The first weekend of May means it's time for the "greatest two minutes in sports." If you're not inclined to watching the Kentucky Derby, there are several events going on in the Galesburg area that may interest you.

Here are some things we found:

G-ALES-Burg Beer Fest

What: The G-ALES-Burg Beer Fest benefits the Vascular Birthmarks Foundation. All tickets include a food voucher for Big Catz BBQ. There will be more than 75 beers with unlimited beer samples from 25 regional breweries, live music by Angela Meyer and a few surprises. Tickets are sold online only and will increase in price the day of the event.

When: 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 4

Where: The Vault at Reserve Artisan Ales, 185 S. Kellogg St., Galesburg

Cost: $40; $50 VIP admission an hour early

Spring Market Series by Ferris City Market

What: Markets will be open on select Friday nights and Saturday mornings in April and May for specialty shopping in downtown Galesburg. Each market will include a mix of antiques, primitives, baked goods, and local craft and boutique vendors.

When: 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 3

Where: The Shops of West Main Street, 162 W. Main St., Galesburg

Cost: Free admission

Caxton Reading Series

What: A literary organization on the Knox College campus, Caxton Club brings poets, novelists and essayists to campus every term to read their works in a setting open to all members of the community. The club is named after the first English printer, William Caxton. Working closely with the English Department at Knox College, Caxton Club is student-run and with Q&A sessions after most readings, encourages literary discourse on the Knox campus. The May 3 reader is Eduardo Corral.

When: 4 to 5 p.m. Friday, May 3

Where: Alumni Room, Old Main, Knox College, 2 E. South S.t, Galesburg

Cost: Free

Striking Out Child Abuse

What: Turning Point Child Advocacy Center’s annual fundraiser includes a quarter auction, silent and live auctions and a dessert bar. Tickets available from staff or board members or at the door. The center works with children and their non-offending caretakers from Knox, Warren and Henderson Counties after reports of child abuse, providing counseling, advocacy and forensic interviews as well as a variety of other services.

When: 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 3

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

Cost: $25

Performing Arts Academy of Galesburg show: Music Man Jr.

What: Follow the journey of one Harold Hill as he attempts to fast-talk the people of River City Iowa.

When: 7 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 3 and Saturday, May 4; 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 5

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

Cost: $15-$20 depending on seating (save $3 with advance tickets)

Third Annual Oak Run Spring Artisan Market

What: Many artists will be represented, showcasing original work. The Market is held the same day as the Community Garage Sales and the Spring Spoon River Drive. Both the golf course and the restaurant are open to the public.

When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 4

Where: The Watering Hole at Oak Run, 1468 Knox Road 1725 North, Dahinda

Cost: Free admission

Prairie Moon Farm Spring Market

What: See what's new at Prairie Moon Farm, just outside Knoxville. The Farm will have shopping, crafts for kids and animals to pet and feed.

When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 4

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

Cost: Free admission

Mother’s Day Flowers and Play

What: Moms, grandmas and other motherly figures and the children are invited for a morning of crafts. Create a fresh flower bouquet and enjoy refreshments and playtime. Each child will decorate a bouquet holder then fill it with a bouquet they create themselves for the special person joining them. Flowers will be provided by local floral shop, Stems & Petals Designs & Events. For all ages. Limited spots available.

When: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 4

Where: The Play Yard, 705 S. Broad St., Knoxville

Cost: $28 per adult and child pair; $17 for each additional sibling

Women’s Tea

What: There will be a guest speaker, food and fellowship, plus giveaways, door prizes and more.

When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 4

Where: Galesburg Nazarene, 1501 Webster St., Galesburg

Cost: $7; free for ages 3 and younger; max $20 per family

Double Up Food Bucks

What: It’s opening weekend at the Galesburg Farmers Market. Speak with Kathy Walker to learn how to double the value of your LINK there. Figure out how much you would like to spend, come to the farmers market both. Your LINK card will be run, and you’ll receive vouchers to spend with the vendors. Coupons and vouchers are not redeemable for cash or change.

When: 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 4

Where: Galesburg Farmers Market, 123 S. Kellogg St., Galesburg

Cost: Free admission

Teacher Appreciation: Keepsake Coasters

What: Gift your kids' teacher a keepsake coaster, crafted by them.

When: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 4

Where: Discovery Depot, 128 S. Chambers St., Galesburg

Cost: $1 plus admission fee

Keepsake Dinosaur

What: Paint a keepsake dinosaur to take with you to remember the Land of Fire & Ice Exhibit.

When: Noon to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 5

Where: Discovery Depot, 128 S. Chambers St., Galesburg

Cost: $1 plus admission fee

GMC Motocross Race

What: Rescheduled first motocross race of the year. Camping is available Saturday night.

When: 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 5

Where: Galesburg Motorcycle Club, 2450 U.S. Hwy. 150, Rio

Coming next week:

You + Me Paint Night

What: Paint a floral design on a pair of narrow canvases at this all-ages, family-style paint night. Work together to make a matching pair or each create your own design, such as handprint flowers. This is a great opportunity for a grandparent, aunt, uncle, mom or dad to spend quality time with your child, creating a painting to keep or give away. Or create your Mother's Day gift as a surprise for Mom.

When: 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 7

Where: Lake Storey Pavilion, 1572 Machen Drive, Galesburg

Cost: $15 per pair of adult and child

Film Developing with Rich Ankeney

What: Stop in for a film developing demonstration with Rich Ankeney and learn about upcoming opportunities in photography. Demonstrations will take place every half hour. Please RSVP to reserve your slot.

When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 7

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

Cost: Free

CASA Guest Bartending Night

What: There will be a competition between three sets of local celebrities. All funds raised go towards helping CASA advocate for local children in foster care.

When: 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 9

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

Thursday Night Jazz

What: The Cherry Street Combo performs jazz every Thursday night while Knox College is in session. Cash bar available (please no outside drinks). Food allowed.

When: 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday, May 9

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

Cost: Free admission

Kathi Edwards is a freelance correspondent.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: G-ALES-Burg Beer Fest among 13 things to do in Galesburg, Illinois