Full Video Collection For Rockford Buzz

If you haven't been to Cherry Valley lately, you need to check out their downtown. The Bricks started over a year ago and their vision is coming to fruition! They already have several locally owned businesses in their storefront, the venue in the back is gorgeous, and they still have more to come. Check out the video for a sneak peek. 🫣

Come out for a day of family fun on August 12th, 2023 at Dalquist Park. 3251 Oak Grove Ave.It's a chance to have some fun and support youth mentorship in the 815. Mark it on your calendars and we hope to see you there!

Who doesn't love a good transformation video?! 🎨 Zak from Zee’s Painting LLC walks us through the updates for Roxy Carmichael Boutique's new location in Edgebrook Shopping Center. We think it looks AMAZING and can't wait for Roxy to open. 🤩

Mark your calendars for June 17th and come down to the Ethnic Heritage Museum for the South Main Mercato. Tons of fun for the whole family and a great way to experience the South Main corridor. Vic and Jocelyn have all the details for ya!

You can't bring your dog on a rollercoaster. However, you CAN bring your dog to Meyer's Tails Up Farm for Dog's Day Out. It's like Six Flags for your fluff! Jake the dog tells you all about it! Mark your calendar for Sunday, June 11th, from 1:00 - 4:00.Meyer's Tails Up Farm5390 Irene Rd, Belvidere, IL

Just in case you missed the first two City Markets of the season, here's what you can expect to find. A lot of your favorites plus nearly a dozen new vendors!

Friday Night Flix is a FREE outdoor movie night with characters, food trucks, and a ton of family fun! It's all happening at Davis Park THREE times for 2023. Check out the video for all the details. 😆

EIGERlab's Fast Pitch Competition is BACK for 2023! If you have an idea for a business, this is your opportunity to win up to $5,000 in cash. No idea is too big or too small. Pitches are submitted online and the top 10 are invited to pitch live in front of a panel of judges. It's like Shark Tank, but without the bite. Head to the EIGERlab Facebook page for details!

Cars & Coffee is BACK for the 2023 season! First Saturday of every month through October. Cars, Coffee, Donuts, and tons of family fun. It all happens on 7th Street in the RPS Admin parking lot. It's a great time for the whole family and all of the proceeds go to Katie's Cup!

The Founders Commission is kicking off their programming by bringing Top Gun talent back to Rockford. This gala style event will feature a current Top Gun instructor, ESPN Sports anchor, static displays, food, and more. Come have a wonderful evening while bringing attention and awareness to some of Rockford's biggest brands.

Check out Rockford's newest food truck! Fuego - Charbroiled Latin Flavors delivers the dishes of South America to Rockford. Dave spent 20 years of his life in Argentina and is bringing his favorite dishes to the 815. Follow them on social media or visit their website to see where they're at today.

After years of hard word, Lola and Taylor have turned The Canna Cafe into reality. Whether you're into cannabis or not, this place has something for everyone. From delicious soups and sandwiches, to mocktails (infused or not), you're sure to find something you'll love. Come check out Rockford's NEWEST cafe!

EAA Chapter 22 is one of the oldest chapters in the nation at it resides right here in Rockford at Cottonwood Airport. Saturday, May 20th, is their Young Eagles event. They're giving free plane rides for kids age 8 - 17 in an effort to expose Rockford youth to the wonders of aviation. If you have a child that's interested in flight, this is the event for them!

Come out to the Rockford Rivets stadium to enjoy over 50 kinds of beer, yard games, food, and a home run derby. It's all happening under the lights of the stadium this year. So get your yard work done and then come out for some fun and brews at Brews on First THIS Saturday, May 20th!

Looking for a last minute idea of a fun thing to do with mom?! Look no further! Truly Treasured is hosting event TODAY from noon to 5:00 PM. Stop on through for some fun, food, and a great time with your mom.

It's an event for the WHOLE family, furry ones included! The Midtown Dog Walk is happening every first Thursday of the month through October! There's tons of stuff for the whole family, including ice cream, coffee, games, and of course a walk around Midtown with your dog.

Who can draw the better self portrait? Jake or Rhiannon? They do their best as Rhiannon covers all the details for the exhibit and opening reception.This group art exhibition will showcase self-portraits by currently prominent Rockford artists, portraying not only their image, but how they see themselves within the landscape of the city. Work will be on display in the lobby of City Hall through June 16th.The Main Event: Opening Reception at Rockford City Hall from 5:30 - 8:30 PMThe After Party: The Hub Art Gallery at 522 7th Street from 8:45 - 11:30 PM. Additional work from our Rockford Famous artists will be on display in the gallery.On view will be work from:Angel RodriguezBrett WhitacreDrew EurekJenny MathewsJudith MeyerKelvin CandieLaura GomelManny TangNick CashmereNorm KnottShaniqwa PorterRoni GolanCurated by: Rhiannon YandellPoster Design: Vic RiveraCome see what happens when these artists that we all know and love turn their creative lens on themselves.Admission is free.

For 19 years Rock n Roll Institute has been providing a community for young musicians in the 815. This year they've added a DeeJay curriculum that they're really excited about. If you have a young music fan in your family, check them out!

Jeff's past 40 years has been spent as a woodworker. Now he's using that skillset to bring a neighborhood bar to downtown. Wood & Brick Tavern has local ties and a 40+ year old Mahogany bar. You'll feel right at home the moment you step inside.

True Colors is the newest bar in Loves Park. It's not just a bar, but a restaurant and night club too! They've created a space that's welcome to everyone and they'd love to meet you!

A staple for Rockford's North End for almost 50 years, Cherry Blossom has been serving the floral needs of our community. They not only have bouquets, but roses and carnations too! Head in and pay them a visit!

Happy 7th Birthday to Healing Path of Rockford! Dr. Leonard is all about helping women and babies (and guys too) live healthier lives. She's experienced the power of natural healing herself and now uses those same techniques to help her patients. Wish her and her team a very happy business birthday! 🥳

Whether you're a seasoned veteran or brand new to the sport, come out to Kieselburg Forest Preserve and catch a game of rugby! The Rockford Ravens is the oldest sports organization in Rockford. It's a club sport, so it's open to everyone who wants to play. Come out and watch a game for free and cheer on our home team!

Taking Asian and Mexican flavors and combining them into creative burritos and bowls, Easy Tiger Food Truck is a place to try. Primarily located in front of Brent's Barbershop, they're conveniently located on North 2nd Street. Along with a delicious burrito you HAVE to try their Hula Dancer drink. Stop on in the next time you're hungry.

You know warm weather is here (or at least close) when Anderson Japanese Gardens opens for the season! Tuesday Evenings in the Garden are back with 13 shows scheduled for the year. There's always something exciting going on at the garden. Follow them on social media to stay in the know.

Whether you're a history buff or looking for an engaging way to teach your children, World War One Days is the place to be. With battle reenactments, fun activities, and even suffragettes. There's so much to see on April 29th and 30th!

While it's not quite to the production quality of a Snicker's commercial, you get the gist. LOL

Join Chris and a whole crew of artists and musicians for a three day event! All day 4-20 and all Art Scene long you can catch live music, live art, sales, and more. Head to The Bubble Hive Downtown and say "high"!

Table games, music, and a great atmosphere. You'll think you've been transported to Vegas. Winnebago County CASA is hosting their 2nd annual CASA Royale on April 29th. Come out to Embassy Suites for an amazing evening that supports children who need advocates within the court system. Dress to nines and may Lady Luck be with you.

Every day is magical at the Coronado, but Mondays are even more magical!Join the Friends of the Coronado Foundation for the Coronado Performing Arts Center Sing Along Organ Concert to your favorite movie and broadway hits! Bring the whole family for the first concert on April 17th from 12pm-1pm.

If you and your family love movies, then mark your calendars for April 22nd! Our Savior's Lutheran Church is hosting a FREE Earth Day Film Festival. Featuring everything from sci-fi classics, to kids movies, to documentaries. There's something for everyone. Follow the link to their facebook event to find the full list of 24 films.https://www.facebook.com/events/163501049872503

Whether you love live music, arcades, local beers, or great food. Stockyard Rock Burger Bar has it all. Located in North Towne Mall, Ginger and his crew are bringing entertainment with a local flare to West Riverside.

It's Earth Month! Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful celebrates Earth month all year long, but in April there's some special events happening. If you can't make them, you can still help keep our planet clean by volunteering or organizing your own neighborhood cleanup!

Rockford Buzz got never-before access to the Easter Bunny to see what his routine is for Easter prep. He has a lot of eggs to hide tonight, so mental and physical readiness is important. Enjoy this exclusive access and Happy Easter!

Meet Ryan at Smiley's Vintage. What started as a side hustle has now led to two years as a storefront in downtown Rockford.

Have your medieval moment drinking from a chalice at Vintage 501.*Crown not included, but feel free to bring your own.

Join Jake at Historic Auto Attractions for an unbelievably good time! They are officially open for the 2023 season.

Exclusive menu unveiling at The Pomodoro!

It's sushi! It's a burrito! It's a sushi burrito! This video will be sure to have you drooling by the end. (assuming you like sushi) Take a trip downtown to Omakase and experience it yourself!

Enjoy live music at Rockford's coolest outdoor stage! Severson Dells Nature Center has teamed up with Meridian Music Shed to bring a whole list of shows. They've got three on the calendar with a whole lot more to come!

If you're passionate for our environment and sustainable living, Sustain Rockford needs your help. They're focusing on long-term sustainability movements here in the 815. They have two projects they're currently focusing on, but they also want to hear from you! What do you think should be the focus in Rockford around sustainability?

It's just raining excitement at Rockford Buzz. So for the second (and last) announcement, Jake is back. And this time he's in a spinny chair.

We hit a big milestone! We're super excited and just wanted to say THANK YOU! for making it possible!

The Rock River Raft Race NFP board proudly announces the return of an area favorite: The annual Rock River Anything That Floats race and a date for the 2023 raft race: August 20, 2023. Each year, more than 50 homemade rafts float down the heart of Rockford from the Auburn Street bridge to Prairie Street Brewing Company for an afternoon of fun, resulting in significant donations raised to benefit local organizations. Event details for the fifth annual Rock River Anything That Floats Race (RRATFR) returning to the Rockford region Sunday, August 20, 2023 (rain date is Sunday, August 27) from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. can be found at the website: rraftr.com. The organizing board leads the race with the help of many individuals in the community, volunteers and sponsors.The RRATFR has helped to raise donations to support local efforts for the Fourth of July celebration, Rockford Ski Broncs, Rock River Trail Initiative and other area non-profits and charities. In the four previous years, the event was widely attended and collectively generated $20,000+ in proceeds to benefit these charities. New to this year’s race is the “Release the Quackin’” where participants can launch a rubber duck toward a target in the middle of the Rock River for a chance to win prizes.Also announced were plans to keep the hulled and DIY raft categories with first, second, and third prizes for speed as well as one People’s Choice and ‘Frank Schier Design and Creativity’ Judges’ Choice awards to determine the most creative designs. Local area businesses, clubs, students and other groups of individuals are encouraged to sign up and take advantage of this fun team-building experience.Participants can begin registering for the 2023 race on the website at www.rratfr.com. The registration deadline is August 14, 2023. The entry fee for rafts (with hulls or without hulls) is $100 per team (up to 10 crew members). Race day schedule of events includes: 10:00 a.m.: Check-in starts (all categories) 12:00 p.m.: Race begins at the Auburn Street bridge 12:00 p.m.--3:00 p.m.: Release the Quackin’ on the dock at Prairie Street Brewing Company 4:00 p.m.: Awards ceremony at Prairie Street Brewhouse 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.: After-party at Prairie Street Brewing Company featuring local band Dirty Fishnet Stockings“We’re excited to bring back the annual tradition of the Raft Race to the city. The community has embraced the event which now, in its fifth year, has become another annual event to bring people to downtown Rockford and enjoy the riverfront,” said Amy McIntyre. “One of Rockford’s greatest assets is the river, and we are grateful to be a part of highlighting it.”The racecourse is 1.65 miles in length and ends in a grand finish at Prairie Street Brewhouse. The scenic course offers a variety of viewing options for the thousands of spectators who will attend: Auburn Street Bridge, the Whitman Street Bridge, and along the Rock River Recreation Path.It takes many, many volunteers to put on an event like the Rock River Anything That Floats Race. The board is looking for people interested in numerous roles to make this event a success, from planning in advance, to assisting with rafts entering the water and helping clean up the riverfront. Come be part of the crew! Visit the “VOLUNTEER” tab at www.rratfr.com to sign up and help.The board is also looking for corporate partners to help support this event. If you are interested in being part of this great community event as it grows, contact info@rratfr.com for more information. About The RaceInitially launched in 1976 (U.S. Bicentennial) as a US. vs. Brits race, after two years with only two teams, it was opened to the public. More than just an homage to the incredibly popular raft races of the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s - the all-new Rock River Anything That Floats Race will be a brand new tradition for generations of Rockfordians to love and experience. Additional event details can be found at www.rratfr.com. 

Happy #InternationalWomensDay! Celebrate today, and every day, with Womanspace of Rockford, Illinois.

PHATEEZ is Rockford's newest apparel company. Want to win your own? Head to our facebook page for details!

Join Jake as he hops around the Vintage Shop Hop! We have a ton of local businesses participating. So go ahead, hop around!

Every month is Black History Month at Jackson Charter School.