Here are five things to do in Galesburg this week, courtesy Galesburg Tourism & Visitors Bureau.
Wednesday: Blessings, Blues, Brews
Listen to blues, enjoy craft brews, and ensure no child goes hungry! Blessings, Blues, and Brews is back at Iron Spike from 7 p.m. to midnight Wednesday, May 3. There’s delicious food, limited-time, specialty beer, and live jazz music from Cherry Street Combo, plus karaoke! A live auction will allow you to bid on a variety of experiences, with all proceeds from the entire event going toward feeding kids in Galesburg. Tickets can be purchased at Iron Spike in advance or at the door for $20.
LISTEN: Local organizers discuss Blessings, Blues, and Brews
Blessings in a Backpack is a national organization made up of eight regional chapters and more than 1,000 volunteer-driven programs. The program mobilizes communities, individuals, and resources to provide food on the weekends for school-aged children across America who might otherwise go hungry. Blessings in a Backpack – Galesburg IL is comprised mostly of Knox College students who work tirelessly to provide for students at local schools including King, Silas Willard, and Steele elementary schools. For more information, visit www.blessingsinabackpack.org.
Thursday: Win Big & Buy at Vendor Bingo
Grab your daubers because Vendor Bingo is back at Cedar Creek Hall from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, May 4! Have fun with friends playing bingo and winning prizes from 20 local vendors, showcasing their wares, and offering incredible deals. It’s $20 to play and includes a $10 voucher to spend with any vendor. There are 10 rounds, so there’s plenty of chances to win a prize valued at $30, PLUS $100 cash! For more information, visit Vendor Bingo Galesburg on Facebook.
Friday: Cinco De Mayo Specials: The Patio, 156 East, The Watering Hole, Cedar Creek East
Celebrate Mexico’s victory over the Second French Empire, otherwise known as Cinco de Mayo! With specials in and around town, grab your friends and dine on delicious Mexican cuisine.
- 156 East: Authentic street tacos, queso and elote dip, plus handcrafted margaritas! The bar opens at 10 a.m. with food service beginning at 11 a.m.
- Cedar Creek East: Tacos by Smokin’ Willies, tequila flights and margaritas by Cedar Creek East, with desserts by Raven & Birch and a chance to win BIG prizes! Friday from 4 to 9 p.m. Call 309-371-0758 to reserve a table.
- The Patio Bar & Grill: DJ Sosa will be performing from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m., with chicken flautas and beef tacos served from 7:30 to 10:20 p.m.!
Be sure to visit our local, authentic Mexican restaurants including, Cielito’s, El Jarochito, El Rancherito, Guacamole Grill, Hacienda Jalisco, La Cantinita, La Michoacanita, and Taco Hideout.
Saturday: G-ALES-BURG Beer Fest
Reserve Artisan Ales is hosting the inaugural G-ALES-BURG Beer Fest from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 6 inside their 10,000 sq. ft. event space and covered outdoor patio, The Vault at Reserve Artisan Ales. Featuring over 20+ regional Illinois and Iowa breweries, with four craft brews each, including food from Big Catz BBQ and The Watering Hole at Oak Run Food Truck, this event will also include live music, with all proceeds going to the Vascular Birthmarks Foundation. Tickets are on sale via Eventbrite for $50 for Early Access or $40 for General Admission.
Saturday & Sunday: Shop on the Spring Drive!
If you love the annual Scenic Drive in October, you won’t want to miss the Knox and Spoon River Spring Drive throughout Knox, Fulton, and Henry Counties, May 6th and 7, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stop along the route to shop locally sourced and hand-crafted baked goods, crafts, and MUCH more. One man’s trash is another’s treasure with garage sales dotting the way. Don’t forget to stop at popular places like Knox County Fairgrounds, Downtown Knoxville, Prairie Moon Farm, Maquon, London Mills, and more! To find a complete list of stops and to plan your trip, view the ‘Guide to the Drive, Spring 2023” Edition on Facebook by searching Spoon River – 2023 on Facebook.
