City Hall Parking Lot
Directly Behind DeSoto House Hotel
Saturdays
October 4, October 11, October 18, October 25

Experience the bounty of local agriculture and artisanal crafts at the Galena Farmers Market, conveniently located at the Galena City Hall parking lot in the heart of downtown.

Every mid-May through late-October, from 7 AM to noon, the market comes alive with the vibrant colors and aromas of freshly harvested produce, fruits, and organic foods.

The market is a celebration of the region’s agricultural richness, showcasing an assortment of specialties from local farmers and artisans. Whether you’re looking for juicy heirloom tomatoes, freshly baked bread, or handmade artisanal crafts, you’re sure to find something that catches your eye.

Admission to the market is free, so you can explore the many stalls and stands at your leisure, sampling the offerings and chatting with the friendly vendors. The Galena Farmers Market is the perfect destination for those seeking a taste of local flavor and a chance to support the community’s farmers and artisans.

Saturdays
October 4, October 11, October 18, October 25

Join General Ulysses S. Grant (portrayed by Bob Buman) for a one-hour walking tour of Galena’s Historic Main Street.

Enjoy fascinating factual stories of early Galena, lead mining, steamboating, and General Grant in the Civil War. He’ll share the stories associated with the many buildings on the National Historic Registry and his experiences when his family owned a leather and saddlery shop more than 150 years ago.

Regularly scheduled walking tours with General Grant are available every Saturday from May through October. Tours operate at 10am and begin at the DeSoto House Hotel at 230 S. Main Street.

No reservations are necessary. Tours run rain or shine!

Oktoberfest
October 4
11:00 AM-10:00 PM

The 18thThe 18th Annual Galena Oktoberfest is a German heritage festival nestled in historic Galena, Illinois.

Grab an Ice-Cold Beer and a Bratwurst and make your way to the

famous Wiener Dog Races. After that, sit back and listen

to the gentle sound of the Alpen Horns softly playing,

or throw on your lederhosen and dance to some Polka Music.

Bring the whole family, and head over to the Kinder Area

where children can try their luck with The Great Pumpkin Lift and win free Potosi Root Beer. Grab some

Apple Cider Donuts and paint some pumpkins or play Big Jenga or Big Connect 4 in the shade a while.

Tired of relaxing? Accomplish a feat of strength in the

Samuel Adams Stein Hoisting Competition.

For more information and event schedules, please click here!

Galena Country Fair
October 11 – October 12
Grant Park
10 AM – 4 PM
$3 suggested donation

Immerse yourself in the charm of the Galena Country Fair, a delightful two-day event featuring over 100 hand-selected artisans showcasing unique, high-quality handmade items. Discover an array of home decor, seasonal decorations, clothing, toys, jewelry, photography, and more. Indulge in a delectable selection of food and beverages, including domestic and local craft beer, cocktails, and a Gazebo Wine Garden serving Galena Cellars red and white wine, sangria, and other treats.

Bring the whole family to enjoy a fun-filled weekend complete with live music, a children’s games area, a silent auction, raffle, playground, and more. The Galena Country Fair offers something for everyone, creating lasting memories for all who attend.

Hat & Honey Bar
DeSoto House Hotel
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Cost: $65
October 24th, 2025

Gather your friends and family for a one-of-a-kind experience at Dry Creek Beekeeping’s Hat Bar & Honey Bar Event held at the DeSoto House Hotel in Galena!

Create Your Custom Hat: Choose from Western, Fedora, or Flat-Brimmed hats and try your hand at burning a gorgeous bee and sunflower design onto your hat using specialized tools. Your hat will be pre-stenciled with a custom-made bee and sunflower design, so you can easily burn in the design with the help from expert instructor, Marie McDonough from Marie’s Wood Carvings. Plus, you’ll add your personal touch by choosing a hat band, feathers, and other accessories to make your hat truly unique!

Honey Bar Tasting: Sip, savor, and sample up to 20 varieties of delicious honey from around the world! Learn about the distinct flavor notes of each variety and discover where they come from. Once you’ve found your favorite, you can purchase your top picks to take home!

All-Inclusive Fun: Your registration fee of $65 covers everything: instruction, tools, hat, band, accessories, and honey tasting. By the end of the event, you’ll be rocking a stylish, custom-burned hat that’s all your own—and you’ll be buzzing about your honey finds!

Don’t miss out on this creative and sweet event. Space is limited—reserve your spot in advance!

Food and drinks are available to purchase through the DeSoto House Hotel. Maybe you’d like to order a charcuterie board or try a glass of honey mead wine as you enjoy this workshop.

Children ages 8+ are welcome. The felt burning of the hat requires the use of a hot tool, so please consider this when booking for children.

For tickets and more information, please click here!

Galena’s 45th Annual Halloween Parade
Saturday, October 25
6:30 PM – 8 PM

Join Galena’s 45th Annual Halloween Parade & Festival! The largest, longest, and spookiest Parade and Festival in the Tri-State Area!

This extraordinary display features spectacular floats, marching bands, costumed participants, prizes, and treats for guys and ‘ghouls’ of all ages. Take the kids to the Kids Fest and grab a bite to eat before the parade at the Food Festival.

Shuttles will be provided from parking areas to Main Street. Shuttles will run beginning at 3 PM, with last shuttle at 5:30 PM from the Walmart parking lot located off of US 20, to Downtown Galena. The return shuttles after the parade will be running until 9:15 PM. The cost of a round trip ticket on the shuttle is $5.00 per person for ages 6 and up. You will be given a wrist band to ride the shuttle. If you do not wish to ride the shuttle you can access the public parking areas for free or paid parking.

For more information, click here!

Tickets on Sale Now!

Join the DeSoto House Hotel and the Galena Generals at the annual General’s Ball!

Dinner in the Grand Ballroom followed by dancing in the Courtyard Atrium.

This event will sell out – don’t miss your chance!