By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Looking for stuff to do this weekend in the Rockford area?
There’s music high and low, hockey and basketball and Easter egg hunts for kids and adults alike.
Here are 10 options for things to do. You can always fill your calendar on our events page.
More news: Forward for Fun, which helped launch new events across Rockford, returns in 2023
Celebrate Rockford Hockey Club with the Hogs
The Rockford IceHogs will help kick off Rockford Hockey Club’s 50th anniversary season during Sunday’s game against the Grand Rapids Griffins. The Hogs will wear special jerseys based on the original designs of the Rockford Hockey Club’s jerseys that debuted nearly 50 years ago.
Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford
When: 4 p.m. Sunday, April 2
Tickets/info: icehogs.com
More hockey: Youth hockey scholarship honors the life and legacy of late coach Eric Larson
Hunt for Easter eggs
River Bluff Health & Rehabilitation will host a community Easter egg hunt on its grounds. The event is open to all and includes eggs filled with treats and other surprises. The first 100 kids to arrive receive free foam Easter bunny glasses, and all kids 10 and younger get a free picture with the Easter Bunny. The event goes on rain or shine.
“We love putting these events on for the community,” River Bluff Marketing Director Laura Doise said in a news release. “Not only is it a great opportunity for kids and families to enjoy a morning of fun, but also boosts the moods of our residents as well.”
Where: River Bluff Health & Rehabilitation, 4401 N. Main St., Rockford
When: 10 a.m. Saturday, April 1
See local artwork on display
Arch Apothecary, Elora Home Interiors and The Standard will be open for the building-wide 214 Art Market supporting local artists.
When: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, March 31
Where: 214 E. State St., Rockford
Admission: Free
Contact: 786-815-9911
An Easter egg hunt for adults (with wine!)
Drop in anytime after 10 a.m. until all the eggs are gone to hunt on the grounds and within the tasting room of DC Estate Winery. Each egg contains chocolate or a discount on wine purchases. The Olive Branch food truck will also be on hand until 5 p.m.
Where: DC Estate Winery, 8877 State Line Road, South Beloit
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 1
Info: Facebook event page here
Check out the Home & Garden Showcase
The Home & Garden Showcase returns for its 18th annual event. See a multitude of household products and services to prepare your home, lawn and garden for spring.
Where: Forest Hills Lodge, 1601 W. Lane Road, Loves Park
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 1 and Sunday, April 2
Admission: Free
Info: showtimeproduction.net/home-garden-showcase
Hear music at Severson Dells
Weary Ramblers, an Iowa folk duo, will perform as part of Severson Dells Nature Center’s Music at the Dells series. Chad Elliott and Kathryn Fox showcase their skills with multiple instruments while weaving in interesting stories.
Where: Severson Dells Nature Center, 8786 Montague Road, Rockford
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, March 30
Admission: $18; $15 for members
Tickets/info: seversondells.com/calendar/wearyramblers2023
See who will be the King of the Thrones
The King of the Thrones adult basketball tournament aims to crown the city’s best 3-on-3 team. The winning team takes home a $1,000 cash prize. A portion of the proceeds benefit 815Alive, a nonprofit that works to inspire Rockford youth.
Where: UW Health Sports Factory, 305 S. Madison St., Rockford
When: 2 p.m. Sunday, April 2
Cost: $300 per team
Info: 815-494-0376
Jump to delusions with Artists’ Ensemble
Artists’ Ensemble Theatre presents “Jumping to Delusions,” a wacky and heartbreaking play that shines an irreverent but truthful light on mental illness.
Where: Rockford University Clark Arts Center, 5050 E. State St., Rockford
When: Thursday-Sunday, March 30-April 2
Tickets/info: artistsensemble.csstix.com/event-details.php
See the secrets of butterflies
Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens’ exhibit “The Secret Life of Butterflies” allows you to see the lepidoptera lifecycle in action as caterpillars munch on leaves, butterflies emerge from their chrysalis, and moths from their cocoons.
Where: Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. Second St., Rockford
When: March 17-June 4; book one-hour time slots
Cost: $8
Tickets/info: nicholasconservatory.com/butterflies
Live music at the top of the city
Acoustic duo Espinosa & Coffey will perform at The Top Rooftop Bar & Lounge at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront & Rockford Conference Center.
Where: The Top Rooftop Bar & Lounge, 416 S. Main St., Rockford
When: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 30
Admission: Free
Contact: 815-668-7878
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on Twitter at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas.