This weekend you can hear all types of music, do a Saint Patrick's Day craft with your children, support Lutheran Social Services or Special Olympics.

Here are a dozen things to do in the Galesburg area this weekend.

Knox College Jazz Ensemble with GHS Jazz Bands

What: The Knox Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Justin Haynes and the Galesburg High School Gold and Silver Jazz Bands under the direction of Andy Empey and Chris Lopez perform at Thursday Jazz Night. All ages are welcome. There's a full bar and you can bring food from any of our local restaurants, some within walking distance. (No outside beverages are allowed.)

When: 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, March 7

Where: Galesburg Community Arts Center, 349 E. Main St., Galesburg

Cost: Free

For more: music@knox.edu, 309-341-7265

Sixth Annual Shootin’ Hoops N Smilin’

What: Each year, Galesburg Junior Senior High School staff volunteer to play a basketball game against the Special Olympics high school basketball team and players from the Life Skills program. This event brings our school and community together for a great cause. Event includes auction and 50/50 raffle. Donations encouraged.

When: 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 7

Where: Thiel Gym,1135 W. Fremont St., Galesburg

For more: John Theil Gym on Facebook

Chamber Ribbon Cutting

What: Join the fun for a sneak peek of the remodeled Tasting Room. No RSVP needed.

When: 4 p.m. Friday, March 8

Where: Hidden Hills Vineyard and Winery, 120 Hidden Drive, Galesburg

For more: 309-343-1194

Live Music with Chloe Mae

What: Enjoy some drinks while listening to Chloe Mae in the taproom as the brewery celebrates Women's History Month.

When: 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 8

Where: Reserve Artisan Ales, 185 S. Kellogg St., Galesburg

Cost: Free

For more: info@reserveartisanales.com, 309-541-1010

Galex 57 Opening Reception

What: This nationally competitive exhibition of artwork juried this year by Jenny Chi, a professor at Eastern Illinois University, will be on view in the Mark + Jeannette Kleine Gallery March 9 through April 6, 2024. There will be food, drinks, awards and music at the reception. Open to the public.

When: 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 9

Where: Galesburg Community Arts Center, 349 E. Main St., Galesburg

Cost: Free

For more: tuesday@galesburgarts.org, 309-342-7415

Joanne and Harland Goude Retrospective Exhibition Opening

What: The Joanne R. Goudie Permanent Collection Gallery presents in its inaugural exhibition a retrospective of works by Joanne and Harland Goudie. The gallery will be formally dedicated at during the GALEX57 opening reception. The Joanne and Harland Goudie Retrospective will be on view in the third-floor permanent collection gallery March 9 through April 6, 2024. Open to the public.

When: 5:45 p.m. Saturday, March 9

Where: Galesburg Community Arts Center, 349 E. Main St., Galesburg

Cost: Free

For more: 309-342-7415

Kid Engineer: Leprechaun Traps

What: Build traps to catch leprechauns for Saint Patrick’s Day.

When: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 9

Where: Discovery Depot, 128 S. Chambers St., Galesburg

Cost: $1 plus admission

For more: programs@discoverydepot.org, 309-344-8876

Works for Piano & Clarinet

What: Works for piano and clarinet by Nancy Ohlbach and Jill Marasa will feature works by Hindemith, Schumann, Muczynski and Weber.

When: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, March 9

Where: Kresge Recital Hall, 500 S. Prairie St., Galesburg

Cost: Free

For more: music@knox.edu, 309-341-7265

Women’s Market

What: The best place for good deals starting at $1. Everything must go, from makeup, clothes, jewelry, wigs and more. Enjoy free food while shopping. Come support new entrepreneurs in town and celebrate Women’s History Month.

When: 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 9

Where: Galesburg Selfie Museum, 149 N. Broad St., Galesburg

For more: 309-351-4964

Little Sprouts: Cozy in Nature

What: It's still cold outside but we can get cozy inside while we have an indoor picnic and camp. The class will talk about our favorite animals and do a fun craft. This month's class will be held mostly inside, with a walk through the woods, weather permitting, so dress accordingly.

When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 9

Where: Lakeside Nature Center, 1033 S. Lake Storey Road, Galesburg

Cost: $5

For more: 309-345-3683

Sandburg Songbag Concert Series

What: The first performer in the series will be Bell & Field of Kewanee, a folk/rock/cover band. The Songbag Concert Series is named for Carl Sandburg's collection of songs and stories The American Songbag. The series aims to present an array of musical showcases that honor the legacy of Carl Sandburg as a poet, writer, activist, musician and prophet. Refreshments served between sets.

When: 2 and 3:15 p.m. Sunday, March 10

Where: The Barn at Carl Sandburg Historic Site, 313 E. Third St., Galesburg

Cost: Suggested donation $5

For more: 309-342-2361, sandburg.org

Compassion on Tap

What: Enjoy food, drinks, and fun and connect with friends in support of Lutheran Social Services of Illinois’ ministry. Tickets include appetizers and drinks from the Reserve Artisan Ale taproom, which features 30 pour-your-own beverages ranging from beers to wine and nonalcoholic options of old-fashioned sodas. Funds raised will benefit LSSI’s programs serving children, youth, and families. Attendees must be 21 or older.

When: 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 10

Where: Reserve Artisan Ales, 185 S. Kellogg St., Galesburg

Cost: $25

For more: 847-635-4600, Lutheran Social Services of Illinois on Facebook

Coming next week:

Craft Night Out: Mini Wall Pocket

What: Come for a night of fun crafts and friendship. Using tin cans, we will make a wall pocket that can hold whatever you want. For ages 12 and older with adult assistance.

When: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 14

Where: Lake Storey Pavilion, 1572 Machen Drive, Galesburg\

Cost: $12 per project per personFor more: evarner@ci.galesburg.il.us, 309/345-368

Kathi Edwards is a freelance correspondent.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Here are 12 things happening this weekend in Galesburg, Illinois