What's happening in far northern Illinois: Friday, May 17 - Friday, May 24

This week in Roscoe, South Beloit, and Rockton: big garage sale, The Little Mermaid, it's all about fiber, it's all about pelicans, rhubarb fest and rummage sale, food trucks, free tennis lessons, live music, running and walking for a cause, nature hike, comedy night, artisan market, and left, right, center.

17 events this week on our calendar: Friday, May 17 - Friday, May 24

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FEATURED EVENTS

Chicory Ridge Subdivision Garage Sales - Fri May 17 9:00 am

Chicory Ridge Subdivision

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday, May 17- Sunday, May 19, 2024. Almost 80 families will be participating in the annual Chicory Ridge Garage Sales, all the way from Roscoe Road and Chicory Ridge Way, to Meadowsweet. Parking is on only the EVEN side of streets again. [more details]

Rockton Pelican Fest - Sat May 18 10:00 am

Downtown Rockton

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Celebrate the annual return of the American White Pelicans and other migrating birds to the Rock River. This year we will be teaming up with the Natural Land Institute, the Sinnissippi Audubon Society, the Village of Rockton and JR Finally Art Studio & Gallery to create a day filled with activities and sights sure to delight everyone. Learn about and meet some interesting birds while visiting several educational / environmental exhibits. [more details]

Other Events

Trash to Treasure Sale - Fri May 17 9:00 am

RTHS Museum

Two day sale, May 17 & 18, 9:00 am -l 4:00 pm.  Selling household goods, decor, linens, outdoor items and more. Large doll collection, many from other countries. Also selling nice geraniums in 4 inch pots, red, white, pink and watermelon. In addition we will hold a Mini Rhubarb Fest, selling rhubarb cakes, pies, breads, crisps and fresh rhubarb. All proceeds benefit the Rockton Township Historical Society. [more details]

Food Truck Friday: The Dirty Bird 815 - Fri May 17 11:00 am

Village of Roscoe

Find The Dirty Bird food truck parked at the Village Hall of Roscoe from 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. serving up their award-winning chicken. "Eat Dirty, Eat Delicious, Eat Dirty Bird" [more details]

The Little Mermaid - Fri-Sun May 17 - 19

Hononegah Performing Arts Center

The young performers of CYT Rockford takes you to a magical underwater kingdom, where the beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home – and her fins – behind and live in the world above. [more details]

Community Meal at Cross & Crown Lutheran Church - Fri May 17 12:00 pm

Cross & Crown Lutheran Church

12 noon - 1:30 p.m. Join us the third Friday of each month for our first community meal. It is free and open to the public - all are welcome to fill their bodies and their spirits with conversation, fellowship and a meal. [more details]

Free Tennis Lessons - Fri May 17 4:30 pm

Beloit Tennis Association

All ages and skill levels are welcome. Ages: 5-12 4:30-5:30 Ages: 12+/Adults 5:30-dark. Coach Larry Compton 608-290-2697. Private lessons are available $25 per hour. [more details]

Live Music: Paul Bronson Acoustic Music at Louie's - Fri May 17 8:00 pm

Louie's Tap House

7 - 10 p.m. Paul Bronson Acoustic Music returns to Louie's Tap House in Roscoe, IL for a provision of the sonic backdrop. No cover; however, donations are welcome and 100% matched by Louie’s, so it’s a win/win for everyone. [more details]

Wheel Run for Meals 10k Run & 5k Run/Walk - Sat May 18 9:00 am

Beloit Meals On Wheels

With over 10 years of race experience behind us, we’re excited to share that our highly popular Wheel Run for Meals 10k Run & 5k Run/Walk is back, starting from the Beloit Meals on Wheels office at 1534 Shore Drive. This family friendly and chip timed race kicks off at 9 a.m. Cost is $20 adult; $10 for 17 and under, and includes a T-shirt. Enjoy a post-race refreshing beverage from Beloit Culver’s to cool you down!  [more details]

Fiber Weekend at Macktown Living History - Sat May 18 9:00 am

Macktown Living History

Saturday and Sunday, May 18-19, 2024, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. If you have a love of the fiber arts, this event is for you. Demonstrations: Great Wheel, Bobbin Lace, Toothpick rug, Inkle Loom, Knitting, Darning. Classes: Beginning Drop Spindle, Rug Hooking, Beginning Spinning on a Spinning Wheel, Beginning Cordage, Tunisian Crochet, Natural Dyes. Assure yourself a place by registering for classes early. Admission: Free for members, Adults $5, Children under 8 are free. Food & beverages available for purchase.  [more details]

Macktown Warriors Football Registration - Sat May 18 12:00 pm

Rockton Sports Complex

Food! Drinks! Carnival games! Good times! Bring the family!  [more details]

Live Music: Rollin Dubs on Mother's Day - Sat May 18 2:00 pm

Louie's Tap House

2 - 5 p.m. The Rollin Dubs (Reggie & Jennifer Winterland) are strolling into Louie’s for an early appetizer gig. We are excited to be playing Louie’s for our first time. Great food and cold drinks and many beers on tap. [more details]

Roscoe Artisan Market at Louie's - Sun May 19 9:00 am

Louie's Tap House

9 - 1 p.m. Stateline Events will be showcasing the area's finest artisans in fashion, food, home goods, and art. If you are interested in being a vendor, please email 5-10 pictures of what you sell. Future dates: June 23, July 21, August 18, September 8 [more details]

Kid's Day at It's All About Fiber - Macktown Living History - Sun May 19 12:00 pm

Macktown Living History

Noon-3:30 p.m. Young people will have an opportunity to pet lambs and try their hands on various fiber related skills: washing fleece, wet felting, card weaving, cordage, carding wool. All will be able to create a yarn doll to take home. Young people will have an opportunity to try various fiber related skills. Weaving, Carding wool, Felting wool, Making Cordage. Demonstrations: Great Wheel, Bobbin Lace, Toothpick rug,  Inkle Loom, Knitting, Darning. [more details]

50 North, Senior Activity Event - Tue May 21 1:00 pm

Rockton Township Community Center

Come join us for information on our local food pantry at Old Stone Church.  We will also have a speaker from Meals on Wheels regarding services they provide.  If able, please bring a non-perishable food item to donate.  We will end our day with a game of left, right, center and, as always, refreshments will be served!  Bring a friend and come join us!  [more details]

Guided Hike at J. Norman Jensen Forest Preserve - Wed May 22 5:30 pm

J. Norman Jensen Forest Preserve

Join us for a spring guided hike at Jensen Forest Preserve where the beautiful lupines are a sight to be seen. Bring your binoculars for your visit to Jensen’s forests and wetland that harbor many species of migratory birds, ducks and other waterfowl. Free. Leashed dogs allowed. [more details]

Comedy Night at Mustangs - Wed May 22 8:00 pm

Mustangs Bar Grill

Free. The last show of the season? Comedy and more comedy, every Wednesday night through May. No cover, great time. Featuring multiple comedians each week.   [more details]

And voila, you're in the loop! For more things to do, or to post your own event, visit our Community Calendar.