Good morning, Rockford.

Rockford's River District will host its annual Spook the Blocks event on Oct.

24 from noon to 4 p.m. Families can enjoy trick-or-treating, crafts, mascot appearances, and goodie bags for the first 100 children.

The 815 Hunger Luncheon (formerly the Mayor’s Hunger Luncheon) supports nine local food pantries and is short of its fundraising goal ahead of the noon Sept.

30 event at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church (3300 Rural Street); donations and ticket purchases are available online or by check.

Rockford residents may drop off paper, medication, eyeglasses, retired flags, cellphones and diapers at a drive-through recycling event on Oct.

3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Guilford High School's east parking lot — a quick way to donate and recycle household items.

SJ Cafe in Loves Park closed after less than a year due to staffing challenges and the owners’ other business commitments, according to a Monday social media post.

Gift certificates will be honored at SugarJones Bakery.

A Starbucks at 2137 S.

Perryville Rd. in Rockford has closed as part of a plan to shut 250 locations after the company warned employees about underperformance. The store’s sign thanked loyal customers & suggested visiting nearby locations for coffee.

The Rockford Wind Ensemble launches its 2026/27 concert season on Oct.

25 at the RPL Nordlof Center in downtown Rockford—its first show features guest conductors and a Lord of the Rings theme.

State Rep. Joe Sosnowski invites residents in Boone, McHenry + Winnebago counties to submit up to two photos of local scenes by Nov.

13 for his annual photo contest. Three winners will receive a $50 Visa gift card and have their photos displayed in his Springfield office during 2027.

Rockford writers showcase visual art from poetry and prose at the Main Library on Oct.

2 and 3. Curated by Poet Laureate Adam al-Sirgany, the free exhibit offers a silent auction that benefits the library foundation and a local nonprofit.

A new Reclaiming First report shows that three Park District sports facilities generated an average of $14.1 million a year in regional economic output from 2018 to 2025, excluding COVID months.

The district plans reinvestments to keep attracting tournaments — boosting local business.

United Way Rock River Valley has launched Winnebago County ABCs, a free learning tool that uses familiar local landmarks to help preschoolers recognize letters and build community pride.

Families can email [email protected] to learn how to get a poster.

Tricoci University of Beauty Culture in Rockford will host a Halloween hair and makeup class on Oct.

16 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. where students share quick styling tips and clients can book appointments, with admission only $5 (ages 6 and older).

On Monday, food service business owners attended a free seminar in Rockford led by Sustain Rockford and partners to learn about sustainable packaging options that avoid hazardous chemicals (PFAS) from conventional styrofoam and plastic containers.

The workshop reviewed cost-effective alternatives and associated health benefits.

Rockford radio veteran Steve Shannon starts his new role as Community Engagement Specialist for Rockford Park District today at 4:06 a.m. CTA and will work with residents and local partners to boost engagement with park programs.

GoRockford was awarded a $100K state grant on Monday to launch a tourism advertising campaign that will run on television, billboards, and digital platforms + feature an Experience Guide highlighting events like Stroll on State and RockYard Music Fest.