Polar Plunge, ladies night, live music and more: 11 things to do in Galesburg
This weekend, go make crafts with your kids, enjoy music with your friends or celebrate Black History Month with music workshops or Gospel Fest.
Check out one of these 11 events in the Galesburg area.
Thursday Night Jazz
What: Enjoy Jazz Night while Knox College is in session. Thursday nights are Jazz Nights at the Community Arts Center. This is a free event, and all ages are welcome. There's a full bar and you can order food from any of the local restaurants (some within walking distance) and have "Supper at the Center." No outside drinks allowed.
When: 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22
Where: Galesburg Community Arts Center, 349 E. Main St., Galesburg
Cost: Free
For more: 309-342-7415
African Music Workshops
What: Knox College welcomes composer, performer and educator Jean-René Balekita for two workshops on African music. A specialist in traditions from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Balekita is committed to sharing the cultural arts of his country and reaching people of different socio-cultural backgrounds through music. He has toured extensively in Europe and the U.S. with the band Bomoyi, performing his original compositions based on a blend of Congolese Rumba and Gospel styles.
When: Noon, Friday, Feb. 23
Where: Knox College, 2 E. South St., Galesburg
Cost: Free
For more: music@knox.edu, 309-341-7265
Ladies Night at Ferris City Market
What: Ladies, come on out for this inaugural event, hosted by Ferris City Market at The Shops at Main West. Those attending have a chance at a free tote bag, giveaways, hors d'oeuvres, and of course, shopping. Visit Ferris City Market on Facebook for event updates and more.
When: 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23
Where: The Shops at Main West, 162 W. Main St., Galesburg
Cost: Free to attend
For more: tdl0823@gmail.com, 309-371-0823
Nature at Night: Follow the Drinking Gourd – An Underground Railroad Experience
What: Learn how people on their journey to freedom found their way north using natural clues. Program will be held outside, with a walk through the woods, so dress accordingly.
When: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23
Where: Lakeside Nature Center, 1033 S. Lake Storey Road, Galesburg
Cost: Free
For more: evarner@ci.galesburg.il.us, 309-345-3683
Live Music
What: Enjoy live music with Sean Kistler.
When: 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23
Where: Reserve Artisan Ale, 185 S. Kellogg St., Galesburg
Cost: Free admission
For more: info@reserveartisanales.com, 309-541-1010
Kid Engineers: Build a T-Rex Head
What: Bring the kids for Science Saturday to build a T-Rex head.
When: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday Feb. 24
Where: Discovery Depot, 128 S. Chambers St., Galesburg
Cost: Free with Admission
For more: 309-344-8876, discoverydepot.org
Gospel Fest
What: Join the Galesburg NAACP and The Rock Apostolic Community Church for an opportunity to hear Gospel Music. The featured artists, Harris-Stowe State University Gospel Choir, comes to us from St. Louis, MO. Harris-Stowe is a HBCU. There will also be local and regional choirs and a few skits commemorating Black figures throughout history.
When: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24
Where: Central Congregational Church of Galesburg, 60 Public Square, Galesburg
Cost: Free
For more: naacpgalesburg@gmail.com, 309-335-6164
'80s Glow Rock ‘n’ Roll Bingo for Costa Community Association
What: Prizes will be given out after each game. Here's how it works: Instead of boring old numbers being called out in a normal game of bingo, there will be 20-30 seconds of the most toe-tappin’, chair dancing sing-along songs from the past and present. Additional cards available. Proceeds benefit CCA. This event has an '80s glow theme. Players are encouraged to wear your best '80s garb.
When: 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24
Where: Knights of Columbus Galesburg, 1556 E. Fremont St., Galesburg
Cost: $10
For more: Rock & Roll Bingo of the Quad Cities on Facebook
Casey Foubert Recital
What: Pianist Casey Foubert will perform with special guest Ashlee Mack works by Jurg Frey, Philip Glass, Meredith Monk and Erik Satie.
When: 3 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25
Where: Kresge Recital Hall, 500 S. Prairie St., Galesburg
Cost: Free
For more: music@knox.edu, 309-341-7265
GT & The T-Tops
What: Pop up party with Gary Teel and the guys from LP33.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24
Where: Cactus Country, 3075 W. Main St., Galesburg
For more: LP33 on Facebook
Lake Storey Polar Plunge for Special Olympics
What: Join Special Olympics Illinois-Region F for the coolest event of the year. Registration begins at 12:30 p.m. with the Plunge at 2 p.m. Sign up today and start collecting donations to support our local Special Olympics athletes.
When: 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25
Where: Currently scheduled for Lake Storey, however, the lake is temporarily closed. Our top priority is the safety of all our participants. Special Olympics is working with Galesburg Parks and Recreation to assess the situation and provide a safe way for participants to take the Polar Plunge. The Galesburg Polar Plunge is still on for Feb. 25. An alternative way to Plunge will be provided if the lake is not available. Email for more information.
For more: jdavis@soill.org, plungeillinois.com
Kathi Edwards is a freelance correspondent.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Polar Plunge among 11 things to do in Galesburg this weekend
