Looking for something to do in the Freeport area this weekend? Here are 10 upcoming events
Music on the Patio: Ukelele Express 815
What: Enjoy the talents of Ukulele Express 815, food and adult beverages. Entertainment for all ages. In poor weather, the show will move into the clubhouse.
When: 5-8 p.m. Friday, July 19
Where: Park Hills Golf Course, 3240 W. Stephenson St., Freeport
Cost: Free admission
Freeport High School Golf Outing
What: Fee includes 18 holes of golf, grilled lunch on the course, Pretzel swag bag, on-course games and awards, dinner and more. This is a fundraiser for Freeport athletics.
When: 10 a.m. registration; 11 a.m. shotgun start; 5 p.m. dinner Friday, July 19
Where: Park Hills Golf Course, 3240 W. Stephenson St., Freeport; dinner at Benchwarmers
Cost: $25 for dinner only; $125 for single golfer; $500 for team of four
Lego Camp
What: The camp will have obstacles, games, activities, crafts and more. It's a day filled with tumbling and Lego fun. This camp is open to the public and is for athletes of all ability levels. All attending athletes should bring a lunch. During camp, there will be morning gym time, themed craft time, lunch break, afternoon gym time and a themed game/activity.
When: 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Friday, July 19
Where: Pierce Athletics, 916 S. Arcade Ave., Freeport
Cost: $55; $40 for members
Movie in the Park
What: See “The Bad Guys.” Park by the Lions Park playground. Follow the maintenance road to the building. Bring snacks, chairs and bug spray. The movie will start at approximately 8:30 p.m. (as soon as it's dark enough).
When: 8:30 p.m. Friday, July 19
Where: Lions Park, 609 N. Schuyler St., Lena
Cost: Free admission
Dog Days of Summer
What: The weekend’s activities include the Lena Lions’ pet parade, the Lena farmers market and area businesses sales. Sign up for the gift card giveaway of $20 to each participating store. Lena Business & Professional Association is giving away $50 Lena Money. Check each store for hours.
When: 10 a.m. Friday, July 19 – 4 p.m. Saturday, July 20
Where: 308 S. Rantoul, Lena
50th Annual German Valley Days
What: German Valley Days is an annual community celebration with family fun events: a 5K run, kiddie tractor pull, basketball shooting contest, grand parade and fireworks show. A wiffleball tournament Sunday is new this year. There will also be an ice cream booth, bounce house, petting zoo, bag toss, coloring contest, vendors, food, live music and more.
When: Friday, July 19-Sunday, July 21
Where: Ben Miller Park, German Valley
FHN Healthy Heart Hustle 5K
What: Raise money for the FHN Cardiopulmonary Department. The FHN Healthy Heart Hustle 5K run (timed race) and a one-mile Victory Lap for Cardiac Services alumni, kids and families starts and ends at FHN Family Healthcare Center. Race-day registration 7– 7:30 a.m. T-shirt/bib pick-up begins at 7 a.m. on race day. Member of the Rockford Road Runners Circuit; course certification number IL19021NM.
When: 8-11 a.m. Saturday, July 20
Where: FHN Family Healthcare Center – Burchard Hills, 1010 Fairway Drive, Freeport
Cost: $10-$35
Third Annual PAEDay Weekend
What: This celebration will consist of free food, beverages, music, games/events and vendors. This year’s event also includes a car show and kick ball tournament; registration fees apply to those events.
When: 2-8 p.m. Saturday, July 20
Where: Taylor Park, 900 E. Stephenson, Freeport
Cost: Free admission
Music in the Park: Mississippi Man
What: The 2024 Music in the Park series closes July 21 with Mississippi Man. 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 p.m. Sunday, July 21
Where: Lions Park, 609 N. Schuyler St., Lena
Cost: Free admission
Freeport Concert Band
What: Enjoy the sounds of the Freeport Concert Band under the stars. There is bench seating or bring a lawn chair.
When: 7-9 p.m. Sunday, July 21
Where: Koenig Amphitheater at Krape Park, 1799 S. Park Blvd., Freeport
Cost: Free admission
Coming next week
Stephenson County Fair
What: Grandstand events include the Midwest Summer Nationals truck and tractor pull; monster trucks and demolition derby. Competitions include pageant, hot dog eating contest, Lego building contest, talent contest and more. CDAC Amusements will have more than 20 premium rides. Bands include Ukulele Express 815 and The Mississippi Man Wednesday; worship music Thursday; The Ville and Fortunate Sons Friday; Michael Kelly, Just 4 Fun, Harpo’s Revue and Synergy Saturday. Free pony rides from noon – 5 p.m. Thursday. There will be many food trucks and stands as well.
When: July 23-27
Where: Stephenson County Fairgrounds, 2250 S. Walnut Road, Freeport
Cost: $6 daily admission; free for age 6 and younger; $25 season pass for all five days; grandstand pricing varies from $10 and more; $55 for a mega pass for admission and all grandstand events; additional fees for food, rides and more
Teen Tuesday: Spray Bottle Watercoloring
What: Want to create a work of art, but don’t know where to start? You don’t need any artistic skill to create these beautiful watercolor paintings, just a spray bottle, watercolor paints and a little imagination.
When: 2-3 p.m. Tuesday, July 23
Where: Learning Lab, Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas St., Freeport
Stress Busting for Caregivers
What: Caring for someone with a chronic illness, dementia or other long-term challenge can be exhausting and stressful. LifeScape from Rockford is offering a nine-part workshop for family caregivers to improve their quality of life, manage stress and cope better. Please register to attend this research-based series of programs. Held at the library, but run by professional social workers from LifeScape Community Services.
When: 1:30-3 p.m. Wednesday, July 24
Where: Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas St., Freeport
Cost: Free
Wednesday Morning Movie Series
What: Get reserved seating tickets online (no convenience fee) or at the theatre. Doors open at 9 a.m. for entertainment and games. All locations will have a Wednesday morning auditorium dedicated for guests who may need more freedom than a traditional cinema setting allows. With the lights turned up and sound turned down, you can talk and move around, which can be helpful for young families or guests with special needs. July 24 movie is Wonka (rated PG).
When: 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 24
Where: Classic Cinemas, 115 S. Chicago Ave., Freeport
Cost: $2
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: 10 things to do this weekend in the Freeport area
