Some of the places to be this week include 317 Art Collective for its Twisted Holiday Folklore show, Lockwood Park for its luminary walk, The Office Niteclub for its Christmas brunch drag show, and Prairie Street Brewing Co. for the stand-up comedy “Brew Ha! Ha! Ha!” (Staff and provided photos)
    By Mary Sisk
    Rock River Current
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    ROCKFORD — As the holiday season commences so do the celebrations, and there are plenty this weekend.

    If you’re trying to get in touch with your spiritual side, enjoy a nice walk through the park, or just happen to know a lot about the Grinch, you’re in the right place.

    Here are 14 things to do this weekend in Rockford, but you can always find more on our events page.

    Get in touch with your spirituality

    Infinite Soul Vibrations is hosting its Wrap, Sip & Learn event from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday at the downtown shop, 333 E. State St.

    The evening will include music, jewelry making, refreshments and information about the crystals used in the process.

    More information can be found on their website here.

    More news: Downtown Rockford turns ‘magical’ for 10th annual Stroll on State

    Sick of Santa?

    Be a part of Rockford’s first Krampusnacht procession with 317 Art Collective on Friday.

    After the procession, the collective will host the opening reception for its upcoming resident artist show, Twisted Holiday Folklore, which features various obscure figures and legends.

    The procession starts at 5:30 p.m. at J&K’s Lounge, 507 E. State St., and attendees are encouraged to come in a Krampus or other folklore figure costume.

    Admission is free, but the collective asks you to RSVP beforehand through their email 317artcollective@gmail.com.

    Related: Krampus is coming to Rockford and 317 Art Collective wants you to join the procession

    Have a laugh at the ‘Brew Ha! Ha! Ha!’

    The stand-up comedy series “Brew Ha! Ha! Ha!” concludes its 2022 run on Thursday at Prairie Street Brewhouse, 200 Prairie St., Rockford.

    The headliner is Tom Thakkar, who has appeared on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon,” Comedy Central and “Conan.” Opening acts are Kevin Wood and Kevin Haas.

    Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the show starts at 8:30 p.m.

    Tickets start at $18 and can be purchased here.

    See pretty lights, eat good food

    The annual Illuminated: A Lighted Garden Experience event starts its run from 5-8 p.m. this Thursday at Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road.

    The event includes numerous light displays, pizza from Woodfire, various food trucks, live carolers on Fridays and Saturdays and more fun.

    Admission is free for Premium Gardens members, free for children 5 and under, $11 for adults, $10 for seniors, $9 for students and military.

    More information and dates can be found here.

    Enjoy a whole weekend of Christmas cheer

    The Rockton Christmas Walk happens this weekend in downtown Rockton, featuring shopping, a parade and more Christmas festivities.

    The event will take place from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. on Friday, 7 a.m.-9 p.m. on Saturday and noon-7 p.m. on Sunday.

    More information on the weekend and individual events can be found here.

    More news: ‘Supporting someone’s dream’: Rockford-area businesses tout importance of shopping local

    Does the Christmas season make you a Grinch?

    Test your Grinch knowledge at the Pottery Lounge this Friday from 6-8 p.m. for Grinch trivia.

    There will be three rounds of trivia, as well as painting, refreshments and prizes for the winners.

    Tickets are $10 and must be paid in advance. The event will be held at the store, 6059 E. State St., Rockford.

    Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree

    The second annual South Beloit Tree Lighting will be held from 4:30-6 p.m. this Friday at Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St.

    The event will include carols, hot chocolate, crafts and more Christmas fun. Admission is free.

    Get in touch with the city’s Swedish roots

    First Lutheran Church will host a St. Lucia Concert at 7 p.m. Friday, featuring Swedish songs and a candlelit procession.

    Admission to the event is free, but donations are accepted. It will be held at the church, 225 S. Third St., Rockford.

    More news: Handmade hats and more hung outside UW Health SwedishAmerican Hospital

    Meet some animals and get into the holiday spirit

    Lockwood Park‘s Winter on the Farm Luminary Walk is 5-7 p.m. Friday at the park, 5201 Safford Road.

    The walk will offer the chance for participants to meet the animals, purchase refreshments and tour the park.

    Admission is free, but donations are accepted to support the animals and park.

    Related: Rockford Park District kicks off its Winter Flurry. Here are key dates to know

    Bike for a good cause

    The Tour De Frost 20-mile bike race happens Saturday, and all proceeds going to the Fish-Abled Foundation.

    The race starts at 10 a.m. at Trek Bicycle Rockford, 4169 N. Perryville Road, Loves Park. Registrations is $40, opening at 9:30 a.m. the day of the event.

    Following the race is a pizza party at Jax Pub, 4160 N. Perryville Road, Loves Park.

    Support the local performing arts with a Christmas classic

    The Nutcracker will show at 3 p.m. this Saturday at the Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St.

    The show will feature dancers from the Rockford Dance Co. set to music by the Rockford Symphony Orchestra.

    Tickets can be purchased online here.

    Listen and learn about Christmas all around the world

    The Rockford Wind Ensemble is putting on a concert from 3-5 p.m. Sunday at the RPL Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St.

    The concert will feature various holiday traditions and music. Tickets can be purchased here.

    Get some Christmas shopping done

    Katie’s Cup is hosting its first holiday market from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday.

    The event will feature live music, a market, holiday book readings and more Christmas fun at the cafe, 502 Seventh St.

    More information can be found here.

    Kick off the holiday season with brunch and a show

    A Drag Brunch To Remember is happening from 11:30 a.m.- 2 p.m. at The Office Niteclub this Sunday.

    Admission is $30 with an all-you-can-eat brunch and bottomless mimosas for those 21 and older.

    Tickets can be purchased online here.


    This article is by Mary Sisk. Email her at msisk@rockrivercurrent.com or follow her on Instagram at @maryrrcurrent

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