Covering the Land of Lincoln

Chelsea Handler, Christmas Market, things to do in Rockford Illinois

ROCKFORD — The second weekend in November is filled with a variety of events and activities for the whole family.

There’s everything from a performance by the Rockford Symphony Orchestra to standup comedy.

Chelsea Handler

What: Chelsea Handler is a comedian, television host, best-selling author and advocate whose humor and candor have established her as one of the most celebrated voices in entertainment and pop culture.

When: 8 pm Friday

Where: Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford

For ticket prices and more: https://coronadopac.org/

Cartoon Club: Cute and Creepy Monsters

What: Enjoy cartoons at Rockford Art Museum’s popular Cartoon Club. Participants will learn how to draw animals, people, and everything else kids love to draw. Each session will feature step-by-step drawing instructions based on a fun theme that you can choose to follow along with or use as inspiration for your own unique vision. Either way, get ready to flex those creative muscles and learn to draw while you’re at it.

When: 11 am Saturday

Where: Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford

Cost: $10 for the public, $7 for museum members.

For more: https://rockfordartmuseum.org/

Christmas Market: Purchase with a Purpose

What: Purchase your Christmas presents – with a purpose – under a heated tent. This outdoor Christmas Market gathers items made by artisans both locally and from around the world. Items include leather goods, soaps, candles, ornaments, pottery, purses, apparel and jewelry.

When: 9 am to 3 pm Saturday

Where: Redeemer Church, 5501 Windsor Road, Loves Park

Cost: Free admittance

For more: https://redeemerrockford.church/

Native American Heritage Celebration

What: Enjoy a collaborative effort between Burpee Museum and Native American people from the Sac and Fox, Potawatomi, and Ojibwe Nations. There will be special guests, learning and interactive stations, and opportunities to grow as a collaborative community. Be inspired by contemporary and traditional artworks and learn about the histories of the represented nations from their own cultural educators and artists. Experience the living cultures, languages, and history of Native American people who are “Of This Place.”

When: 10 am to 5 pm Saturday

Where: Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford

Cost: $14 for adults, $12 for children ages 4-12, free admission for children 3 and under and for museum members.

For more: https://burpee.org/

Rockford Arts & Crafts Holiday Spectacular

What: Talented crafters and artists will pack the walls of the Mercyhealth Indoor Sports Center with a wide variety of handcrafted items. Among the featured items will be home, holiday and yard décor, floral arrangements, crochet items, bath and body products, jewelry, pet supplies, woodcrafts, adult and baby clothing and accessories, doll clothes, metalwork, baby items, and much more.

When: 9 am to 5 pm Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm Sunday

Where: Mercyhealth Sportscore Two, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park

Cost: $5. Free admission for children under 12.

For more: https://artsandcraftfair.com/

Meet and greet for local writers

What: Writers, authors and aspiring writers are invited to attend a meet and greet session. Attendees will network with other local literary creatives, learn tips and tricks for self-publishing and exchange critiques and comments on original material.

When: 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday

Where: Maze Books, 117 p. 3rd St., Rockford

Cost: Free admittance

For more:https://www.midwestbooksellers.org/independent-bookstore-directory/maze-books

Rockford Symphony Orchestra: From the Mothership to the Underworld

What: Vlad Vizireanu, the last Music Director finalist, conducts the RSO in a program called From the Mothership to the Underworld featuring music by Hans Zimmer and Tchaikovsky among others. The guest artist is Danielle Gonzalez on percussion.

When: 7:30pm Saturday

Where: Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford

Cost: Tickets start at $10.

For more: https://coronadopac.org/

Winter Open House

What: It’s never too early to begin Christmas shopping. The Open House features a wide variety of merchandise at affordable prices and plenty of gift certificates throughout the store.

When: 10 am to 7 pm Saturday

Where: Hidden Treasures Mall & Antiques, 6329 N. 2nd St., Loves Park

Cost: Free admittance

For more: https://www.hunthiddentreasures.com/

Beloit Memorial High School Jazz Orchestra

What: Experience this award-winning high school ensemble showcasing America’s original art form.

When: 3 pm Sunday

Where: Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center, 415 N. Church St., Rockford

Cost: $12 in advance, $15 at the door, $6 for students.

For more: https://www.mendelssohnpac.org/

Dirty Dancing In Concert

What: Enjoy the digitally remastered hit film like never before on a full-size cinema screen, with a live band and singers performing the film’s iconic songs. With a soundtrack that marked a generation, Dirty Dancing In Concert promises to bring a thrilling new and unique experience to the 80s classic. Directly following the film, the band and singers will throw an encore party.

When: 7pm Sunday

Where: Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford

Cost: $45 to $85

For more: https://coronadopac.org/

Family Skate

What: Enjoy an afternoon of indoor ice skating fun with family and friends while gaining the benefits of recreation and exercise. Ice skate to music under disco lights.

When: 1 to 3 pm Saturday and Sunday

Where: Carlson Ice Arena, 4150 N Perryville Road, Loves Park

Cost: $5 for skating only, $2 for skate rentals.

For more: https://rockfordparkdistrict.org/publicskate

Ken DeCoster covers business news and features. Contact him at 815-987-1391, [email protected] or @DeCosterKen.

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