Events Calendar

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will host a Flood Map Open House for McDonough County residents on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Local officials will be joined by the FEMA project team, who will be presenting the preliminary flood insurance rate maps, which aid leaders and residents in identifying known flood risks. The maps provide important information that can be used to make decisions about future development and purchasing flood insurance.
Homeowners, renters, and business owners are encouraged to attend and meet one-on-one with floodplain management and mapping experts to review how the proposed maps may affect their properties. Attendees will learn about their specific risk and ways to help prevent flood loss.

Join us for a free meal on the last Wednesday of each month

Hello everyone! It's officially "Prairie Pumpkin Hunt" season at Lakeview's Nature Area! This FREE outdoor event is open to visitors every day from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm through November 4!
Ten pumpkins and their accompanying "Wildlife in Winter" facts are placed throughout the prairie for you to discover! We do ask that you not remove any of the pumpkins from the prairie, but leave them for the next family to enjoy discovering.
Happy exploring and tag us @lakeviewnaturearea with your "Prairie Pumpkin Hunt" adventures! Can you find them all?

Mulholland Street in Nauvoo comes alive with over 60 scarecrows created by very talented citizens for this annual October event sponsored by the Nauvoo Betterment Association.
This year, there will be a theme celebrating America's 250th.  There will also be a category for the most creative use of materials and a Facebook People's Choice award. Winners will be announced at the 4th annual Spooktacular Soup Sampling on Saturday, October 10 at the Nauvoo City Center. Registration form available at City Hall and the Library or on the Scarecrow Festival Facebook page and are due by October 1 to be eligible for judging and must be on display by that date.

Creators are urged to follow the theme, but not necessary to enter a scarecrow.

Looking forward to seeing the crows lining Mulholland starting October 1.

Make plans now to show off your creative side with a scarecrow.

Celebrating America’s 250th anniversary!
Brass Quintet

Made in America is a celebration of 250 years of American music.

The selections of this program cover a wide variety of styles, as is very fitting of this beautifully diverse country; including everything from Aaron Copland’s ballet Rodeo to American folk songs like America the Beautiful to orchestral music like Leroy Anderson’s Bugler’s Holiday to popular songs like Paul Simon’s Bridge Over Troubled Water and Stevie Wonder’s Sir Duke to the marches of John Philip Sousa!

Acclaimed as “the perfect blend of virtuosity and vitality” (Chicago Brass Festival), the Alliance Brass has emerged as one of the country’s most exciting ensembles.

“On a scale of 1-10, they’re a 12!” – Gallup Concert Association

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

This performance is free and open to the public.

PROGRAM

Piano Trio in B-flat Major, D. 28 - Franz Schubert (1797-1828)

Piano Trio in One Movement, Op. 68 - Edmund Rubbra (1901-1986)

INTERMISSION

Allegretto for Piano Trio in B-flat Major, WoO 39 - Ludwig Van Beethoven (1770-1827)

Phantasie in A Minor - John Ireland (1879-1962)

Piano Trio No. 1, Op. 8 in C Minor - Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975)

Come enjoy beautiful Lake Argyle while taking a relaxing morning pontoon boat ride on the lake as we watch for wildlife. Life jackets, binoculars, and field guides will be available, or you’re welcome to bring your own.
**Pre-registration is required, and space is limited to 6 participants. ** 
Please email Bridget.Hinchee@illinois.gov or call (309) 776-3422 for more information or to register.

Please join downtown businesses for after-hours shopping and great deals!
Each business will host their own specials, some offering raffle basket chances, discounts, and more!

The Western Illinois Museum, in partnership with the Western Illinois University (WIU) School of Music, invites jazz fans to an evening of music with the jazz saxophonist Doug Stone on October 2nd.

A world-class performer and composer, Stone comes to the Museum’s Our Front Porch stage from Louisiana, where he is Professor of Jazz Saxophone at Louisiana State University.

He will perform with the HAT Trio for two sets at 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm. Doors and bar open at 4:30 pm. The audience is invited to stay for the afterparty at 7:30 pm as WIU jazz students perform.

A $5 suggested donation supports the Museum’s community programming.

 A first-call musician in New Orleans, Stone performs with groups including the John Mahoney Septet, Reid Poole’s Boppin’ Five, and the Victory Swing Orchestra, while maintaining an active national and international touring schedule. His numerous recordings span projects as a leader, co-leader, and sideman, showcasing his versatile approach to jazz and improvisation. As director of the acclaimed LSU Jazz Ensemble, he is also a sought-after clinician and composer.  

Joining Stone is the HAT Trio: WIU jazz faculty Matt Hughes (bass), George Turner (guitar), and Whitney Ashe (piano). This performance is part of the Music on Our Front Porch series, which presents world-class jazz and classical musicians in the Museum’s cozy, one-of-a-kind garage space, offering a rare chance to experience locally accomplished musicians up close. 

The Music on Our Front Porch series continues on November 6th with saxophonist Chris Merz.