Good morning, Rockford.

At a ceremony on March 13 at Veterans Memorial Hall, the Rotary Club of Rockford honored four community volunteers with the Service Above Self award—presented by Mayor Tom McNamara—to recognize their work with local nonprofits.

The event also gave the Mary Stuart Carruthers Community Impact Award to Stars of Light from Stepping Stones for its mental health support efforts.

Rockford will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day today, March 15, with a parade that begins at 3 p.m. in downtown along 4th Avenue and 7th Street and travels north to State Street before ending on S.

Madison Street. Prairie Street Brewing Co. will host a free family event from 4 to 8 p.m. and Disco Chicken has a rooftop party starting at 4:30 p.m. — both events feature food, drinks and live music.

Rockford Fire Department quickly contained an accidental basement fire in a residence on the 900 block of 20th Street just before midnight on March 13th, limiting damage to one room with an estimated loss of $5,800 (no injuries were reported).

Rock River Valley Blood Center is hosting a blood drive from March 24th through March 28th at donor centers in Rockford and Freeport to honor victims and survivors of the March 27th, 2024 stabbing that killed four people and injured seven — 22-year-old suspect Christian Soto is set to return to court on April 4th.

Bishop David Malloy sent a letter urging Catholics to oppose new state bills that would legalize assisted suicide and asked parishioners to contact state lawmakers—his message will be read at masses this weekend, March 15-16.

A contractor will patch pavement on Central Avenue between Auburn Street and Illinois Route 70 as part of a detour for an IDOT project to replace a bridge on Springfield Avenue over the North Fork of Kent Creek.

The outside lanes close on Monday, March 17th, and work is expected to finish by Friday, April 4th—weather permitting.

The Winnebago County Board approved $2M in funding over five years to support capital improvements at the BMO Center in downtown Rockford.

The new plan will provide $400,000 a year from landfill host fees starting in 2026—contingent on the city adding $800,000 each year—and a county representative will oversee the projects.

Duhawk Day Celebration 2025

Community members will gather at Baker Street Burgers to celebrate Duhawk Day and support local alumni.

Enchanted Fae Ball

7 PM - 12 AM | The Standard | Ticketed event | Experience a magical night of dance, performances, and craft cocktails under shimmering lights.

An Evening with Jessica Willis Fisher

Experience an intimate live performance by Jessica Willis Fisher at The Music Box in Rockford.

Teacher Appreciation Night

The Rockford IceHogs and the Golden Apple Foundation are partnering for Teacher Appreciation Night at the IceHogs game on Friday, March 28, for the IceHogs 7 p.m. game against the Manitoba Moose! At the game on March 28, there will be additional ways you can support Golden Apple. All proceeds that night from the IceHogs 50/50 raffle and Spin-to-Win game will be donated to Golden Apple to aid in its mission to celebrate and support educational excellence in our community. March 28 is also a $2 beer and soft drink night at the IceHogs!

Midwest Holistic Health Fair - Rockford, IL

The Midwest's premier Holistic Health Fair offers attendees a chance to connect with vendors, sample products, and learn about holistic health and wellness practices.

Nick Dittmeier & the Sawdusters Live Performance

7-10:30 p.m. — The Music Box — Free entry — Experience the progressive roots rock sound of one of the Midwest's most hard-touring bands.

Air Supply Live Concert

7 PM – 1 AM — Hard Rock Casino Rockford — Tickets available — Experience the legendary sounds of Air Supply at this unforgettable live performance.

Easter Egg-Streme Egg Hunt

7-9 p.m. — The YMCA of Rock River Valley - Northeast Family YMCA — Free entry — Celebrate Easter with egg hunts, crafts, and a photo with the Easter bunny.

Egg Hunt at Camp Winnebago

1-4 p.m. — Camp Winnebago Branch YMCA — Free entry — Enjoy a fun-filled Easter Egg Hunt with games, crafts, and thousands of eggs filled with sweets and prizes.