Good morning, Rockford.

Rockford’s third annual Pride Parade is set to begin at noon tomorrow along E.

State St. and 4th St. with road closures starting at 10 a.m. and limited parking downtown, while the Pride Alley Party will also be held at the Fran Kral parking lot across from The Office Niteclub.

Community leaders gathered Thursday night at the inaugural 1834 Alliance Honors and Celebration (hosted by Transform Rockford and the 1834 Alliance) to mark key local projects that transformed downtown and to discuss priorities like affordable housing, workforce development, and education.

Music on the Mall returns today at Center Court in Edgebrook for a summer series that will run every Friday until Aug.

28, with no show on July 3. The event runs (6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.) and features a variety of live music paired with food from local vendors.

The OSFM announced that local fire departments (Belvidere, Somonauk, and others) received small equipment grants from a $6 million statewide program to purchase essential gear for public safety.

Alpine Fireside Health Center earned a 3-star CMS rating in Q1 2026, beating the Illinois average of 2.6 while caring for 33.5 residents daily in Winnebago County.

The for-profit center reported no fines that quarter.

Mushroom Identification Hike

10 AM - 12 PM — Funderburg Forest Preserve — $7 per person — Explore the wonders of fungi hidden in the forest during this nature adventure suitable for all ages.

Once on This Island

7:30-9:30 p.m. — RVC Starlight Theatre — Cost Info TBA — Experience a vibrant musical journey of love and destiny on the island of Haiti.

The Voice of Hind Rajab Movie Screening

3-5 p.m. — RPL Nordlof Center — $5 entry — Watch the Oscar-nominated film that explores humanity and mental health themes.

Guest Bartender Night

RPS205 administration, staff and Teacher Academy members will be behind the bar from 4-7 p.m. June 25 at Ernie’s Midtown Pub, 1025 Fifth Ave., Rockford. Fill the tip jar, get some great food and drinks and chat with your friends! A percentage will come back to Golden Apple to support local teachers. Your server may even turn out to be Dr. Jarrett! It’s a FUNdraiser — join us!

Rockford Fourth of July Fireworks

5-9:30 p.m. — Davis Park at Founders Landing — Free entry — Enjoy a spectacular 30-minute fireworks display synchronized to music over the Rock River.