Good morning, Rockford.

More than 200 local community members gathered Saturday night in Loves Park to raise funds for Brian Kunce—North Park Fire Department Deputy Chief—who was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer on June 6.

His twin brother Greg said the money will help cover chemotherapy costs and support awareness efforts, as the community stands by his side in this fight.

Fall on the Farm is held at Lockwood Park on 5201 Safford Road from October 11 to 13 and offers wagon rides, a petting zoo, a corn maze, and food trucks for family fun.

General admission is $15 with extra fees for pony rides and pumpkin picking—birds of prey shows are scheduled for 1 p.m. on Sunday and Monday and children aged 2 and under enter free.

Holiday job seekers in Rockford are urged by the Better Business Bureau to be cautious of unsolicited texts and calls from recruiters as employment scams were the third most reported scam from May to September and resulted in over $420 million in losses nationwide—scammers often pose as representatives of major companies.

Rock Valley College celebrated its 60th anniversary with the release of a new book by Dr. Dan Blumlo — the book covers the college's history from athletics to academic challenges during the early 1980s recession.

The college hosted a book signing session to mark the milestone and hopes the book sparks community curiosity.

Today, the Rockford Mass Transit District began new weekday daytime bus services with more frequent trips and extended hours to reduce wait times and improve access for passengers.

The changes add stops and extra trips on several routes to help local riders reach key destinations more easily.

Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary hosted the Pitbull Wellness Fair on October 11 from 8 a.m.—noon at 321 N.

4th Street. The event offered a low-cost vaccine clinic for Pitbulls along with nail trims, grooming and a garage sale, with all proceeds supporting the Pitbull Spay and Neuter Program.

The historic Chick House at 119 S Main Street in downtown Rockford is being renovated into 18 luxury apartments and space for three businesses—work that began after a project kickoff and will cost $12 million with completion set for 2027.

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.

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.

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.

X Bar Bingo Night at Chewy’s

7-9 p.m. — Chewy’s Sports Bar & Grill — Bring your own markers — Enjoy a fun-filled evening of bingo with prizes and delightful dinner specials.

Ninja Kidz Live

6-7:30 p.m. — Coronado Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the excitement of the Ninja Kidz Live show in Rockford's historic theatre.

2025 Annual Diwali Night Celebration

5-9 p.m. — Harlem High School — $15-$35 — Celebrate Diwali with dinner, dancing, performances, and cultural festivities.