Daily
Rockford
Sunday, April 26th, 2026
Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 26th of April.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ SAD Fest, a local music festival for Soldiers Against Depression, returns this Saturday, May 2, in Rockford—offering local artists a creative platform and featuring the Dream Artist Award for a standout performer. WIFR
- ➤ Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps is holding its April Camp at Auburn High School this weekend & performers from across the country are rehearsing for the competitive season. The camp strengthens local ties as members focus on creating a memorable show for the community. WIFR
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Staff and family volunteers planted 10 trees on Saturday at Rolling Green Elementary School as part of an Arbor Day initiative to create an Outdoor Learning Grove funded by the city. Free potted trees were available at the school until 1 p.m. Saturday while supplies lasted. WIFR
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Rockford residents dropped off unused latex + oil-based paint at a free recycling event held Saturday morning at the Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful recycling center. State Representative Dave Vella hosted the event to promote repurposing materials + environmental stewardship. WIFR
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A new website now provides documents, research and meeting details on a proposed TIF district and data center south of Rockford Airport. The next information session is scheduled for May 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Nordlof Center (118 N. Main St). Rockford Register Star
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Former Rockford high school athletes are competing in college sports this week beginning Monday, Apr. 27. Several players are set for games (including matchups against the Benedictine Eagles and Northern Kentucky Norse) scheduled from Tuesday, Apr. 28 to Friday, May 1. Rockford Sun
-
Rockford Handmade Market - Spring 2026
11 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Prairie Street Brewing Co. — Free entry — Experience a vibrant showcase of local creativity and craftsmanship in the spring market.
-
Lonely Teenage Cassette Release Show
8-10 p.m. — The Music Box — $15.08 — Experience an ambient/drone night with the local duo Lonely Teenage and special guests.
-
Mother's Day Garden Celebration
12-3 p.m. — Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden — General admission required — Celebrate Mother's Day with floral arrangements, live music, and delicious food in a beautiful garden setting.
-
The Wizard of Oz
6 PM — Rockford Woman's Club — Cost not specified — Experience a captivating retelling of the beloved classic as you journey down the yellow brick road.
-
Heart Vs Hustle: Dej Loaf and Rob49 Concert
7-10 p.m. — Hard Rock Live - Rockford — Ticket availability varies — Enjoy an electrifying night with Dej Loaf and Rob49 at the Hard Rock Casino.
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
Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right.
~ Henry Ford
About Daily Rockford
Welcome to the Daily Rockford, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Rockford, Illinois community. If you like the Daily Rockford, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Rockford.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Rockford and across Illinois. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Rockford
A free Rockford community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailyrockford.com/sitemap