The weekend brings the 57th Geneseo Music Festival and Father’s Day at Niabi Zoo, along with fundraisers, events, live music and more to the Kewanee area.
Puzzle Race
What: Try to complete a jigsaw puzzle in under two hours with the library’s first speed puzzle challenge. Teams consist of four to six players, one of whom must be age 18 years or older. Each team will compete using the same puzzle; prizes will be awarded. Register each person separately. If you don’t have a team, please register anyway and you will be added to an existing team.
When: 4-6 p.m. Friday, June 13
Where: Kewanee Public Library District, 102 S. Tremont St., Kewanee
Geneseo Music Festival
What: The 57th Geneseo Music Festival starts with the Kiwanis Annual Doo Dah Parade and food trucks at 5 p.m. Friday. Other Friday events include an ice cream social, the Little Miss Geneseo Music Festival and queen pageants. Saturday features Geneseo Panic from 1-2 p.m., Paxton Sherbyn & The Solid Gold Boys from 3-4 p.m. and Smooth Groove from 5:30-7:30 p.m. On Sunday, there will be a church service at 10:30 a.m. and a Father’s Day Parade at 1 p.m. Ryan Bizarri and Friends performs at 2 p.m. During the festival, there will be bags tournaments, pony rides, a cookout, tractor display, art & craft fair, kid’s activities and a farmer’s market, too.
When: 5 p.m. Friday, June 13 – 4 p.m. Sunday, June 15
Where: Geneseo City Park, 446 S. Center St., Geneseo
Country Fair Mall Outdoor Flea Market
What: Shop new vendors inside and outside the mall. Q-taCos Urban food truck will be on site.
When: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, June 14
Where: Country Fair Mall, 504 W. First Ave., Coal Valley
The Stables Summer Vendor Show
What: Check out various vendors including Kat Kreations, I Can Totally Make That, The Boardroom Wall Art, Pampered Chef, Entwined, Blooms Fresh Flowers, Not your Typical Karen’s Treats, 2480 Creations, Bead Bliss, Memphis Creations, Lindsey’s Glam Gals and Farmasi, Puppy Pawz Creations, Red Aspen Press on Nails and More, Yellow Dog Spa and Boutique, handmade Origami flowers and more.
When: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, June 14
Where: The Stables, 2350 US Hwy. 34, Kewanee
Kid Rock Tribute Band Cowboy
What: Cowboy will perform.
When: 8-11 p.m. Saturday, June 14
Where: Psycho Silo Saloon, Langley
Cost: No cover
Outdoor Summer Movie Night
What: Come for a family friendly movie outdoors on the big screen. Gates open at 7 p.m., with the movie starting at dusk. See Mufasa: The Lion King (2024), which is rated PG and runs for one hour and 58 mins.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, June 14
Where: Athletic Field, 541 E. North St., Geneseo
Cost: Free admission and popcorn
The Sweet Lilies and Sophie Coyote
What: Sophie Coyote is a singer/songwriter from the small Midwest town of Waddams Grove, Ill., who was raised on a range of musical influences including classic rock & roll, honky-tonk country and a bit of blues. The quartet of musicians making up The Sweet Lillies — Julie Gussaroff, Becca Bisque, Jones Maynard and Dustin Rohleder — combine individual strengths to deliver powerful narratives in song. The Sweet Lillies’ music has an old-time soul with a forward-looking eye. Food and other vendors will be on-site. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. The event is for all ages. Sophie takes the stage at 6 p.m., with The Sweet Lillies starting at 7:15 p.m.
When: 6 p.m. Sunday, June 15
Where: Wiley Park, 298 N.W. Fourth Ave., Galva
Cost: Free admission
Father’s Day Fly-In Breakfast
What: Bring the family to the Father’s Day Fly-In and Drive-In Pancake Breakfast.When: 7-11 a.m. Sunday, June 15
Where: Gen-Air Park, 20028 E. 1650th St., Geneseo
Cost: $10; $5 for children age 12 and younger
Father’s Day at Niabi Zoo
What: Celebrate Father’s Day at Niabi Zoo. Dads get free admission with the purchase of a child’s ticket at the gate. Explore the zoo for a day of family fun. See more than 600 animals from around the world, including brand-new exhibits featuring sloths, otters and more. Take part in animal experiences or ride the train.
When: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday, June 15
Where: Niabi Zoo, 13010 Niabi Zoo Road, Coal Valley
Coming next week
Adult Book Club
What: The KPLD Adult Book Club meets on the third Monday of each month. The book for June is The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James Baldwin. Pick up your copy and the discussion questions at the lower-level desk.
When: 2 or 6 p.m. Monday, June 16
Where: Kewanee Public Library District, 102 S. Tremont St., Kewanee
Baby to PreK Storytime
What: Storytime is designed for children age five and younger. Enjoy stories, songs, rhymes, games and more. Lap-sitters are always welcome. At 11:45 a.m., toddlers and preschoolers can join the Youth Staff on the library front lawn for chalk drawing and bubbles after story time, during the Summer Reading Program.
When: 11:15 a.m. Tuesday, June 17
Where: Kewanee Public Library District, 102 S. Tremont St., Kewanee
Jeni Grouws
What: The Jeni Grouws Band will perform for her first time here. Jeni is an accomplished singer-songwriter and musician, known for her work as both a solo artist and co-founder of the roots rock band, Avey Grouws Band. Jeni uses lyrics, melody and her ability to connect with her audiences to create a lasting impression. The potluck is optional, but is a great chance to meet others. Plates, bowls, silverware, napkins and serving spoons are provided. Bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on. Rain location is at Bishop Hill Creative Commons.
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 18
Where: Ca d’Zan House Concerts, 411 S Road, Cambridge
Cost: $23-$34
Henry County Fair Rodeo Night
What: Come check out the Bulls, Broncs, Cowboys and Cowgirls.
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 18
Where: Henry County Fairgrounds, 311 E. North St., Cambridge
Cost: $5 gate admission to the fair; $10 grandstand admission
Jim Markum Swing Band
What: Food stands open at 5 p.m., with the concert starting at 6:30 p.m. The featured performer June 19 of the 2025 Summer Concert Series is the Jim Markum Swing Band. Bring lawn chairs or blankets.
When: 5 p.m. Thursday, June 19
Where: Veterans Park, Kewanee
Cost: Free admission
David Nail with Tyson Schulte
What: David Nail and Tyson Schulte will perform. Gates open at 5 p.m. with show starting at 7 p.m. All tickets are general admission.
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, June 19
Where: Henry County Fairgrounds, 311 E. North St., Cambridge
Cost: $34; $24 in advance
Henry County Fair
What: The 166th Henry County Fair includes, livestock, food, tractor pull, art, carnival rides and games, horse racing, demolition derby, music and more.
When: Thursday, June 19 – Sunday, June 22
Where: Henry County Fairgrounds, 311 E. North St., Cambridge
Cost: $5 gate admission
Kathi Edwards is a freelance contributor to the Kewanee Star-Courier.
This article originally appeared on Star Courier: Live music, Father’s Day events among nine things to do in and around Kewanee this weekend
Reporting by Kathi Edwards / Star Courier
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