Good morning, Rockford.

The Walk for Life and Family returns June 27 outside City Hall bringing together families, churches and young community advocates to celebrate life and support local family values.

The peaceful event will feature young speakers (including Jayden Gallagly and Elyse Sardegna) and a meet-and-greet with organizers before the rally commences.

Community members gathered Thursday night at Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden for the second annual Ruthie’s Garden Party, a fundraiser for Patriots Gateway Community Center.

The event raised funds that will support children’s and families’ programs and a new daycare center will soon open at the center.

A large accidental fire damaged two homes on Biltmore Chase around 1:45 a.m. Thursday, leaving residents displaced and causing an estimated $250,000 in damage.

The Discovery Center Museum hosts a summer family event that lets visitors explore vehicles like fire trucks and big rigs.

Touch-A-Truck takes place today from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the museum's parking lot (operators are on board for safety).

Midwest Women Riders will host Get Your Groove On 2026 at Hard Rock Casino, where over 700 riders will attempt a world record ride on Saturday, June 13 at 11 a.m. The three-day event (June 11 to 13) is expected to boost local hotel stays and generate $1.4 million.

Kristina Puzin, known as Lavenoak, visited Studio A on Friday, June 11 to share her songs and story before her move from northern Illinois to pursue a music career in Los Angeles.

Perry School in Belvidere + Aquin Catholic Academy in Freeport closed after long-term enrollment declines, prompting families to choose between a new Belvidere school for Perry students and a homeschool alternative in Freeport.

Teachers gathered Tuesday, Jun.

9 at the Embassy Suites in Rockford for the Boone-Winnebago Regional Office of Education Summer Symposium, where they learned social + emotional learning strategies during breakout sessions led by Tyler Tarver.

The Winnebago County board unanimously rejected a 5-megawatt solar farm proposed near Curran’s Orchard on Thursday night, citing zoning issues that made the project incompatible with the agritourism business.

Owner Curran said the decision protects his orchard and its future for his family (the orchard now welcomes visitors on Fridays from noon to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.).

Pearson Plumbing experts advise Rockford residents to check fence lines and lawns and to call professionals if multiple ticks are found, after the CDC noted the highest ER visits for tick bites in nearly a decade (Winnebago County Health Department tips support their advice).

Four Winnebago County deputies will join about 3,000 competitors in the Rockford IRONMAN triathlon on Sunday at 7 a.m. on the Rock River rec path + they plan to promote fitness and community ties.

IRONMAN 2026 will occur in downtown Rockford on Sunday, June 14.

Organizers expect to welcome nearly 10,000 participants and have already recruited more than 1,600 volunteers — a record that shows strong community support.

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.

An Evening with The Brass Queens

7:30-9:30 p.m. — The Music Box — Ticket pricing not specified — Enjoy an energetic performance by the female-led brass band making waves since 2019.

I Love The 90's Tour

7 p.m. — Hard Rock Live — Ticket prices vary — Dance the night away to hits from Milli Vanilli, C&C Music Factory, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and Young MC.

I Love The 90's Tour

7-10 p.m. — Hard Rock Casino Rockford — Ticket prices vary — Relive the essence of the 90's with an exciting music tour that brings back nostalgic memories.