Thursdays

Every Thursday

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

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Superhero Thursdays

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Franchesco’s Ristorante

Thursday Craft Cocktail Deal

Every Thursday

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

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Thursday Craft Cocktail Deal

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Fozzy’s Bar & Grill

Signature Bourbon Cocktails

Every Monday Thursday

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

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Signature Bourbon Cocktails

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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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Screw City Tavern

Steak Night Deal

Every Thursday

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

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Steak Night Deal

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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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Baked Wings

#GETSMASHED THURSDAYS

Every Thursday

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

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#GETSMASHED THURSDAYS

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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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Murphy’s Pub

Karaoke

Every Thursday

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

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Karaoke

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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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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!

Main Reef Specialties

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Today: 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Bringing the reef back to Rockford and the surrounding area! We specialize in providing all the essentials for starting, maintaining and stocking a beautiful reef tank. Come see our wide selection of vibrant corals and healthy fish!

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T & C's Cooking Creations

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Today: Closed

A melting pot of various delicious cuisines prepared by Chef Tisha Hannah with meticulous detail involved to satisfy each customer’s vision they want their event to exemplify. Weddings, baby showers, birthdays etc. You name it, we have you covered.

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T & C's Cooking Creations

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Gem Shop & Diamond Source, L.L.C.

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Today: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM

The Gem shop began in 1968 on card tables near Traverse City, Michigan. The addition of jewelry to our rock shop was an obvious choice when Kevin graduated from high school, The Gem Shop in Rockton was born. For over 30 years, with minimal advertising, we've proved our worth with hard work, great customer service and a huge selection of items for all audiences. Our selection of jewelry ranges from antique to modern, basic to intricate, and we even have handmade items as well. We offer custom design services to get you exactly what you have in mind.

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Gem Shop & Diamond Source, L.L.C.

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The Gaming Goat

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Today: 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM

The Gaming Goat is a national leader in board games and TCGs! We offer the best value in a physical retail setting, with up to 30% off MSRP everyday.Board games, Magic the Gathering, Pokemon, Final Fantasy TCG and Role Playing Games (Dungeons and Dragons, Pathfinder, and so much more)

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The Gaming Goat

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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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How Five Library Scholarships Can Make a Real Difference

Access matters more than people sometimes realize. For many of us, a library card is something we have always had. It feels automatic. But for others, especially those who live outside a library’s service area, access comes with a cost that can make it harder to say yes.That is why the Rockford Public Library's offering John F. McCoy Scholarships again this year is worth paying attention to.RPL is accepting applications for five scholarships that will cover the cost of a one-year library card for individuals who live outside the library’s regular service area. Each scholarship covers the full value of the card, which is $131, with recipients paying a one-time $20 establishment fee.This matters because a library is not just about books. It's about early literacy for young children. It is internet access for people who need it. It is programs for seniors, families, and students. It is a safe, public space where learning is encouraged and no one is rushed out the door.These scholarships are available to individuals who live outside the RPL service area and are either part of a family with a child under five years old or are 65 years of age or older. Applications will be accepted throughout the month of January, with scholarships awarded in the second week of February 2026 during Love Your Library Month.The scholarships are funded by a donation made in honor of John F. McCoy and were established by his family. The intent is clear. Help remove barriers so more people can access what the library offers.In a community like Rockford, that kind of effort has ripple effects.When families with young children have access to books and early learning programs, it supports long-term growth. When older adults have access to technology, information, and community spaces, it helps reduce isolation. When more people are able to use shared public resources, the whole community benefits. The Rockford Public Library has been part of this area since 1872. Today, it operates multiple locations, a mobile library, and the Nordlof Center. Its mission is to educate, inform, and enrich the people it serves. Programs like this scholarship show what that mission looks like in practice.This is not about charity. It is about access. And access has always been a key part of what makes communities stronger.If you live outside the RPL service area and qualify, this is an opportunity worth looking into. To apply for one of the five 2026 John F. Mc Coy Scholarships, visit a Rockford Public Librarylocation or www.rockfordpubliclibrary.org during January and look for the John F. McCoy Scholarship banner on the RPL homepage.And if you live inside the service area, it is a reminder of how important public institutions are when they are supported and shared. Sometimes positivity in Rockford looks like big events. Other times, it looks like five library cards opening five new doors.Remember, it is a good day to go local.

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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.

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

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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!

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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!