Good morning, Rockford.

Family Peace Center will host its fifth annual Race to End Domestic Violence at Sugar River Raceway in Brodhead on Sunday at 4:45 p.m., and go-kart participants will race at speeds up to 40 mph to raise funds and awareness for services that help domestic violence victims—legal aid, counseling, and temporary housing.

The Rockford Symphony Orchestra and the Coronado Theatre held a downtown celebration with a live organ, prizes, desserts, and drinks to mark the start of their new season.

The season will offer free youth tickets for five concerts and introduce Kevin Stites as the new principal pops conductor in October.

A local plumber from Area Mechanical Services in Rockford won first place in an international apprenticeship contest—beating top competitors from around the world.

Travis Sharp said his win motivates him to upgrade his skills and mentor future talent.

Natalia Tovar bought Loves Park Scuba in 2022 with her husband and now leads the business—based in Loves Park—to make diving more accessible for families and beginners.

She offers free Discover Scuba classes to help new divers learn safely—expanding opportunities in a male-dominated field.

Rockford police arrested Mauri Scott, 20, on September 4 near 23rd and Broadway after stopping his car at a Mobil gas station for tinted windows and a raw cannabis smell, where officers found a loaded firearm and cannabis—Scott is in custody and faces charges for unlicensed driving and lacking a FOID card.

A man was critically injured on Thursday when his ATV struck a semi at 22nd Street and Laude Drive in Rockford — police noted ATVs are illegal on city streets and offer a $200 reward for tips leading to an arrest.

The Rockford Area Arts Council hosted a Summer Social at Levings Lake on September 5 at 8:15 a.m. where local artists gathered over food trucks and music to celebrate the end of summer.

The council will support the arts community with future events like the Fall Arts Scene - a biannual gallery walk.

Bing Liu, a Rockford native and Oscar-nominated director, debuts his first narrative film 'Preparation for the Next Life' on Sept.

5 at Alamo Drafthouse Theaters—an adaptation of Atticus Lish's novel that follows a Uyghur cook in Chinatown and an American war veteran with PTSD.

State Sen. Dave Syverson marked Hard Rock Casino’s one-year anniversary in Rockford—he said the casino has drawn over one million visitors—and created hundreds of jobs while generating more than $8 million in local tax revenue to support programs like the Rockford Promise Scholarship Program.

Cruise Night 2025

5-8 p.m. — Historic Attractions — Free entry — Experience cool cars and groovy music along with delicious food at this fun-filled community event.

Greenwich Village Art Fair

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Rockford Art Museum — Free entry — Explore local art, enjoy live music, and engage in children's activities at this vibrant outdoor fair.

Glow in the Garden

6-9 p.m. — Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens — Cost varies — Celebrate the end of summer with family activities, lanterns, and fun runs.

Rockford Symphony Orchestra Opening Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Coronado Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the vibrant rhythms of Rimsky-Korsakov and Tchaikovsky performed by the RSO and guest guitarist Daniel Bolshoy.

Trail Mix Off-Road Duathlon and Mountain Bike Race

2-8 p.m. — Atwood Park Trail System — Registration required — Compete in duathlon and mountain bike races while enjoying food and drinks from local vendors.