G-ALES-Burg Beer Fest, farmers market and more: Things to do this weekend in Galesburg
Enjoy springtime concerts and markets, G-ALES-Burg Beer Fest or Civil War Days. Visit alpacas new to the spring market at Prairie Moon Farms.
Here are some things to do this week in the Galesburg area:
Blessings, Blues and Brews
What: Knox Blessings in a Backpack raises funds for weekend food for 400 hungry elementary school children in Galesburg. Event includes 50/50 raffle, photo booth, wine and beer tasting including themed limited-time beer, and karaoke. Knox College Cherry Street Combo will perform. A live auction featuring: an autographed NFL Bears football; Cubs tickets; Cardinals tickets; a bottle of Colonel Taylor’s rare Kentucky bourbon; and 4 tickets to Rootabaga Jazz festival.
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Iron Spike 150 East Simmons St., Galesburg
Cost: $20 in advance or at the door.
For more: 1-800-872-4366
Vendor Bingo
What: This event includes 20 local vendors. You will receive a bingo dauber to play bingo if you choose, along with a $10 voucher to spend with one of our vendors. We will play 10 rounds of bingo. Each round will bring a prize valued at $30, sponsored by a vendor, and a $100 cash round donated by venue owner Patti Wedell. You will get four cards to play each round along with door prize tickets for the end-of-the-night giveaway. This is a monthly community event to support nonprofits.
When: 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday
Where: Cedar Creek Hall, 571 E. North St., Galesburg
Cost: $20
For more: info@ravenandbirch.com
G-ALES-Burg Beer Fest
What: The first ever G-ALES-Burg Beer Fest will be held this weekend at The Vault at Reserve Artisan Ales. More than 25 regional Illinois and Iowa breweries will be on hand. All tickets will include unlimited beer samples and a food voucher to use at Big Catz BBQ or The Watering Hole at Oak Run food truck. Live music starts at 2 p.m.
When: 12 to 4 p.m. Saturday
Where: The Vault at Reserve Artisan Ales, 185 S. Kellogg St., Galesburg
Cost: Tickets are $40-$50. Tickets available at eventbrite.
For more: reserveartisanales.com
Great Balloon Race Spring Name that Tune and Artist Trivia Night
What: A fun night of music trivia with J & J Entertainment to support the Great Balloon Race. The event will feature Mulligans and Doublers for sale, a 50/50 drawing and free-will offering for baked goods and popcorn. Food will be available for purchase from Knights of Columbus.
When: Saturday. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Play begins at 7 p.m.
Where: Knight of Columbus Hall, 1556 E. Fremont St. Galesburg
Cost: $10/person with 10 people max per team/table. Pre-registration is encouraged.
For more: galesburgballoonrace@gmail.com
Animal Explorers Club
What: Become an animal expert in this interactive monthly club, designed for kids in grades K-3. Participants receive a free take-home kit containing library books about the animal of the month and an explorer guide, then meet to share information and enjoy activities as a group on the first Thursday of each month. Advance registration and library card required.
When: 4 to 5 p.m. Thursday
Where: Galesburg Public Library, 40 E. Simmons St., Galesburg
Cost: Free
For more: 309-343-6118
2023 Bishop Hill Civil War Days
What: To honor Bishop Hill’s very own Company D, IL 57th Volunteer Infantry, the Bishop Hill Heritage Association hosts the 2023 Civil War Days. There will be Union and Confederate encampments, with programs occurring throughout the day. Programs include an artillery demonstration, a speech by General U.S. Grant, vintage baseball games, Civil War song concerts, a Civil War era ball and battles.
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Where: Bishop Hill
Cost: Free
For more: 309 927-3899
Galesburg Community Chorus Spring Performance
What: The Galesburg Community Chorus will join the Knox College Choir, the Monmouth College Chorale and the Knox-Galesburg Symphony for a performance of Mendelssohn’s Elijah.
When: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Central Congregational Church, 60 Public Square, Galesburg
Cost: $15; $12 for seniors; free for students
For more: 309-344-9053
Spring Market
What: There will be a large selection of live flowers and vegetable plants for sale, a great variety of vendors and kids' activities. The market will also feature food and slushies, crafts and home décor. There will also have farm animals, including miniature donkeys, chickens and alpacas.
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday (May 6 and May 7); May 13 and 14
Where: Prairie Moon Farm, 1467 State Route 97, Knoxville
Cost: Free admission and parking
RIF Day
What: Free book for every child through Reading is Fundamental program.
When: 12 to 3 p.m. Sunday
Where: Discovery Depot, 128 S. Chambers St., Galesburg
Cost: Free with regular admission
For more: 309-344-8876
Galesburg Farmers Market
What: The Galesburg Farmers Market is your one-stop-shop for all the local goods you need, from fresh fruits and veggies, meats and eggs, honey, baked goods and prepared foods, handmade crafts and jewelry and more.
Where: Downtown Galesburg near the corner of Simmons and Seminary
When: 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays through September.
Cost: Free to attend
For more: kathjobennett@gmail.com
Kathi Edwards is a freelance correspondent.
This article originally appeared on Galesburg Register-Mail: G-ALES-Burg Beer Fest among things to do this weekend
