Visit Rock Falls

04/12/2025

Is your 8th grader ready to make an Impact? Sign them up for the SVCC Impact Program and get a head start on volunteer hours! Students can begin earning hours as soon as June 1—put them on the path to free tuition at Sauk Valley Community College! https://www.svcc.edu/impact/index.html

04/11/2025

Don't forget to take the children (ages 0-8) to the Coloma Township Park District Easter Egg Hunt at Centennial Park tomorrow (Saturday). Registration begins at 12noon; ages 0-2 hunt begins at 1pm; ages 3-8 hunt begins at 1:15pm. This is a FREE event!

Make sure you and your kiddos hop over to Centennial Park this Saturday, April 12th for our Easter Egg Hunt!
Registration starts at 12:00pm
Ages 0-2 @ 1:00pm
Ages 3-8 @ 1:15pm
Everyone will receive an Easter Bucket filled with lots of fun things and we will be drawing names for some really cool larger prizes🐰

04/10/2025

‼️NEWS FLASH‼️
Did you hear the great news yet? The 9th Hole Mini Golf & More is open now! Located at Northland Mall in Sterling, IL.
**Play mini-golf indoors!
**Play soccer pool!
**Bring the family!
Locally owned business!

We are open until 9! Last person in at 8:30. Just $9 per person per round of golf, and $9 per person for a 1/2 hour of the newest sport/game to the area, soccer pool. As of opening night, last night, we were told soccer pool was quite the workout!

04/10/2025

What's Happening this weekend? Easter Egg hunts, musical/plays, mini-golf, live music and more!
THURSDAY
1. Mighty Mouth Karaoke at Hammer Headz in Rock Falls 7pm to 10pm

FRIDAY
1. ENC Fun Fair at East Coloma-Nelson CESD 20 in Rock Falls 5pm to 7pm. Family Friendly!
2. The Wizard of Oz Musical Presented by Newman High School at Sterling Centennial Auditorium 7-9pm. Family Friendly!
3. Karaoke at Barcode Rock Falls 9-11pm
4. DJ BIGBOI at Whiskey Barrel Saloon

SATURDAY
1. RX Drop off Drive with State Representative Bradley Fritts at Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce 9am to 11am
2. The 9th Hole Mini Golf & More Grand Opening at Northland Mall in Sterling, 11am to 9pm. The 9th Hole Mini Golf & More. Family Friendly!
3. Coloma Township Park District Easter Egg Hunt at Centennial Park in Rock Falls. Registration begins at 12noon at Larson Shelter. Ages 0-2 hunt at 1:00 and ages 3-8 hunt at 1:15. This is a FREE event for ages 0-8. Family Friendly!
4. Easter Egg Hunt - Sterling Park District 1:30pm sharp! Family Friendly!
5. Shining Stars Musical R***e at Woodlawn Arts Academy, 7pm. Family Friendly!
6. The Wizard of Oz Musical Presented by Newman High School at Sterling Centennial Auditorium 7pm. Family Friendly!
7. Two Stroke at The Cooler in Rock Falls 4pm
8. DJ Smoke Rodriguez at Whiskey Barrel Saloon in Rock Falls 9pm to 1am
9. The Solution at PJ’s 2 in Rock Falls 3-6pm
10. Robbie Leblanc & The Mixx at Route 30 Slots & Cocktails 8pm to midnight
11. Alex Fischbach at Cochran's Pub in Rock Falls 8pm to 11pm.
12. Adult Bingo at Fraternal Order of Eagles #2783 starting at 7pm.

SUNDAY
1. The Wizard of Oz Musical Presented by Newman High School at Sterling Centennial Auditorium 2pm. Family Friendly!
2. Shining Stars Musical R***e at Woodlawn Arts Academy, 2pm. Family Friendly.
3. Celebration of Life of Jim Goodwin with live music by Ackel Berria starting at 2:30pm at Route 30 Slots & Cocktails
4. Karaoke at Barcode Rock Falls 8pm to 10pm

Enjoy the fun this weekend! If we missed something, please put it in the comments.

04/10/2025

We hope you have June 7th marked on your calendar for the Bellson Music Fest and Drum Clinic with Gregg Potter at the Bellson Music Fest! It is going to be an epic day of celebrating the legacy of Rock Falls native, Louie Bellson!
The day will begin at 11:30 am at the McCormick Event Center in Rock Falls with Gregg Potter showing you all kinds of tips and techniques to drumming! Gregg is currently the drummer with the Buddy Rich Band who is currently touring as a 16 piece big band.
We thank all our sponsors who help to bring this wonderful event to you! Johnson Oil, Sauk Valley Bank Holiday Inn Express & Suites Rock Falls WLLT FM Arthur's Garden Deli Candlelight Inn -Rock Falls Community State Bank, CGH Medical Center Loescher HVAC Midwest Disposal Pit Stop Car Care, Selmi's Greenhouse, Farm and Pumpkin Patch Sterling Federal Bank The Mertes Law Firm, P.C. TOTAL Construction Services, TCS United Metal Buildings

04/09/2025

Shorts-A-Palooza starts at 7pm at Morrison Institute of Technology.
Northwest Illinois Film Office

04/09/2025

We have an exciting lineup of musicians scheduled for our Art in the Park Sculpture Walk & Outdoor Art Gallery on Saturday, August 23, 2025.
10am - Pat Jones Acoustic Assassin
12:15pm - James Perron
2:30pm - Jay Vonn

Come emerge in a day of art from new sculptures to artists to musicians! 10am to 4pm at the RB&W District - 201 E. 2nd Street, Rock Falls. Free admission and food available!

04/09/2025

THIS EVENING (Wednesday at 7pm) the Northwest Illinois Film Festival presents its 5th Annual "Shorts-A-Palooza 2025" a celebration of some very talented Illinois Indie Filmmakers. The films will be shown at the Morrison Tech Auditorium. The event is free but you must register at https://www.nwillinoisfilmfestival.com/ to attend.

Featured films include: Never Alone; The Amish Incident; Your First; Washed Up; Feed the Horses; Looking Forward; Maggie's Not Okay; Code 23; Creepy Cuts; Wreckless; Anhedonia; Chucky Chicken.

Northwest Illinois Film Office

04/08/2025

CALL FOR ARTISTS for the Art in the Park Sculpture Walk & Outdoor Art Gallery being held on Saturday August 23rd at the RB&W District in Rock Falls from 10am to 4pm. We are looking for artists such as paintings, drawings, photographs, woodworking, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, textiles/fiber, etc. All work must be original, handcrafted, created, and exhibited by the approved artists themselves. Kits, imports, and mass-produced items will not be allowed. This is a juried show and submissions must be turned in by June 2, 2025. You will be notified on June 16 if you are approved. Please read the application thoroughly for details.
https://visitrockfalls.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Art-in-the-Park-Outdoor-Art-Gallery-application2025-2.pdf

04/07/2025

The 4th Annual Bellson Music Fest will be held Saturday, June 7, 2025. This festival celebrates the legacy of LOUIE BELLSON (1924-2009), the Rock Falls native who rose to become the renowned drummer, composer, band leader and six-time Grammy nominee. The event is hosted by Rock Falls Tourism which works closely with Bellson’s widow Francine Bellson (louiebellson.com) and Josh Duffee (music director from Davenport, IA).
Four bands featuring big band, jazz, and blues music, along with performances honoring Louie Bellson, will be showcased at the RB&W District amphitheater from 1:00 pm to 8:30 pm.

The bands include the following:
1 pm – 2:30 pm -- Yorkville Big Band covering a wide genre of sounds of the 40’s and 50’s incorporating modern arrangements of famous big bands.
3 pm – 4:30 pm – Avey Grouws Band brings a raw, powerful roots rock sound infused with blues and soul.
5 pm – 6:30 pm – Josh Duffee and the Blackhawk Broadcasters will feature music composed and arranged by Louie Bellson, along with songs that were recorded by Bellson during his career in a small group setting.
7 pm to 8:30 pm – Rare Element has a strong reputation for its high-intensity, live shows featuring funk music combining the elements of soul, jazz and R&B.

The Bellson Music Fest will kick off with a Drum Clinic at the McCormick Event Center from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. Clinic to be conducted by Gregg Potter, drummer for The Buddy Rich Big Band Machine, a multi-media show featuring Buddy's daughter Cathy Rich. Drum Clinic with Gregg Potter at the Bellson Music Fest!

The Bellson Music Fest is sponsored by: Oil, Sauk Valley Bank, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Rock Falls, WLLT FM, 's Garden Deli, Candlelight Inn -Rock Falls, CGH Medical Center, Community State Bank, Loescher HVAC, Pit Stop Car Care, Selmi's Greenhouse, Farm and Pumpkin Patch, Sterling Commercial Roofing, Sterling Federal Bank, TOTAL Construction Services, TCS, The Mertes Law Firm, P.C., United Metal Buildings, and WDCB Listener-Supported Jazz & Blues.

04/06/2025

Listen to this interview with Gary Camarano to learn about Northwest Illinois Film Office and their upcoming event, Shorts-A-Palooza, which is this Wednesday, April 9th, at 7pm at Morrison Institute of Technology. Free admission.

🎬 New Episode of Along the Rock! 🎬

In this episode, Mark Morris sits down with Gary Camarano, executive director of the Northwest Illinois Film Office, as they gear up for the 5th annual Shorts-a-Palooza film festival! 🎥✨

Don’t miss their conversation about the festival’s growth, the region’s booming film scene, and what to expect at this year’s event.

📺 Watch the interview & read the article here: https://theradar.online/along-the-rock-s2-e27-gary-camarano-northwest-illinois-film-festival/

04/05/2025

We are looking for a BBQ vendor for the Bellson Music Fest on Saturday, June 7 and Sick the Mag Block Party - Downtown Rock Falls! On Thursday, June 19th. Please contact us via email at [email protected].

04/05/2025

Today is the opening day of trout season! Nice to see families out fishing today at Centennial Park in Rock Falls. The ponds at Centennial Park were recently stocked.
Coloma Township Park District

04/04/2025

Give a shout out to the The Rusty Fox Alehouse & Wine Bar for celebrating their 11th year in business. The Rusty Fox Alehouse & Wine Bar is located in downtown Sterling. The Rusty Fox Alehouse & Wine Bar has a great selection of craft beers, whiskies, wines, specialty martinis and more! Live Music and comedy as well. Space available for private parties too! Follow them on their page. Locally owned business!

04/04/2025

What's Happening this weekend you ask....
FRIDAY
1. Woodlawn Arts Academy, presents Wizard of Oz Youth Edition 7pm at the Centennial Auditorium in Sterling
2. Rock Falls Little League Guest Serving Fundraiser at The Cooler in Rock Falls
3. Extreme Bingo at The Cooler starting at 7pm
4. Karaoke at Barcode Rock Falls Rock Falls 9pm to 11pm
5. DJ Big Ike at Whiskey Barrel Saloon.

SATURDAY
1. Rock River Valley Self Help Enterprises, Inc all you can eat Pancake Breakfast 7am to 12noon with bake sale, craft & vendor show, 50/50 raffle. Free Will Donation!
2. Montmorency Spring Handmade Market 9am to 3pm at 9415 Hoover Rd, Rock Falls - concessions, bake sale and door prizes.
3. CLS Spring Mom 2 Mom Indoor Garage Sale at Christ Lutheran School - 2000 18th Avenue, Sterling - 8am to 1pm.
4. Decor and More Big Day with DIY Paint-N-Peel ang giveaways celebrating 10 years in business at the Rock Falls Community Building from 9am to 3pm
5. At PJ’s 2 - Fundraiser Da for Dylan Wescott - all tips made between 1-4pm will be donated to Wescott Family, silent auction and donating 100% of profits from baskets and donations. This is a 21+ only event.
6. Woodlawn Arts Academy, presents Wizard of Oz Youth Edition 7pm at the Centennial Auditorium in Sterling
7. Live Music with Kathy & Dre - 11th Anniversary Celebration of the Rusty Fox 7pm to 9pm. The Rusty Fox Alehouse & Wine Bar.
8. A Leg & A Thigh at Corner Tap Rock Falls IL. 8:40pm to 11:30pm
9. Drama Major from 8pm to midnight at Route 30 Slots & Cocktails
10. DJ BIGBOI at Whiskey Barrel Saloon starting at 9pm.

SUNDAY
1. Woodlawn Arts Academy,presents Wizard of Oz Youth Edition 2pm at the Centennial Auditorium in Sterling
2. Karaoke at Barcode Rock Falls 8pm to 10pm

Checkout the Re-Opening of the Sterling Theater with new seating - 2 movies playing this weekend include A Minecraft Movie and The Last Supper. Check their FB page or website for times.

04/03/2025

The new Rock Falls Area Visitor Guide is now available digitally at https://visitrockfalls.com/visitor-guide/
Thank you Stahr Media for taking care of this for us!

04/03/2025

How cool is this - a photo of an invitation to the Hennepin Canal's opening in 1907!

Today's Throwback Thursday photo is the invitation to the Canal's opening in 1907. It's rich in history!