Good morning, Rockford.

An 18-year-old man was arrested for car burglaries in Rockford on Sunday morning when police responded to calls on Shaw Street and found burglary tools and stolen property in his vehicle (he was charged with Criminal Trespass to a Vehicle, Possession of Burglary Tools and had an outstanding warrant).

Rockford Art Museum will host Art in Bloom and Fashion in Bloom events at 711 N.

Main Street. Art in Bloom runs from April 10 to 13 with a preview party on April 9 and a flower arranging workshop on April 10—Fashion in Bloom takes place on April 11 within an immersive exhibition featuring local designs and refreshments.

Hard Rock Casino Rockford announced that hip-hop artist Gucci Mane will perform at Hard Rock Live on May 30 with doors opening at 7:00 p.m. Fans must be 21 and presale tickets will be available on Wednesday, April 9 at 10:00 a.m. using code RUMORS — general tickets will go on sale on Friday, April 11 at 10:00 a.m.

Artwork made by local students was unveiled at the Rockford Art Museum’s 84th annual Young Artist Show, where a child from each grade received a recognition award and gift bag—over 600 people visited in the first hour and more than 1,000 by day’s end.

The show featured a range of media including crayon drawings, acrylic paintings, clay sculptures, and mixed media.

Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara declared April 5th—11th as The Week of the Young Child to promote early childhood learning with each day offering a different focus; Harlem High School in Machesney Park will host a family fun fair on April 12th to engage local families.

Last fall, the 100-year-old Rockford Day Nursery closed abruptly, leaving about 75 families without childcare.

Former director Jim Peterson said financial challenges from needed repairs and delays in state Child Care Assistance forced its closure — while a new center in Machesney Park opened to serve over 300 children.

Crusader Community Health will break ground on a new clinic at 11 a.m. on April 10th at 4592 Linden Road in south Rockford.

The facility will offer adult & family medicine, pediatrics, women’s health, behavioral health and immediate care and is expected to open in summer 2026.

On Monday, April 7, 2025, NASCAR driver Josh Bilicki revealed a Rockford-branded paint scheme for his No. 91 Chevy at a news conference in downtown Rockford, courtesy of local sponsor Insurance King.

The car will debut the new design—featuring local icons like the GoRockford logo—for an Xfinity Series race on April 19 at Rockingham Speedway.

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.

34th Annual RAMI Awards

7-10:30 p.m. — Hard Rock Casino Rockford — Ticket info not specified — Celebrate the achievements of the Rockford music community during this annual awards night.

Screw City Car Show

10 AM – 2 PM — Screw City Tavern — Free entry — Celebrate spring with tacos, music, and a showcase of cars, trucks, and bikes.

Bergstrom Corporate Headquarters Tour

5:30-8 p.m. — Bergstrom Inc — Free entry — Explore the heart of Bergstrom operations since 1971 and network with industry peers.

Steve Trevino at Coronado Theatre

8:00–9:30 p.m. — Coronado Theatre — Ticket prices starting at $38 — Experience a night of laughter with comedian Steve Trevino.

Fresh Finds Spring Market

12-5 p.m. — Rockford Wholesalers — Free entry — Enjoy a delightful day of shopping local with handmade goods and fresh finds.