Year Round
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April
May
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October
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December
MAY 2008
May-October
WOODSTOCK FARMERS' MARKET
Cass St. and Van Buren St, Woodstock
Every Thursday and Saturday, mid-May to October, shop one of the county's only authentic markets for flowers, produce, baked goods, and other goodies.
815-338-2436


May-October
SELMI'S FARM MARKET
1206 Dixon Ave, Rock Falls
The greenhouse is beautiful and bountiful. June-October: fresh, home grown vegetables, too many to mention. Sweet corn available July and August. Pumpkin World opens in October.


May-October
OTTAWA FARMERS MARKET
Ottawa
Enjoy fresh produce and garden items from the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce Farmers Market, Saturday mornings from May 20 through Oct. 28 (with a special holiday market scheduled for December 9). The short block of Jackson Street between Columbus and La Salle street becomes a colorful street market. Special additional events are featured some Saturdays, to be announced.
815-433-0084


May-October
LOCK AND DAM #13 WALKING TOURS
Fulton Walking tours, every Sunday. Meet at visitor overlook at Lock 7 Dam 13. Thomson Park Rangers,
815-259-3628


May 2
GENEVA 1ST FRIDAYS GALLERY WALK
Downtown Geneva
Get a taste of culture and creativity this month and come out to downtown Geneva's First Fridays Art Gallery Walk from 6-9pm. The May events includes seven downtown Geneva galleries who are hosting special events, artists show openings, or live performances in an energetic sampling of local, regional and national talent.
630-262-6060

May 3
ART CRAWL
Downtown Antioch
Antioch's Artistic Crawl fills the downtown with the artistic talents of Antioch's students, along with musical and dramatic interludes.
847-395-2233

www.antiochchamber.org


May 3
CINCO DE MAYO FESTIVAL
Downtown Sycamore
Entertainment for the whole family in Downtown Sycamore. Authentic Mexican Food, live music, contests, ethnic dancing, salsa dancing. Children's activities: face painting, games, pony rides, petting zoo and much much more. Saturday closest to May 5.
815-895-2545


May 3
CINCO DE MAYO
Downtown Harvard
Come downtown from 5-8pm to celebrate the diversity of Harvard.  Enjoy ethnic foods, dance, and music.  An event for the whole community.
815-943-3431
www.harvardmainstreet.com


May 3
CINCO DE MAYO
Salamandra Restaurant, 105 W. First Street, Dixon
Cinco de Mayo fiesta celebration with Marachi Band, Mexican folklore, music and more.
815-285-0874

May 3
WINE ON THE FOX
Hudson Crossing Park, Oswego
Join us on the Fox River at the beautiful and scenic Hudson Crossing Park for one of thhe finest wine festivals around. Guests will enjoy wine tasting from Illinois Wineries, delicious local fare, and musical entertainment at this annual event. 11am to 7pm.
630-554-3618

May 3
INTRODUCTION TO FLIGHT
Vintage Wings & Wheels Museum and Poplar Grove Airport, 5151 Orth Road, Poplar Grove
Vintage Wings and Wheels Youth Aviation Academy is a program available to all kids, ages 10-17. Educational and fun! A 4 hour program where you Learn about aircraft and take a short flight in a plane! Pre-registration required, select dates available.
815-547-3115
www.wingsandwheelsmuseum.org


May 3
ANNUAL PLANT SALE
Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden, 2715 South Main Street, Rockford
Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden is open daily from 9am - 4pm. $4 entry. Children under 16 are free. Mondays are always free days for everyone
815-965-8146
www.klehm.org

May 3-4
FULTON DUTCH DAYS FESTIVAL
4th Street, Fulton
Come celebrate Fulton’s Dutch heritage in downtown Fulton. Dutch dancing, parade, Dutch costumes, food vendors and over 100 craft booths highlight this spring event. An authentic Dutch dinner and windmill tours are available. FREE. All Day Saturday: All Day Sunday: All Day.
815-589-4545

www.cityoffulton.us

May 3-4
BLOSSOM WALK
Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden, 215 South Main Street, Rockford
Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden is open daily from 9am - 4pm. $4 entry. Children under 16 are free. Mondays are always free days for everyone
815-965-5914
www.klehm.org

May 3-18
"UNDER ONE ROOF" 2008 DESIGNER SHOWCASE HOME TOUR
1806 National Avenue, Rockford
Located in the heart of Churchill's Grove, the Daly Family Home is thought to be the oldest home on a beautiful tree lined avenue of historic Rockford mansions. This imposing Georgian colonial residence will be transformed by the area's top Interior Design professionals, and will be open for viewing by the public. Also at the Showcase Home Tour shop the Fabulous Final Touches Boutique featuring the work of local artists and many unique items for the home as well as jewelry and accessories. The "Under One Roof" Designer Showcase Home is available for private corporate events in the evenings. Proceeds from the event will benefit the projects and programs of Junior League of Rockford, Inc.
815-399-4518
www.jlrockford.org

May 4
BOB BLAZIER RUN FOR THE ARTS
Raue Center for the Arts, Crystal Lake
Welcome to the 11th annual Bob Blazier Run For The Arts. Named for Bob Blazier, a zealous supporter of the arts, this event is an annual fundraiser for Raue Center. It will feature a 50-yard dash for kids, a 5-K and 1-mile race.
815-356-9010
www.rauecenter.org

May 4
PARK RIDGE CIVIC ORCHESTRA - OLIVER COLBENTSON

Pickwick Theatre, Park Ridge

The Park Ridge Civic Orchestra is in its fourteenth season of concerts at the historic Pickwick Theatre in Uptown Park Ridge. Come listen to violin soloist Oliver Colbentson
.
847-692-7726

www.parkridgecivicorchestra.org


May 4
A TRIPLE TREAT - KISHWAUKEE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Egyptian Theater, 135 North Second Street, DeKalb
Concerto for Violin, Cello and Piano, Op. 56 ("Triple Concerto"): Beethoven. Featuring the Vermeer Quartet member Marc Johnson, cello, Concertmaster Ann Montzka-Smelser, violin, Music Director Linc Smelser, piano.
815-756-3728
www.kishorchestra.org


May 10
100 MEN WHO COOK
Indoor Sports Center (ISC), 8800 East Riverside Boulevard, Loves Park
More than 150 Rockford area "celebrity chefs" provide a memorable evening of dining with more than 17,000 sample-size servings available for tasting--hors d'oeuvres, salads, entrees, breads and desserts--and the opportunity to win a new car in the famous Three Vehicle Raffle.
815-963-7323
www.theliteracycouncil.org

May 10
MOTHERS DAY VICTORIAN TEA
Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum, 411 Kent Street, Rockford
Celebrate Mother's Day with delicious Irish tea, scones, tea sandwiches and cakes, candy, live music and beautiful Victorian atmosphere. Every mother will receive a free pass to tour the Tinker Cottage.
815-964-2424
www.tinkercottage.com


May 10
LITERACY RUN HALF MARATHON
6616 42nd Street, Rockford
The 13-1/2 mile course will start and end at VASA Park (located off Blackhawk Road on 42nd St.). This scenic and challenging course will include some trails, some bike paths and no traffic as you run through two of Winnebago County's beautiful forest preserve.
815-963-7323

www.theliteracycouncil.org


May 10
CHOCOLATE TOUR
Taste chocolates from all over the world and learn to cook gourmet recipes featuring chocolate! This cooking class will be taught by Chef Donna Duvall and will be held in Mt. Carroll. The cost is $95 per person.
866-240-1650
www.learngreatfoods.com

May 10
ROCK RIVER RAPTORS VS KALAMAZOO XPLOSION
Metro Centre, 300 Elm Street, Rockford
We'll rip you apart! Rockford's indoor football team, member of the United Indoor Football League, in its 2008 season.
815-965-7000
www.raptorsindoorfootball.com


May 10-11
BIRDFEST
Colored Sands Forest Preserve, 10602 Hass Road, Durand
Look for close encounters with birds and other wildlife at the 10th Annual BIRDFEST! Admission is $2.50/adults; $.50/ages 3-12; free/children 2 & younger. Admission includes information and demonstrations on bird banding, raptors, attracting bluebirds, photographing birds, nature hikes, children's activities, and much more. Bird and nature items, and food for sale. Silent Auction helps the net fund. Looking for a special place to bring your Mother on Mother's Day weekend? She will love it! So will your Grandmother! Expose your children, and your grandchildren to the joys of nature. Wheelchair assessible. This weekend is the peak time for migration - expect great birds.
815-629-2671

www.wcfpd.org


May 11
MOM AND ME TEA
Klehm Arboretun & Botanic Garden, 2715 South Main Street, Rockford
Celebrate Mother's Day with an elegant outdoor tea party in the Nancy Olson Children's Garden. Tasty treats and yummy desserts await you. Appropriate party dress requested. Limited seating, $12.50 per person.
815-965-8146
www.klehm.org

May 14, 21, 28
WHITE PINES INN PRESENTS: SO THESE TWO COUPLES GO TO ITALY...
White Pines Theatre, 6712 West Pines Road, Mt. Morris
Live stage shows with talented singers, actors and comedians.
815-946-3817
www.whitepinesinn.com

May 16
BLUES AND BLUEGRASS
H.I.Lincoln Building, 136 North Elm Street, Franklin Grove
Acoustic music: gospel, folk, country, blues, bluegrass, etc. Always the third Friday of the month. Free admission, donations accepted.
815-456-3030
www.franklingroveil.org

May 16-17
STEWARD DEPOT DAYS AND GARAGE SALES
Village of Steward
Visit the historic Steward Depot and pick up some great deals at garage sales. Lunch will be served at the depot and a bake sale will be held to raise funds for depot restoration, from 8am to 5pm.
815-396-2846

May 16 & 30
6TH ANNUAL CARS UNDER THE STARS
Downtown Riverwalk, Houston Street, Batavia
The Batavia Jaycees are proud to continue their tradition of free community cruise nights to bring car cruisers and car enthusiasts to the beautiful downtown Riverwalk. Trophies are given out at every cruise night, and often times the Jaycees will have a donation jar available to help those in need locally, or for a national cause.
630-761-2978
www.bataviajaycees.org


May 17
MELISSA MANCHESTER
Raue Center for the Arts, 26 North Williams Street, Crystal Lake
Grammy award winning artist cosmes to Raue Center for an electric night. Her work with major artists have served to establish her as one of the most compelling sing-songwriters in contemporary music.
815-356-9212

www.rauecenter.org


May 17
TALES FROM THE FIELD WITH JEFF CORWIN
Sycamore High School Field House, Sycamore
Naturalist, TV personality, lecturer, author and one of People magazine's 50 most beautiful people is coming to Sycamore. Jeff Corwin, probably the world's most well-known naturalist, and his animal friends will perform at the Sycamore High School field house on Saturday morning.
815-895-9777

www.mmnh.org

May 17
ROCKFORD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA BEETHOVEN FESTIVAL
Coronado Theatre, 314 North Main Street, Rockford
The Rockford Symphony Orchestra 2007-2008 season will have the return of opera to RSO. Puccini's Tosca will be performed live at the Coronado Theatre.
815-965-0049

www.rockfordsymphony.com


May 17
CRUISE 'N SHOW
US Route 52 to Sublette
Cruise US Route 52 to downtown Sublette and show your car. No judging - just tire kicking and car talk.
815-849-5582

May 17
GROOVE WALK 2008
Downtown Rockford--River District establishments
Join On the Waterfront, Inc. and the River District Association for this annual music walk celebrating Rockford's downtown River District and music scene! Walk from establishment to establishment or ride the RMTD trolley to visit fabulous establishments each hosting local, award-winning musicians. Country, blues, rock, latino, classic rock, pop, and R&B music are all featured throughout the night.
815-964-4388
www.onthewaterfront.com


May 17
ROCK RIVER RAPTORS VS FLINT
Metro Centre, 300 Elm Street, Rockford
We'll rip you apart! Rockford's indoor football team, member of the United Indoor Football League, in its 2008 season.
815-965-7000
www.raptorsindoorfootball.com


May 17-18
LITTLE HERSHEY'S SWAP MEET AND CAR SHOW
Boone County Fairgrounds, 8791North Route 76, one mile north of Belvidere
Browse a wide selection of car parts and accessories.
847-669-5961
www.boonecountyfair.com


May 17-18
PEC THING (Spring--Giant Annual Flea Market and Antiques Sale)
Winnebago County Fairgrounds, 500 W. First Street, Pecatonica
More than 100 Rockford area "celebrity chefs" provide a memorable evening of dining. Enjoy music by live bands, dancing, and the opportunity to win a new car in the Three Vehicle Raffle.
815-239-1641
www.winnebagocountyfair.com


May 18
FAIR DIDDLEY CRAFT SHOW
Van Buren & Cass Street, Woodstock Square, Woodstock
Craft show with over 300 exhibitor booths, quality handcrafted work, bake sale, plant sale, 50/50 raffle. Free parking and free shuttle from the McHenry County Government Center, 2200 North Siminary, Route 47. Open from 10am to 5pm.
815-385-5745

www.mhrl.org

May 18
SANDWICH ANTIQUES MARKET
Sandwich Fairgrounds, 1401 Suydam Road, Sandwich
Antique Market held April to October, open from 8am to 4pm.
815-786-3337

www.antiquemarkets.com


May 18
ANNUAL MOTHER/DAUGHTER TEA
Victorian Rose Garden Bed & Breakfast, 314 Washington Street, Algonquin
Enjoy an afternoon together with a little dress-up time and a dessert tea in historic downtown Algonquin. Start your fun time at my Secret Garden to dress up and have your picture taken. Then stroll on over to Victorian Rose Garden for some dainties and teatime.
847-854-9667
www.sleepandeat.com

May 21
ROCKFORD RIVER HAWKS VS RIVER CITY RASCALS
4503 Interstate Blvd, Rockford
Season Home-Opener.  Rockford's league-leading baseball team, part of the 12 member Frontier League, has a brand new stadium just off I-90 at Riverside Blvd.  Come for baseball and good, old-fashioned summertime fun.  Game starts at 7:30pm.
815-964-2255
www.rockfordriverhawks.com


May 21
RARE BREEDS LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY SHOW
Garfield Farm Museum, 5 miles west of Geneva
Annual show.  The only show of its type held in Illinois.
630-584-8485
www.garfieldfarm.org


May 22
2ND ANNUAL MURDER MYSTERY DINNER
Community Building, 111 West First Street, Belvidere
2nd Annual Murder Myster Dinner, put on by the Boone County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate).
815-547-6599

May 23
KANTOREI SPRING CONCERT
Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 3300 Rural Street, Rockford
Annual Spring Concert. Directions from I-90 and E. State St. (U.S. Business 20): west on E. State to Alpine; turn right (north) on Alpine to Rural; turn left (west) on Rural.
815-877-8976
www.kantorei.com


May 23-25
27TH ANNUAL MAYFEST
Campbell Center, Mt. Carroll
Memorial Day weekend. Continuous musical entertainment, craft show, classic car show, antique appraisal fair, childrens entertainment, food, art show, and much more.
815-244-4424
www.mtcarrollil.org

May 23-26
YOUNG AT HEART
100 Heart Boulevard, Loves Park
Annual 4-day festival with entertainment, carnival rides, vendors, a beer garden and lots of fun. Big fireworks display on Saturday nigh.
815-633-3999


May 24
MAGIC WATERS SEASON OPENING
US 20 Bypass and Harrison Ave, 7820 CherryVale Blvd, Cherry Valley
Come to the opening celebration of our waterpark.
800-373-1679
www.magicwaterswaterpark.com

May 24-25
MOUNT CARROLL MAYFEST
Routes 64 & 78, Mt. Carroll
Come to Campbell Center for Historic Preservation Studies in historic Mount Carroll for 2 days of headline music entertainment, arts, crafts, classic car show, wine & beer gardens, food, antique appraisal fair, and more.
815-244-CALL

May 24-26
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND AT THE ILLINOIS RAILWAY MUSEUM
Illinois Railway Museum, Union
The summer season begins! Diesel and electric trains will operate all three days. Enjoy the West End Jazz Band on Monday.
800-BIG-RAIL
www.irm.org

May 25
15TH ANNUAL WXRX/BUDWEISER WING DING
9572 Forest Hills Road, Loves Park
The unofficial kick-off to summer! All-day rock concert on the banks of the Rock River with live, national bands. Rain or shine.
815-874-7861


May 28
JOHN HEGNER IN CONCERT
Woodstock Square, Woodstock
Singer-songwriter-pianist, Hegner will perform at the CD release for his new album "254" on the bandstage in the park on the square. Suggested donation of $5.
815-814-3264

May 30 - June 1
L-BIRD FLY-IN & WWII DAYS
Vintage Wings & Wheels Museum and Poplar Grove Airport, 5151 Orth Road, Poplar Grove
This is an educational re-enactment event to show how the L-Bird airplanes supported the artillery and ground forces during WWII.
815-547-3115
www.wingsandwheelsmuseum.org

May 31
CHOCOLATE TOUR
Taste chocolates from all over the world and learn to cook gourmet recipes featuring chocolate! This cooking class will be taught by Chef Donna Duvall and will be held in Mt. Carroll. The cost is $95 per person.
866-240-1650
www.learngreatfoods.com



MAY 2009

May 1
ALAN AND ALVIN CHOW, DUO PIANO
Court Street United Methodist Church, 215 North Church Street, Rockford
Twin brothers Alan and Alvin Chow dazzle audiences with their exuberance and energy. Some of classical music's greatest works as well as a surprise finale will showcase their extraordinary talent.
815-964-9713
www.mendelssohnpac.org

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