Events Calendar

Western Illinois University Theatre and Dance has announced its Fall 2026 season, featuring a lineup of classic theatre, contemporary musical theatre, original dance works, and a showcase highlighting the talents of WIU students and faculty. The Fall 2026 season will take place in the new Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts, with performances in the Clow Theatre and Hainline Theatre, in Brown Hall.

DEAR EVAN HANSEN is a contemporary musical about a lonely teenager whose attempt to fit in spirals into a lie that brings him connection, compassion, and heartbreak. As the truth unravels, Evan must confront the consequences of his choices and learn what it truly means to be seen and belong.

Make unforgettable memories with your little ones at Elmo’s Got the Moves—the all-new Sesame Street Live show! This exciting experience brings Elmo and his Sesame Street friends to the stage with singing, dancing, and favorite songs like “Sunny Days,” “Elmo’s Got the Moves,” and “Letter of the Day.” Families will laugh, learn, and play together in a heartwarming celebration that you’ll treasure long after the final song.

Sensory Notice: This show contains Flashing Lights, Haze (Fog), and Confetti.

Ticket Limit: There is an 8 (eight) ticket limit for this event for single ticket sales.

After the Show: There will be an exclusive post-show Photo Experience opportunity for an additional purchase of $40.00 + $1.60 convenience fee per person.

Thursday Night Jazz at Smokin’ Willies BBQ
A Galesburg tradition for more than 30 years—every Thursday night starting Sept 17th!
Join us for Jazz Night with the Knox Cherry Street Combo, featuring special events throughout the fall term. Musicians, come sit in with the band!
Every Thursday | Sept. 17–Nov. 12
7:00–10:00 PM (some special nights begin earlier)
FREE admission | All ages welcome
Full bar + the best BBQ around
Smokin’ Willies BBQ | Galesburg, IL

Special Events:
October 15 — Matt Wilson’s Leap Day Trip
Masterclass at 6:00 PM
Jazz Night performance to follow
October 29 — Galesburg High School Vocal Jazz Ensembles and the Cherry St combo
November 5 — Mirza Residency at Jazz Night
Featuring Jenny Scheinman’s All Species Parade

Jerome Mirza Jazz Residency Concert:
Jenny Scheinman’s All Species Parade!
Jenny Scheinman - Violin
Carmen Staaf - Piano
Tony Scherr - Bass Kenny
Wollesen - Drums
Keith Ganz - Guitar

Free and open to the public
The fourteenth annual Jerome Mirza Jazz Residency culminates in a concert at the historic Orpheum Theatre, featuring the Mirza Resident artists Jenny Scheinman’s All Species Parade, the Knox Jazz Ensemble, and the Cherry St Combo.

About the artist: Jenny Scheinman is an acclaimed violinist, fiddler, singer, composer, and songwriter whose music bridges jazz, Americana, folk, and contemporary improvised music. A longtime collaborator with some of the most innovative artists in jazz, she has performed and recorded extensively with Bill Frisell, Julian Lage, Jason Moran, Brian Blade, Allison Miller, Nels Cline, and Marc Ribot, as well as songwriting legends including Joni Mitchell, Lucinda Williams, Lou Reed, Bruce Cockburn, Rodney Crowell, Robbie Fulks, and Ani DiFranco.

The Mount Sterling Farmers Market began in 2017 as a grassroots effort led by community members with the goal of promoting local food access, small businesses, and community gathering, laying the foundation for the market we know today.

Join the Knox College Piano Chamber Ensemble under the direction of Ashlee Mack for its Fall Concert in Kresge Recital Hall. Featuring pieces by French Composers.

Western Illinois University's University Union Board (UUB) is excited to announce its Fall 2026 Bingo Calendar, featuring a full lineup of themed bingo nights, campus partnerships and signature WIU spirit.

UUB's bingo events have become a favorite campus tradition, known for high-energy atmospheres, creative themes and great prizes. This fall, attendees can look forward to five unique bingo experiences:

Fall 2026 Bingo Events:

Welcome Bingo
7-9 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 26 - Grand Ballroom

Loteria Bingo in collaboration with LASO (Latin American Student Organization)
7-9 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 14 - Grand Ballroom

Halloween Bingo
7-9 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 28 - Grand Ballroom

Drag Show Bingo with UNITY and the LGBT*QA Resource Center
7-10 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 11 - Grand Ballroom

Holiday Bingo
7-9 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 2 - Grand Ballroom

Each event will feature themed entertainment, interactive activities and opportunities for students to engage with the campus community in a fun and welcoming environment.

Join the Knox-Galesburg Winds under the direction of Justin Haynes for their Fall Concert in Harbach Theatre. The ensemble brings together Knox College musicians and members of the Galesburg community.

Thursday Night Jazz at Smokin’ Willies BBQ
A Galesburg tradition for more than 30 years—every Thursday night starting Sept 17th!
Join us for Jazz Night with the Knox Cherry Street Combo, featuring special events throughout the fall term. Musicians, come sit in with the band!
Every Thursday | Sept. 17–Nov. 12
7:00–10:00 PM (some special nights begin earlier)
FREE admission | All ages welcome
Full bar + the best BBQ around
Smokin’ Willies BBQ | Galesburg, IL

Special Events:
October 15 — Matt Wilson’s Leap Day Trip
Masterclass at 6:00 PM
Jazz Night performance to follow
October 29 — Galesburg High School Vocal Jazz Ensembles and the Cherry St combo
November 5 — Mirza Residency at Jazz Night
Featuring Jenny Scheinman’s All Species Parade

Western Illinois University Theatre and Dance has announced its Fall 2026 season, featuring a lineup of classic theatre, contemporary musical theatre, original dance works, and a showcase highlighting the talents of WIU students and faculty. The Fall 2026 season will take place in the new Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts, with performances in the Clow Theatre and Hainline Theatre, in Brown Hall.

STAND/RESIST is a devised dance work that uses powerful movement and stillness to embody iconic protests throughout history. Through ensemble physicality, the piece explores courage, unity, and the human impulse to stand up and rise together for change.