By Mary Sisk and Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — You can start your weekend early this week with a bevy of things to do indoors and outdoors in the area. Some of the fun events happen starting today.
We’ve compiled a few fast suggestions to get you started, but you can always see more things to do on our events calendar.
For now, here are 10 ideas for things to do this week:
Do some fall shopping indoors and outdoors
The Cider n’ Cinnamon art and craft show takes place from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday.
The event will have food, live music, vintage items, crafts, clothing and more in a shopping experience both indoors and outdoors.
Admission is free and the event is held at the Edgebrook Shopping Center, 1605 N. Alpine Road, Rockford.
More Edgebrook: Does your guinea pig need a spa day? This new Rockford shop has you covered
Explore dreams and nightmares at a local art show
Somnium: The Book of Dreams and Nightmares debuts on Friday at 7:30 p.m. at 715 N. Madison St., Rockford.
The multimedia art show is a collaborative project from Rockford-based artist Emily Klonicki and Dominican artist Eddaviel Montero.
Performances are held at 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturday through Oct. 15. You can get tickets for $22 HERE.
Our preview: Explores dreams and nightmares in this art show that ‘brings the audience on a journey’
Sip coffee at a car show in Midtown
Cars & Coffee Rockford runs from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday in the Rockford Public Schools administrative building parking lot, 502 Seventh St.
The event, which benefits Katie’s Cup in Midtown, is free to attend and showcases all makes and models of cars. There are also games, contests and raffles.
Drink and play slots for a good cause
Top Dollar Slots and Blue 815 will host a fundraiser Thursday for Gigi’s Playhouse.
The event features guest bartenders, including Loves Park Mayor Greg Jury and WTVO morning news anchor Whitney Martin.
Guests can attend from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Top Dollar Slots, 2189 Windsor Road, Loves Park.
Related: Natural light and Napoli’s Pizza: New Loves Park slot spot has a different feel
Calling all fans of German food and beer
Oktoberfest 2022 goes from 11 a.m. to midnight Saturday at the Loves Park City Festival Grounds, 100 Heart Blvd., Loves Park.
The event features food, German dancing, beer and more.
Tickets are $7 if purchased during pre-sale and $10 on site.
Pre-Sale Ticket Locations: Woodman’s Rockford, Windsor Pizza Parlor, Top Cut Comics Loves Park, Pig Minds Brewing Co., Culture Shock, AME, Hennig Inc., The Detour, Wired Cafe, Cherry Blossom and Embroid This.
See a NASCAR pro compete at Rockford Speedway
Josh Bilicki, a professional NASCAR race driver, will be a part of this weekend’s races at the Rockford Speedway, 9572 Forest Hills Road, aka Jody Deery Way, in Loves Park.
The 57th National Short Track Championships kick off on Friday night and continue through Sunday at the Speedway. Bilicki competes Sunday during the Big 8 series 188.
You can get full details and schedule on the Rockford Speedway website.
Related: Honorary road name change pays tribute to Jody Deery’s legacy in Loves Park
Listen to a band at a hotel pub
Espinosa & Coffey will perform Thursday at Forest City Pub at Radisson, 200 S. Bell School Road, Rockford.
The monthly music show, called Band Night at the Pub, is intended to give local artists a place to showcase their talent. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and the show starts at 6 p.m.
More arts: Former church envisioned as new entertainment venue in downtown Rockford
Take a hike through Kishwaukee Gorge
Severson Dells Nature Center will host a guided hike Wednesday through Kishwaukee Gorge North, 4643 Blackhawk Road.
The hike goes from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and consists of hills and an option to descend a steep wooden staircase with railings to see the gorge and river from the bottom. The cost is $3 for members or $5 general admission.
Shop local while raising autism awareness
The second annual 815 Shop Local event goes from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday at Don Carter Lanes, 4007 E. State St., Rockford.
There are more than 45 local vendors, food trucks, raffles, live music and more at the event. It’s free to enter. Part of the proceeds raised during the event benefit the SuperHero Center for Autism.
Spare No One, help Youth Services Network
The Spare No One bowling event benefitting Youth Services Network takes place at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Park Lanes, 5318 N. Second St., Loves Park.
The $50 per pair admission price includes three games of bowling and shoe rental. There are also door prizes, a silent auction and raffles. Proceeds benefit Youth Services Network, a nonprofit organization that helps youth with their developmental, psychological, physical, and social well-being.
This article is by Mary Sisk. Email her at msisk@rockrivercurrent.com or follow her on Instagram at @maryrrcurrent