By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Are you ready to turn time back to the 1990s? Or maybe a low-key afternoon with butterflies is more your thing?
Whether you want to float like a butterfly or sing like a B103 All 90s Throwback Lunch Hour, we’ve got options for you this weekend.
Here are 10 things to do in the Rockford region:
Act a fool at the ultimate 90s dance party
Fool House recreates the music and energy of the biggest stars of the 90s, from N’Sync and Nelly to the Spice Girls, Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, TLC, Blink 182 and more.
Where: Apollo Theatre, AC, 104 N. State St., Belvidere
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, March 25
How much: Tickets start at $15
Tickets/info: theapollotheatreac.com
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Test your ‘Stranger Things’ knowledge
Gather a team for “Stranger Things” trivia, snacks and pottery painting. There will also be three door prizes and three prizes for trivia.
Where: The Pottery Lounge, 6059 E. State St., Rockford
When: 6 p.m. Friday, March 24
Cost: $10 (additional costs to purchase pottery)
Info: thepotterylounge.com
Learn the art of charcuterie
Learn how to make a charcuterie board, from those fancy salami roses to cutting your kiwi into art.
Where: Erica’s Board Creations, 122 Prairie St., Rockton
When: 6 p.m. Thursday, March 23
Cost: $75
Tickets/info: ericasboardcreations.com
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Explore the secret life 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
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 23-April 2
Tickets/info: artistsensemble.csstix.com/event-details.php
Stock up for summer reads now
The Friends of the Rockford Public Library will hold their Spring Book Sale, offering gently used titles for 50 cents for hardcovers and 25 cents for paperbacks.
Where: Hart Interim Library, 214 N. Church St., Rockford
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 25
Info: rockfordpubliclibrary.org
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Check out model trains and collectibles
The Rock River Valley Train Show is a family-friendly showcase of all things model railroading and trains.
Where: Harlem High School, 1 Huskie Way, Machesney Park
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 25; 10 a.m to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 26
Cost: $5; free for kids
Tickets/info: rrvd-nmra.com/show.php
Get a free car wash
Tommy’s Express Car Wash, which opened its first location in the area in February, is offering free car washes on Sunday in honor of the start of National Cleaning Week.
Where: Tommy’s Express Car Wash, 6803 Forest Hills Road, Loves Park
When: Sunday, March 26
Info: tommys-express.com
Comedy and vegan cuisine
Pig Minds Brewing Co. hosts comedy night starring Kevin Kellam with host Noah Mailloux and feature comics Sasha Rosser and James Fisher Jr.
Where: Pig Minds Brewing Co., 4080 Steele Drive, Machesney Park
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 25
Admission: Free
Info: Fats Productions Presents
Hear the Augustana choir
The 52-voice Augustana Choir will perform a selection of traditional and contemporary choral works as part of its spring tour.
Where: Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 3300 Rural St., Rockford
When: 7 p.m. Friday, March 24
Admission: Free, goodwill offerings accepted
Info: augustana.edu/about-us/news/choir-lists-spring-tour-stops-midwest
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on Twitter at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas.