Covering the Land of Lincoln

Things to do this weekend in the Rockford area

It may be the dead of winter but there are several events and activities in the area this weekend that are designed to keep you entertained.

The final weekend in January features everything from synchronized skating sectional championships to a performance by an Abba tribute band.

Synchronized skating

What: The 2023 Midwest and Pacific Coast Synchronized Skating Sectional Championships will feature 163 teams with skaters ranging in age from 5 to 60 years old. Qualifiers of this event will attend the US Synchronized Skating Championships in Peoria from March 1-4.

When: Wednesday through Sunday

Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford

For ticket prices, skating times and more: https://thebmocenter.com/

MANIA: The ABBA Tribute

What: MANIA formed in 1999 and the show has toured the world in its quest to bring the music of the Swedish ‘Supergroup’ to their millions of fans, old and new. MANIA is not only for life long, die hard ABBA fans but the new generation of fans, who never had the opportunity to see ‘ABBA’ live. Hits include ‘Dancing Queen’, ‘Waterloo’, ‘Mamma Mia’, ‘The Winner Takes it All’, ‘Super Trouper’, ‘Fernando’, ‘Take A Chance On Me’ and many more.

When: 7pm Friday

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

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

Backcountry Film Festival

What: Celebrate the connection between humans and wild winters. Join Severson Dells at the Nordlof Center for an evening viewing of human-powered stories and backcountry-inspired experiences. The Backcountry Film Festival’s mission is to manifest the power of humans and their spirit. Presented by Winter Wildlands Alliance, the festival screens cinematic stories of outdoor stewardship, grassroots policy and advocacy work, backcountry adventure, and snow cinema by human-powered advocates, athletes, brands, activists, adventurers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

When: 6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday

Where: Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford

For ticket prices and more: https://www.seversondells.com/

Rockford Amateur Astronomers Public Night

What: Rockford Amateur Astronomers open the Lockwood Park Observatory to the public (weather permitting) on ​​the fourth Saturday of every month. Viewings start at 7 pm or dusk, whichever is later. Dress appropriately for outdoor weather. Observatories aren’t heated.

When: 7 pm Saturday

Where: Lockwood Park Observatory, 5201 Safford Road, Rockford

Meg’s Daily Grind Pop Up Coffee Shop

What: Gather with friends and brighten your winter afternoons at the Meg’s Daily Grind Pop-Up featuring gourmet coffees, teas, and pastries from Meg’s menu of local favorites. Enjoy live music by soloists who perform with the Rockford Symphony Orchestra and local musicians.

When: 1 to 4 pm Thursday, Friday & Saturday

Where: Anderson Japanese Gardens Visitor Center, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford

For more: https://andersongardens.org/

Hot Chocolate Crawl

What: Businesses in Rockford’s North End will have special hot chocolate features to warm you up on a cold winter’s day and special shopping features as well. The participating locations will have Rockford North End coffee mugs and tumblers for sale.

When: 11 am to 11 pm Saturday

Where: Participating businesses include The Olympic Tavern, 2327 N Main St., Mulligan’s Pub & Grill, 2212 N Main St., The Norwegian, 1402 N Main St., Rockford Family Dental, 2715 N Main St., Village Green, 2640 N. Main St., Rooted, 1408 N. Main St., Whiskey’s Roadhouse, 3207 N. Main St. and Stockyard Rock Burger Bar, 908 W. Riverside Blvd.

For more: https://rockfordnorthend.com/

Oscar Mayer Wienermobile

What: The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile is coming to the Rockford area. The iconic 27-foot-long hotdog on wheels will be making a few stops in the Rockford area this weekend.

When and where: 9 am to noon Saturday, Schnucks East State, 6410 E. State St., Rockford; 1 to 4 pm Saturday, Schnucks Loves Park, 1810 Harlem Road, Loves Park; 9 am to noon Sunday, Schnucks Roscoe, 4860 Hononegah Road, Roscoe.

For more: oscarmayer.com/wienermobile

Winter Dazzle Day

What: Enjoy the trails, family activities and roasting marshmallows over a fire.

Where: Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit.

When: 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday

Cost: Free admission, donations are appreciated.

For more: https://natureattheconfluence.com/

Rockford Card Show

What: New venue. Vendors from all over the Midwest. At the show you’ll find vintage, modern, TCG, non-sports, high-end, bargain boxes, sealed products, autographs, sports memorabilia and more for buy, sell or trade. Free entry and parking.

Where: IBEW 364 Henry Miller Hall, 6820 Mill Road, Rockford

When: 9 am to 3 pm Saturday

For more: [email protected]

college fair

What: The Rockford Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is holding its second annual college fair, featuring representatives from colleges and universities discussing financial aid and scholarship information. Participating schools include Howard University, Fisk University, Alabama State University, Rust College, Lincoln University and LaMoyne-Owen College.

Where: Rock Valley College Student Center Atrium, 3301 N Mulford Road, Rockford

When: 11 am to 2 pm Saturday

For more: Contact Felicia Redd, communications coordinator, Rockford Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, 815-543-5062.

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

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