Monday, May 4th, 2026
Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 4th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Over 500 Jeeps and a torta contest defined the 5th annual Cinco de Mayo Jeeps and Tacos festival held Sunday at the Don Carter Lanes parking lot — featuring local bands, food, and 85 vendors offering free, family-friendly fun. WIFR
- ➤ Rosecrance Flower Day returns this Thursday, May 7 at Gensler Gardens, running from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 8631 11th Street in New Milford + 102 Orth Road in Loves Park, with part of the proceeds supporting mental health and substance use treatment services. WIFR
- ➤ On Sunday, Prairie Street Brewing Co. hosted a handmade market along the riverfront that featured local vendors selling home decor, apparel + art. Event Coordinator Visouda Phounsavath said the event brought the community together. WIFR
- ➤ The Roscoe Community Market showcased local vendors at the Liberty Lot at the corner of Bridge + Main as it runs two Sundays a month from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the next market will be held on May 17. WIFR
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ High school proms lit up the area on May 2 — students celebrated at Rock Valley College and Rockford Country Club, where Shen Kee was crowned Prom Queen. Rockford Register Star
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Rockford Promise celebrated its annual Promising Futures event on May 3 at the Coronado Theatre, recognizing scholarship recipients and their families (remarks by executive director Kaylene Groh). Board member Maurice Redd also joined the celebration (highlighting community support). Rockford Register Star
- ➤ Students at Flinn Middle School joined the Hair 2 Beauty Club on Tuesday afternoon to learn hairstyling techniques — French braids and acrylic nails — from licensed cosmetologist Tionna Lambert and local experts. Membership rose from 40 to 60 thanks to donated supplies from the community. Northern Public Radio
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Love Song Live in Vietnamese
6-9 p.m. — Hard Rock Casino Rockford — 21+ only — Experience captivating live music in a vibrant setting.
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Nike Flag Football Camp in Rockford, IL
June 3-5 — Clarence Hicks Sports Complex — Pricing available upon inquiry — Enhance your flag football skills with experienced coaches and fun competitions.
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