Daily
Rockford
Thursday, January 29th, 2026
Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 29th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Lockwood Park provided special care for its animals during bitter subzero conditions as equine specialist Shelby Hill explained that staff took extra steps to protect them. The park + located at 5201 Safford Road, part of the Rockford Park District, also offers equine assisted services and programs for kids. WIFR
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Hobbytown USA in Rockford is preparing to receive Pokémon LEGO sets from a collaboration announced on Jan. 12, with shipping expected late March and store arrival in early May; fans can soon build displays with sets featuring popular Pokémon from the brand's 30-year history. WIFR
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Rockford Restaurant Week kicks off today in an 11-day event as dozens of restaurants from local spots like Pig Minds Brewing Company, Lucha Cantina, and Abreo offer special menus to encourage local dining. The celebration is expected to boost foot traffic and sales. WIFR
- ➤ The Ethnic Heritage Museum hosts the Black History Month We Voted exhibit at 1129 S. Main St. on Feb. 1 from 2 to 4 p.m.—Jean Lythgoe will speak at 3 p.m. on African Americans in Rockford Politics, Ald. Victory Bell will sign his book, and voter registration is available. Rockford Register Star
- ➤ Larry Ubben, who created the Mount Morris Jamboree in 2012, will host free live music every Friday night downtown this summer as families and local artists gather for festivities. Ubben (2025 Community Champion) thanks the supportive community for making the event a cherished local tradition. Rockford Register Star
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Prairie Hill Road, between IL Route 2 and South Bluff Road near Rockton and South Beloit, will be closed for a bridge replacement over the Rock River beginning Feb. 2 and is expected to finish by later November — local drivers should use alternate routes. Winnebago County
- ➤ Starting Feb. 1, new SNAP work requirements will mandate that adults aged 18 to 64 without dependents under 14 work, join employment training, or volunteer for 80 hours each month to qualify for benefits. Up to 340,000 Illinoisians may be affected under the law (H.R. 1) signed last July. WIFR
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Susan Nelson – Soprano Performance
7:30-10:00 p.m. — Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the powerful and sensitive performances of soprano Susan Nelson as she celebrates women composers.
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Ernie Hendrickson Band Tribute to The Grateful Dead
8-10 p.m. — The Music Box — Ticket info available — Join Ernie Hendrickson Band for a nostalgic tribute to The Grateful Dead.
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AHL All Star Classic
1-9 p.m. — BMO Center — Ticket prices vary — Cheer on top hockey players as they showcase their skills at this all-star event.
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Galentine's Pop-Up
4-8 p.m. — Rockford City Market — Free entry — Celebrate friendship with themed drinks and local vendors for a fun Galentine's get-together.
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Valentine's Day Ski-Plane Fly-In
5 PM — Midtown District — Free entry — Enjoy a winter cookout with lots of fun and ski planes at Cottonwood Airport.
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Dexter Patterson Meet & Greet and Book Signing
3-7 p.m. — RPL Nordlof Center — Free for general admission; VIP tickets available — Celebrate Black History Month with author Dexter Patterson sharing his passion for birding and signing his new book.
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An Evening with Laid Back Country Picker
7:30-9:30 p.m. — The Music Box — Cost not specified — A unique concert blending country rock with a powerful duo performance.
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An Evening with Freedy Johnston
8:00 – 10:00 p.m. — The Music Box — From $18.85 — Enjoy the poignant storytelling of acclaimed songwriter Freedy Johnston as he performs live.
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La Fe Norteña Concert
8 PM — Apollo Activity Center — $40.00 + Fees — Enjoy a night of vibrant Norteno music featuring La Fe Norteña and more.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.
~ George Bernard Shaw
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