Search

What's Nearby

Home

Events

Restaurants

Shopping

Local Places

Stories & Polls

Buzz Videos

Sponsorship

Buzz Merch

Login

Japanese Summer Festival Returns to Anderson Japanese Gardens

Japanese Summer Festival Returns to Anderson Japanese Gardens
Anderson Japanese Gardens

Anderson Japanese Gardens

Posted On: July 25, 2019

Share

Anderson Japanese Gardens is hosting its annual Japanese Summer Festival on Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28 from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM. The Festival is a celebration of traditional cultural arts featuring exhibits, demonstrations and performances that are engaging and entertaining for the entire family. 

 

Admission is free for Premium Garden Members and is the cost of regular Garden admission for Basic and Non-Members. All performances and most activities are included with the price of admission.  Performances and demonstrations will take place in the Visitor Center and throughout the Gardens. Popular activities and performances include: 

 


  • Ho Etsu Taiko Drum Performances- 10:00AM & 12:30PM
  • Candyman (Traditional Japanese Street Performer)
  • Traditional Japanese Dance
  • Children’s Games
  • Japanese Martial Arts Demonstrations
  • Koto Performances
  • Calligraphy Demonstrations
  • Japanese Flower Arranging Demonstrations

 


 

Traditional tea ceremonies will be hosted daily in the Gardens’ traditional 16th century Sukiya style Guest House, Tea House and Gazebo overlooking the west waterfall. Space is extremely limited and times vary. Advanced registration is encouraged and can be made by visiting www.AndersonGardens.org. Tea ceremony participation fees are $20 Premium Members/$25 Basic & Non-Members.

 

The 2019 Japanese Summer Festival is made possible through the generous support from Kikkoman Foods USA, BMO Harris Bank, the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, Savant Capital Management, the Steve & Andrea Jensen Family, Broadmoor Insurance, Stifel and Nicor Gas.

 

About Anderson Japanese Gardens

Anderson Japanese Gardens evolved from an individual’s vision to create a unique amenity for the Rockford region into an internationally renowned public garden. It has transitioned from a passive guest attraction into a highly programmed regional amenity. Today the Garden is operated as a nonprofit organization and attracts nearly 100,000 guests annually.

 

For information regarding programming and events, visit us at www.AndersonGardens.org. Stay connected by following Anderson Japanese Gardens on Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest. Anderson Japanese Gardens is a 501 (c)(3) organization.

More Anderson Japanese Gardens Stories

Taco Variety at Cantina Taco

Taco Variety at Cantina Taco

Cantina Taco has two locations in the Rockford area to help you celebrate your love for tacos every day of the week. With fresh ingredients and unique flavors, you can't go wrong for lunch or dinner. Find them at 6342 E Riverside Blvd, Loves Park, IL 61111 and 117 S Main St, Rockford, IL 61101.Order at the counter and try not to drool on yourself while they prepare and deliver your order to your table.  We tried the beef birria tacos on corn tortillas, and wow! With a thick layer of cheese between the tortilla and the meat, these are a heavy serving of delicious flavors. Dip your way to birria heaven and just try to keep your hands clean while you enjoy the juicy goodness. Pick your favorite salsa to add if you want to turn up the heat or add some fresh pico.No review of Cantina Taco is complete without trying the Screw City Taco: a fried flour tortilla with your choice of protein, topped with house-made Queso cheese, basmati rice, corn, and sour cream. We opted for the pork and dug in! These are large tacos, with 2 being quite filling. The creamy texture is perfect for cheese and sour cream lovers and the flavor is unique to Cantina Taco! The pork was cooked perfectly, and juicy.  If fancy flavors aren't your speed, enjoy some of Cantina Taco's classic flavors like the ground beef taco. With fresh lettuce, onion, cilantro, and cheese, these classic flavors are customizable to suit everyone's taste and available with many different protein options.  With burritos, bowls, and quesadillas also on the menu, everyone is bound to find something they love at Cantina Taco. See you there, Rockford!

Share

Info
Summer Patio Fun at The Shed!

Summer Patio Fun at The Shed!

Don't sleep on this awesome summer patio experience! What's better than classic Lino's favorites and a patio the whole family can enjoy? Let the kids run and explore while you enjoy a beverage and your favorite yard games. This Lino's experience is available at 8410 E Riverside Blvd, Loves Park, IL 61111.In case you thought the Riverside Lino's was only for carry-out, we are here to set the record straight. Order your favorites to go but enjoy The Shed, a large covered dining experience with indoor and outdoor seating available. Pizzas, pastas, and sandwiches are available at this location, along with their special salad and gelato!We enjoy special salad to start, and enjoyed the classic flavors that makes Lino's salad a crowd favorite. Served with bread and butter, you get the classic Lino's start to your patio experience.  Next up, gnocchi with meatballs. This hearty pasta dish will fill your stomach and put a smile on your soul. Served hot, the gnocchi has that classic doughy texture that sets this pasta apart. The hand made Lino's meatballs add the perfect amount of protein to this feast.We also had to order the classic mostaccioli with meatballs. You can't go wrong with any of Lino's pastas in their sweet red sauce. Adding some sunshine and patio fun only makes this Lino's experience better.Don't forget to add a scoop of gelato to your meal for that sweet finishing touch in the summer sun.Wines are available by the bottle, and they have a selection of canned beers and seltzers as well. Bring the whole family out for food and fun before the season ends. See you there, Rockford!

Share

Info
Steak Night at Crazy Times Pub & Grub

Steak Night at Crazy Times Pub & Grub

Crazy Times Pub & Grub, located at 1520 Glen Forest Dr, Machesney Park, IL 61115, has an awesome patio with covered and open areas to give you the perfect summer dining experience. Thursday is steak night, which is why we think you should keep reading this before you make dinner plans for tomorrow!You have to start with a good old fashioned fried appetizer at a pub, you just have to. So we went with fried mac and cheese bites to appease our inner child. Served with ranch, this dippable classic is exactly what you think it is, mac and cheese fried into triangles. The crispy outer crust and the gooey inside makes you feel young at heart.It was steak night, so we had to order their 14oz ribeye, served with Garlic Texas toast, choice of side salad, cottage cheese or Soup of the Day, choice of baked potato, twice baked, french fries, waffle fries, tots, or onion straws. With all those sides, you won't leave hungry! We ordered the twice baked potato, which did not disappoint. The chives, bacon, and cheese made this potato delicious. The steak was cooked to our preferred temp perfectly, and had an out of this world blend of seasonings on top. It was tender and juicy.Also served with a sweet roll that almost felt like eating dessert, this is a delicious meal that didn't put a huge dent in the wallet. We think it might be steak night more often around here!Head on out to Crazy Times Pub & Grub for good company, a good beverage, and a great steak. See you there, Rockford!

Share

Info
Rain or Shine Patio at Lucha Cantina

Rain or Shine Patio at Lucha Cantina

This summer has been a mix of high heat and heavy rains, but the patio at Lucha Cantina can be enjoyable for both! Located at 1641 N Alpine Rd, Rockford, IL 61107, Lucha Cantina's patio offers some covered options to help keep you cool and dry while you dine.It was actively raining during our trip, and we stayed dry and comfy under the covering on the patio!If you have not tried the Yucca Tots yet, you don't know what you're missing! Made with freshly shredded Yucca, a Mexican root vegetable similar to a potato, and served with a side of sriracha mayo, this is a great share for the whole table and fun for adults and kids alike. A crispy outside and a soft inside make these a delicious way to start your meal.Next up, the good old fashioned Cheesesteak Chimi: thinly shaved sirloin along with crimini mushrooms, poblano peppers, bell peppers, onions, and a dash of Ranch Dressing, and smothered in queso. Whether you like it the old way (yes, there's a button for that) or the new way, the Cheesesteak Chimi is a crowd favorite with its cheesy goodness and very generous portions. Lucha Cantina is well known for their fresh ingredients and the fresh flavors really melt together with this delicious entree. Next up, the Rio Grande Bowl: an amazing blend of flavors that starts with poblano rice, chihuahua cheese, spinach, a little red onion, corn, jalapeño, black beans and fresh avocado. Add your favorite protein and this bowl will quickly become your favorite fresh dish on the menu! The crunch of the fresh vegetables truly shines within this dish. You can feel good about this meal, without sacrificing delicious flavors.  Add a side to your order to complete your dish, we highly recommend the fiesta potatoes with black beans and corn. The potatoes are prepared to crispy perfection.Whether the weather is in your favor or not, the patio at Lucha Cantina can be a great go-to for amazing food! See you there, Rockford!

Share

Info
Plume: A New Italian Restaurant

Plume: A New Italian Restaurant

It's time for a new patio, Plume! Located at 1132 Auburn St, Rockford, IL 61103, Plume is a new Italian restaurant that offers unique dishes from the owners' hearts.  We started with Pumpernickel Cavatelli: Smoked beef brisket, quark cheese, cabbage, and Eiger Mountain Emmenthaler. The pumpernickel flavor really shines in the handmade pasta, making this a unique pasta that captivates you from the first bite. The smoked beef brisket with perfectly prepared and generously portioned. Topped with cheese to give you that classic pasta feel and a satisfying crunch coming from the cabbage, each bite of this pasta is full of flavor. Don't sleep on the sauce, the flavor really brings the individual pieces of the dish together with a velvety feel.Next up, the Hot Chicken: Polenta puree, olive oil, braised greens, honey, and chowchow. The sweetness of the honey shines through on this dish beautifully. The huge portions of chicken breast make this a very filling dish. This crispy skin on the chicken was packed with flavor and added a fun texture to the plate. The unique polenta puree and vegetables make this a stand out. The large chicken breast was prepared perfectly, tender and juicy throughout.We couldn't leave without trying the Nutella Pot de Creme: Hazelnut butter, chocolate, and Frangelico whipped cream in a mason jar. This is a great shareable dessert where you will find yourself knocking spoons to get the last bite.Try this new patio this summer and experience new tastes. See you there, Rockford!

Share

Info
A Rockford Patio Classic at Olympic Tavern

A Rockford Patio Classic at Olympic Tavern

It's time for a Rockford patio classic, the Olympic Tavern! Located at 2327 N Main St, Rockford, IL 61103, the Olympic Tavern has been a Rockford staple for 80 years. A large patio with covered and open areas to suit everyone's preferences means you can't go wrong with summer dining.We started with a couple of beverages, one being a fun peach special, No Crying in Baseball, is perfect for summer sipping. It has white sangria with riesling, peach nectar, Stoli Citros vodka, ginger ale, and lemon juice, and peach rings for garnish. With a massive beer and cocktail list, you can enjoy hours of summer sun with your refreshment of choice.Next up, an appetizer! Volcano Shrimp are flour-dusted shrimp tossed in creamy Thai chili sauce, over napa cabbage & jicama slaw. This generous portion of slightly sweet and spicy shrimp is a great shareable for 2 or a light meal for 1. The slaw is a light crunchy salad that compliments the shrimp nicely. The shrimp is tail off and ready to pop in your mouth.We ended with the Prime Rib Sandwich, an 8oz prime rib grilled with provolone, horseradish cream, and onions on a toasted Turano hoagie roll with fries. This beast of a sandwich won't leave you hungry! It requires two hands to support this delicious sandwich, prepared to medium temp and towering with onions and fries on the side. Served with a steak knife to cut as needed, you can easily share this or keep the glory all to yourself. The prime rib was prepared perfectly because this was still a sandwich you could sink your teeth into and eat comfortably.Get out this summer and enjoy a classic patio experience. You can bring your (well behaved) pups on Monday to make it a family affair! See you there, Rockford!

Share

Info
Summer Dining at Franchesco's Ristorante

Summer Dining at Franchesco's Ristorante

Sometimes you want a fancy feel with your summer patio dining. Franchesco's Ristorante, located at 7128 Spring Creek Rd, Rockford, IL 61107, is serving up summer patio dining with some serious style.  The manicure patio has beautiful landscaping and a fountain to bring your date night that romantic flair, while still enjoying the summer breeze. Part of the patio is covered to offer protection from the sun, or a surprise summer rainfall. Enjoy white table clothe dining under the roof, or a more traditional patio set up in the open air.Do not, I repeat, do not skip the bread basket. You're welcome.  We started with Linguine Charlie: 6 Garlic encrusted Shrimp, tossed with Olive Oil, Garlic, Red Pepper, and Romano Cheese. This seemingly simple dish is loaded with stunning flavor and perfectly prepped shrimp. The garlic shines as the star of this plate and pairs perfectly with the red pepper and olive oil sauce. With perfect al dente linguine, this is a fast favorite.Next up, the classic Chicken Parmesan: Jumbo Chicken Breast pan fried, with Mozzarella and Pomodoro. Served with Penne. Jumbo is no understatement, this chicken breast is a protein motherload that is pan fried to perfection, layered with mozzarella, and dripping in red Pomodoro sauce. This classic is a crowd pleaser that comes to the table in delicious perfection every time. The chicken is juicy, the sauce is generous, and the penne adds that carb balance. This dish transports you to Grandma's kitchen and warms your soul.No matter what you order at Frachesco's, you cannot go wrong. The menu is full of stunning flavors and for the rest of the season you can enjoy them and summer at the same time! See you on the patio, Rockford!

Share

Info
Easy Tiger is Now a Brick & Mortar!

Easy Tiger is Now a Brick & Mortar!

Tour de Patio trucks along as we explored food truck turned brick and mortar Easy Tiger! With garage doors opening up to a spacious patio, pull up a chair, order a delicious meal, and soak up the sun.Easy Tiger opened up with a fun drink menu with plenty of spicy and fruity flavors to give you that tropical island feel. The fresh garnish and spicy rims take these drinks to a new level.After you order a beverage, make sure to explore the food menu! We tried the Pork Nachos and...wow. These piled high nachos have all your favorite toppings and sweet and savory pulled pork. This is a table shareable, or a meal for our nacho fanatics out there. The veggies were fresh, and the pork was tender and delicious. You can add this pork to plenty of options on the menu, and we recommend doing just that. The flavor is one you can't get enough of!Easy Tiger also boasts an Asian flair, so we had to tried the classic fried rice. We opted for shrimp this time, which was cooked to perfection and generously portioned. The fried rice itself is out of this world! The salty sweet medley is different than your average take out and will have you clamoring for the next bite! This is a classic dish with Easy Tiger's signature twist.Add Easy Tiger to your Tour de Patio, and we'll see you there Rockford!

Share

Info
Best Tattoo Parlor in the 815

Best Tattoo Parlor in the 815

In honor of National Tattoo Day on July 17th, we're celebrating the incredible tattoo artists in our community! 🎉🖤 Whether you have a collection of tattoos or are just a fan of the art, we want to know: which local tattoo parlor is your favorite.Vote for the best local tattoo parlor below!

Share

Info
Special Brownie at Pig Minds Brewing Co.

Special Brownie at Pig Minds Brewing Co.

Tour de Patio continues with Pig Minds Brewing Co., located at 4080 Steele Dr., Machesney Park, IL 61115. With cafe lights and vines decorating the patio, this one is serving up good food with a fun vibe.  You can't go to Pig Minds Brewing Co. and not get a craft beer! Pick your flavor and sip on a hot summer day. Don't forget they have a full bar, so order a margarita or anything your heart desires!We started with a crowd favorite, the Sweet Hot Brussels Sprouts: crispy brussel sprouts in an agave sriracha sauce. Sweet and hot is right, these have the perfect balance of both flavors to make eating your vegetables a fun treat. Marked as a favorite for a reason, this generous portion is enough to share with the whole table, because everyone will want some!Next up, the Hawaiian BBQ Pizza: smokey BBQ sauce topped with caramelized pineapple, smoked maple soy curls, red onion, mozzarella, cheddar cheeze, & smokey bbq drizzle. Handmade to order, the vegan pizzas at Pig Minds Brewing Co. are delicious. The hand tossed crust is fluffy on the inside, and provides a stable base for the toppings above. We believe all pizza toppings are created equal, even pineapple, which added a sweetness to this delicious pizza. #justiceforpineapple We couldn't leave without dessert! We ordered the Special Brownie: a warm chocolate brownie drizzled with chocolate syrup and peanut butter sauce. This vegan treat is served warm and is the perfect shareable size (or not, we never judge). The peanut butter drizzle really made this brownie out of this world.Grab a local craft beer and a special brownie out on the patio this summer at Pig Minds Brewing Co. See you there, Rockford!

Share

Info
Dock Dining at Tad's on the Rock

Dock Dining at Tad's on the Rock

If you haven't noticed the theme yet this summer, it's all about patio dining! One of Rockford's favorite dock dining experiences is Tad's on the Rock, located at 10 E Riverside Blvd, Loves Park, IL 61111. Whether you arrive by land or water, you can enjoy beautiful river views and classic summer flavors.We started with the Western Burger, a 1/4 pound patty loaded with onion, cheddar cheese, bacon, and BBQ sauce; served on a buttered and toasted bun with the most perfectly cooked french fries around, or side of your choice. The burger was prepared to medium temperature and the flavors and textures blended perfectly. The crispy bacon made this burger easy to eat.  Next up, the classic Pork Chop Sandwich. With all the classics fixins, this larger-than-bun summer favorite is as fun to eat as it is delicious. All the veggies were fresh, and the patty was crispy fried to perfection. Also served with a side of your choice, we took this opportunity to have even more french fries.  These beauties are fried crispy but soft inside. Never soggy. Tossed in salt prior to hitting your table, these bad boys are worth the trip alone.With regular drink specials, an awesome live music schedule, and river views, you can't go wrong at Tad's on the Rock. See you there, Rockford!

Share

Info
Summer Line Up at RVC Starlight Theatre

Summer Line Up at RVC Starlight Theatre

Food is not the highlight of this week's review, instead, it's the outstanding line up at RVC Starlight Theatre!The summer session at Starlight Theatre has begun and we had to check out the first show, Legally Blonde, for ourselves! Returning in August, this is one to see and share with friends.There isn't a bad seat in the house at Starlight Theater. With stadium seating you never have to worry about an obstructed view, and the intimate setting gives you a great view of the stage no matter your seat.Legally Blonde follows Elle, a fashion major turned law student as she pursues love and finds herself along the way. The Director, Clarissa Dahlhauser, has this to say, "This musical asks us to check our initial (often judgemental) perceptions of others, and in the same breath, find our own self-confidence in who we know that we can be despite other's clouded perceptions of us and our capabilities. It's for everyone that's ever felt judged, felt self-conscious in their chosen field or identity, felt pressure to be something they were not, and to anyone that's ever been told, 'you will never make it'."The sets are stunning and detailed, really transporting you to each scene. The highlight of this show was truly the people involved. Elle, played by Chanel Black, was truly inspirational, with a voice that enchanted the whole audience. The Delta Nu girls kept cheering our main character along her journey with fun songs that will keep your toe tapping. Every crew member hit their mark during incredibly tough choreography that left us completely impressed.  If you are a fan of the movie, you'll love this stage rendition which didn't miss a beat. We got Paulette's charming side story and were endeared by the furry cast members.If this show is setting up the rest of the Starlight Theater season, we are in for a summer filled with excellent performances and great entertainment!Don't miss the rest of the season, featuring Guys and Dolls, The Color Purple, Disney's Newsies, and Disney's Beauty and the Beast.See you there, Rockford!

Share

Info
Tikka Masala at House of India Restaurant

Tikka Masala at House of India Restaurant

When I think of spice, I instantly think of Indian food. While the spice that traditional Indian dishes are famous for adds a ton of flavor and life, it doesn't always mean heat. Even those with a milder temperature tolerance can enjoy the beautiful tastes of House of India, located at 6430 E Riverside Blvd, Loves Park, IL 61111.Levels of spiciness are controlled by chilis, which can easily be added to or omitted from recipes. At House of India, they have three levels to choose from: mild, medium, and hot.We ordered two entrees: Tandoori Chicken and Lamb Tikka Masala; as well as the accompanying sides: Saffron Rice and Garlic Naan.Tandoori chicken is marinated in yogurt and spices in a tandoor (clay oven). While this ranked mild on the spice level, the spices used to marinate the chicken were phenomenal. The chicken was cooked so tender that it practically fell off the bone and the flavor is just delicious. Who knew yogurt could be a marinade and nail the job?! Served piping hot with a large lemon wedge and on a bed of onions, this is a dish that can please the whole table.We decided on the Lamb Tikka Masala because it is a fan favorite. The dish is bite-sized pieces of lamb in a spiced curry sauce. The curry is creamy and orange-red. This is where the saffron rice comes in! You ladle the Tikka Masala over the rice and create your own dish. I ordered the medium spice, and I feel like this is safe for milder temperature tolerances (unless you let leftovers sit and marinate for 24 hours). I will definitely be ordering this hot next time. I can't get enough of spicy food and I think this dish can only get better with additional heat!Let's talk about the Naan... You are in for a treat! House of India has multiple flavors of Naan, and you definitely want to order some for the table (or yourself) to enjoy. It arrives at the table freshly prepared and so wonderfully warm.No matter what you choose from their extensive menu, it is sure to please! Step out of your box and try something new!

Share

Info
Ribs and Brisket at Smokin Coop BBQ Pit

Ribs and Brisket at Smokin Coop BBQ Pit

Smokin Coop BBQ Pit, located at 2022 US-20 BUS, Belvidere, IL 61008, is the perfect place to embrace patio season! Order from their delicious menu and grab a seat inside or outside for a fabulous summer meal.With everything from chicken, pulled pork, ribs, brisket, and more, you may have a hard time deciding what to order! They also have a variety of bbq sauces and sides to make your meal the perfect match. Don't forget to order pie or pick up a cookie for dessert, if you still have room!We tried the rack of ribs with macaroni and cheese, potato salad, and cornbread. The ribs come basted in Smokin Coops original bbq sauce, and are smoked to fall-off-the-bone perfection. You can dive in with two messy hands for this delicious main course. The meat is tender and juicy and the sauce enhances that smoked flavor to leave you craving more.We couldn't leave without trying the brisket! Served with no sauce so that you can choose your favorite flavor, this generous portion is tender and filling. We chose more mac and cheese (duh), and baked beans with pork to accompany the cornbread. The brisket is a popular dish and sometimes sells out, so come early and often to get your share!Smokin Coop's macaroni and cheese is worth living for! The penne noodles are coated in thick and creamy cheese. We ordered two for a reason, you won't want to share yours either 😂. Their potato salad is fresh and delicious with a hint of mustard. The baked beans are loaded with pork and the sauce is perfect for adding to your meat of choice.  You can't go wrong with bbq at Smokin Coop. We look forward to going back to try even more! See you there, Rockford.

Share

Info
Rockford's Best Bars

Rockford's Best Bars

Hey everyone! I'm on a mission to find the best bar in the 815 area. Whether you love the cozy neighborhood pub, the trendy cocktail spot downtown, or the lively sports bar with the best game-day vibe, I want to hear from you!What's your favorite local bar in the 815? Help me find the top spot to hang out, relax, and have a good time. Your favorite bar needs your vote! 🍻

Share

Info

Thank You to Our Platinum & Gold Sponsors

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Follow Us On Social

Contact Us

info@rockfordbuzz.com

Privacy Policy

The Communities We Serve

Rockford IL

Machesney Park IL

Loves Park IL

Belvidere IL

Cherry Valley IL

×

Post Interaction!

By clicking "Interested", "Like", or "Favorite" cool things happen!

Add the event, place, or deal to your "My Rockford" page

Let's us know what kind of Stories and Videos you like

Log in to interact!