About Rockford

The Rockford region is a Real. Original. City of Gardens and rivers, and a wonderful place to spend a life - or a weekend. Our Rockford Calendar of Events is full of plenty of things to do and see. Explore one of our museums, visit some unique shops, grab a bite to eat at one of our many restaurants, take in some arts and culture, or relax at one of our hotels.
You'll be In Good Company in Real. Original. Rockford!

Rockford Events

Discovery Town - Special Exhibit

Jan. 18 - May. 10 // 2020

In our make-believe, kid-sized Discovery Town, children play as they learn about the people and places that make up a community! This cityscape created just for kids promotes problem solving and...

Jan

May

In Full Bloom: The Orchid Exhibit

Feb. 11 - Mar. 8 // 2020

It may be the depth of winter, but Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens is teeming with color! Enjoy a break from winter to see hundreds of tropical orchids creatively displayed in the warm tropical...

Feb

Mar

Black History Month - Thursday...

Feb. 6 - 27 // 2020

Chuck Jefferson Research Library of African American History and Culture Thursday Evening Book and Film Discussion Series Thursday, Feb 6, 2020 | 6-8pm An Overview of the 1619 Project - New York Times...

Feb

AARCB TeenReach/Youth African...

Feb. 7 - 21 // 2020

The AARCB TeenReach/Youth African American Quiz Bowl is a quiz-based competition that tests teams verbally (like Steve Harvey’s Family Feud) on the history of African Americans. There are four...

Feb

60th Annual Antiques Show

Feb. 22 - 23 // 2020

The Midwest's finest antique dealers come together for the 60th Annual Antiques Show hosted by the Northern Illinois Antique Dealers Association. The dealers bring out their finest 19th and 20th...

Feb

HERstory: Women Who Dared

Feb. 22 // 2020

Discover a diverse cast of fierce women who fought society’s rules and blazed trails as artists, athletes, entrepreneurs, and inventors. This special event celebrates the 100th anniversary of the...

Feb

First Fridays - Art, Music, Food...

Mar. 6 // 2020

Each month, downtown art galleries, shops, music and theater venues work together to stay open late providing great new art, music and goods. Visit the website for a complete schedule.

Jun

PaleoFest 2020

Mar. 6 - 8 // 2020

The 22nd annual PaleoFest at Burpee Museum of Natural History celebrates all things prehistoric with speakers from around the world, our largest number of visitors to the museum in a single weekend,...

Mar

Vintage Shop Hop

Mar. 6 - 7 // 2020

It's the Mother Lode of All Road Trips! Start planning your vintage shopping trip today. On March 6 & 7 over 500 shops will be rolling out the red carpet for YOU. There are vintage shops, antique...

Mar

Sock Monkey Madness Festival - It's...

Mar. 7 // 2020

You’re invited to Sock Monkey Nelson’s Birthday party! • Make a sock monkey with the help of our talented museum staff at the Make a Monkey Workshop. • On the hour, more in-depth guided instructions...

Mar

Simply Spring: The Butterfly...

Mar. 14 - Apr. 11 // 2020

Celebrate the arrival of spring at Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens as you experience the magical world of butterflies! Enjoy being surrounded by live butterflies in the tropical conservatory, and...

Mar

Apr