ROCKFORD — The first weekend in November is filled with a variety of events for the whole family.
There’s everything from art displays, a fashion show and live theater to professional hockey and a celebration for area veterans.
Art in Bloom
What: Works of art from the current feature exhibition, The Rockford Midwestern Biennial, will be creatively interpreted through flowers and other organic material. Experience imaginative installations by talented local designers.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday
Where: Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $10
For more: https://rockfordartmuseum.org/
Christmas at the Farm
What: Check out the indoor/outdoor Christmas market for holiday shopping featuring a mix of vintage decor and seasonal gifts. Dozens of vendors will be on hand displaying vintage Christmas gifts, florals, new and vintage jewelry, candles, soaps, Irish candy, painted furniture, home decor, ornaments, holiday greens & garland, hip clothing and more. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Rockford Rescue Mission.
When: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
Where: Meyer’s Tails Up Farm, 5390 Irene Road, Belvidere
Cost: $7
For more: https://www.meyerschristmasatthefarm.com/
Peppa Pig Live
What: Come join Peppa Pig on an exciting camping trip in the woods with George and her school friends, including Pedro Pony, Suzy Sheep and Gerald Giraffe. With lunch boxes packed and Daddy Pig driving the bus, Peppa and friends are excited about their outdoor adventures, full of singing, dancing, games and surprises. Children and adults alike will enjoy this live musical experience.
When: 6 p.m. Friday
Where: Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
For tickets and more: https://coronadopac.org/events/peppa-pig-live-peppa-pigs-adventure
Pianorama
What: Area pianists are showcased in a celebration of three Steinway grand pianos with solos and ensembles of varying sizes.
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center, 415 N. Church St., Rockford
Cost: $21 in advance, $25 at the door, $6 for students.
For more: https://www.mendelssohnpac.org/
These Shining Lives
What: The show is based on the true story of Catherine Donahue and her friends who worked for the Radium Dial Company, a watch factory in Ottawa, Illinois. The play chronicles the strength and determination of the women from 1922 to 1938 as their lives are changed by the right to vote and the possibilities of jobs for women. This is a story of survival and the fight to improve the working conditions for all in light of new scientific developments.
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday
Where: Rockford University Clark Arts Center, Maddox Theater, 5050 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: $12 for adults, $9 for students and adults 55 and older.
For more: https://www.rockford.edu/artslectures/performingarts/
The Wind and the Breeze
What:The Wind and the Breeze explores the politics of place, the unspoken expectations of friendship and what happens when we choose to stand our ground on shifting sands.
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, 4 p.m. Sunday
Where: The West Side Show Room, 1414 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
For more: https://wssr.org/wind
IceHogs hockey
What: The Rockford IceHogs have two home games this weekend.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday versus Grand Rapids, 4 p.m. Sunday versus Iowa
Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford
For ticket prices and more: https://icehogs.com/
Veterans Dinner
What: The Veterans Dinner has been a tradition in Rockford for over 75 years. It began as a celebration of the Armistice of World War One and continues today to bring together area veterans and people from the public and private sectors to honor all the veterans in our community.
When: 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday
Where: Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront & Rockford Conference Center, 416 S. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $55
For more: http://veteransmemorialhall.com/
Fashion in Bloom
What: The fourth annual Fashion in Bloom returns with cocktails and living couture. Fashions from the High and Mighty, and other local fashion designers are accessorized with fresh florals by talented, regional designers.
When: 6 p.m. Saturday
Where: Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $75
For more: https://rockfordartmuseum.org/
Goo Goo Dolls
What: The Grammy Award nominated band has been together for four decades. The Goo Goo Dolls recently released their 13th studio album, “Chaos in Bloom,” which features the single “Going Crazy.”
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
For ticket prices and more: https://coronadopac.org/events/the-goo-goo-dolls
Cyndee Schaffer presents: “Mollie’s War”
What: The Women’s Army Corps were the first women other than nurses to serve overseas in World War II. Cyndee Schaffer’s mother, Mollie Weinstein Schaffer, was one of them. Drawing upon excerpts from Mollie’s letters written home during the war, this presentation provides a romantic, yet frightful, glimpse into the life of a woman in uniform during this crucial time in history.
When: 2:30 p.m. Sunday
Where: Ethnic Heritage Museum, 1129 S. Main St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission but donations would be appreciated.
For more: https://www.ethnicheritagemuseum.org/
Ken DeCoster covers business news and features. Contact him at 815-987-1391, kdecoster@rrstar.com or @DeCosterKen.
