Festival of Lights

Silhouette & Taboo Blah Blah

The band Silhouette is made up of three women that happen to be on our front-of-house staff: Taylor Hopkins, Alison LaMantia, and Asia Peters. Their voices blend into a velvety, powerful, and intoxicating sound that silences rooms. The band Taboo Blah Blah has two staff members from our kitchen in it: Lincoln Flowers and Cameron “Jimmy” St. Clair. With fresh rhythms, tasty fiddle licks from Gavin Epperson, and truly unforgettable conversational lyrics, these crowd-pleasers are as fun to listen to as they are to watch; their live shows bring the house down. We are so excited to welcome back both of these bands. The cost for the night is just $15 at the door, and it would mean a lot to our crew to see you there! TBB photo by Matt Youngblood

Westside Rockford

Reed Between The Notes

Reed Between The Notes will be performing acoustic music from all types of bands and artist.

Loves Park

BLUE STEEL @ Benny’s at Nest

Kick off the long Thanksgiving weekend with the ultimate party – BLUE STEEL LIVE on Black Wednesday! Known as the biggest bar night of the year, this is the pre-Thanksgiving bash you don’t want to miss. Whether you’re coming home for the holidays or just looking to let loose, grab your friends and get ready for a night filled with your favorite local band, good vibes, and plenty of drinks.

Machesney Park

PIPER Kei @ Easy Tiger

Kick Off Your Thanksgiving Holiday Celebration with us. Bringing you Fun and High Energy Music to Dance and Rock out to! Check out the Drink Specials (Mocktails too)

Loves Park

Stages @ Hard Rock Casino Rockford

Great music, great fun!

Eastside Rockford

TREE DOGS

Pre-Thanksgiving bash!!! The TREE DOGS will be giving a stunning performing at Broadway Joes. ••Drink Specials•• $3 Domestic Bottles $7 Domestic Pitchers

Eastside Rockford South Rockford

Shifty Shafer @ Neighbors Bar & Grill

Come Party with Shifty Shafer at Neighbors Bar and Grill Thanksgiving Eve Party! Our Rock and Roll Dance Party starts at 8PM and will play your favorite Rock and Roll dance songs until 12:00 AM. It’s going to be one hell of a good time! Hope to see all of you there! Times are subject to change

Loves Park

Dirty Pop @ Shattered Saloon

Kick off your holidays with a Dirty Pop dance party on a Wednesday night! Join us on Blackout Wednesday and be prepared to get your drink on! Be sure to bring your crew, no one wants to miss this one!

Loves Park

Mixtape 815 @ Rural on Tap

We are excited to return to Rural on Tap for Black Wednesday! Join us for your favorite throwback tunes from the 90’s and beyond from 8-11pm! Formed in Rockford, Mix Tape is an acoustic trio comprised of Tim Speer, Jason Reed, and Shannon Espinosa. Enjoy a mix from artists such as Sheryl Crow, Weezer, No Doubt, The Cranberries, Fastball and many more!

Eastside Rockford

The Boom Boom Room

THE BOOM BOOM ROOM is not your average bar band. Music you know and love from the 70s to now.

STEREOtype @ CASEY’S PUB

2022 – Contemporary Rock 2023 – Retro/Classic Rock 2023 – People’s Choice Artist of the Year 2024 – Retro/Classic Rock

Loves Park

Rocks Off @ Hard Rock Casino Rockford

Chicago’s Greatest Rolling Stones tribute performs at Hard Rock Casino Rockford’s Cafe Stage for Black Wednesday. Let’s party! https://casino.hardrock.com/rockford

Eastside Rockford

Annual Turkey Ride.

Annual Turkey Ride. Sterats at Rockcut Concession

Loves Park

Pajama Karaoke

Get Your Onesie On…Singing & Drinking Starts @ 8pm

Machesney Park

Cookies & Cocoa

Spend Black Friday at Kegel Harley-Davidson – the World’s Oldest Family-Owned Dealership – and enjoy cookies and a warm, tasty cup of cocoa! While here, be sure to shop Black Friday specials and knock out a bit of your holiday shopping AND you can get that special gift wrapped!

Eastside Rockford South Rockford

Festival of Lights

Join us as we light Sinnissippi Park up for our 35th year on November 29th at 5pm! Come see over 100 participants in this years Festival of Lights plus all the amazing ambient lighting. All from the comfort of your own vehicle. Festival of Lights is organized, maintained, sustained and ran by The Rockford 4th of July Civic Committee. This civic committee is a group of volunteers from the rockford region that LOVES their community and can’t wait for you to experience what they put together for 2024! Basic Details: Lights turn on at 5pm. Lights turn off at 10:30pm. Santa will be at the park waving as you go by from 6-8pm. This is a donation funded event. There is no cost to drive through, but donations are appreciated. All event info can be found at our website 4thandlights.com

Eastside Rockford

Annual Toys for Tots Benefit

Our annual Toys for Tots benefit will be held on Black Friday this year!! So grab an extra toy while you’re out and about doing your Holiday shopping and swing by Whiskeys Roadhouse for a good time!! Performances by: Our Dying Whisper Embers Rise Dystology Wrong Remedies Acoustic performances by: Mike Labay of ModiFiRe and Last Call 815 Zachary Jacoby of Jacoby and Don’t Think Twice Music starts at 7pm This is a free show, but we do ask that you bring an unopened toy to donate to Toys for Tots. Event is all ages until 10pm, 21+ after the kitchen closes. Sponsored by: Culture Shock – Clothing and Records Spyder_Photography The Cake Lady Podcast Perfect Transport

Westside Rockford

Chris Lewis @ Rascal’s

Soothing acoustic serenades aged in oak barrels with notes of smokey ambiance and velvety vocals.

Loves Park

Taboo Blah Blah @ Mary’s Place

Taboo Blah Blah returns to Mary’s Place for a special Black Friday show with newcomers Silhouette! Don’t miss the return of local favorites Taboo Blah Blah and the Mary’s Place debut of the new local band Silhouette, on Friday, November 29th at 8pm.

Downtown Rockford

Rollin Whiskey @ The Mill Saloon

Rollin’ Whiskey is a country music experience you won’t soon forget!

Machesney Park

Distilled Band

Distilled is a acoustic duo focused on getting you laughing, clapping, and singing along! Country, Classic Rock and more!

Loves Park

Random AF Band @ Shattered Saloon

This year has been a wild ride with THE BEST VIBES! Although we are ready to hibernate for the winter and learn some new songs we are going to miss the stage, and all of our amazing fans! This is our FINAL SHOW of 2024, but don’t you fret- we will be back, bigger-better-and still RANDOM AF in Spring of 2025. Come on out to Shattered Saloon for black Friday, and LETS PARTY!

Loves Park

Stevee Nix @ Benny’s at Nest

Rocking stages everywhere since 2004 with energy & emotion, injecting an instant party atmosphere!!!

Machesney Park

DJ Arti$ta

Let’s keep celebrating all weekend!! 🎶 Let’s keep celebrating all weekend!! 🎶 DJ Arti$ta kicking off Friday Night! Playing all your favorite throwbacks! kicking off Friday Night! Playing all your favorite throwbacks!

Westside Rockford

Krampus Paint @ Wolf Hollow Gift Shoppe

Join us on Saturday, November 30, 2024 when Jenny of Bleu Works will be here at our shoppe to lead you through painting an amazing rendition of Krampus. The cost is $38 per person and includes all the materials you need to create your Krampus masterpiece. We have a limited class size of 20 and pre-registration is required. There are two sessions available for the day: Session #1: 12 – 2 pm Buy your tickets here: https://bleuworks.com/…/krampus-paint-with-wolf-hollow…/ Session #2: 3-5 pm Buy your tickets here: https://bleuworks.com/…/krampus-paint-with-wolf-hollow…/ What a fun afternoon!

Eastside Rockford

The 2024 Stroll on State includes Cars & Coffee

The 2024 Stroll on State includes Cars & Coffee Rockford has been invited for the second year in a row to host a “Holiday Hot Rod” classic car show at Stroll on State as part of Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau on Saturday, November 30th! If you are interested in being part of the event, please let us know. There is limited space available! More information coming next week for those registered! Please fill out the form to ensure your spot for the show: https://forms.gle/HAP6EbkeWsm6nUCj7 What is to come: – Movie Theme! Decorate your car as your favorite toliday theme! – Hot Wheels track! – Katie’s Cup will have coffee and hot chocolate! – Awards for best decorated cars! – Awards for best holiday movie theme! THIS IS THE ONLY REGISTRATION YOU WILL BE ASKED TO DO. THIS EVENT IS FREE.

Downtown Rockford

Stroll on State

Stroll on State, presented by Illinois Bank & Trust is Midwest’s Best Holiday Fest. This FREE community event in downtown Rockford features a parade, fireworks, tree lighting, musical performances, surprise visits from Santa, and so much more! Here’s a timeline of what to expect on Saturday, November 30: 🏃‍♂️Dasher Dash 5K starts at 12 PM at Beattie Park 🎅Stroll on State Parade starts at 2 PM at S. Main Street at Chestnut Street at 2 p.m. and will move north to State Street 🎄City Christmas Tree Lighting will happen at 6 PM at Main and Elm streets 💥Skylight Fireworks will light up the sky starting at 8:30 PM. The fireworks will be launched off the Jefferson Street bridge For a full event line-up, visit www.strollonstate.com

Swingbilly @ Stroll on State

Join us for some good ol’ hillbilly holiday cheer as we hit the Silver Bell Stage at 4:55. See you there!

Downtown Rockford

The All Black Affair

BigV Productions presents The All Black Affair Saturday November 30th at the Riverview Inn & Suites Formerly known as Cliffbreakers Hosted by Dr Litesa Wallace Music will be provided by four legendary 815 DJs Khadijah Samb -DJ Queen DJ Neal Howard DJ Antwon AG (Rated AG) & DJ Silk Photography & 360 Booth provided by Fine Mindz Inc Live band performance by Jermaine Rideout and Soul Serious (Band) Hip Hop and R&B performances by JustMike Gee and Jaylin Armani-Martiez Hilton ft Bando Santana Tickets are available online now on Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/…/the-all-black-affair… Physical tickets will be available Friday September 13th For reserved tables in vip area,vendor tables or sponsorship please contact event consultant/coordinator Tisha Hannah or Promoter Vince Rideout this event is for ages 25 and up A donation will be made to the Family Peace Center in Rockford Illinois

Westside Rockford

Rollin Whiskey @ Stroll on State

Rollin’ Whiskey is a country music experience you won’t soon forget!

Downtown Rockford

Justin Jones

Bring the Family in over the 🦃 Holiday Weekend! 🎸 Justin Jones at 7 🏈 Football 🥃 Drink Specials

Westside Rockford

STEREOtype Band @ Shattered Saloon

Stereotype is an award winning high energy pop punk and rock band bringing you all those emo hits and more. You’ll enjoy wicked drum and guitar licks, bass lines driving your heart wild, and a frontman with a blend of great vocals and par none showmanship from all five band members. Stereotype has multiple awards for retro rock covers, contemporary rock covers, male vocals, people’s choice artist of the year 2022, and several solo acoustic rock cover awards. You don’t want to miss your chance to see Stereotype in Loves Park! Come unwind after the Thanksgiving holidays festivities!

Loves Park

LAND OF LINKIN (Linkin Park tribute band) and WHITE PONY (Deftones tribute band)

LAND OF LINKIN (Linkin Park tribute band) and WHITE PONY (Deftones tribute band) at Casey’s Pub Saturday Nov. 30th 8pm. 2 bands 1 night!!!!

Loves Park

The Jimmys @ Grand Avenue Pub

Stop in and wish The Jimmys’ drummer Chris Sandoval a happy birthday, hear some great music and have some great food and drinks!! Known for having everyone in the crowd on their feet, The Jimmys are an award winning, high energy, 7-piece funky blues band with touring experience throughout the US, the Caribbean and Europe. The band is led by seasoned keyboard and Hammond B-3 player Jimmy Voegeli. He is joined by Perry Weber on guitar and vocals, Chris Sandoval on drums, John Wartenweiler on bass and a killer 3-piece horn section featuring Pete Ross on sax, Joe Goltz on trombone and Chad Whittinghill on trumpet. “The Jimmys are excellent musicians, wildly fun entertainers and perform a slew of strong, original songs. They’re a treat for any fans of roots rock, old school R&B and straight-up blues. And every performance is like a party!” –Bruce Iglauer, Alligator Records

Beloit

Stroll on State After Party

Come join us in the banquet room at Tad’s for a Stroll of State after party! We are bringing the underground sounds of true EDM to you for NO COVER!! Music starts at 8pm. See you there! 21+

Loves Park

Master Plan @ Splitters

Rockford’s power-trio rocks Splitters with their 80’s style original music. Local friends The Kringe open at 8pm … MP goes on at 9:30pm – Inside Park Lanes Bowling Alley @ 5318 N 2nd St Loves Park, IL 61111

Loves Park

Six-Pack @ Rascals Bar and Grill

We’re rockin’ something for everyone! From The Eagles and Tom Petty to All American Rejects and Cage the Elephant, we’re a ton of fun cover band bringing a party wherever we go!

Loves Park

An Evening With Peter Billingsley and the Christmas Story

See Peter at his limited tour this holiday hosting a series of screenings of A Christmas Story, which includes a pre-show meet & greet, screening of the 1983 film, & Q&A where Billingsley will share stories, behind-the-scenes photos, & memories from the Christmas classic. Each screening will feature a Toy for Tots fundraiser, and a leg lamp giveaway to 1 lucky winner. Throughout a career spanning 4 decades, Peter has achieved success both in front & behind the camera producing films such as the first Iron Man, The Break-Up, Four Christmases, & directing the Vince Vaughn starrer Couples Retreat. In 2022 he co-wrote, produced, & starred in A Christmas Story Christmas for Warner Bros. Billingsley began his acting career at the age of 3, in some of the ’70s most memorable television commercials & became a pop-culture icon when he played Ralphie in A Christmas Story. Billingsley has been nominated for 3 Emmys, a Tony Award & is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. Sale Dates and Times: Public Onsale : Fri, 13 Sep 2024 at 10:00 AM Artist Presale : Tue, 10 Sep 2024 at 10:00 AM Coronado Presale : Wed, 11 Sep 2024 […]

Downtown Rockford

15th Annual Christmas for Kids Fundraiser.

15th Annual Christmas for Kids Fundraiser. 50/50’s Silent Auctions Live Auctions Drop Baskets Lets make this our best year yet!!

Loves Park

Rockton Christmas Walk

THE Christmas Walk event you cannot miss! The parade runs the length of downtown Main St., starting at Race St. and ending at Hononegah High School. If interested in participating in the parade, please head to the Christmas Walk website to find the parade entry form. Hard copies are also available in Village Hall at 110 E. Main St. No need to belong to any organization – if you want to grab your family, friends, etc. and make a lighted float, go for it!

Rockton

BLUE STEEL @ Shattered Saloon

Back by popular demand and for the last time in 2024! Help us celebrate the last of 3 shows for the year, AND you get to witness Bill Chance on Bass!! (Not For Long Though)

Loves Park

Christmas Cupcake Class

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!! Let’s sip and decorate! Join us at After The Vine in Rockton IL for a Christmas Gnome themed cupcake decorating class with Wicked Sweets by Kate! Class participants will learn to decorate 6 cupcakes (3 vanilla and 3 chocolate) with vanilla buttercream frosting. 4 of the cupcakes are the gnome design which will include dipping/decorating the gnome hats (sugar cones) in melted colored white chocolate. The other two designs are a Christmas wreath and a poinsettia flower. Kate will walk you through step by step how to create each cupcake masterpiece! Each paid participant will also receive a glass of wine to enjoy during class. After The Vine has a wonderful tasting menu to choose from and additional wine is available for purchase! Class will cover: Coloring the buttercream Setting up/filling piping bags Dipping sugar cone gnome hats Piping techniques for the gnome cupcake designs Piping techniques for the poinsettia and wreath cupcake designs Boxing the cupcakes for transport home Participants will leave with their 6 boxed/decorated cupcakes, a set of piping tips and couplers used in class **PLEASE NOTE- Class tickets are NON REFUNDABLE. This is an ADULTS ONLY 21+ class! […]

Rockton

Mar 2025

Fantasy Fae Ball

Prepare to step into a realm where dreams come to life and magic fills the air. She Hive 815 and The Court of Dreams invite you to our Fantasy Fae Ball—an enchanted evening like no other, coming to Rockford, IL! ✨ Join us in a breathtaking 3-story venue transformed into a world of fantasy and wonder. Wander through the ethereal Rainbow Market, sip on carefully crafted specialty drinks that even the fae would envy, and lose yourself in the rhythm of live music that will make you feel as if you’re dancing under a starlit sky. Dress in your most magical attire—whether you’re a daring adventurer, an ethereal fae, or a mythical creature from beyond. This is a night where your imagination knows no bounds, and you can truly be anything you desire. Highlights of the Evening: 🌈 Rainbow Market featuring unique artisans and wares 🍹 Themed cocktails that bring fantasy to life 🍤 Light hors d’oeuvres and sweet treats 🎶 Live music to enchant and entertain 💃 Dancing in the heart of an otherworldly experience

Downtown Rockford Rockford

Sep 2025

PeaceFreak & Rokken Dokken

Rock n Roll @ Splitters inside Park Lanes Bowling Center.