Events Calendar

Join Prairie Land Conservancy and Illinois Extension's 3rd Annual Conservation Tours! Hear from local land owners, land managers, and other experts about how to be a part of community conservation. Explore beautiful natural spaces from farms to nature preserves to home gardens in McDonough, Schuyler, and Hancock counties! See full May - Sept list and register at https://extension.illinois.edu/events/2026-07-11-conservation-tours

Tour Description:

Join Trevor Toland at River Oak Ranch for a tour and close-up look at a conservation-focused cattle regenerative grazing operation. You will see an advanced grazing system recognized as one of the premier operations in the state. Trevor has shared his expertise as a mentor, consultant, and speaker at schools and conferences. Don’t miss this opportunity to see conservation practices at work and intensely managed cattle grazing.

Location and directions will be provided after registration.

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.

It’s Mercer County Fair time again. What better way to spend time with family and friends? And you won’t find a better deal. Daily admission is only $6.00, and season passes are $17.00, kids 7-12 are $2.00. Something for everyone. Grandstand events are free. Also, don’t miss the Aledo America 250 celebration activities that will be held at the fairgrounds on July 4, starting at 3 PM. Food, beer garden, kids activities and bounce houses, 3 live bands, and of course fireworks, but the best part is the lighted Drone Show!

Saturday, July 11th:

Junior Swine Show: 9 am

Carnival Rides: 1 pm

Wristband Day ($20/person wristband): 1 pm-4 pm

Mercer County Baby Contest: 2 pm

Decorated Diaper Contest: Follows baby contest

Baby Crawl: Follows baby contest

Talent Contest: 3 pm

Demolition Derby: 6:30 pm

Shelton Biddle and 1851 Beer Garden: 8 pm - Midnight

Daily Admission: $6

Season Passes: $17

Kids 7-12: $2

Come visit our Science lab to Design & Engineer your own bubble wand!

Free with Admission

This summer, Knox College is offering free summer pop-up art workshops for all ages and skill levels through the Arts in Action program. Participants can learn various forms of art, including collage, drawing, music, poetry, and printmaking. Associate Professor of Dance Kathleen Ridlon will oversee the work of six Knox student artists.  

Participants will explore how creativity can make daily life more organized, intentional, and beautiful. This workshop invites you to slow down, reflect on your own habits and routines, and make something that is truly yours. Your handmade journal will become a daily companion: a space to capture your tasks, jot down recipes, doodle freely, collect your ideas, and carry a small piece of your own creativity wherever you go!

For questions about Arts in Action projects, contact artsinaction@knox.edu. A full schedule for Arts in Action is available on the Knox College Calendar, here.

$20 entry fee. Awards will be given. All proceeds go to the Colchester Senior Center.

Find Your Cause - Sharpen Your Vision - Make Your Print!
In partnership with Knox College's Arts in Action course, students will host a series of FREE workshops at the Galesburg Community Arts Center.

Join Nati to create your own poster!

This workshop introduces participants to the world of arts activism by exploring the value of using art as a form of resistance. We will play with words and images to craft a powerful vision for the causes we care about the most. Participants will create a poster using silkscreen printing techniques.

Nati will be leading this workshop twice! It is FREE and open to the public. All materials included.

July 11th, 1-3pm (Ages 13+)

July 15th, 5-7pm (Ages 13+)

Please let us know if you can no longer attend, so that your spot may be filled by someone else.

Saturdays throughout June, enjoy live music at the bar and grill at Kickapoo State Recreation Area. Shows featuring country, folk, and classic rock begin at 5 p.m. each night. Learn more at Kickapoo Adventures online.  

Beckman Heritage Farms invites the community to a family‑friendly evening with food, live music, children’s activities, a corn maze, bounce pad, and a Family Activities Area in collaboration with Balance Autism. New this year is the region's only professionally produced patriotic drone light show, a modern, 12‑minute light display synchronized to music in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. This innovative, sensory‑friendly alternative to fireworks offers a welcoming experience for all guests!

Summer Youth Theatre Presents: Cyrano de Burger Shack!
Join us as our talented Summer Youth Theatre cast takes the stage in this hilarious and heartwarming production featuring local students entering 9th grade through recently completed 12th grade!
Showtimes:
• July 10 at 7:00 PM
• July 11 at 7:00 PM
• July 12 at 2:00 PM

Admission is a Free Will Donation
Your generosity helps Great River Players continue offering Summer Youth Theatre at no cost to area students, ensuring future generations have the opportunity to learn, grow, and shine on stage.
Bring your family, invite your friends, and come support these incredible young performers. We can’t wait to see you there!