By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — This weekend you have three chances to catch the IceHogs in action with a variety of fan theme nights.
There’s also live music, comedy, theater and a chance to relive the Chicago Bears 1985 Super Bowl — spoiler, they win 46-10.
More things to do: 815 Ale Fest tickets are on sale now, event is less than one month away
Here are 16 ideas for fun this weekend in the Rockford area:
Hogs at home 3 times
What: The Rockford IceHogs take on the Texas Stars on Wednesday while also celebrating Elvis with his music and themed games throughout the night. They play the Stars again on Saturday night for Star Wars night. Then, the Hogs play the Milwaukee Admirals on Sunday and you can skate with the team after the game.
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8; 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11; 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12
Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford
Info/tickets: Go HERE
DJ Acid at Casey’s Pub
What: Victor Yeverino, aka DJ Acid, will spin from 8 p.m. to close.
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8
Where: Casey’s Pub, 7307 N. Alpine Road, Loves Park
A Toast to the Confluence
What: Nature At The Confluence, a nature preserve and environmental center where Turtle Creek meets the Rock River, will hold a wine tasting fundraiser with live cello by Ken Yang.
Where: Hidden Creek Estates, 13276 White School Road, Roscoe
When: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10
Tickets/info: Go HERE
Elvis tribute artist
What: Shawn Klush, who was named the first ever Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist by Elvis Presley Enterprises and was named the World’s Greatest Elvis by the BBC1 in London, brings his show to Hard Rock Casino Rockford to celebrate Presley’s 90th birthday. The show also features Cody Ray Slaughter, who was named the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist in 2011, and international award-winning Elvis tribute artist Ryan Pelton.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10
Where: Hard Rock Casino Rockford, 7801 E. State St., Rockford
Info/Tickets: Go HERE
More news: Belvidere City Council gives OK for Dodge Lanes to be razed to make way for 2 new restaurants
Lucha Cantina comedy kickoff
What: Jayson Cross, an actor and stand-up comedian who previously hosted AMC’s “Date Night,” headlines the first stand-up comedy show of the year at Lucha Cantina. The show also features Mike Cacres, Dana Norris and AJ Leidig.
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10
Where: Lucha Cantina, 1641 N. Alpine Road, Rockford
Tickets: $10; call 815-977-4319 to reserve
Kami Wanita: Portraits of Women
What: “Kami Wanita: Portraits of Women” is a solo art exhibition celebrating the shared experiences of women around the world. Artist Laura Gomel, winner of the Deborah Newton Recognition Award, will features a collection of portraits based on photographs she took during a recent trip to Indonesia.
The title “Kami Wanita,” which means “we are women” in Bahasa Indonesian, reflects the universal themes of resilience, strength and identity that unite women globally.
When: 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10
Where: Womanspace, 3333 Maria Linden Drive, Rockford
Info: Go HERE
Paraiso Comedy Night
What: Comedian Mike Maxwell headlines this stand-up comedy show. It also features Alan Salazar, Evan Gaynor and Marcos Lara. There is no cover charge for this show.
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10
Where: El Paraiso Lumbre Y Mar Restaurant, 5518 N. Second St., Loves Park
Nauti Nauti
What: Local cover band Nauti Nauti brings its yacht rock to Casey’s Pub.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10
Where: Casey’s Pub, 7307 N. Alpine Road, Loves Park
Pistol Pete
What: Guitarist Pistol Pete brings his high-energy show to Mary’s Place.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11
Where: Mary’s Place, 602 N. Madison St., Rockford
Info: Go HERE
Comedium
What: Medium Jonna Kay and comedian Jose Montero bring a blend of comedy and messages from the other side. Kay brings members out of the audience for her readings for the first part of the show, and then Montero brings laughter to the stage.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11
Where: Attitudes, 10124 N. Second St., Machesney Park
Tickets: $35; go HERE
‘Psycho Beach Party’
What: This campy comedy play is a send-up of 1950s and 1960s era “Giget” and “Beach Party” movies with a twist — the main character has split personalities.
Where: West Side Show Room, 1414 N. Main St., Rockford
When: 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9 Friday, Jan. 10 and Saturday, Jan. 11; 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12
Info/reserve tickets: Go HERE
Rock5ive at The Mill
What: Rockford’s Rock5ive band plays a mix of rock, pop, country, love songs, dance and R&B.
Where: The Mill Saloon, 9032 N. Second St., Machesney Park
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10
Info: Go HERE
Diversity teen meetup
What: LGBTQIA+ teens ages 13-19 are invited to a welcoming meetup space to meet and make new friends. There will be free pizza, drinks and snacks for everyone to enjoy.
Where: The Liam Foundation, 1005 Fifth Ave., Rockford
When: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11
Info: Go HERE
Comedian Jack Baker
What: Comedian Jack Baker, whose debut special “Jack Baker’s Disease” was released in 2023, headlines this stand-up comedy show. The show also features Justin Arceneaux, Brando Harris and Kevin Haas.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11
Where: Hope & Anchor English Pub, 5040 N. Second St., Loves Park
Tickets: $10, call 815-633-2552 to reserve
Third Eye Night Psychic Fair
What: Psychic medium Lana Hartgrave, tarot reader Michelle Johns and intuitive oracle card reader Megan Gezzi will share their readings on a first-come, first-serve basis.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11
Where: Wolf Hollow Gift Shoppe, 3800 E. State St., suite 103, Rockford
1985 Bears Super Bowl Watch Party
What: Who says you shouldn’t live in the past? RBI Bourbon Street Lounge will host a watch party of the Chicago Bears 1985 Super Bowl. The day will also be filled with games and prizes, including a Mike Ditka look-alike contest.
When: Noon Sunday, Jan. 12
Where: RBI Brunch and Dinner | Bourbon Street Lounge, 3870 Perryville Road, Rockford
Info: Go HERE
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas