The weekend brings the Galesburg Heritage Days Living History festival and the Back Road Music festival, along with fundraisers, live music and more to the Galesburg area.
Galesburg Heritage Days Living History Festival
What: See and experience life in both an Early American Frontier Rendezvous and in a Civil War Battle Encampment. With almost 1,000 visual storytellers, reenactors, living historians, demonstrators, merchants, sutlers and more at this family-friendly event. The Contra Dance from 7-9:30 p.m. is a combination of re-enactors from early settlers to the Civil War. FRSB will be playing music for the evening. Contra Dance with callers will first teach the steps to the dance about to be performed. Almost anyone can do this dance. Period dress is preferred.
When: 8 a .m. – 3 p.m. Aug. 14- Aug. 16
Where: Lake Storey Pavilion, 1572 Machen Drive, Galesburg
Cost: Free admission and parking
Master Class: Loom Weaving
What: This summer, the Arts Center is hosting a series of demonstrations or masterclasses, in which participants can watch local artists’ processes and techniques in real time. Observe, ask questions, get inspired and apply what you’ve learned independently. This is a special opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look — no hands-on participation necessary. On Aug. 15, learn the fundamentals of loom preparation and weaving as Eboni Bellott demonstrates each step of the process in real time, sharing the techniques, tools and traditions behind the craft.
When: 10 a.m. – noon Aug. 15
Where: Galesburg Community Arts Center, 349 E. Main St., Galesburg
Cost: $10
Science Saturday: Bug Bracelet
What: Design a Bug Bracelet to add to your jewelry collection.
When: 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Aug. 15
Where: Discovery Depot, 128 S. Chambers St., Galesburg
Cost: $1 with admission
The Back Road Music Festival
What: Headliners this year are Chris Young (9 p.m.) and Lauren Alaina (7 p.m.). On the side stage will be The Rhinestoners, Kaiden Leezer and Whiskey Ridge. The main stage starts at 5 p.m.; the side stage starts at 2:30 p.m. Bag chairs (removed from bag) are allowed in general admission areas. There is free parking available or pay $36 for premier parking. There will be food and drink vendors. 20 volunteers will go out and raise money in exchange for shaving their beards, their heads or cutting their long braids, with every dollar raised directly going to and benefiting veterans via Honor Flight of the Quad Cities. For festival rules or restrictions, see thebackroadmusicfestival.com.
When: 2 p.m. Aug. 15
Where: Galva
Cost: $75 for general admission; $95 for Hog Trough access near the stage (standing room only and no children age 6 or younger); $175 VIP admission; free for age 6 and younger
Whiskey Ridge
What: Come hear live country music from Whiskey Ridge. Grab a drink, hit the dance floor, and enjoy a high-energy night of crowd favorites.
When: 8 p.m. – midnight Aug. 15
Where: Knights of Columbus, 1556 E. Fremont St., Galesburg
Ice Cream Social
What: Join the Rio Fire Department and Rio Presbyterian Church for their annual ice cream social.
Bring family and friends for food, desserts and community fellowship. The menu includes sloppy joe sandwiches, hot dogs, chips, drinks, ice cream and baked goods. Kids can enjoy games and activities throughout the evening. Please bring your own lawn chairs. Everyone is welcome.
When: 4-7 p.m. Aug. 16
Where: Rio Presbyterian Church, 210 E. Center Ave., Rio
Coming next week
Toddler Plus Tuesday
What: This after-hours program is for toddlers plus their families in collaboration with ROE #33 educators. Special developmental activities will be available.
When: 5:30-7 p.m. Aug. 18
Where: Discovery Depot, 128 S. Chambers St., Galesburg
Cost: $6.50; free for members
Banned Book Club
What: Banned Book Club members read and respectfully discuss books that have been challenged or banned. This month, discuss “A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas.
When: 6-7 p.m. Aug. 18
Where: Galesburg Public Library group study room, 264 W. Main St., Galesburg
Adult Coloring
What: Come share your love of coloring for relaxation. Drinks, coloring pages and colored pencils are provided.
When: 1:30-3:30 p.m. Aug. 19
Where: Galesburg Public Library group study room, 264 W. Main St., Galesburg
Cost: Free
Free Movie: Funny Face
What: Come watch the G-rated “Funny Face.” The film runs for 103 minutes.
When: 2-4:30 p.m. Aug. 19
Where: Galesburg Public Library community room, 264 W. Main St., Galesburg
Cost: Free movie and popcorn
Matt Stone as Elvis
What: Internationally recognized by Graceland and the Elvis Presley Estate, the show’s star, Matt Stone, performs the closest thing to the King. Matt brings a never-before-seen level of authenticity and attention to detail to his craft, recreating the King of Rock ’n’ Roll in his prime. Matt is not an “Elvis impersonator,” but a vocalist portraying Elvis.
When: 7:30-9 p.m. Aug. 20
Where: Orpheum Theatre, 57 S. Kellogg St., Galesburg
Cost: $35-$45 plus fees
Kathi Edwards is a freelance contributor to the Galesburg Register Mail.
This article originally appeared on Galesburg Register-Mail: Galesburg Heritage Days Living History festival among 6 weekend events
Reporting by Kathi Edwards, Special to the Galesburg Register-Mail / Galesburg Register-Mail
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By Kathi Edwards, Special to the Galesburg Register-Mail | USA TODAY Network
