Daily
Rockford
Sunday, February 1st, 2026
Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 1st of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On Saturday, Jan. 31, Severson Dells Nature Center hosted a free event at the former Elliot Golf Court where community members hit golf balls as seed bombs to help develop a nature preserve on Rockford’s east side (with education stations, mini golf, auctions, smore’s, and hot cocoa available). WIFR
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Chef Scott Carlson opened The Raven on Friday, Jan. 23, serving globally inspired dishes with nostalgic ties at 6876 Spring Creek Road, suite 136. The restaurant is open Tuesday-Saturday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. — its cozy design honors Scandinavian heritage. Rock River Current
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ At 815 Ale Fest held Saturday, Jan. 31 at Tebala Event Center in Cherry Valley, Urban Forest Craft Brewing debuted a new blueberry pie cream ale and won People’s Choice amid over two dozen breweries before a sold-out crowd of roughly 500; the event also raised $2,300 for Oscar Mike. Rock River Current
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Advocates held a Future Energy Forum Saturday in Rockford to explain a proposed $221 million rate hike – speakers noted that if the request is approved, customers would face a $6 increase on their gas bill while also discussing energy efficiency and assistance resources. WIFR
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Prairie Hill Road will close between Illinois Route 2 and South Bluff Road tomorrow for a bridge replacement over the Rock River — traffic can use alternate routes while work continues through November. Rockford Register Star
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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
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Rockford
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