The Muppet Christmas Carol, pop-up markets and more: 14 things to do near Galesburg
This weekend you can attend art shows, fundraisers, plays and concerts.
You can also get crafty or start your holiday shopping.
Here are 14 Things to do in the Galesburg area this weekend.
100 pop-up art show
What: Come enjoy 100 works of art by 100 artists that are 100 square inches for $100 dollars or less.
When: 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16
Where: Galesburg Community Arts Center, 349 E. Main St., Galesburg
For more: 309-342-7415
Creative Connection: Sneaker Painting
What: Get creative with paint. Bring a clean pair of sneakers (canvas works best) and use acrylic paints and paint markers to customize your sneakers. Shoes can be new or worn, but must be clean. For teens in 7th-12th grades.
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16
Where: Lake Storey Pavilion, 1572 Machen Drive, Galesburg
Cost: $5
For more: 309-345-3683
Little Sprouts
What: Learn how to spot owls. Please wear dark, non-reflective clothing. Bring a small flashlight for walking the trails but note that it may disturb any owls. No flash photography allowed when we are on the prowl. There will be hot chocolate to stay warm.
When: 4:30 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16
Where: Lakeside Nature Center, 1033 S. Lake Storey Road, Galesburg
Cost: $5
For more: 309-345-3683
UWKC’s Guest Bartender Night
What: Join United Way of Knox County as four pairs of local celebrities face off to see who can raise the most in tips. Funds raised will benefit United Way of Knox County's 2023 Annual Campaign.
When: 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16
Where: The Bar 65, 65 S. Cherry St., Galesburg
For more: 309-343-4434
The Muppet Christmas Carol
What: Enjoy this Christmas classic in preparation for this year's Choral Dynamics Show: "Sing We Now of a Christmas Carol." Enter into the magical world of The Muppets and enjoy a twist on this classic Christmas tale.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17
Where: The Orpheum Theatre, 57 S. Kellogg St., Galesburg
Cost: Free
For more: 309-342-2299
The Play That Goes Wrong
What: This show follows the opening night of the Cornley Drama Society’s newest production, "The Murder at Haversham Manor", where things are quickly going from bad to utterly disastrous. This 1920s whodunit has everything you never wanted in a show—an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead and actors who trip over everything (including their lines). Nevertheless, the accident-prone thespians battle against all odds to make it through to their final curtain call, with hilarious consequences.
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17 and Saturday, Nov. 18; 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19
Where: Hegg Performing Arts Center, Galesburg Jr./Sr. High School, 1135 W. Fremont St., Galesburg
Cost: $5; $3 for seniors; free to all CUSD #205 students and staff
For more: 309-973-2000
Senior Studios: Play with Printmaking
What: Get ready for the holidays with printmaking. Create hand-printed cards and gift tags with a printing block that you will design and carve. There will be templates to follow to make it easy. All tools and materials provided.
When: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 18
Where: Galesburg Community Arts Center, 349 E. Main St., Galesburg
Cost: Free for area seniors ages 62 and older, but $10 deposit is required. It will be returned upon completion of class.
For more: 309-342-7415
Merry Market
What: Get ahead on your holiday shopping and support local artisans through December in the Middle Gallery. The featured artist Nov. 18 will be Carolyn Hawes (Cyn Elizabeth Designs) + Kevin Cox.
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18
Where: Galesburg Community Arts Center, 349 E. Main St., Galesburg
For more: 309-342-7415
Turkey Table Toppers
What: Get Thanksgiving-ready and create your own table toppers in this fun holiday program.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18
Where: Discovery Depot, 128 S. Chambers St., Galesburg
Cost: $1 with admission
For more: 309-344-8876
Dinner with musical artist BCJsPs
What: BCJsPs channels an inner commedia dell'arte in their music. Brian and Justin of BCJsPs will discuss the processes of their project: experimental music that brushes up against style and vacillates between improvisation and fixed composition. The music of BCJsPs crosses the boundaries of many styles, including rock, free jazz, noise, and avant-garde classical. The band uses sound as a vehicle for emotional transformation, and are willing to make whatever melody, harmony, and noise as necessary to get their audience there.
When: Free pre-show talk 6 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18; concert from 7 to 10 p.m.
Where: Galesburg Community Arts Center, 349 E. Main St., Galesburg
Cost: The talk is free. Concert is $5; free for members
For more: 309-342-7415
Misa a Buenos Aires
What: With guest conductor Justin Swearinger of Monmouth College, the Galesburg Community Chorus will perform Martín Palmeri’s Misa a Buenos Aires. Also known as the Misa Tango, the piece combines a traditional Mass text with tango rhythms and jazz harmonies. The chorus will be accompanied by strings, piano and the Argentinian bandoneon.
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18
Where: First Presbyterian Church, 101 N. Prairie St., Galesburg
Cost: $15; $10 for seniors ages 60 and older; free for all students
For more: 309-200-4090
Kids DIY-U Workshop
What: The Thanksgiving table won’t be complete without a festive turkey photo holder, built by your own little DIYer. Everything your child needs to create a memorable table decoration will be provided.
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18
Where: Lowe’s Home Improvement Store, 531 W. Carl Sandburg Drive, Galesburg
Cost: Free
For more: 309-342-4488
Holly Days 5k and 1m Fun Run
What: In its inaugural year, this event will include downtown views, competitive and for-fun running, and several goodies. Registrants will receive a finisher medal (for 5k registrants only); free drink at Reserve Artisan Ales; and a post-race party. Age group winners will receive a unique, handmade trophy. Stollers allowed. Pets are allowed on a leash and if well-behaved.
When: 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 18
Where: The Vault at Reserve Artisan Ales, 185 S. Kellogg St., Galesburg
Cost: $15-$40; registration fee increases by $5 day of event
For more: president@dcpofgalesburg.org
Holiday Pop-Up Market
What: Shop for fall and Christmas items.
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18
Where: The Shops at Main West, Galesburg
For more: 309-371-0823
Kathi Edwards is a freelance correspondent.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: The Muppet Christmas Carol among 14 things to do near Galesburg
