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Weekend events: May 8-10


By Galesburg Community News    May 8, 2026

Mother’s Day events, jazz performances, markets and family activities fill the weekend calendar across Galesburg and Knox County this weekend.

Friday, May 8

Community Cookout
Sponsor: Kiwanis Club of Galesburg
Details: Cookout includes burgers or tenderloins, potato salad or chips and a cold drink. Proceeds benefit local children and community projects.
Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Hy-Vee, 2030 E. Main St., Galesburg
Cost: $12 per person

“All the President’s Men” 50th anniversary screening
Sponsor: Orpheum Theatre
Details: A 50th anniversary showing of the four-time Oscar-winning 1976 film starring Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman.
Time: 2 and 7 p.m.
Location: Orpheum Theatre, 57 S. Kellogg St., Galesburg
Cost: $5 per person

Food Truck Fridays: Family Fun Night
Sponsor: Food Truck Fridays
Details: Food trucks, vendors and $1 children’s games and activities are planned.
Time: 5-8 p.m.
Location: 235 E. Simmons St., Galesburg

Mom & Me Highland Cow
Sponsor: Art Defined
Details: A painting event featuring a mom-and-me Highland cow theme.
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Location: 306 E. Simmons St., Galesburg
Details: Registration required

Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival

Smokin’ Willies performances
Sponsor: Knox College Music Performance Program
Details: Galesburg High School Big Bands open the evening, followed by the Alyssa Allgood Sextet at 7 and 9 p.m. The Cherry Street Combo and Doug Stone perform at 8 p.m.
Time: 6-10 p.m.
Location: Smokin’ Willies BBQ, 161 N. Cherry St., Galesburg
Cost: $10 admission


Saturday, May 9

Galesburg Farmers Market
Sponsor: Galesburg Farmers Market
Details: Vendors will offer local produce, baked goods, crafts and other items.
Time: 8 a.m. to noon
Location: 362 E. Simmons St., Galesburg
Cost: Free

Community tree planting
Sponsor: City of Galesburg Special Projects
Details: Volunteers will plant 22 Red Jewel crabapple trees and Ivory Silk lilacs near the Interstate 74 overpass to help beautify the East Main Street corridor and city entrance. Participants are encouraged to bring a shovel or spade and wear a reflective vest or bright-colored shirt if possible.
Time: 8:30 a.m. Saturday
Location: East Main Street and South Soangetaha Road, Galesburg. Parking available in the Iron Eagle lot at the southeast corner of Main Street and South Soangetaha Road.
Cost: Free

Tech Lab Open
Sponsor: Galesburg Public Library
Details: Drop in to use the Tech Lab or schedule an appointment with library staff.
Time: 9 a.m. to noon
Location: Galesburg Public Library, 264 W. Main St., Galesburg

Run Walk Club
Sponsor: Barbells and Birdies
Details: Community run-walk event open to all experience levels.
Time: 9 a.m.
Location: Lake Storey Pavilion, Galesburg
Cost: Free

Mother’s Day Market at Prairie Moon Farm
Sponsor: Prairie Moon Farm
Details: Weekend market featuring plants, vendors, food, mini donkeys, alpacas, reindeer, train rides and other activities.
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Prairie Moon Farm, 1467 State Route 97, Knoxville
Cost: Free admission

Second Saturdays: How Does Your Garden Grow?
Sponsor: City of Galesburg
Details: Participants will plant vegetables and seeds, explore pollinator gardens and take home a sunflower to grow.
Time: 9:30-11 a.m.
Location: Lakeside Nature Center, Galesburg
Cost: Free

Bring Your Kid to Workout Day
Sponsor: The Strength Collective
Details: Family-friendly workout event focused on movement and healthy habits. Beginner friendly.
Time: 10-11 a.m.
Location: 1964 N. Henderson St., Galesburg
Cost: Free

Mother’s Day Potted Plant Workshop
Sponsor: Hy-Vee
Details: Children can plant and decorate flowers as gifts for Mother’s Day.
Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Hy-Vee, 2030 E. Main St., Galesburg
Cost: Free

Abstract Acrylic Painting with Karen Noble
Sponsor: Galesburg Community Arts Center
Details: Participants will create abstract paintings inspired by flowers and birds. All materials will be provided.
Time: 10:30 a.m. to noon
Location: Galesburg Community Arts Center, 349 E. Main St., Galesburg
Cost: $20 registration

Magic Flowers!
Sponsor: Discovery Depot
Details: Children can create “magic flowers” during the activity session.
Time: 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Discovery Depot, 128 S. Chambers St., Galesburg
Cost: Free with admission

Reading Buddies
Sponsor: Galesburg Public Library
Details: Young readers can practice reading with trained volunteers.
Time: 11 a.m. to noon
Location: Galesburg Public Library, 264 W. Main St., Galesburg

Simply Soft pop-up at Taste of Candy
Sponsor: Taste of Candy
Details: Knox County CEO student Della Coleman will feature her Simply Soft body butter products during a Mother’s Day pop-up event.
Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Taste of Candy, 61 S. Seminary St., Galesburg

Nature Center volunteer cleanup
Sponsor: City of Galesburg Parks and Recreation Department
Details: Volunteers will help maintain the Lakeside Nature Center grounds. Participants should bring work gloves.
Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Lakeside Nature Center, 1033 S. Lake Storey Road, Galesburg
Cost: Free

CritZ: Community Art Critique
Sponsor: Galesburg Community Arts Center
Details: Participants may bring original artwork for group discussion and critique.
Time: 1-3 p.m.
Location: Galesburg Community Arts Center, 349 E. Main St., Galesburg
Cost: $5; free with student ID

Hidden Hills Mother’s Day Market
Sponsor: Hidden Hills Vineyard and Winery
Details: Event includes live music by Kayla Brooks, food and local vendors.
Time: 1-4 p.m.
Location: 120 Hidden Drive, Galesburg

Open Mic
Sponsor: The Beanhive
Details: Community open mic event featuring music and performances.
Time: 2-4 p.m.
Location: 124 E. Simmons St., Galesburg
Cost: Free

Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival

Festival finale concert
Sponsor: Knox College Music Performance Program
Details: Performances include the Rootabaga High School All-Star Band, Knox Jazz Ensemble and the Baga Big Band.
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Orpheum Theatre, 57 S. Kellogg St., Galesburg
Cost: Free


Sunday, May 10

Mother’s Day Market at Prairie Moon Farm
Sponsor: Prairie Moon Farm
Details: Mother’s Day weekend market featuring vendors, animals, food and family activities.
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Prairie Moon Farm, 1467 State Route 97, Knoxville
Cost: Free admission; some activities require tickets

Muffins, Mugs & Memories with Mom
Sponsor: Discovery Depot
Details: Mother’s Day event featuring muffins, mugs and playtime activities.
Time: 10:30 a.m. to noon
Location: Discovery Depot, 128 S. Chambers St., Galesburg
Cost: $1.50 with admission

WiBit Swim
Sponsor: Galesburg Parks and Recreation
Details: Special swim session featuring the WiBit floating obstacle attraction. No preregistration required.
Time: 1-4 p.m.
Location: Hawthorne Pool, Galesburg
Cost: $5 per swimmer; children 2 and younger free; mothers admitted free with paid admission

Carl Sandburg Song Bag Concert Series: Michelle Held
Sponsor: Carl Sandburg State Historic Site
Details: Folk musician Michelle Held will perform as part of the Song Bag Concert Series.
Time: 2-4 p.m.
Location: The Barn at Carl Sandburg State Historic Site, 313 E. Third St., Galesburg
Cost: $5 suggested donation

Event details can change. Readers are encouraged to confirm directly with organizers before attending.