Enjoy the sensation of taste at the Taste of Galesburg or sight at The Great Balloon Race the last weekend of July.

Here are five things to do in in the Galesburg area this weekend, plus a couple that are coming up next week:

Taste of Galesburg

What: There will be music on three different bands that will perform during the day, free children's activities, a raffle to support a local nonprofit as well as a beer garden and food from more than 20 different Galesburg restaurants. No outside food or beverage. No pets allowed.

When: 4 to 10:30 p.m. Thursday, July 27

Where: 220 E. Main St., Galesburg

Cost: $5 gate admission fee; free for children ages 12 and younger; food and beverage prices vary.

For more: 309-221-1479

More: From brisket poppers to pork mac waffles: Here are the Taste of Galesburg 2022 food champs

Great Balloon Race

What: The event includes mass ascension of illuminated balloons each evening, craft vendors selling items from food to homemade crafts. At 6 a.m. Saturday, the balloons will fly into the launch field to try and throw a beanbag at the target(s) there. The other half of the balloons will then do the “night glow.” That evening there will be fun crafts for the children to make courtesy of Dick Blick art supplies. All times are approximate, and all events are weather permitting and subject to change.

When: 3 p.m. Friday, July 28 through Sunday, July 30

Where: Lake Storey Park, Lake Storey Pavilion, 1572 Machen Drive, Galesburg,

Cost: Free admission

For more: galesburgballoonrace@gmail.com

TBT at The Orpheum Theatre

What: Screening films at least 20 years old, this year’s summer series is back with the theme of movie musicals. July 27 film is Disney’s Hercules from 1997. Tickets are not required for this event.

When: 2 and 7 p.m. Thursday, July 27

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

Cost: Free

For more: galesburgorpheum.org

Jera & the Absoluts Live

What: Come watch as Jera and the Absoluts rock the Big Catz Sound Garden.

When: 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, July 28

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

For more: 309-388-0020

Summer Bash: Young Professionals Galesburg & Burlington Mixer

What: The Reserve Artisan Ales is teaming up with the Greater Burlington Young Professionals for a summer bash. There will be live music by Jef Spradley, yard games, and 30+ self-pour beers, wines, and old-fashioned sodas on tap.

When: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 28

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

For more: 309-343-1194

Coming next week:

Summer Reading Finale Skate Party

What: Wind up summer reading with a free roller-skating party. The event is open to everyone in the community, but summer reading participants will receive a coupon for a free snack or drink. Summer reading grand prize winners will be announced at 6 p.m. No registration required. For all ages.

When: 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, July 31

Where: Skate Palace, 1855 E. Knox St., Galesburg

Cost: Free

For more: https://galesburglibrary.org

Wild Kratts is Back

What: Explore animals in the air, sea and on land. Discover creature's "superpowers," engineer a beaver's house and more in this wildlife deep dive camp. For ages 4 and older.

When: 10:30 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Aug. 1 through Thursday, Aug. 3

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

Cost: $45; $40 for members

For more: 309-344-8876

Kathi Edwards is a freelance correspondent.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Taste of Galesburg returns this weekend in Galesburg, Illinois