Good morning, Rockford.

The Olympic Tavern held one of its final 'Pints-for-Pups' events on Monday nights, where patrons and their dogs gathered on the patio while $1 from every Tito’s Vodka drink was donated—raising $6,000 for Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter.

The tavern will continue hosting the event on Mondays until the cold arrives.

Molina Healthcare is providing free laundry services to Rockford Public School District 205 students and local seniors every week in October.

Students can sign up for sessions at three 5 Alarm Coin Laundry sites from 4:30 to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays while seniors can use the service at Mulford 5 Alarm Coin Laundry on Wednesdays from 7 a.m. to noon—photo ID is needed.

PAWS Humane Society in Winnebago County is receiving support from Two Men and a Truck through its 'Movers for Mutts' donation drive, which runs through October and collects essential items from local partner businesses—donations that will help the volunteer-run shelter with rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming efforts. The drive makes it easier for donors to contribute needed supplies by coordinating pick-ups and deliveries.

Downtown Rockford will host its annual Spook the Blocks event on Oct.

25 from noon to 4 p.m. where families can dress in costumes and visit local businesses for candy, treats, and one-day specials—a tradition returning for its tenth year.

Greyhound started a daily bus route from Chicago to Denver that stops in Rockford—service began Sunday, September 28th with tickets priced between $119 and $170 one way.

The route passes through stops in Iowa and Nebraska and will add more stops in the coming weeks.

Sunrise Family Restaurant will close its Rockford location after years of serving local families, and owner Shamil Asani thanked customers for their support in a Facebook post.

Local owners Tim Prince and Sarah Thistle at Scavenged Parts recovered a painting signed by Bernard Rolnicki that was made by Jewish artists forced to copy art in a Bialystok ghetto during World War II—found at an estate sale in Rockford and displayed on Sept.

12. They will return the piece next month to the Sleńdziński Gallery in Bialystok, a move that confirms its historic importance.

Rockford Public Schools invites students and families to help choose a new superintendent as Dr. Ehren Jarrett steps down at the end of the school year.

Informational meetings for families will be held tomorrow at 6 p.m. at Auburn, East, Guilford and Jefferson High Schools—an online Zoom session is scheduled for tomorrow morning with extra meetings planned on Wednesday and a survey open until Thursday.

State officials have allocated $500 million through the Surplus to Success program to make the Singer Mental Health Center site shovel ready for redevelopment—likely including demolition—while local leaders plan a meeting on Oct 2 at Grace Funeral Home to discuss next steps for mental health services and community safety. Local officials and community members will decide on the best future use of the property amid concerns about homelessness and outdated services.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters that archery deer season starts Oct.

1, with separate periods in some counties and a statewide limit of one deer per permit. In a new change, only antlered deer will be allowed in restricted archery zones during Oct. 1 through Oct. 31 in Champaign, Douglas, Macon and Piatt counties — hunters are urged to follow tree stand safety guidelines.

The Rock River Valley Blood Center clinic in Belvidere reopened nearly a year after closing due to staffing issues and is now accepting blood donations to help patients needing life-saving blood for surgeries, cancer treatments, and emergencies — a vital community service.

The facility has a long history of serving the region and continues to support those in need.

Rockford will host the 11th annual Baseball For All Nationals from July 19—25, 2026 as more than 800 players and coaches gather to compete at sports fields such as Beyer Stadium where the Rockford Peaches once played.

The tournament will run in the same week as the Women’s Baseball World Cup group stage and the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League reunion, marking a big week for girls’ baseball.

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.

Lola Blu & the Boys Live Performance

8 PM – 12 AM — Grand Avenue Pub — Check local listings for ticket details — Experience Lola Blu's captivating blend of country and southern rock at this lively pub venue.

Rock River Valley Video Game Convention

8 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Riverview Inn & Suites — Ticket prices vary — Experience a day of gaming fun at the Rockford area's premier video game convention.

Broadway And Beyond

7:30-9 p.m. — Coronado Theatre — $35-85 — Experience Broadway hits with star Ben Crawford in an unforgettable evening.

An Evening with Miles & Kelly

7:30-9:30 p.m. — The Music Box — Tickets available — Enjoy a night of music, stories, and improvisation from Miles Nielsen & Kelly Steward.

Herbie Hancock Performance

7-10 p.m. — Rockford Casino — Ticket prices vary — Experience jazz legend Herbie Hancock in an evening of musical mastery.

Rockford Poké Fest

10 a.m.-6 p.m. — Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront — $5 Adult Admission — Celebrate Pokémon with family-friendly activities and fun for all ages.

Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Tribute

7-10 p.m. — Rockford Casino — Tickets required — Experience the powerful tribute to Led Zeppelin with Jason Bonham at the Rockford Casino.