By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — This week you can watch makeshift rafts float down the Rock River, feast on funnel cakes at the Winnebago County Fair or catch the finale of the annual Live at Levings talent show.
That’s just a sample of the entertainment happening in the Rockford area this week and weekend.
We’ve got eight quick picks for fun in the Rockford area this week below. You can find more on our events page, including all the weekly farmers markets and other reoccurring events.
Do whatever floats your boat
What: The Rock River Anything That Floats Race
When: noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20
Where: Auburn Street bridge to Prairie Street Brewing Co., 200 Prairie St., Rockford
About: Dozens of participants build homemade rafts to float a 1.65-mile course from the Auburn Street bridge to Prairie Street Brewing Co. The event, which has roots back to 1976, is being held for the first time since 2019.
Info: rratfr.com
Have a fair time
What: Winnebago County Fair
When: Wednesday, Aug. 16 through Sunday, Aug. 20
Where: Winnebago County Fairgrounds, 500 W. First St., Pecatonica
More info: winnebagocountyfair.com
Quick guide: Here’s your guide to everything you need to know about the Winnebago County Fair
Hear Miles Nielsen at Dinner on the Dock
What: Dinner on the Dock features Miles Nielsen and The Rusted Hearts
When: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17
Where: Prairie Street Brewing Co., 200 Prairie St., Rockford
More info: psbrewingco.com/event/dinner-on-the-dock-august-17
Race a rubber duck
What: The Great Turtle Creek Duck Race
When: 6:15 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17
Where: Nature at The Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit
About: Support Nature At The Confluence by purchasing a rubber duck that will race down Turtle Creek before the nature group’s Community Fire & Drum Circle later that evening. The first three ducks to cross the finish line win a prize.
Cost: $10 for one duck to $75 for 10 ducks
Info: natureattheconfluence.com/event/the-great-turtle-creek-duck-race
Catch a concert at the park
What: Music in the Park: Piper Road Spring Band
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17
Where: Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, 1401 N. Second St., Rockford
Admission: Free
Watch the Rkfd Lightning
What: The Rkfd Lightning, Rockford’s new team in the Women’s American Basketball Association, play the Midwest Sound.
When: 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19
Where: Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: $10
Tickets: rkfdlightning.myshopify.com
See the Live at Levings talent show finals
What: Live at Levings $1,000 talent show
About: The final Live at Levings show of the year features the finals for the $1,000 first prize talent show. There are also performances from comedian Deon Freeman, DDjay Audiboi, the Youth Against Violence Drumline, Savoirfaire and the Legendary Fella’s R&B group.
When: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20
Where: Black Hawk Park, 101 15th Ave., Rockford
Info: Facebook event page
Related: New concert venue coming to Levings Park, a home for Rockford’s talent for nearly four decades
Have island fun at an arboretum
What: Woodsong Summer Concert Series: South of Disorder
About: South of Disorder is a suburban Chicago-based tribute band dedicated to the music of Jimmy Buffett & the Beach.
When: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20
Where: Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $10 members; $15 non-members
Info: klehm.org/woodsong-summer-concert-south-of-disorder
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas