Looking for something to do this weekend in the Freeport area? Here are 10 upcoming events
The weekend brings the Lena Lions Fall Festival, Highland Games in Pecatonica and the Midwest Lands Exhibition at the Freeport Art Museum, along with fundraisers, live music, psychic readings and more to the Freeport area.
Midwest Lands Exhibition
What: The Midwest Lands Exhibition, a visual and literary art invitational focused on farmland and rural landscape themes opens. It features works by artists Dan Brinkmeier, Barry Roal Carlsen, Ellen Holtzblatt, Kurt Kamholz, Stuart Roddy and Mark Weller. It also includes poetry from Daniel Smith’s Poems from the Winter House.
When: 5-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6
Where: Freeport Art Museum, 121 N. Harlem Ave., Freeport
Group Psychic Medium Event
What: Group psychic medium reading with Frankie Brown. Limited seating; must receive payment to secure your spot. Free gift included.
When: 6-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6
Where: Rootz & Branchez, 101 W. Main St., Freeport
Cost: $60
Movie in the Park: IF
What: Enjoy a night of family fun under the stars. Pack snacks, bug spray, chairs and blankets to see the movie, IF. The movie will start at dusk (approximately 8 p.m.) Check the park district website in the event of inclement weather.
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6
Where: Krape Park, 1799 S. Park Blvd., Freeport
Cost: Free
73rd annual Lena Lions Fall Festival
What: This year the Lena Lions have been celebrating their 75th anniversary and have chosen the parade theme, “Lena Lions – Diamond Jubilee.” The event includes Skinner Amusements carnival rides and games, craft vendors, food stands, raffles and free music. The annual fall festival 5K walk/run starts at 8 a.m. Saturday in Lions Park. The parade is at noon Saturday. Sophie Coyote performs from 7-8:15 p.m. Friday. On Saturday, enjoy Ukulele Express in the afternoon and Rock Steady in the evening. Entertainment at Mulligan’s will include Blue Steel at 9 p.m. Friday and Gabe Schillman at 8 p.m. Saturday.
When: Friday, Sept. 6 – Saturday, Sept. 7
Where: downtown Lena
Comedy & Caricatures
What: Enjoy a night of laughter.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7
Where: Eagles Club, 1200 W. Galena Ave., Freeport
Cost: $15; $10 for members
Highland Games
What: Loineye Smoke Wagon will be taking over the kitchen and offering pulled pork, smoked mac & cheese and coleslaw. All proceeds from games and silent auction benefit ACS.
When: 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7
Where: Hot Rod Nellie’s Bar, 122 S. Jackson St., Pecatonica
Midwest Lands Poetry Reading & Discussion
What: Read and discuss the book Poems from the Winter House with author, former dairy farmer, Daniel Smith, of the Driftless Region of southwestern Wisconsin. This is the literary companion piece to the Midwest Lands Exhibition. The work is rooted in rural heritage, reflecting on Smith’s love for his spouse, a farm and a way of life.
When: 1:30-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7
Where: Freeport Art Museum, 121 N. Harlem Ave., Freeport
Blue Steel
What: Come enjoy food, drinks and people, and hear the band play.
When: 8 p.m. – midnight Saturday, Sept. 7
Where: The Cedar Inn, 4747 Illinois Route 26 N, Cedarville
Official Oktoberfest Release
What: Lena Oktoberfest is a Märzen lager, brewed to celebrate the fall harvest season. It is hearty, malty and slightly sweet with a hint of biscuit-y goodness and light noble hop flavor. ABV 6% - 20 IBU. Get a mug and listen to music from Gabe Schillman playing from 2-5 p.m.
When: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8
Where: Lena Brewing Company, 9416 W. Wagner Road, Lena
Return to Nature: Meditation on the Farm
What: This is the first event to kick off Healing Heard Therapy Farm; 40% of ticket sales will go to Healing Herd Non Profit. Healing Herd Therapy Farm at Gretta's Goats is a natural sanctuary, with a working farm, flower gardens, farm animals, prairie vistas and a forest. Learn to connect with your nature and your bliss through an accessible meditation practice taught by Miranda Grisales-Buell, founder and owner of Healing Home Ayurveda. She will guide you and offer practical tools to set you up for a safe and healing meditative experience so you can feel at home in your bodies.
When: 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7
Where: Gretta’s Goats, 498 N. Farwell Bridge Road, Pecatonica
Cost: $20
Coming next week
Monday Murders Book Group: Fire & Ice by Dana Stabenow
What: Stabenow, author of the Edgar-winning Kate Shugak series, masterfully traces the twisting life of Alaska State Trooper Liam Campbell in this series debut. Everyone welcome for this book group. No registration. Pick up a copy of the book on the second floor of the library.
When: 1-2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 9
Where: Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas St., Freeport
Cost: Free
Craft Closet Clean-Out: Adults and Teens
What: A variety of crafts from the past and general supplies will be available or bring a craft from home to work on. Options include glass etching (bring your own clear glass item(s) with you; various gnome supplies/kits; diamond art coasters; wooden rounds for painting/stenciling/Mod Podge-a-photo and ceramic tile decorating. No registration required.
When: 6-7:45 p.m. Monday, Sept. 9
Where: Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas St., Freeport
Cost: Free
Preschool storytime
What: Meet in the Youth Program Room for stories, flannel boards, songs and a craft Wednesday mornings. For children ages 2-5 with their caregiver.
When: 10:30 – 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11
Where: Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas St., Freeport
Northwoods Paint Night
What: Enjoy an evening out with friends painting a Northwoods scene. This beginner friendly painting is for all skill levels. The Real McCoy's has a full bar and menu.
When: 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11
Where: The Real McCoy’s Bar & Gaming, 504 N. Stanton St., Davis
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: 10 things to do this weekend in the Freeport area
