Daily
Rockford
Saturday, October 25th, 2025
Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 25th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Rockford Family Peace Center has released Doodles for Hope, a safety planning book for children ages 6—11 impacted by domestic violence, written by Children’s Advocate Emily Cox with illustrations by Rilei Riggs and inspired by local domestic violence prevention efforts. The project was supported by community groups to help kids learn how to stay safe. WIFR
- ➤ Lisa and Mike Beardsworth run Little Lisa’s Rescue in Rockford where more than 300 injured animals are rescued, rehabilitated, and returned to the wild each year— they also guide locals on safe animal reunions and plan to build a new enclosure next year. WIFR
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ LacedUp815 is opening its new downtown store at 328 E. State St. after a full remodel that gives the shop a luxury feel — a ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. on November 8 while the mall location remains open. Rock River Current
- ➤ Rockford's AMC Showplace 16 was struck by lightning over the weekend (Oct 18-19), which damaged the systems needed for operations and led to its temporary closure. Repairs are underway and AMC Theatres said it will update the theater’s webpage when operations resume. WIFR
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Rockford’s Whitman Street will reopen Monday after a $10 million reconstruction replaced pavement, sidewalks, curbs, and gutters and installed a new single lane roundabout at Whitman and Ridge Avenue—officials added that the project extended the Mel B. Anderson Recreational Path from Talcott-Page Park to Church Street with future plans connecting to the Rock River Recreational Path. WTVO
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Rockford was ranked as the nation’s No.2 housing market this fall by the Wall Street Journal and Realtor.com as home prices hit record highs and few houses were for sale. Mayor Tom McNamara said local work to improve safety and infrastructure — including the Rockford Promise program — is spurring the market while more housing is needed. Rock River Current
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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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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.
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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.
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2025 Annual Diwali Night Celebration
5-9 p.m. — Harlem High School — $15-$35 — Celebrate Diwali with dinner, dancing, performances, and cultural festivities.
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Beyond the Scoreboard: A Night of Champions
6-9 p.m. — Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront — $12 individual, $50 family of five — Celebrate mental health awareness in sports with MLB champion Ben Zobrist and local leaders.
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An Evening with Nathan Graham & Noah Guthrie
7-10:30 p.m. — The Music Box — $20.11 — Experience soulful melodies blending South Side Blues with Nashville Americana.
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An Evening with The Cold Stares
7:30-10:00 p.m. — The Music Box — Starting at $15.08 — Experience the fierce, blistering live show of The Cold Stares, a duo with nearly a decade of world touring.
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Babyface Concert
7-10 p.m. — Rockford Casino — Tickets available — Experience a night of soulful music with the legendary Babyface.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Start with repetition, not perfection.
~ James Clear
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