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Welcome to Rockford Buzz! Your Guide for Things to Do in Rockford IL

Welcome to Rockford IL's ultimate guide to things to do! Whether you're a local resident or just visiting, Rockford IL has a wealth of activities and attractions to offer. From outdoor adventures and cultural experiences to shopping, dining, and entertainment, this website is your one-stop-shop for discovering the best things to do in Rockford IL. We've handpicked the most popular and unique experiences to bring you an extensive list of activities to suit every interest, age group, and budget. Whether you're looking to have a family day out, a romantic getaway, or an exciting solo adventure, you'll find it all right here. Get ready to discover Rockford IL like never before, and make your next trip to this amazing city unforgettable!

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Today's Events & Things to Do | Rockford IL Region

Welcome to Rockford IL's one-stop-shop for today's events! This website is your go-to source for finding the latest and greatest happenings in Rockford IL. Whether you're looking for a fun family activity, a night out with friends, or a unique cultural experience, you'll find it all right here. We've handpicked a variety of events to suit every interest and budget, so you can easily plan your day and make the most of your time in Rockford IL. From festivals and concerts to exhibitions and workshops, there's always something exciting happening in this vibrant city. So check out our calendar of events and get ready to experience Rockford IL like never before!

Full Events Calendar

Today's Lunch, Dinner, & Drink Specials | Rockford IL Region

Welcome to Rockford IL's guide to today's lunch, dinner, and drink specials! If you're looking for the best food and drinks in town, you've come to the right place. Here, you'll find a comprehensive list of the latest specials and promotions offered by Rockford IL's top restaurants and bars. Whether you're in the mood for a delicious lunch, a romantic dinner, or a night out with friends, you'll find the perfect meal or drink to suit your taste and budget. From classic comfort food to gourmet cuisine, and from refreshing cocktails to local brews, Rockford IL has something for everyone. So check out our list of specials and get ready to indulge in the best that Rockford IL has to offer!

Barnstormer Distillery

Barnstormer Distillery

Captain's Reserve Now Available

Captain's Reserve Now Available

Always Available

Hours Today: Closed

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Inzombia Coffee

Inzombia Coffee

Birthday Club

Birthday Club

Always Available

Hours Today: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

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Bourbon Street Lounge

Bourbon Street Lounge

Night Shift Diff

Night Shift Diff

Always Available

Hours Today: 7:00 AM - 12:00 AM

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Baked Wings

Baked Wings

Munchie Hour 4:20pm-6:00pm

Munchie Hour 4:20pm-6:00pm

Always Available

Hours Today: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

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Murphy’s Pub

Murphy’s Pub

Murphy's Happy Hour : 3 - 6 PM

Murphy's Happy Hour : 3 - 6 PM

Every Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Hours Today: 9:00 AM - 2:00 AM

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5BAR

5BAR

Happy Hour

Happy Hour

Every Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Hours Today: 4:00 PM - 2:00 AM

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Murphy’s Pub

Murphy’s Pub

Wine Night

Wine Night

Every Wednesday

Hours Today: 9:00 AM - 2:00 AM

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Reel Nutrition

Reel Nutrition

Winning Wednesdays

Winning Wednesdays

Every Wednesday

Hours Today: 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM

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27 Aluna

27 Aluna

Bao-wow-Wednesdays

Bao-wow-Wednesdays

Every Wednesday

Hours Today: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM

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Screw City Tavern

Screw City Tavern

Wing Wednesday and Fish Fry

Wing Wednesday and Fish Fry

Every Wednesday

Hours Today: 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM

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The Canna Cafe & Bar

The Canna Cafe & Bar

Happy Hour

Happy Hour

Every Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Hours Today: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

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The Pomodoro

The Pomodoro

Wine Wednesday at The Pomodoro

Wine Wednesday at The Pomodoro

Every Wednesday

Hours Today: 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM

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Fozzy’s Bar & Grill

Fozzy’s Bar & Grill

Happy Hour

Happy Hour

Every Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Hours Today: 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM

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Fozzy’s Bar & Grill

Fozzy’s Bar & Grill

Wing Wednesday

Wing Wednesday

Every Wednesday

Hours Today: 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM

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Baked Wings

Baked Wings

40% Off Waffle Wednesday

40% Off Waffle Wednesday

Every Wednesday

Hours Today: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

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Rockford Buzz Logo

Rockford Buzz

Missing Special

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Don't see your favorite special? Please send us an email with the details and we'll add it to the website ASAP!

All Things Food

Deals, Sales, & Shopping | Rockford IL Region

Welcome to Rockford IL's ultimate shopping guide! We're your one-stop-shop for the latest deals, sales, and shopping experiences in Rockford IL. Whether you're looking for a unique gift, a stylish outfit, or just a great deal, you'll find it all right here. From trendy fashion and home goods to electronics and toys, Rockford IL has something for every shopper. So check out our list of deals and get ready to hit the shops in Rockford IL!

Hulsebus Rockford Chiropractic

Hulsebus Rockford Chiropractic

Take the Same Supplements Your Doctor Uses

Take the Same Supplements Your Doctor Uses

Always Available

Hours Today: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM

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MembersAlliance Credit Union

MembersAlliance Credit Union

Save to Win Account

Save to Win Account

Always Available

Hours Today: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

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Varo Fence Co.

Varo Fence Co.

Free Estimates

Free Estimates

Always Available

Hours Today: Closed

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John Berlin Agency

John Berlin Agency

GET A FREE QUOTE

GET A FREE QUOTE

Always Available

Hours Today: Closed

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Moving Guys

Moving Guys

Power Washing  free estimate

Power Washing free estimate

Always Available

Hours Today: 24 Hours

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Inzombia Coffee

Inzombia Coffee

Zombie Discount

Zombie Discount

Always Available

Hours Today: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

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SPoRT Makeup, Apparel, & Collectibles

SPoRT Makeup, Apparel, & Collectibles

Use Code

Use Code "BUZZ20" to Get 20% Off All Products

Always Available

Hours Today: 24 Hours

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Rockford IceHogs

Rockford IceHogs

Hamboni Rides

Hamboni Rides

Always Available

Hours Today: Closed

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First Class General Contracting

First Class General Contracting

Free Home Inspection

Free Home Inspection

Every Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

Hours Today: 24 Hours

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Rockford Buzz Logo

Rockford Buzz

Missing Deal

Send Us Your Sales/Promotions

If you know of an upcoming sale or promotion, please send us an email with the details and we'll add it to the website ASAP!

All Shopping Deals & Sales

Local Businesses & Cool Places | Rockford IL Region

Welcome to Rockford IL's Random Adventure Generator! Every time you refresh the page, you'll be presented with a new set of four randomly selected destinations, each offering its own unique experience. Whether you're a local resident or just visiting, these random draws will inspire you to explore Rockford IL in new and exciting ways. From outdoor adventures and cultural experiences to shopping, dining, and entertainment, there's always something new to discover. So join us on this journey and get ready to explore Rockford IL like never before!

Stateline Sports

Stateline Sports

Stateline Sports

Today: 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM

The Stateline Sports Center is the Rockford, IL area's premier indoor training facility featuring 10,000sq square feet of new field turf.

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Fresh Start Cafe

Fresh Start Cafe

Fresh Start Cafe

Today: 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Family Restaurant with kids menu.

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Edwards Apple Orchard

Edwards Apple Orchard

Edwards Apple Orchard

Today: Closed

We are a family-owned apple orchard with a mission of providing a farm experience to families. Our guests can enjoy crisp apples, warm apple cider donuts and freshly pressed apple cider. We are a seasonal business, open only from September through November. We hope you enjoy your visit!

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Sabores Mobile Kitchen

Sabores Mobile Kitchen

Sabores Mobile Kitchen

Today: Closed

Food truck serving Latin FlavorsBest known for our PERFECT COMBO of Loaded Tots and Saboritas!!!!We also serve Tacos, Burritos and Quesadillas!!!!Plus a weekly feature item!!!!

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Current Poll & Positive Rockford IL News

Our goal is to shed light on the Rockford IL's rich history, vibrant culture, and bright future. From local events and attractions to restaurant reviews and positive movements, this website has got you covered. Take part in our polls and have your voice heard, and stay informed with our articles written by us. Join us in celebrating everything that makes Rockford IL the incredible place that it is.

In 2025 I'm looking forward too...

In 2025 I'm looking forward too...

As we dive into the new year 🎉 we want to know: What are you most looking forward to in 2025? Vote below and let’s kick off the year with some local love! 💖

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Nearly $11.7 Million Rebuild Of Auburn Street Coming This April!

Nearly $11.7 Million Rebuild Of Auburn Street Coming This April!

A major improvement project is coming to Auburn Street on Rockford’s west side, and it’s one that will be felt for years to come.This spring, the city will begin a nearly $11.7 million rebuild of a roughly two-mile stretch of Auburn Street, running from just west of the Auburn and Main Street roundabout to Central Avenue. The project is part of a larger investment plan aimed at modernizing infrastructure and improving safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.The work will include a full replacement of the roadway, new curbs and gutters, updated traffic signals, improved drainage, and new sidewalks. A multi-use path will also be added to better connect people who walk or bike through the area. Underground, the city will replace aging water mains and remove all lead service lines along this stretch of the corridor.This project is the first phase of a two-year plan for Auburn Street. Funding comes from a city budget surplus that was set aside in late 2023 for infrastructure improvements across Rockford.Construction is expected to begin in April and continue through October. While work is underway, businesses along Auburn Street will remain open. City leaders are encouraging residents to continue supporting those local businesses throughout the construction period.When completed, the redesigned roadway will look and function differently than it has today. Auburn Street will shift from four lanes of traffic to three, with one lane in each direction and a center turn lane. This change is designed to improve traffic flow and safety while making room for better pedestrian and bicycle access.One part of Auburn Street will not be included in this phase. The bridge over Kent Creek near North Horseman Street will be addressed in a future project, likely no earlier than 2027, once additional design work and coordination with state and railroad agencies are complete.The city also plans to continue improvements next year, extending similar upgrades east from Central Avenue to Springfield Avenue.Projects like this take time and patience, but they also represent long-term investment in neighborhoods, safety, and connectivity. For the west side of Rockford, this Auburn Street rebuild marks a significant step forward.Remember, it is a good day to go local.

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Rockford Has More Good in It Than You Might Realize!

Rockford Has More Good in It Than You Might Realize!

Some days, Rockford feels heavy. But when you slow down and really look around, there is so much good happening right in front of us.It starts with local businesses that open their doors every morning, not because it is easy, but because they care. Places like Gustafson’s Furniture and Mattress, where family ownership still means trusting employees and putting people first. Or Gill’s Diner, where regulars are greeted by name and comfort food feels like a small reset button on a hard day. These places are steady. Familiar. And deeply rooted in this community.Then there are the spaces built for joy and movement. Kids find confidence at Beauty in Motion Dance Arts, where every child is welcome and encouraged to be themselves. Families laughing and playing at the Discovery Center Museum, where curiosity runs wild, and learning feels fun instead of forced. These are the moments parents remember, and kids carry with them longer than we realize.Rockford is also filled with quiet helpers. Nonprofits like A Mother’s Love and The State of the Mind Institute show up without needing applause. They offer support, resources, listening ears, and safe spaces when people need them most. Sometimes the help is tangible. Sometimes it is emotional—both matter.And then there is the food. Because food brings people together like nothing else, local restaurants like Lucha Cantina, Franchesco’s Ristorante, and Lino’s are not just serving meals. They are hosting birthdays, first dates, late-night talks, and family dinners. They are places where stories are shared, and stress fades, even if just for an hour.Even our thrift shops tell stories of resilience.Places like The Dusty Box, a locally owned shop built from determination and the need to keep going when life changes unexpectedly. It is the kind of place where you can wander, explore, and find something you did not know you were looking for. A reminder that local businesses are often born out of real moments, real challenges, and the choice to keep moving forward.Rockford’s positivity does not always shout. It hums quietly in everyday moments.It lives in small businesses, taking risks. In nonprofits refusing to give up. In families choosing local over easy. Neighbors supporting neighbors.Rockford is not perfect. But it is full of heart. And that heart shows up every single day in ways big and small.Sometimes all you have to do is look a little closer.Remember, it is a good day to go local.

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Rockford Restaurant Week Is Almost Here Jan. 29 through Feb. 8, 2026

Rockford Restaurant Week Is Almost Here Jan. 29 through Feb. 8, 2026

If you love good food, this is your sign to clear your calendar.Rockford Restaurant Week is back from January 29 through February 8, and it is one of the best chances all year to eat local, try new spots, and revisit old favorites with fresh menus made just for this event.For 11 days, restaurants across Rockford and the surrounding area will roll out special menus, bundled meals, and limited-time dishes you usually do not see. Some are offering multi-course meals. Others are keeping it simple with comfort food deals that hit the spot. Either way, it is all about showcasing what makes our local food scene special. And Rockford has no shortage of great places to eat.Some of the restaurants taking part this year include Franchesco’s Ristorante, serving up classic Italian dishes that feel like home. Lino’s is a Rockford staple known for hearty portions and comfort food done right. 8th Ward Pub, a go-to for laid-back vibes and pub favorites. Crust and Crumbles bringing cozy comfort food that is hard to pass up. Cheezy’s Grilled Cheeses, stacking sandwiches that are anything but basic. Dairyhäus, perfect if your Restaurant Week plans end with something sweet. 640 Meats, known for filling meals that do not disappoint. And Lucha Cantina, serving bold Latin-inspired flavors that always bring the heat.These are just a few of the many spots involved. From casual lunch stops to sit-down dinners, there is something for every appetite and budget.What makes Restaurant Week special is not just the food. It is the people behind it. The cooks prepping early. The servers juggling packed dining rooms. The owners who believe in this community enough to keep showing up and creating something worth sharing.This is the perfect excuse to try a place you have been curious about or to finally bring a friend to your favorite spot. Make reservations if you can. Some menus only run for a few days. And once they are gone, they are gone.Rockford Restaurant Week is a reminder of how much heart our local food scene has. Good meals bring people together. And this is one of those moments where the table gets a little bigger.Come hungry. Leave happy.Remember, it is a good day to go local.Full list of restaurants Click Here!

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Latest Rockford Buzz Videos

Whether you're a local resident or just visiting, our videos will inspire you to explore Rockford IL like never before. From outdoor adventures and scenic drives to shopping and dining experiences, we've got it all covered. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the latest videos about Rockford IL. Get ready to experience the city in a whole new way!

Franchesco’s Ristorante 40 Years of Food, Moments, and Family!

Let’s talk food 🍝Franchesco’s Ristorante has been serving the community since 1986, starting as a pizzeria and growing into a place where meals turn into memories. This year marks 40 years of good food, family, and tradition.If you’re looking for classic Italian dishes and a place that feels like home, this one’s worth a visit.Remember, it is a good day to go local.

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AHL All Star Classic Is Coming to Rockford Feb. 10 and 11, 2026

Hockey fans, this is a big one 🏒🔥The AHL All Star Classic presented by BMO is coming to the BMO Center in Rockford on February 10 and 11, 2026, and this is history in the making. This event has never been held in Illinois and hasn’t been hosted by a Midwest city since 2004.See the best players in the American Hockey League compete during two unforgettable days filled with the All Star Skills Competition, the All Star Challenge, and the AHL Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Ceremony.And before the puck drops, the fun starts outside.The Rinkside Block Party is Rockford’s free community celebration with firepits, s’mores, music, mascot appearances, winter themed drinks, and food trucks. 📅 February 10 and 11, 2026 ⏰ 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM 📍 Elm Street Free and open to the public.Get tickets here: https://icehogs.com/tickets/2026-ahl-all-star-classicRemember, it is a good day to go local.

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Why Gill’s Diner Has Been a Fan Favorite Since 1962!

Come eat with me at Gill’s Diner. 🍳🥓 Serving since 1962 with great food, friendly faces, and prices that still make sense.Swedish pancakes, eggs, bacon, good conversation, and a full belly for under ten bucks. You really can’t beat that.If you love old school diners and places that treat you like family, this one’s for you.Buzz approved.Remember, it is a good day to go local.

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The Dusty Box Is One of Rockford’s Hidden Thrift Store Gems

What started as a part-time idea turned into something powerful 💛The Dusty Box is a mom-owned thrift store built on resilience, creativity, and the need to provide when life throws curveballs.From antiques and collectibles to clothing and furniture, every visit feels like a treasure hunt. And it just might be one of Rockford’s best hidden gems.Have you been here yet? Tell us your best thrift find 👇Remember, it is a good day to go local.

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