Daily
Rockford
Saturday, January 31st, 2026
Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 31st of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ UMB Bank will continue as presenting sponsor for Stroll on State for the next three years — securing the annual downtown holiday festival for 2026, 2027 and 2028 — according to GoRockford. Rock River Current
- ➤ Rockford Restaurant Week is underway with a record 80 restaurants offering special prix fixe menus and daily giveaways while community voting runs until Feb. 9. Organizers say many eateries have seen a 20-30% revenue boost during this local celebration. Rockford Register Star
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Plume in Rockford's North End showcased Emilia-Romagna recipes during Restaurant Week as WIFR’s Sampling the Stateline put the spotlight on the Italian eatery. Located at 1132 Auburn Street, it welcomes diners Tuesday-Thursday from 4-9 p.m., Friday + Saturday from 9-10 p.m., and Sunday from 3-8 p.m. WIFR
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Rockford Public Schools opened The Quad at 4151 Samuelson Road next to Jefferson High School on Thursday, Jan. 29 to provide hands-on career training in culinary, forensic, and automotive skills (with employability integrated into the curriculum) and will expand programs in spring. Rock River Current
- ➤ For the 2024-25 school year, 10,891 Hispanic students are enrolled in Winnebago County public schools, making up 26.2% of 41,553 students. Jefferson High School had the highest Hispanic enrollment with 1,143 students among the 77 schools. Rockford Sun
- ➤ Rockford University announced today that Midland States Bank Foundation contributed $7,500 to fund a new Community CPR and First Aid Certification Program — which will offer free training to nonprofit employees in the coming year in Rockford. Rockford University
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Severson Dells Nature Center invites community members to hit golf-ball sized seed bombs on Saturday, Jan. 31 at the former Elliot Golf Course near the Flodin Boys & Girls Club, where volunteers will help restore a 50-acre prairie and learn how deep-rooted plants can slow floodwater. Northern Public Radio
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Rockford leaders and ComEd officials unveiled the Low-Income Discount program on Friday to help qualifying households keep electric bills within set limits. The program offers tiered discounts based on income and enrollment continues through local Community Action Agencies. 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
The price of greatness is responsibility.
~ Winston Churchill
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