The weekend brings the G-ALES-burg Beer Fest, Bishop Hill’s 2026 Spring Fling and Tapestry Unraveled, along with fundraisers, live music and more to the Galesburg area.
Anniversary Film Series: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
What: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Celebrate with friends and family and share this classic film with long time fans and first time viewers. A brash, cocky high school senior, tired of skipping school to spend a boring day at home, is determined to enjoy an epic day roaring around his favorite Chicago sites, enlisting his best friend and girlfriend to join him on the adventure. Tickets are only available at the door.
When: 2 and 7 p.m. April 10
Where: The Orpheum Theatre, 57 S. Kellogg St., Galesburg
Cost: $5
2026 Spring Fling
What: Stores, museums and restaurants will offer special discounts. From 9 a.m.-3 p.m., enjoy This ‘N That Rummage Sale at the Colony School. From 10 a.m.–4 p.m., kick off the 2026 season at the Opening Reception for Heritage and Community: The Vasa Order of America, New Jersey District Six at the Vasa Archives. The first annual Bishop Hill Art Invitational opens April 11 and closes May 1. The annual Bishop Hill Book Fair will be from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Bishop Hill Creative Commons. At 1 p.m., there will be a free, one-hour program about Colonial America. End your day enjoying music performed by Rye Davis — 6 p.m. potluck/social hour, 7 p.m. concert at Bishop Hill Creative Commons.
When: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. April 11
Where: Bishop Hill State Historic Site, 304 S. Bishop Hill Road, Bishop Hill
Second Saturdays: Spring has Sprung
What: This month’s theme is Spring Has Sprung. Talk about the flowers and birds of spring and take a walk through the woods to look for spring ephemerals (the first flowers of spring). Make a flower press for the abundant late spring and summer flowers. The class is held outdoors, with a nature walk through the woods, so dress for the weather.
When: 9:30-11 a.m. April 11
Where: Lakeside Nature Center, 1033 S. Lake Storey Road, Galesburg
Cost: Free
Science Saturday: Bubble Snakes
What: Come play with bubbles in the Science Lab.
When: 10-11 a.m. April 11
Where: Discovery Depot, 128 S. Chambers St., Galesburg
Cost: Free with admission
Spring Market at the Flower Farm
What: There were 1,000 tulips planted in the U-Pick Gardens. There will be Easter eggs hidden around the event with prizes like food, flowers, coupons, merchandise and gift cards from vendors. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or a snack from Pop Culture LLC and shop with the vendors.
When: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. April 11
Where: The Flower Farm at the Centennial Events, 1119 Blaze Road, Knoxville
G-ALES-burg Beer Fest
What: This is central Illinois’ largest craft beer, wine and mead festival. The fourth annual event will be inside the event space and on the covered outdoor patio connected to the pour-your-own taproom and brewery. The festival showcases the outstanding beer, wine and mead made in this region. There will be more than 30 regional Illinois and Iowa breweries. All tickets will include unlimited Nayborhood Farm Woodfire Pizza. Prices vary to include food, early entry times, games/prizes, t-shirts, taster glass and samples and more. Proceeds will be going to The Vascular Anomalies Alliance (VAA), a non-profit 501(c)(3) that the owners helped found in 2024. Its mission is to connect and support the community of those living with vascular anomalies and related syndromes.
When: 11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. April 11
Where: Reserve Artisan Ales, 185 S. Kellogg St., Galesburg
Cost: $35-$45 general admission; $10 for designated drivers; $75 VIP entrance; save $5 with advance tickets
Name that Tune & Artist Trivia Night
What: Come for trivia and a 50/50 raffle. Food and drinks will be available for purchase from the Knights of Columbus. There will also be baked goods and popcorn for goodwill donations. Pre-registration is encouraged.
When: 6:30 p.m. April 11 (Doors open at 5:30 p.m.)
Where: Knights of Columbus
Cost: $10 per person; 10 person max per team
Tapestry Unraveled: The Music of Carole King
What: Tina Naponelli has captured the essence of Carole King in this tribute experience. Tina’s voice and dedication pay homage to Carole King. Along with her five-piece band, she creates renditions of “Feel the Earth Move,” ”Chains” and “You’ve Got a Friend” from the “Tapestry” album, as well as other favorites.
When: 7:30 p.m. April 11
Where: The Orpheum Theatre, 57 S. Kellogg St., Galesburg
Cost: $27-$35
Pancake Breakfast
What: Enjoy a pancake breakfast at the fire station.
When: 7 a.m. – 1 p.m. April 12
Where: Oxford Fire Protection District, 107 West D St., Alpha
Coming next week
Knox Rocks
What: Enjoy a night of live music featuring Knox bands Love MCQ , St. Crescent, Midwest Acolyte, The Synthesis and Continental Riff.
When: 7-10 p.m. April 14-April 16
Where: Smokin’ Willies BBQ, 161 N. Cherry St., Galesburg
Cost: Free admission
Free Movie
What: Watch PG-rated “Julie & Julia” to tie in with this year’s Community Read of “Bite by Bite: Nourishments and Jamborees” by Aimee Netzhukumatathil. Pick up a free copy at the library or at a number of businesses around town, while supplies last. In this movie first released in 2009, a blogger attempts to cook all 524 of Julia Child’s recipes in one year. Enjoy free popcorn while watching the film.
When: 2 p.m. April 15
Where: Galesburg Public Library, 264 W. Main St., Galesburg
Cost: Free
Pageturners Club
What: Come talk about fun novels with other readers your age. For independent readers in grades 4-6. Registration is required.
When: 4-5 p.m. April 16
Where: Galesburg Public Library, 264 W. Main St., Galesburg
Cost: Free
Spring Wildflower Walk
What: Take a casual walk through the woods around Lakeside Nature Center with a Staff Naturalist at this family-friendly event. Enjoy the changes Spring brings and see if you can spot any wildflowers. Adult supervision is required for children age 14 and younger. No registration is needed.
When: 5-6 p.m. April 16
Where: Lakeside Nature Center, 1033 S. Lake Storey Road, Galesburg
Cost: Free
Love Your Body
What: Love Your Body: Chair Dance is a welcoming, body-positive movement class led by Kathleen Ridlon, a dance educator, movement coach, choreographer and Associate Professor of Dance at Knox College. This one-hour chair dance experience encourages joyful movement and self-expression, using a chair for support and creativity. Designed for all experience levels and all bodies, the class focuses on connection, empowerment and embracing the body you’re in. Participants may attend in person or join online. No prior dance experience is required.
When: 5:30-6:30 p.m. April 16
Where: Taste of Candy, 61 S. Seminary St., Galesburg
Cost: $20 in person; $15 online
Craft Night Out
What: This month, create a one-of-a-kind piece in the Japanese art form of Kinusaiga, a no-sew fabric collage which looks like faux quilting. All supplies and crafting tools are provided. This workshop is recommended for children age 12 and older with adult assistance.
When: 6-8 p.m. April 16
Where: Lake Storey Pavilion, 1572 Machen Drive, Galesburg
Cost: $15 per project
Jazz Night
What: Come hear the Knox Cherry Street Combo. All ages are welcome. There is a full bar and great barbeque.
When: 7-10 p.m. April 16
Where: Smokin’ Willies BBQ, 161 N. Cherry St., Galesburg
Cost: Free admission
Kathi Edwards is a freelance contributor to the Galesburg Register Mail.
This article originally appeared on Galesburg Register-Mail: Beer fest, Spring Fling are among 9 weekend events around Galesburg
Reporting by Kathi Edwards, Special to the Galesburg Register-Mail / Galesburg Register-Mail
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
