Galesburg tourism and events come roaring back this summer. Here's what you can do.
Jay Redfern
GALESBURG — Memorial Day through Labor Day is a busy stretch for Galesburg/Knox County tourism and events.
That's according to Galesburg Tourism & Visitors Bureau communications manager Tessa Jones, who says there's something to do for everyone this summer.
"Planning is well underway for our summer festivals and events," Jones said. "This year, we will finally be bringing back all events that were established and facilitated regularly pre-pandemic. We’re excited to bring back our traditional, annual festivals and events, that had to cancel in 2020, as well as welcome new events, that will foster more energy and pride amongst locals and visitors."
Jones said Galesburg hotels are seeing similar visitation numbers to pre-COVID levels and the community and organizations are hosting more events than ever before.
"Last year, we saw a great turnout for many of our events, more than ever before, and we anticipate that same trend this year," she said.
Railroad Days 2022: Some new looks under new direction
The 44th annual Railroad Days festival is set for June 23-26 and brings with it some new events under new leadership. The events are tailored to not just locals, but also tourists.
Railroad Days will kick off with Chew Chew & Brew, a block party event hosted by Downtown Community Partnership of Galesburg from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, June 24 in Park Plaza. It will include food and drink from downtown businesses, as well performances from a local DJ and Midwest Hype.
On Saturday, June 25, The Orpheum Theatre will host a concert by BritBeat, the number one, best Beatles tribute band. It’s a multimedia concert that journeys through the Beatles’ music history, including separate acts depicting the Early Years, Sargeant Pepper and Abby Road eras, and more. They’re known for their specific attention to detail, including style and sound.
Top 10 tourism draws for Galesburg
Jones offered a Top 10 list of things to do in Galesburg, according to the Galesburg Tourism & Visitors Bureau:
- Discovery Depot Children’s Museum
- Galesburg Railroad Museum
- Galesburg Community Arts Center
- Seminary Street Historic District
- Lake Storey Recreation Area
- Carl Sandburg Historic Site
- Old Main at Knox College
- The Orpheum Theatre
- Historical Walking Tours
- Festivals: Galesburg Railroad Days, Great Balloon Race; Stearman Fly-In; and many more.
Summer events: What, when and where
Pride in the ‘Burg – A Drag & Friends Production: June 3
Pride in the ‘Burg is a Drag and Burlesque event to celebrate LGBTQIA+ performers in our area during historic PRIDE month! Hosted at The Vault at Reserve Artisan Ales, this inaugural, spectacular evening showcases drag and dance talents, featuring Queens, Kings, and Dancers from around Central Illinois. Kick off Pride Month with allies, friends, and a whole lot of pride!
Galesburg Railroad Days: June 23-26
The presence of exceptional rail facilities has greatly influenced Galesburg's development as a commercial and industrial center in Western Illinois. Galesburg salutes the railroad's contribution during the annual Galesburg Railroad Days celebration that is held every fourth weekend of June. Galesburg Railroad Days is celebrated with a carnival and street fair, railroad exhibits, railyard tours, and one of the largest train and toy shows in the Midwest.
Big Bang Boom: July 4
Big Bang Boom is held on July 4th, annually, to celebrate Independence Day. The area’s largest fireworks display is synchronized to music, showing a spectacular display over Lake Storey. Fun events and friendly competitions are held throughout day.
Knox County Fair: July 12-17
There is so much to experience, and the Knox County Fair is a perfect showplace for agricultural and domestic exhibits, harness racing, live concert performances, and grandstand shows, including tractor pulls, demo derbies, and fast, action-packed racing.
Taste of Galesburg: July 28
Galesburg Area Hospitality Association brings together local restaurants, caterers, chefs, and more for a night of delicious eats and treats. A judged affair, participants serve the community their best dishes and drinks, while foodies devour offerings of the unique, local cuisine. There are free activities for kids and live music for all to eat, listen, and dance to, for one night only in July.
Great Balloon Race: July 29-30
Since 2000 The Great Balloon Race has called Galesburg, Illinois it’s home. Set in the beautiful surroundings of Lake Storey, it has played host to more than 30 majestic hot air balloons each year. Pilots from across the country have traveled to this event to compete in the balloon competition and to share their balloons and stories with families from around the region.
River-2-River Car Cruise: Aug. 19
Hundreds of vintage cards, street rods, trucks, antiques, and special interest vehicles cruise into Galesburg and park along Main Street to be on display! Music, vendors, drawings, and more.
Galesburg Heritage Days: Aug. 19-21
One of the Midwest's largest living history events held at a beautiful location. Come share in the excitement with almost 1,000 fellow reenactors and over 40 merchant/sutlers. Make plans to join us at Galesburg Heritage Days, a free public admission family friendly event. Featuring both a pre-1840 Early American Colonial/Frontier Rendezvous, and a thoroughly fielded Civil War Battle Reenactment.
National Stearman Fly-In: Sept. 5-11
The must-attend event of the year of the year for Stearman enthusiasts will offer a generous mix of flying events, technical seminars, entertainment, and food.
Summer calendar of Events
Here are just some of the events this summer for the Galesburg/Knox County area:
June
3 – Seminary Street First Fridays
3 – Pride in the ‘Burg – A Drag & Friends Production
3–5 – C’mon Get Happy by Choral Dynamics at The Orpheum Theatre (7:30 p.m. & 2 p.m.)
4 – Dancing Queen: ABBA Tribute Band Concert at Bishop Hill (1p.m.)
5 – Railtown Rumble at Lincoln Park (9 a.m.-4 p.m.)
14 – Café in the Park (11 a.m.-2 p.m.) – Galesburg Classics
16 – Throwback Thursday: A Goofy Movie at The Orpheum Theatre (7 p.m.)
18–19 – More on 34 (Galva)
23–26 – Galesburg Railroad Days
24 – Chew Chew & Brew Block Party in Park Plaza (5-10 p.m.) {Part of Railroad Days}
25 – Art in the Park at Standish Park (9 a.m.) {Part of Railroad Days}
25 – BritBeat Concert at The Orpheum Theatre (7:30 p.m.) {Part of Railroad Days}
23 – Throwback Thursday: The Iron Giant at The Orpheum Theatre (2 p.m. & 7 p.m.)
25 – Midsommar Music Festival – Bishop Hill
25 – Midsommar Respite at Bishop Hill (10 a.m.-4 p.m.)
26 – Maria Bamford at The Orpheum Theatre (7p)
30 – Throwback Thursday: Lady and the Tramp at The Orpheum Theatre (2 p.m. & 7 p.m.)
July
1 – Seminary Street First Fridays
4 – Big Bang Boom, Lake Storey
7 – Throwback Thursday: Spirited Away at The Orpheum Theatre (2 p.m. & 7 p.m.)
12–17 – Knox County Fair, Knoxville
14 – Throwback Thursday: The Road to El Dorado at The Orpheum Theatre (2 p.m. & 7 p.m.)
15-17 – Grand Night for Singing at Prairie Players Civic Theatre (7:30 p.m. & 2 p.m.)
19 – Café in the Park (11 a.m.-2 p.m.) – Downtown Pizza
21–22 - Following the Drinking Gourd in Bishop Hill
21 – Throwback Thursday: Anastasia at The Orpheum Theatre (2 p.m. & 7 p.m.)
22–24 – Grand Night for Singing at Prairie Players Civic Theatre (7:30 p.m. & 2 p.m.)
26 – Native American Star Stories in Bishop Hill (7-9 p.m.)
24 – Antique Car Show in Bishop Hill (9 a.m.-3 p.m.)
28 – Taste of Galesburg (5 p.m.)
28 – Throwback Thursday: Robin Hood at The Orpheum Theatre (2 p.m. & 7 p.m.)
29–30 – Great Balloon Race
August
2–5 – Touring Utopia at Bishop Hill
4 – Throwback Thursday: Batman: The Mask of the Phantasm at The Orpheum Theatre (2 p.m. & 7 p.m.)
5 – Seminary Street First Fridays
11 – Throwback Thursday: 101 Dalmations at The Orpheum Theatre (2 p.m. & 7 p.m.)
13–14 – 4th Annual Hummingbird Festival at Bishop Hill
13 – Fall Open House & Antique Alley at Sweet Annies in Bishop Hill (10 a.m.-3 p.m.)
16 – Café in the Park (11 a.m.-2 p.m.) – Around the World
18 – Throwback Thursday: A Bug’s Life at The Orpheum Theatre (2 p.m. & 7 p.m.)
19–21 – Galesburg Heritage Days
19 – River -2- River Car Cruise in Downtown Galesburg (1-9 p.m.)
27-28 – Bishop Hill Chautauqua
September
2 – Seminary Street First Fridays
10 – Monarch Migration Festival
5–11 – Stearman Fly-In