MAG Summer Exhibition and Mini Masterpieces
What: The biennial Mini Masterpieces fundraiser partnered with Momentum Art Guild’s Summer Exhibition for a night of art. The Mini Masterpieces features donated works from local, regional and international artists, each measuring just 6x6-inches or smaller. During the opening reception, competitive bids for each mini starts at $25. Funds raised will benefit the museum and its programming. MAG is a regional organization dedicated to enhancing interest in the visual arts and supporting the development of individual artists.
When: 5-7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2
Where: Freeport Art Museum, 121 Harlem Ave., Freeport
Georgia Peach Stop
What: Shop for hand-picked, fresh Georgia peaches direct from Pearson Farm. No pre-orders. There will be Georgia peaches and pecans, New Mexico pistachios and Michigan blueberries. Credit or debit cards are preferred but cash and checks will also be accepted.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
When: 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 3
Where: Blain’s Farm & Fleet, 1755 S. West Ave., Freeport
10th Anniversary DAV Ride
What: The recipients for this event are the Disabled American Veterans Blackhawk Chapter #29 and Veterans Transitional Center (501c3). All proceeds from this event, which includes silent auction, bag toss, street dance, raffles, shirt sales and a few surprises, will be donated to these two non-profits to enrich the lives of our veterans. Music from After The Fact.
When: 9:30 a.m. – 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3
Where: Rock City Tap, 106 N. Main St., Rock City
Summer Concert Series: Boogie & the YoYoz
What: Enjoy performance by Boobie & the YoYoz. General admission and standing room only. Outdoor event rain or shine. Golf course clubhouse patio venue. Full bar service and gaming. Food options available.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3
Where: Coach’s Golf & Grill, 621 W. Lena St., Lena
Cost: $20
The Ville Third Annual Back-to-School
What: The event includes free food, music, games, prizes, haircuts, snow cones, raffle prizes, bounce houses, vendors and more. Get free school supplies and book bags. The Ville is partnered with Bethany United Church of Christ. Get your team signed up for the flag football tournament.
When: Noon Saturday, Aug. 3
Where: Stephenson County Fairgrounds, 2250 S. Walnut Road, Freeport
Cost: Free
Pool-a-Palooza
What: This event features beach ball volleyball games, poolside games and music. Admission fees and rules apply. Proper swim attire required. Guests age 12 or younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Concessions will be available for purchase.
When: 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3
Where: Reed Park Family Aquatic Center, 867 W. American St., Freeport
Family Wellness Expo
What: This expo includes free screenings, yoga sessions, speakers and activities for the kids. Visit wellness booths to earn school supplies (while supplies last). Get your blood pressure taken. There will be giveaways of children’s books and winter coats; car seat checks and summer sales. Hear speakers discuss Naloxone administration; breast, cervical and cardiovascular wellness for women; tobacco and vaping risks; immunizations for community health; the benefits of yoga; the benefits of breastfeeding; and child nutrition.
When: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3
Where: Lincoln Mall, 1201 W. Galena Ave., Freeport
Cost: Free
Annual Antique Tractor & Engine Show
What: The Stephenson County Antique Engine Club's collection of firetrucks and locally-built Henney vehicles will be on display along with a group of local vintage cars and trucks. If you have an antique car you'd like to bring, it will fit right in. Shingle Mill and Blacksmith Shop will be running both days. Also on display will be gas tractors, gas engines, farm machinery and equipment. The Club’s Silver Creek and Stephenson Railroad will be offering steam train rides from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. (or later if we still have riders) using a 1912 Heisler Logging Locomotive. The Silver Creek Museum features more than 40 rooms of displays of local history including farming, businesses, railroads, general store, a one-room school, model train room, veterans room and more. The 130 ton Cooper Corliss Stationary Steam Engine in the Silver Creek industrial building behind the museum will be open. Many Freeport-made engines will also be on display. Food will be available inside the museum, including breakfast from 8 -10 a.m. (or until sold out), with lunch served from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Cash or good local checks accepted. No credit cards. The entrance to the show will be off of Lamm Road only off Highway 26 south of Freeport. Walnut Road will be blocked off from the north.
When: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3 and Sunday, Aug. 4
Where: 2954 S. Walnut Road, Freeport
Cost: Free admission to Cooper building and the grounds; $5 train rides and museum tours; donations appreciated
Rock and ResQ
What: Live music by Spotted Dog, food, drinks and a live auction.
When: 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3
Where: Friends Forever Humane Society, 966 W. Rudy Road, Freeport
Freeport Chorale Society
What: Enjoy harmony among the treetops as Freeport Choral Society performs a concert at the Koenig Amphitheater.
When: 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4
Where: Krape Park, 1799 S. Park Blvd., Freeport
Cost: Free admission
Coming next week
Margaritas and Masterpieces
What: Bring your creativity. Limited spots available. Message La Patrona (Claudia) to reserve a spot. All supplies provided.
When: 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7
Where: La Patrona Mexican Cantina & Grill, 1725 S. Ihm Blvd., Freeport
An Evening with Phil Prichard
What: Enjoy this bourbon tasting dinner featuring Prichard's Bourbon. Start with an introductory co*cktail, then savor four one-and-a-half-ounce tasting pours of Prichard's finest bourbons. Each pour is paired with a four-course meal crafted to enhance the bourbon's complex notes. For bourbon aficionados or curious newcomers.
When: 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7
Where: The Great Debate Bar & Restaurant, 1 E. Spring St., Freeport
Cost: $70
End of Summer Party
What: Celebrate the end of summer reading with a party featuring bounce houses, face painting and games.In case of rain, the party will move inside the library.
When: 1-4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8
Where: Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas St., Freeport
John Hartman Jazz Alliance
What: The Aug. 8 performer for Music on Debate Square is the John Hartman Jazz Alliance. Bring a lawn chair, blanket and some money for ice cream.
When: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8
Where: Debate Square, 114 E. Douglas St., Freeport
Cost: Free admission
