Dairy Day, sidewalk sales among 13 things to do this weekend in the Freeport area
There's plenty to do this weekend to beat the heat in the Freeport area.
Here are some things we found to do.
Lincoln Mall Sidewalk Sales
What: This is the kickoff to Summer Sidewalk Sale and will be held inside the mall, rain or shine. See everything the stores have to offer. Exact times vary by store hours.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday
Where: Lincoln Mall, 1255 W. Galena Ave., Freeport
Beautiful: The Carol King Musical
What: Before she became the hit-making sensation Carole King, she was Carole Klein, a spirited young songwriter hailing from Brooklyn with a distinct voice. From penning chart-topping tunes for the music industry’s giants to carving her own path of transformative success with “Tapestry,” “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” transports you back to the roots of her journey and invites you on an unforgettable ride through her life.
When: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday; and 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, June 27 through Saturday, June 29; 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 30
Where: Highland Community College, 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport
Cost: $20; $18 for seniors; $10 for students
Dessert with Dad
What: All dads, stepdads, grandpas, uncles and friends are invited to come for an evening of fun with their little ones. Participants are encouraged to pack a meal. Dessert provided. Look for the red balloons for seating. Hosted by All Our Kids – Northwest Illinois. Call to RSVP.
When: Friday
Where: Krape Park, Freeport
Coffee, Live Music + Flowers on the Patio
What: Live music from Jdoty Music from 5 to 7 p.m., with specialty drinks from Rosie’s new summer specialty menu from 4 to 7:30 p.m. and floral bouquet bar with Greenlight Acres. Take an e-bike test ride with the Bicycle Bub. Eden Jewelry will also be on-site.
When: 4 to 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Rosie’s Coffee Shop, 507 Main St., Pecatonica
5th Annual Dairy Day
What: Come to the Lena Fast Stop for free ice cream, milk, a petting zoo, a bounce house and activities for the kids. Celebrate National Dairy Month and show appreciation to dairy farmers.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday
Where: FS Fast Stop, 519-1/2 E. Lena St., Lena
Cost: Free
Music on the Patio
What: Live music on the patio with The Ryan and Joe Trio. There will be entertainment, food and adult beverages. For all ages. Taco Bar starts at 6 p.m.
When: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Park Hills Golf Course, 3240 W. Stephenson St., Freeport
Cost: Free admission; refreshments available for purchase
The Cookout: An EV Juneteenth Art Celebration
What: This year, celebrate and honor the timeless function, "the cookout.” As always, the themes are meant to highlight, celebrate and educate the community about culture and history. The celebration will be packed with local artists, food, vendors and activities for all ages.
When: 1 to 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Stephenson County Fairgrounds, 2250 S. Walnut Road, Freeport
Grand Opening: J’s Place on the Lake
What: J’s Place menu includes smoked BBQ pulled pork, all-beef hotdogs, stuffed pitas, ice cream treats and more.
When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
Where: J’s Place on the Lake, 1529 Pier Drive, Davis
Magic at the Market
What: Jeremy Haak will be set up at 9 a.m., entertaining market goers of all ages. At 10 a.m., he will perform a mini show.
When: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday
Where: Stephenson County Farmers Market, City Municipal Lot, 23 W. Exchange St., Freeport
Music in the Park
What: Fever River String Band will perform at Lena Park for the Music in the Park series. Listen to their fiddles, mandolins, guitars and more. Bring a lawn chair, grab a treat at the snack shop (open until 7 p.m. on concert nights) and enjoy the tunes. For music lovers of all ages. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to St. John's Lutheran Church, 625 Country Lane Drive; signs will be posted at the park.
When: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday
Where: Lions Park, 609 N. Schuyler St., Lena
Cost: Free
Rancho Azteca Entertainment
What: Enjoy a family night outside featuring wrestling, music and entertainment. The event includes jump houses, horseback riding, food and beverages, live music from Estilo 815 and Grupo Nivel 15. Lucha libre (wrestling) starts at 5 p.m. Outside food and drinks prohibited.
When: Noon to 7:30 p.m. Sunday
Where: Rancho Azteca, 3937 S. Weldon St., Winnebago
Cost: $10; $5 for children
Freeport Concert Band
What: Listen to the Freeport Concert Band play from the iconic band shell surrounded by trees. There is plenty of bench seating available or bring along lawn chairs.
When: 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday
Where: Koenig Amphitheater, Krape Park, 1799 S. Park Blvd., Freeport
Cost: Free admission
71st Annual Ice Cream Social
What: Ukulele Express will play from 1 to 1:45 p.m. Everyone is welcome for this sweet treat on the arboretum grounds.
When: Noon to 3 p.m. Sunday
Where: Stephenson County Historical Society, 1440 S. Carroll Ave., Freeport
Coming next week:
Anything with Wheels Cruise Night
What: This event will include food, music and cars.
When: 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 25
Where: Ringo’s, 101 W. South St., Durand
Cost: Free admission
Wednesday Morning Movie Series
What: See Ruby Gillman: Teenage Kraken (PG) in sensory-friendly showing.
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (doors open at 9 a.m.) Wednesday, June 26
Where: Classic Cinemas – Lindo, 115 S. Chicago Ave., Freeport
Cost: $2
4th of July Craftiness for Teens or Adults
What: Make some 4th of July crafts to decorate your house or table for the holiday. There will be several options to choose from with various levels of difficulty. Please register each person separately.
When: 6:15 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Monday, June 24
Where: Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas St., Freeport
Cost: Free
Masters Classes with Kayla Bowlin and Grant Chenok
What: Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical and Hip-Hop Master Classes are available and open to the public. Email to register.
When: 2 to 5 p.m. Thursday, June 27
Where: S & R Dance Studio, 18 W. Stephenson St., Freeport
Cost: $25 for one class; $45 for two classes; $60 for three classes
Kathi Edwards is a freelance correspondent.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Here are 13 things to do in the Freeport area this weekend