Saint Patrick's Day weekend offers up 39 things to do in Rockford
- The Rockford area will host a variety of events, including an Animal Rescue Expo, a concert by Tower of Power, and a Saint Patrick's Day Parade.
- Families can enjoy events like SpongeBob SquarePants The Musical, the Saint Paddy’s at Prairie Street event, and the Tinkers Ball at Memorial Hall.
- Foodies can indulge in events like the Annual Corned Beef (or ham) and Cabbage for a Cause, the Saint Patrick’s Day Cookie Decorating Class, and the Bourbon Tasting.
The weekend brings an Animal Rescue Expo, The Funeral March “It All Falls Apart” EP Release Party and Tinkers Ball, along with fundraisers, live music, Saint Patrick’s events and more to the Rockford area.
Let’s Sing Taylor: A Live Band Experience Celebrating Taylor Swift
What: Let's Sing Taylor: A Live Band Experience - is the ultimate tribute to the music of Taylor Swift. Calling all Swifties: sing your hearts out and sport your Taylor inspired attire.
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 14
Where: Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $25-$55
Paranormal Tour with the Illinois Paranormalists
What: Come for scintillating tales from paranormal experts, listen to audio clips found in the Tinker Cottage and enjoy a tour, with the chance to have your own paranormal encounter. Each event begins in the Barn.
When: 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, March 14
Where: Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum & Gardens, 411 Kent St., Rockford
Cost: $25; $20 for members
Rockford IceHogs
What: It's another $2 beer Friday, featuring select $2 cans of beer or 12-ounce soft drinks available at concession areas through the end of the second intermission. It's also another Screw City Night. The IceHogs will wear Screw City jerseys and fans can shop for all new Screw City merchandise as the Hogs pay homage to Rockford's rich manufacturing history. The IceHogs will also pay tribute to boy bands Backstreet, New Kids and N'Sync with boy band music and in-game activities throughout the night. Their opponent Friday is the Hartford Wolf Pack. Saturday, the Hogs play Grand Rapids Griffins in a St. Paddy’s Celebration.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, March 14 and Saturday, March 15
Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford
Cost: $22 and up
SpongeBob SquarePants The Musical
What: Plunge into this all-singing, all-dancing stage show. When the citizens of Bikini Bottom discover that a volcano will soon erupt and destroy their humble home, SpongeBob and his friends must come together to save the fate of their undersea world. With lives hanging in the balance and all hope lost, a most unexpected hero rises up.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, March 14; 2 and 6 p.m. Saturday, March 15; and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 16
Where: The Studio, Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: $15; $13 for children and seniors; save $2 with advance tickets
Tower of Power
What: For more than 55 years, Tower of Power has delivered the best in funk and soul music.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, March 14
Where: Hard Rock Casino Rockford, 7801 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: $35-$82
Adult Music Bingo
What: Enjoy a night of fun with music, food, drink, prizes and Rhythmic Bingo Games. Listen to tunes from the '70s and '80s and match them to win a prize. Fee includes two pieces of pizza, salad, coffee and tea. You may bring your favorite adult beverage with you. Limited concessions will be available. 70s and 80s attire is encouraged.
When: 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 14 (doors open at 6 p.m.)
Where: Harlem Community Center, 900 Roosevelt Road, Machesney Park
Cost: $15
Saint Patrick’s Day Cookie Decorating Class
What: This class will include instruction for basic piping and flooding techniques. Leave with six of your own decorated cookies. No experience necessary. Learn tips and tricks on how to achieve beautifully decorated cookies. All supplies will be provided (including a box to take home your creations).
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 14
Where: Main Street Mini Social, 301 E. Main St., Rockton
Cost: $54
Worm Moon Music & Market
What: There will be live performances by Ginja Jesus, Fish Head & The Bones & Super Brick. The event also includes tarot readings, paint and sip, a bar by Baseball Tap and a market featuring Mrs. Fisher’s, SRM Print, Cowcitas, Vintage Vault, Lovely Luna, Lather Valley, Cascio Ceramics, Not your mothers yarn and more.
When: 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, March 14
Where: The Bricks Venue Center, 125 Walnut St., Cherry Valley
Cost: $15; $10 in advance
Third Annual Saint Patrick’s Fundraiser
What: Join Rockford area dance fitness instructors for a dance fitness party. All proceeds from event will go to Region A Special Olympics Illinois.
When: 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 14
Where: Peak Sports Club, 4401 Peak Drive, Loves Park
Cost: $10 per person; $20 for a shirt
Annual Corned Beef (or ham) and Cabbage for a Cause
What: In celebration of Saint Patrick's Day, this classic Irish dish will be prepared by Mary’s Place Custom Catering. Meal cost includes corned beef (or ham), cabbage, potatoes, carrots and dessert. Carryout orders are also available by calling 815-601-5124 the day of the event. A portion of proceeds will benefit Beloit Meals on Wheels.
When: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 15 (or until food is gone)
Where: South Beloit Businessmen’s Hall, 525 Washington St., South Beloit
Cost: $17
Saint Paddy’s at Prairie Street
What: This family-friendly event invites the community to keep the Saint Patrick’s Day festivities going after the annual downtown parade with live entertainment, Irish-inspired food and drinks, and activities for all ages. Guests can enjoy live music in the Barrel Room, a DJ spinning in the Bottling House, a dedicated kids’ area and more. Traditional Irish fare and Prairie Street’s locally brewed craft beer will be available for purchase.
When: 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 15
Where: Prairie Street Brewhouse, 200 Prairie St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
Animal Rescue Expo
What: Rockford's inaugural charitable Animal Rescue Expo will feature exhibitors and entertainment. Full-service restaurant, bar and concessions are available onsite. Shop for pet supplies and services, learn about wildlife and farm rescue and maybe even adopt a new rescue friend. Bring a bag of dog/cat food for raffle tickets to be used for gift baskets.
When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 15
Where: UW Health Sports Factory, 305 S. Madison St., Rockford
Cost: $5 donation for Kibble Korner Pet Food Pantry; free for veterans and children 11 and younger
Saint Patrick’s Day Party
What: Enjoy Irish food and drink specials, giveaways and raffles. Come dressed in green ready to celebrate. Raffles and donations will benefit A Mother's Love in Loves Park, supporting women and families in need, in honor of National Women's Month.
When: 11 a.m. Saturday, March 15
Where: Finnegan’s Cottage, 4832 N. Second St., Loves Park
Cryptid Art Show
What: This event features Cryptid themed art, sculpture and some limited release clothing from Silky Screens. Enjoy live music from "The Deathbirds," and featuring Mothman, Sasquatch, Jackalope, Nessie, Chupacabra and more. All ages are welcome.
When: 4 to 11 p.m. Saturday, March 15
Where: The McPherson, 1210 Buchanan St., Belvidere
Cost: Free
Friends of RPL Book Sale
What: Take advantage of this opportunity to stock up on gently used books, CDs, DVDs, movies and more, starting at just $0.50.
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 15
Where: Rockford Public Library, 215 N. Wyman St., Rockford
In the Outdoors: Trekkin and Trackin
What: Whether it’s snow or mud, March is the perfect time for animal tracking. Atwood Park is home to a wide variety of creatures; many of whom share the same trails we do. Explore the park and search for animal tracks. Take a guided trek around the park and learn to identify the tracks and signs of local wildlife. Discover the hidden world of animal tracks together. All ages are welcome.
When: 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 15
Where: North entrance of Atwood Park, Atwood Center, 2685 New Milford School Road, Rockford
Cost: Free
Paddyfest Food and Music Festival
What: Enjoy real Irish food and music including entertainment from The Tooles, Emerald Wind and City of Rockford Pipe Band.
When: 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 15 (doors open at 4 p.m.)
Where: Loves Park City Hall, 100 Heart Blvd., Loves Park
Cost: $10; free for ages 12 and younger
Kegel Harley-Davidson Spring Party
What: This all-day party will be packed with food, drinks, live music, motorcycles and more. Learn about the dealership-sponsored riding club Rock River HOG and what they're all about; chat with Law Tigers to find out what you can do to protect yourself if you're ever in a motorcycle accident; and experience the sound of Fosgate with live, in-store demonstrations.
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 15
Where: Kegel Harley-Davidson, 7125 Harrison Ave., Rockford
Shamrock’n Party
What: Enjoy a corned beef and cabbage dinner and music from Stereotype.
When: 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday, March 15
Where: Neighbors Bar & Grill, 7745 Forest Hills Road, Loves Park
Cost: $15 corned beef and cabbage dinner; $11 Reubens
Clover Crawl on 251
What: Hop on a bus that will take you to these bars along IL-251: The Parks, Top Dog, Benny’s Nest and Easy Tiger. Start at any of the participating bars and get a punch card. This event is sponsored by RockN Vodka. The bus runs continuously throughout the event. The first 50 participants get a pub crawl t-shirt and there will be giveaways throughout the day.
When: Noon Saturday, March 15
Cost: Free bus ride
St. Pawddy’s Day
What: Bring your furry family member for a Saint Patrick's Day celebration. There will be a fenced dog park so your pup can run around and play, a Bouncy House for the kids, live music with Ryan Vyborny and a Mobile Bar for the adults. Dress yourself and the family in green and come for drinks, food and fun.
When: 1 p.m. to close Saturday, March 15, weather permitting
Where: Bourbon Street Lounge, 3870 N. Perryville Road, Loves Park
Saint Patty’s Day Party
What: Enjoy traditional Irish music by Bucktooth Sugarbush, with DJTurn1 taking over at 10 p.m. There will be corned beef and cabbage dinners, Reuben sandwiches and Reuben eggrolls available, plus specialty cocktails. Show up in your best green to win giveaways for Best Dressed.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, March 15
Where: Coach’s Corner, 622 S. State St., Belvidere
Shamrock Beer Run/Walk 5k
What: Get active (or just have fun) while bringing joy to young adults and their loved ones who are battling cancer. Whether you're running, walking, or crawling, this event is all about enjoying yourself while supporting Nik’s Wish. Don't forget to wear your best Irish attire. Visit beer stations along the course to help you run, walk or crawl to the finish line. There is a post-race celebration with cold brews, a silent auction and a 50-foot-long shotski. All registered participants get a souvenir beer glass, Shamrock Beer Run T-shirt and an event medal for completing the course. Five local craft breweries are featured along the course route, so participants receive an (optional) three-ounce sample from each brewery and are greeted with a pint of their favorite at the finish line.
When: Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 15
Where: Mercyhealth Sportscore One, 1288 Elmwood Road, Rockford
Cost: $60; $25 for BrewFest entry only (no 5k)
Saint Patrick’s Acoustic Showcase
What: Enjoy music from five 815-area music groups performing in one spot. Get some corned beef here as well.
When: 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, March 15
Where: Whiskey’s Roadhouse Bar & Grill, 3207 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: No cover charge
The Funeral March “It All Falls Apart” EP Release Party
What: Join The Funeral March of the Marionettes and special guests TATV GRAL, [melter], Bellhead and William Faith to celebrate the release of It All Falls Apart, the final EP from Rockford's original post-punk/Goth rock band. Formed in 1987, The Funeral March blends the sounds of Bowie, Bauhaus, The Cure, and Joy Division to create their own brand of dark alternative music. The band was resurrected after a hiatus in 2017 by founding member Joe Whiteaker; however Joe died in May 2024 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Even during the struggles of cancer treatment, he had been making plans to release the record and go on tour to promote it. This event is tribute to Joe's legacy and the music he shared. Bassist Darius McCaskey, guitarist Jeff Goins, drummer Joel DeLuna and guest vocalists will be performing as The Funeral March of the Marionettes for this final show to play the EP in its entirety. This is an all-ages show with refreshments available from Prairie Street Brewing Company. Must be at least 21 for alcohol.
When: 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, March 15
Where: RPL Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $10
Saint Patrick’s Day Party with the Stevee Nix
What: Enjoy a corned beef and cabbage dinner and musical entertainment from the Stevee Nix.
When: 6 p.m. Saturday, March 15
Where: Tad’s on the Rock, 10 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park
Pig Minds Feckin Hooley
What: There will be food and beer specials, live music, and activities for all ages.
When: Noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 15
Where: Pig Minds Brewing Co., 4080 Steele Drive, Machesney Park
Bourbon Tasting
What: Indulge in a unique bourbon-tasting experience with rare and sought-after bourbons from top distilleries paired with an array of finger foods. There will also be some prizes and giveaways.
When: 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 15
Where: The Kitchen Tap, inside Victory Pickleball, 7003 N. Alpine Road, Loves Park
Cost: $50
Saint Patrick’s Bash
What: Enjoy a special corned beef and cabbage meal plus music from Emerald Wind, Trinadora, Magtones, Dick Gorman (Monday) and Clan McAlpine Pipes.
When: Noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 15 and Monday, March 17
Where: Murphy’s Pub & Grill, 510 S. Perryville Road, Rockford
Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
What: The parade will start at RPS 205 District Building at Seventh Street and Fifth Avenue, Rockford. It will continue west down State Street and end at Water Street.
When: 3 p.m. Saturday, March 15
Where: Downtown Rockford
Cost: Free
Maple Syrup Hike and Pancake Breakfast
What: Enjoy a morning immersed in nature and learn the process of making maple syrup. Hear about the history and techniques of tapping trees, collecting sap and turning it into syrup. Take a guided hike through the woodlands, then cozy up by the fire at the lodge for a pancake breakfast topped with locally-sourced maple syrup.
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 15
Where: Farmers Rising, 1936 Rockton Road, Caledonia
Cost: $15; $40 for family
Saint Patrick’s Parking Lot Party
What: Watch the festivities from the parking lot. Ernie’s will have music, bags, corned beef and cabbage, Reuben sandwiches, Reuben quesadillas and Reuben chimichangas. Drinks featured include $5 Eagle Park Ekto Cooler Green Seltzer, $6 Urban Forest MollyWhop Irish Red, Tullamore Dew and Tullamore Dew Honey for $5. There will be some giveaways, too.
When: 11 a.m. Saturday, March 15
Where: Ernie’s Midtown Pub, 1025 Fifth Ave., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
The X’s Saint Patrick’s Day .1k
What: Hang with 104.9 The X as they broadcast live from Jax all morning. Once the run is done, stick around for the costume contest for a chance to win concert tickets, the scavenger hunt and more. The green flag drops at 11 a.m. for the race. The race swag bag is loaded with the official Saint Patrick’s Day .1K beer stein from Tilford’s Towing and Recovery, the limited-edition event t-shirt, a .1K bumper sticker, a race bib, a medal to prove you made it all 328 feet from Eldridge Roofing and more. A portion of proceeds will go to help the Friends of The Rockford Police K9 continue to do everything they can to support the K9 units.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 15
Where: Jax Pub, 4160 N. Perryville Road, Loves Park
Cost: $30
Tinkers Ball at Memorial Hall
What: Join Tinker Swiss Cottage for a night of elegance and history as you are transported to the Victorian Era in this Civil War-themed Ball. Formal or themed attire is strongly recommended to match the occasion. Refreshments will be provided by The Sons of Union Veterans and Mary Logan Tent Auxiliary. Dance callers are Gary and Karen Alexander of The Historical Timekeepers.
When: 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 15
Where: Veterans Memorial Hall, 211 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $15; $8 for children age 6-12; free ages 5 and younger
Rockford Symphony Youth Orchestra Spring Chamber Concert
What: The concert features the Rockford Symphony Youth Orchestra Honors Chamber Orchestra and the Sterling String Quartet.
When: 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 16 (doors open at 2:30 p.m.)
Where: First Lutheran Church, 225 S. Third St., Rockford
Cost: $5
Saint Patrick’s Day Party
What: Louie’s will have That '70s Band playing from 2 to 5 p.m., corned beef and cabbage all day, and specials on Jameson, Irish Mules, Guinness and green beer.
When: 2 p.m. Sunday, March 16
Where: Louie’s Tap House, 5689 Elevator Road, Roscoe
Cost: Free admission
Saint Patrick’s Sunday Matinee
What: Continuing an annual tradition, the Concerts on The Creek series is partnering with The Irish Marching Society for two hours of inspiration and fun featuring seasonal songs in the Celtic tradition. Performers include Danny McDade, Emerald Wind and Trinadora. There is no admission charge, but goodwill donations from the audience pay the musicians and help defray hosting costs.
When: 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 16 (doors open at 2 p.m.)
Where: Spring Creek United Church of Christ, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
Cost: No admission charge; suggested donation of $10
A Brunch of Drag
What: The event will be hosted by La Mira. Performing divas include Ja'Nyiah Mone' Diamond Banx$, current Mister Office Arsen, Star and finalist of Season 666 of Boulet Brothers' Dragula, Auntie Heroine and a surprise guest. The professionally catered all-you-can-eat brunch buffet includes fried chicken, mostaccioli, cheesy potatoes, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, French toast, biscuits and gravy, fresh fruits, muffins, pastries and other desserts. Bottomless Mimosas and additional drinks available at the cash bar. Seating is limited; advance purchase is encouraged.
When: 11:30 a.m. Sunday, March 16
Where: The Office Niteclub, 513 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: $30 for brunch and show
Annual St. Joseph’s Altar
What: Partake in the festive traditional meal of meatless pasta, omelets, vegetables and Italian pastries. The St. Joseph Altar is an ancient Sicilian tradition that originated when the poor peasants of the impoverished island faced a famine due to drought and prayed to St. Joseph, the husband of the Virgin Mary and protector of the Holy Family, for intercession. When the rains came and the famine ended, a tradition began. In gratitude, foods were prepared and distributed to the poor of Sicily.
When: Noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 16
Where: St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 1010 Ferguson St., Rockford
Cost: Free; donations welcomed
Coming next week
Post Impressionism Lecture
What: Explore the world of Post-Impressionist art. Led by art historian Valerie Olafson, discover the groundbreaking techniques and visionary works of artists like Monet, Van Gogh and Morisot. Whether you’re a longtime art lover or a curious newcomer, this series will deepen your understanding and appreciation of these revolutionary movements. No registration required.
When: 6 p.m. Thursday, March 20
Where: Rockford Area Art Museum, 711 N. Main St., RockfordCost: Free