Farmers markets, car shows, and live music among 18 events near Galesburg this weekend

The weekend brings Abingdon and Galesburg Farmers Markets, Luminaria Decorating, and the Sandburg Auto Club Car Show and Cruise-In Thrive, along with fundraisers, live music and more to the Galesburg area.

Abingdon Farmers Market

What: The first Abingdon Farmers Market is hosted by the Abingdon Community Festival. Support local gardeners, bakers, crafters and more.

When: 4-6 p.m. Friday, May 2

Where: Abingdon Fairgrounds, 914 N. Monroe St., Galesburg

Lighting the Way

What: Come for an evening of community, conversation and commitment to making Galesburg a more inclusive, supportive place for those living with dementia and their caregivers. Learn about the Dementia Friendly movement, hear from local leaders and experts, connect with community resources. There will be a meet and greet from 5-6 p.m. At 6 p.m., author and dementia specialist Lauren Brown will speak. From 6:30-8 p.m., there will be demonstrations and mini breakout sessions. Food and drinks will be provided. All are welcome.

When: 5-8 p.m. Friday, May 2

Where: The Kensington, 311 E. Simmons St., Galesburg

Cost: Free

Southern Rail Band

What: The Southern Rail Band are bringing their incredible mix of your favorite country songs.

When: 7 p.m. Friday, May 2

Where: Knights of Columbus Galesburg, 1556 E. Fremont St., Galesburg

Cost: No cover charge

Venture Boldly

What: Knox College has ventured boldly for more than 180 years thanks to the support of the Knox and Galesburg communities. Come support Venture Boldly, the campaign for Knox College. Celebrate Knox’s bright future with the Knox and Galesburg communities. Enjoy food, fun and community. RSVP requested.

When: 7 p.m. Friday, May 2

Where: South Lawn of Old Main at Knox College, 2 E. South St., Galesburg

Cost: Free

Bits and Pieces

What: Celebrate Cinco de Mayo on May 3 with Bits & Pieces

When: 8 p.m. Saturday, May 3

Where: Opie’s Bar & Grill, 158 N. Broad St., Galesburg

Galesburg Farmers Market

What: Shop for local goods, from fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, honey, baked goods, prepared foods, handmade crafts and jewelry and more. The market is in downtown Galesburg near the corner of Simmons and Seminary Streets.

When: 8 a.m. – noon Saturday, May 3 and each Saturday through September

Where: Farmers Market, 362 E. Simmons St., Galesburg

Luminaria Decorating

What: Buy, decorate and dedicate a luminaria in honor of those in your life touched by cancer in support of the American Cancer Society. The luminaria will be lit in honor and remembrance on the evening of the Relay for Life event, June 11. Art supplies will be provided. You are welcome to bring personalized items to use.

When: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 3

Where: Galesburg Community Arts center, 349 E. Main St., Galesburg

Cost: $10 per luminaria

Community Garden

What: Get involved with the community, meet new people and learn a new skill. Join the journey to plant, tend and harvest a community garden.

When: 9-11 a.m. or 4-6 p.m. Saturday, May 3

Where: The Salvation Army 360 Life Center, 510 N. Kellogg St., Galesburg

Kids Only Meet & Greet

What: Meet #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling children’s author Lindsay Currie and get all your questions answered at this kids-only event. Learn about being an author, get behind-the-scenes stories about Lindsay’s books and enter to win a special swag bag. Designed for young readers in grades 3 and up. Registration in the Children’s Library is required. Books will be available on site for sale courtesy of Wordsmith Bookshoppe.

When: 2-3 p.m. Saturday, May 3

Where: Galesburg Public Library, 264 W. Main St., Galesburg

Cost: Free

Rummage Sale

What: Proceeds from this annual rummage sale benefit Operation Christmas Child to help with the cost of shipping the boxes sent each year. Shop for home or holiday decor, kitchenware, bedding, curtains, towels, infant and children’s clothes and shoes, kid’s toys, electronics, outdoor items, guy stuff, knick knacks, wooden furniture and more. There will also be baked goods to buy.

When: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, May 3

Where: Faith Baptist Church, 1247 S. Farnham, Galesburg

Music Trivia

What: Play some music trivia and show support for the Deputy Nick Weist Memorial Scholarship Fund. There will be a 50/50 raffle and $250 for the first prize winner.

When: 6 p.m. Saturday, May 3

Where: American Legion, 546 IL-41, Abingdon

Cost: $150 per team of up to 10 players, including mulligans and doublers

Tiki Night

What: Enjoy an evening of music and drinks in this kickoff to summer party. Wear your Hawaiian best. There will be a live DJ from WKGI The Lounge featuring summertime favorite music from the ‘50s and ‘60s. The bar will be decorated and drinks will be themed to match.

When: 5 p.m. Saturday, May 3

Where: The Bar 65, 65 S. Cherry St., Galesburg

Vendor Fair, Craft Show and Flea Market

What: Shop crafts, antiques and more.

When: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, May 3

Where: Country Square Treasures, 1640 N. Henderson St., Galesburg

Back Stabbin’ Betty

What: Dance to Back Stabbin Betty’s music in this pre-Cinco de Mayo party. Dress for the occasion.

When: 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Saturday, May 3

Where: The Corral, 1685 Grand Ave., Galesburg

Spring Drive Sip & Shop

What: Enjoy crafts, drinks and treats. Shop vendors such as Hello Love With Renee, Jbloom with Kim Barry, Scentsy, Tri M Prints and Mama’s Crafts, Oh My Beads and Permalinx.

When: 8 a.m. Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4

Where: The Beehive Health & Wellness, 111 N. Market St., Knoxville

Spring Market

What: Shop for live flowers, vegetable plants, more than 70 vendors and food. Enjoy family-friendly activities.

When: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturdays, May 3 and May 10; and Sundays, May 4 and May 11

Where: Prairie Moon Farm, 1467 State Route 97, Knoxville

Cost: Free admission and parking

Shrek Jr.

What: The Performing Arts Academy of Galesburg is doing it all ogre again as they present SHREK THE MUSICAL JR., based on the DreamWorks Animation film and fantastic Broadway musical. It’s a big bright beautiful world as everyone’s favorite ogre, Shrek, leads a cast of fairy tale misfits on an adventure to rescue a princess and find true acceptance. 

When: 2 p.m. Sunday, May 4

Where: The Orpheum Theatre, 57 S. Kellogg St., Galesburg

Cost: $7-$19

Car Show and Cruise-In

What: All car enthusiasts are welcome to display classic, muscle or custom-built cars at this year’s show. All years of automobiles, trucks, and motorcycles are welcome. Sandburg’s Automotive Club is looking to expand community exposure, increase interest in the automotive technology program, and accumulate contributions to use for future car shows and club events. Open to the public. There is no registration fee; donations to the club are welcomed.

When: 10 a.m. Sunday, May 4

Where: Galesburg Campus G Building, Carl Sandburg College, 2051 Tom L. Wilson Blvd.,

Coming next week

You + Me Craft Night

What: Spend an evening with that special child in your life and create two keepsake projects together: a hand-painted flower pot and a shrinky-dink personalized magnet. Registration fee includes both projects for one child and one adults. Open to all ages.

When: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, May 6

Where: Lake Storey Pavilion, 1572 Machen Drive, Galesburg

Cost: $20 for two projects

Touch a Truck

What: There will be many vehicles on wheels to explore. This is a great field trip event for families, day cares, preschool and elementary schools. You can make a day of it by reserving a shelter for a picnic lunch and taking a nature hike on the trails around the lake. The event will be held rain or shine.

When: 10-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 7

Where: Lake Storey Pavilion parking lot, 1572 Machen Drive, Galesburg

Cost: Free

Faculty and Friends Concert

What: Since 1995, the Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival has kicked off the weekend early with the Knox Faculty and Friends Combo Jam Session. These musicians represent the vibrant live jazz scene in central Illinois, showcasing the world-class talents of Knox jazz instructors and professional jazz performers from the area. The event will feature Justin Haynes, Joel Linscheid, Steve Jackson, Zoë Rose, Semenya McCord, Jason Brannon, Nikki Malley, Andy Crawford, Whitney Ashe, Jim Curless, Corey Kendrick and more. All ages are welcome. There is a full bar and you can bring food from any local restaurants. (No outside beverages are allowed.)

When: 7-10 p.m. Thursday, May 8

Where: Galesburg Community Arts Center, 349 E. Main St., Galesburg

Cost: Free

Turn to Stone

What: Turn to Stone: A Tribute to ELO delivers an unforgettable evening of Electric Light Orchestra’s biggest hits. Experience the nostalgia of a legendary rock band as Turn to Stone captures the magic of a 1970s ELO performance with a live string section, light show and ’70s clothing. Crowds will instantly recognize classics such as “Don’t Bring Me Down,” “Sweet Talkin Woman,” “Telephone Line,” “Turn to Stone,” “Evil Woman,” and more. Turn To Stone: A Tribute to ELO was created to preserve the legacy and music of Electric Light Orchestra for all generations of fans.

When: 7 p.m. Thursday, May 8

Where: The Orpheum Theatre, 57 S. Kellogg St., Galesburg

Cost: $30-$40

Kathi Edwards is a freelance correspondent for the Galesburg Register-Mail.