Events Calendar

Nova Singers, led by award-winning conductor Dr. Laura Lane, is thrilled to announce their 2026-27 concert season.  In its 41st season of bringing the finest choral music to audiences in Galesburg and the Quad Cities, Nova continues to push the envelope regarding innovative programming. The season opens on October 10th and 11th with Music of South Africa, featuring guest conductor Dr. Michael Barrett from the University of Pretoria, South Africa.  December’s concert, A Nova Christmas, celebrates the holiday season with favorite carols and other songs of the season.  In April 2027, Nova Singers will present So Breaks the Sun, a concert about hope and light.

Music of South Africa with guest conductor Michael Barrett

Fresh produce, local vendors, and community fun are right around the corner.
Still thinking about being a vendor? There’s time—reach out to the Hancock County Farm Bureau at 217-357-3141 or [hcfbmanager@gmail.com](mailto:hcfbmanager@gmail.com).
We can’t wait to see you there!

Join PLC's Conservation Book Club as we read The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year by Margaret Renkl. Follow the creatures and plants in Margaret's backyard over the course of a year! With beautiful illustrations throughout. 

Register below:

The market emphasizes locally grown produce and products, ensuring that all items are sourced from Illinois growers. This focus on local sourcing helps to reduce transportation emissions and supports the regional economy.
The market welcomes new vendors and offers a variety of goods, including fruits, vegetables, baked and canned goods, as well as artwork and crafts. It operates between 3 and 6 PM, making it accessible for afternoon and early evening shoppers.

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 us for a special night of jazz featuring Matt Wilson’s Leap Day Trio at Smokin’ Willies BBQ! Leap Day Trio is a project from drummer Matt Wilson, tenor saxophonist Jeff Lederer, and bassist and singer Mimi Jones.
Masterclass at 6 pm - Concert at 7 pm

Bio:
Matt Wilson has released thirteen albums as a leader, appeared on more than 400 others as a sideman, and has played with an impressive array of some of the most legendary names in jazz, including Wynton Marsalis, Lee Konitz, Joe Lovano, Pat Metheny, Dewey Redman, Charlie Haden, John Scofield, Joanne Brackeen, and Herbie Hancock, just to name a few.
Wilson was named 2018 Musician of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Association and his album, Honey And Salt (Music Inspired by the Poetry of Carl Sandburg), won the JJA’s Album of the Year Award. That recording and his previous, Beginning of a Memory, accomplished the rare feat of an artist receiving consecutive 5-star (masterpiece) reviews from DownBeat magazine.
Wilson’s commitment to jazz goes far beyond his estimable skills as a drummer and bandleader. Also a renowned educator, he is on a tireless mission to foster a lively and deep connection between music and people, whether they be playing or listening to it. To that end, he is extremely passionate about bringing jazz to new audiences and inspiring students to be as individualistic and imaginative as possible.

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

Crazy Train is the ultimate touring Ozzy Osbourne Tribute show, hosted by Vinny Cormier, the best Ozzy impersonator you can get, and supported by a Berklee-level crew, including his son Dylan on guitar. Crazy Train delivers a captivating show, musically and visually, unlike any other tribute. The show is packed with special effects and "wow" moments you won't forget! Crazy Train plays every show like it is LIVE AND LOUD 1993! Crazy Train rolls over all of the Prince of Darkness' noteworthy hits anywhere from Sabbath to Patient #9.

Vinny Cormier's performance as Ozzy is simply a must-see for reasons that go beyond the visuals. Yes, he looks eerily similar to the great man, and he's mastered all of the mannerisms, but his greatest weapon is his voice. With this band, Cormier sings and performs like Osbourne at the peak of his power.

Guitarist Dylan Cormier, one of New England's most technically proficient axe-men, makes it look effortless as he attacks material from every era of Ozzy's career with extraordinary accuracy, confidence, and panache.

Bassist Mike Knowles and drummer Mike "Randy" Caliandro make for an explosive rhythm section that powers crazy train with lethal precision. Their dedication to keeping it in the pocket while instilling the music with an unpredictable edge put this show over the top.

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.

Grab your ghoul friends and get ready for a spellbinding evening in Downtown Burlington during Witches Night Out on Friday, October 16.

This festive downtown stroll invites attendees to visit participating retailers, eateries and drinkeries while enjoying seasonal samples, special offers, giveaways and plenty of Halloween fun along the way.

Tickets are $15 during early-bird registration through October 1. Event check-in begins at 4:30 PM at The Busted Cup Brewhouse, where participants can pick up their witch hat, costume accessories and event map before heading out to explore Downtown.

Follow the mapped route throughout the evening, stop into participating businesses and enjoy everything Downtown Burlington has to offer before wrapping up the night back at The Busted Cup Brewhouse.

Witches Night Out is made possible with support from Presenting Sponsor KimAnne Portrait Design, Entertainment Sponsor F&M Bank & Trust and Last Stop Sponsor The Busted Cup Brewhouse.

Gather the coven, dress for the occasion and make plans for a wickedly fun night in Downtown Burlington!