Daily
Rockford
Sunday, October 26th, 2025
Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 26th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Rockford’s EIGERlab is hosting an awards ceremony that honors local innovators in fields such as aerospace, robotics, healthcare and education—the event will recognize creative work that drives job growth and progress in the region. Board president T.C. Bell said the event highlights efforts in building a stronger local economy. WIFR
- ➤ On Saturday night, Gigi's Playhouse held its annual 'I Have a Voice' Gala at Tebala Event Center to honor individuals with down syndrome and the community that supports them. The event featured dinner, dancing, and a silent auction to raise funds for free educational and therapeutic programs that serve about 435 local residents. WIFR
- ➤ Rockford’s historic Enchanted Mansion at 2415 E State Street opened this weekend as a spooky haunted house created by youth from nonprofit Life Decisions for its Rebuild, Relaunch, Restore campaign. The fundraiser will support future transitional housing for youth and build teamwork and leadership skills — a new start for rebuilding lives. WTVO
- ➤ Yesterday, Midway Village Museum welcomed hundreds of costumed families to its Victorian Village for its annual All Hallows Eve trick-or-treating event that has been a tradition since 1987. Volunteers handed out candy at more than 20 stops, with some historic buildings turning into mini haunted houses — a festive nod to Rockford’s community spirit — as the celebration unfolded. Rock River Current
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Byron nuclear plant carried out a radiological emergency exercise earlier this week with nearly 200 participants from Ogle County, Winnebago County and the state — all meeting 22 capability targets with no issues reported. Officials will issue a draft report in 30 days and a final report by end January — while nearby officials broke ground on a new micro reactor at the University of Illinois campus in Champaign, funded by $7 million from the Governor’s Office and $12 million from Nano, with construction set to start in 2027 and operation expected by 2030. WTVO
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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.
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