Daily
Rockford
Sunday, October 5th, 2025
Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 5th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ More than 130 area small businesses filled Machesney Park Mall parking lot Saturday with a Halloween-themed Pop-Up in the Parks event that featured a Tent-or-Treat experience for kids and families — the eighth event hosted by the organizers. Co-hosts said they appreciated community support and plan to host another event in December. WIFR
- ➤ Alumni from St. Thomas Catholic and Bishop Muldoon High Schools met in Rockford after being apart for over 50 years. Kathy Baker organized the reunion with help from local churches and classmates shared memories of school sports and friendships — proving that old bonds still matter. WTVO
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The local traveling theatre troupe Stars of Light marked 30 years with a performance at Nordlof Center on Saturday—using the arts to raise awareness on mental illness and promote recovery in the community. The program, part of a Stepping Stones of Rockford initiative, featured local performer Aaron Wilson and drew praise from Artistic Director Stephen Vrtol, who said the performers are like family. WIFR
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Hundreds gathered Saturday at Rock Valley College for the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event, where survivors, caregivers and community members took part in a three-mile walk and enjoyed a Survivor Tent and family-friendly activities—raising funds and awareness for screenings. WIFR
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Rockford Rage hosted the Screw City Smackdown roller derby event Saturday—three teams, including the Aurora 88’s, competed while organizers celebrated the fast-paced contact sport's strong community spirit. WIFR
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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.
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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.
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Broadway And Beyond
7:30-9 p.m. — Coronado Theatre — $35-85 — Experience Broadway hits with star Ben Crawford in an unforgettable evening.
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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.
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Herbie Hancock Performance
7-10 p.m. — Rockford Casino — Ticket prices vary — Experience jazz legend Herbie Hancock in an evening of musical mastery.
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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.
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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.
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Halloween Night with Taboo Blah Blah
8-11 p.m. — The Music Box — Check website for tickets — Enjoy an evening of rhythmic sounds and heartfelt songwriting with local band Taboo Blah Blah.
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An Evening with Long-Shot
8-10:30 p.m. — The Music Box — Ticket information not provided — Enjoy an evening of music with Rockford's own twin brothers and their band Long-Shot.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Rockford
Welcome to the Daily Rockford, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Rockford, Illinois community. If you like the Daily Rockford, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Rockford.
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