City Hall Parking Lot
Directly Behind DeSoto House Hotel
Saturdays
August 2, August 9, August 16, August 23, August 30

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.

August 2, August 9, August 16, August 23, August 30

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!

Hat & Honey Bar
DeSoto House Hotel
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Cost: $65
Date: August 8th & September 12th, 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!

Romantic Galena Reads
September 6
Grand Ballroom – DeSoto House Hotel
10 AM – 3 PM
Free Admission

Love to read? Come to the 4th Annual Romantic Galena Reads book fair at the historic DeSoto House Hotel!

In attendance will be around 30 romance authors from all over the country, including bestselling and award-winning authors of every romance genre – Contemporary, Historical, Suspense, Western, Paranormal and more – everything from sweet to steamy. There will be something for everyone to enjoy.

Attending authors include bestselling authors Tess Summers, Measha Stone, Lori Matthews, Terri Reid, Jessa Aarons, PJ Fiala, Shannyn Schroeder, Aubrey Wynne, and many more. Cover models, Robert Kelly and Tony Brettman, will also be in attendance.
Bring your friends and find your new favorite books and authors!

For tickets and more information, click here.

Ladies Getaway Weekend
September 5 – September 7
Downtown Galena
Quartermania – Saturday September 6
Courtyard Restaurant – DeSoto House Hotel
7:00 PM

After strolling Galena’s Historic Main Street, shopping and dining, join the Annual Quartermania!

Get ready for shopping deals, drinks & laughs! Many stores and restaurants will be hosting special events, in-store specials and more throughout the weekend!

A fun bidding game (using quarters) on items donated from Great Galena Businesses. The items up for auction always have a minimum value of $15 and many items have a much higher value, usually $15-40 values. Tickets are $15, which is your entry fee with paddle and includes snacks. Wine and beer will also be available for purchase! Limited quarters will be available for purchase at the event, and you are welcome to bring your own!

Participating at Quartermania gives you the opportunity to purchase more ticket entries for the Great Galena Giveaway – $300 – $600, with the winner announced at the end of Quartermania on September 6th.

For tickets and 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!