Cruise night, annual bash, live music and more: 10 things to do in Galesburg

The final weekend of August offers a variety of family fun in the Galesburg area this weekend.

Whether you're interested in cars, movies, art, history, food, beer or more, there's something for everyone.

Here are 10 things to do with a few next week as well.

18th Annual Knoxville Cruise Night

What: Come for the 18th Annual Knoxville Cruise Night in historic downtown Knoxville. All types of antique and specialty vehicles welcome.

When: Noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26

Where: City of Knoxville, 33 N. Public Square, Knoxville

For more: 309-289-2814

Central Illinois ABATE 41st Annual Bash

What: The three-day event includes bike show, rib cook-off, t-shirt contest, church, live music, ride and more. Free tent camping, fee for RV camping. No pets.

When: 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25; 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 26 and Aug. 27

Where: Knox County Fairgrounds, 1392 Knox Hwy. 9, Knoxville

For more: Jill Randall, 309-299-1246

More: Bikers come together to have fun

Summer Movie Series

What: Screening films at least 20 years old, this year’s theme is movie musicals. Tickets are not required for these events. The Aug. 24 film is “Chicago” from 2002.

When: 2 and 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24

Where: The Orpheum Theatre, 57 S. Kellogg St., Galesburg

Cost: Free

For more: 309-342-2299

Backstage Jazz

What: Deviating from the standard jazz quintet makeup, the Nikki Malley Quartet utilizes the unique timbres of vibraphone to explore both traditional and modern jazz literature with particular focus on hard bop, ECM, and contemporary/popular styles.

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25

Where: Prairie Players Civic Theatre, 160 S. Seminary St., Galesburg

Cost: $15; buy tickets through the website

For more: prairieplayers.com

Cream Ale Beer Release Party

What: Be the first to sample the first keg and take cans of the Galesburg Cream Ale home. Reserve Artisan Ales partnered with the Downtown Community Partnership of Galesburg to create this community event, releasing this beer that now features the landscape of downtown Galesburg on its can. Event will feature live music and food available for purchase.

When: 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26

Where: Reserve Artisan Ales, 185 S. Kellogg St., Galesburg

For more: 309-541-1010

Contemporary Art Center Membership Exhibition

What: The Contemporary Art Center of Peoria’s artist members have organized this group exhibition. Each artist will display one original work of art. The exhibit begins on Aug. 26 and ends Oct. 16. At each exhibit, a qualified judge selects ribbons and monetary prizes for the award categories. Ribbons will be displayed at the reception on Friday, Sept. 15.

When: 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26

Where: Carl Sandburg College, 2400 Tom L. Wilson Blvd., Galesburg

For more: peoriacac.org

The 2nd Annual Grills & Guitars

What: Grills & Guitars event will feature a barbecue cookoff competition, live music and cold beer. Performers include Stone Cold Cowboys at 12:30 p.m., Inlaws and Outlaws at 4:30 p.m., Sadie Bass at 7 p.m. and Clayton Shay at 9 p.m.

When: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26

Where: Big Catz BBQ, 221 E. Main St., Knoxville

Cost: $10 to $20

For more: 309-388-0020

Growing Up Green: Make Your Own Stamps

What: Use recycled materials to create your own stamps in all different shapes and sizes.

When: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26

Where: Discovery Depot, 128 S. Chambers St., Galesburg

Cost: Free with admission

For more: 309-344-8876

Warren County Saddle Club

What: The Warren County Saddle Club hosts its very first speed show. It will be cash-only entries with 80 percent payback and $500 added to open 4D barrels. No rollovers; no time for any down pole or barrel; placing only 1st through 5th (with no divisions) in all classes, except for open 4D barrels. Appropriate attire, please. Concessions available onsite. This is a family event.

When: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 26 (ground open at 8:30 a.m.)

Where: Warren County Saddle Club, 735-235th Ave., Monmouth

For more: 309-536-0788

2023 Bishop Hill Chautauqua

What: This two-day historical re-enactment is brought to life through storytelling and music. Spend the weekend in the village park with several characters from our past such as Bob Dylan, Abraham Lincoln, Jenny Lind, Harriett Tubman, Winston Churchill and Carl Sandberg. Bring a lawn chair.

When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26 and Sunday, Aug. 27

Where: 103 North Bishop Hill St., Bishop Hill

Cost: Free admission

For more: bishophillheritage.org

Coming next week:

C&M Circus

What: C&M Circus will perform two shows under a real circus big top. A portion of proceeds will support sponsor, the City of Maroa. The 90-minute family-friendly show features big cats, tight rope, aerialists, foot juggling, horses, daredevils and more.

When: 5 and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29

Where: Maroa City Hall Grounds, 120b S. Locust, Maroa

Cost: $9 to $16, save with advance tickets before Aug. 29.

For more: cmcircus.com

Aqua Tots

What: Children up to age 5 can enjoy the waterpark without the big kids. Must be accompanied by caregiver. No pre-registration required.

When: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30

Where: Lakeside Splashzone Water Park, 1033 S. Lake Storey Road, Galesburg

Cost: $5 per child

For more: 309-345-3683

Lucas Sanor at Walnut Grove Farm

What: Lucas Sanor is a combination DJ/saxophonist, who covers top hits from the 1960s to 2020s. Food will be provided by the Tacos and Thai Truck, who offer a unique mix of Mexican and Thai food. Adult beverages will be available for purchase from The Patio.

When: 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30 (music starts at 6 p.m.)

Where: Walnut Grove Farm, 1455 Knox Station Road, Knoxville

Cost: $12 per person (all fees absorbed). Kids 12 and under are free. Food and drink costs are extra.

For more: 309-337-5354

Kathi Edwards is a freelance correspondent.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Knoxville Cruise Night among 10 things to do in Galesburg this weekend