Head of the Rock Regatta one of 14 things to do this weekend in the Rockford area

ROCKFORD — The second full weekend in October offers a variety of family friendly activities in the region.

The events include Autumn at the Arboretum, Junior Scientist’s Day at the Discovery Center, a Beatles tribute at the Coronado Performing Arts Center and much more. 

Head of the Rock Regatta

What: The Rock River Valley YMCA Rowing Club will hold its 36th annual regatta. Thanks to sponsors, club members and volunteers, the Head of the Rock continues to offer participants and spectators a first-rate experience in a beautiful rowing venue.

When: 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday

Where: Along the Rock River from Martin Park to the YMCA Log Lodge, 200 Y Blvd., Rockford

Cost: Free admission

For more: https://rockriverymca.org/Programs/Healthy-Living/Adult-Sports/Rowing-Crew/

Senior Follies presents “On with the Show”

What: Singing, dancing and comedy performances by local celebrities. Proceeds will benefit the Rockford Public Library 

When: 2 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. Wednesday

Where: Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford

Cost: $10 per ticket

For more: Call 815-389-2214

Autumn at the Arboretum

What: Autumn at the Arboretum is a weekend-long celebration with entertainment and programming. Visitors can participate in several self-guided activities, including a smartphone tour highlighting fall colors and different points of interest found throughout the arboretum’s 155-acres of paths, trails, and gardens. A self-guided scavenger hunt, themed for fall, will encourage nature exploration. There will also be family fun including activity and game stations, a straw bale maze, a cake walk, an animal demonstration by Hoo Haven, community organization activity booths, live music by Steve McClanahan, and a doggy costume contest.

When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Saturday & Sunday 

Where: Klehm Arboretum, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford

Cost: Free admission

For more: https://klehm.org/

Author Dan Klefstad brings Fiona from his novel “Fiona’s Guardians,” to life 

What: Local author and WNIJ radio host Dan Klefstad reads from his novel "Fiona's Guardians," which has recently been optioned for TV. Klefstad will read from his novel and sign copies (available for sale at the bookstore), and will participate in question and answer and a meet and greet reception. 

When: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday

Where: Katie’s Cup Coffee Bar & Bookstore, 510 7th St., Rockford 

Cost: Free admission

For more: https://www.katiescup.com/

The "Fab Four" ultimate Beatles tribute

What: The Emmy Award-winning "Fab Four" group is making a stop in Rockford. With uncanny, note-for-note live renditions of Beatles' classics such as "Can't Buy Me Love," "Yesterday," "A Day In The Life," "Twist And Shout," "Here Comes The Sun," and "Hey Jude", the Fab Four will make you think you are watching the real thing. Their stage performances include three costume changes representing every era of the Beatles historic career. 

When: 8 p.m. Friday

Where: Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford

For ticket prices and more:  https://coronadopac.org/

The Studio Rockford presents Disney’s “High School Musical”

What: Disney Channel's hit movie musical comes to life on stage. Troy, Gabriella and the students of East High must deal with issues of first love, friends and family while balancing their classes and extracurricular activities.

When: 7 p.m. Friday; 2 p.m. & 6 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday 

Where: Belvidere High School Performing Arts Center, 1500 East Ave., Belvidere

Cost: Adults $13 in advance, $15 at the door; Children (12-under) $11 in advance, $13 at the door; Seniors (55+) $11 in advance, $13 at the door.

For more: https://www.thestudiorockford.com/

Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful presents the Artale Wine Tasting Fundraiser

What: The event will feature 32 types of wines to be sampled. Proceeds will benefit Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful's community programs to fulfill its mission to reduce, reuse and recycle through education, beautification and litter prevention.

When: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday

Where: Artale Wine, 6876 Spring Creek Road, Rockford 

Cost: $15 registration fee

For more: https://www.knib.org/

Nik’s Home Run 7k Race, 1.5 Mile Fun Walk & Grammy’s Auction

What: The annual event, presented by the Nikolas Ritschel Foundation, helps make wishes come true for children and teens fighting cancer. 

When: 9 a.m. Saturday

Where: Rockford Rivets Stadium, 4503 Interstate Blvd., Loves Park

For more: https://nikolasritschelfoundation.org/

Junior Scientists Day at Discovery Center

What: Science, Technology, Engineering and Math will be in the spotlight this weekend at the Discovery Center. During the event, children will be encouraged to solve STEM challenges, enjoy science demonstrations and watch a planetarium show.

When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday

Where: Discovery Center Children’s Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford

Cost: $10 for the general public, free to museum members and children age 1 and younger.

For more: https://www.discoverycentermuseum.org/

Gods & Goddesses Poetry Slam

What: The 2nd annual Gods and Goddesses Poetry Slam is a national competition created by award-winning spoken word artist "Goddess Warrior The Poet." Slam poets from cities all over the U.S. compete for cash prizes, television exposure, national exposure and the bragging rights of slam God or Slam Goddess of the year. Poets have already registered from St. Louis, Louisville, Joliet, Boston, Kansas City, Birmingham, Dallas and Madison.

When: 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday

Where: Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford

For ticket prices and more: https://www.rockfordpubliclibrary.org/avada_portfolio/nordlof-center/

77th Rockford Midwestern Biennial-Opening Day

What: Juried by Art Dose magazine publisher Frank Juàrez, the 2022 Rockford Midwestern is the 77th presentation of the museum’s survey exhibition of new work by contemporary artists from across the Midwest. Juàrez selected 61 pieces by 50 artists to be included in this year’s exhibition. Best of Show and two Juror’s Choice awards will be announced at the opening – as well as the 2022 Dean Alan Olson Purchase Award, to the artist whose work has been selected for inclusion in the Rockford Art Museum Permanent Collection.

When: Friday: 5:15 to 6 p.m., gallery walk; 6 to 7 pm., members preview; 7 to 8 p.m. Free public opening.

Where: Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford

For more: https://rockfordartmuseum.org/

Full Moon Hike 

What: Take part in an evening of nocturnal natural history while walking the trails in anticipation of moonrise.

When: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday

Where: Severson Dells Nature Center, 8786 Montague Road, Rockford

Cost: $3 for members, $5 general admission.

For more: https://www.seversondells.com/

Paul Stauffer Memorial Rock-N-Bowl Car show

What: The 22nd annual Rock-N-Bowl Car show has special events throughout the day. There are trophies for the top 60 cars and awards in 14 categories. Vehicles are judged by show participants. 

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday 

Where: Parking lot west of Don Carter Lanes, 4007 E. State St., Rockford

Cost: $15 for car registration, $20 on the day of the show, free admission for spectators.

For more: https://doncarterlanes.com/rock-n-bowl-car-show/

Comedian Chris D’Elia

What: Chris D'Elia has become one of the most in-demand performers in comedy. His highly successful podcast, "Congratulations with Chris D'Elia," has been a mainstay on iTunes' comedy podcast charts since its debut in February 2017. He is also a co-star on "King and the Sting and the Wing," with Brendan Schaub.

When: 7 p.m. Saturday

Where: Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford

For ticket prices and more: https://coronadopac.org/

Ken DeCoster covers business news and features. Contact him at 815-987-1391, kdecoster@rrstar.com or @DeCosterKen.