The air is cold but Galena Country is heating up with these exciting events coming up! Explore writing skills, savor good food and local beer, sip on whiskey, plan your wedding, enjoy winter activities and be a spectator at fun winter sport events!
The Galena LitFest
Jan. 5-19 This festival, for readers and writers, is back for the fifth year. Brush up on your skills at various free writers’ workshops, have brunch with "Elizabeth Barrett Browning" and dine with award-winning indie author, Heather Bentley as well as New York Times bestselling author and humorist, Micheal Perry. 
Beer Pairing Dinner at Galena Brewing Company
Jan.18 Seated in the beer cellar of the Galena Brewing Company, savor a 4-course meal together with beer parings, alongside new beers that are happily fermenting at your side. Ask your hosts those beer related questions you have always wanted to ask, and learn more about the beer making process during this unique experience. 
Galena Whiskey Weekend
Jan. 26 Cheers to liquid sunshine! Sip on more than 175 whiskeys in the historic Turner Hall, a treasured gathering place by the citizens of Galena for more than 125 years, just steps away from the Helluva Half Mile. Ticket's include heavy hors d'oeuvres and a Glencairn keepsake glass. 
Illinois Special Olympics - Winter Games
Feb. 5-7 Cheer on more than 400 athletes as they go for the gold in Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing at Chestnut Mountain Resort! Athletes from around the state will compete in this 3-day event, which kicks off with an opening ceremony and parade in downtown Galena. Don't miss the fireworks display after the parade. 
Winter Carnival Weekend
Feb. 15-17 Have "snow" much fun with the whole family while making cherishable memories. Warm up in front of a cozy bonfire while watching a Hot Air Balloon Glow, play snow games, watch ice carving, sled on a 75-foot vertical drop, enjoy cross-country skiing or ice-skate on a 1.5-acre pond.
Beer Pairing Dinner at Galena Brewing Company
Feb.15 Seated in the beer cellar of the Galena Brewing Company, savor a 4-course meal together with beer parings, alongside new beers that are happily fermenting at your side. Ask your hosts those beer related questions you have always wanted to ask, and learn more about the beer making process during this unique experience.
Galena Bridal Fair
Feb. 16 Did you say "yes"? Visit the regions top wedding specialists at this bridal fair, taking place in the historic Turner Hall. Make your wedding dreams come true by taking care of all arrangements in one location and register for dozens of prizes. 
Java, Chocolate & Champagne Stroll
Feb. 16 Galena is hosting their first Java, Chocolate & Champagne Stroll! Enjoy special treats as you stroll your way along Galena's magical Main Street. The entire weekend has a Java, Chocolate & Champagne theme to it with specials and events sprinkled everywhere you go.
Annual Big Nut Open
Mar. 16-17 Get to Galena for some powder competition at Chestnut Mountain Resort! Ski and Snowboard athletes compete for honor and a cash prize in the Rail Jam, Slopestyle, and Big Air competitions. Chestnut Mountain perches high on a ridge overlooking the Mississippi River near the historic river port of Galena. 
More events...
There's always something going on in Galena Country! Stay up to date with what's happening by following the events calendar on VisitGalena.org. Plan your visit around popular happenings such as The Great Galena Balloon Race, Galena Country Fair, Galena Halloween Parade and the Night of Luminaria and Living Windows. Be sure to book accommodation early!