January serves as a natural fresh start for many people, and this year is the beginning of not only a new year, but also a new decade, why not set out to be more involved, more adventurous, and more connected this year? Galena, being the bustling town that it is, has a wide variety of events and activities for everyone in the month of January. Check out all that is happening in Galena this January and make a point to get out there and experience whatever interests you!
Galena Litfest
This literary event series is back for the sixth year, providing four free writer’s workshops and a handful of authors to meet and learn from. This year’s authors and presenters include Keziah Frost, Shawn Shiflett, Sarah Hammond, Carol Poston, Ph.D., E’mon Lauren, Marry Potter Kenyon, Faisal Mohyuddin, Debra Ann Miller, David W. Berner, and keynote speaker, Lorna Landvik. The complete schedule of events is listed below. All events are free to attend except for the final event, Dining with the Authors. However, you must register via Eventbrite for each.
- Sunday, January 5: Getting Rid of Mabel: Author Reception
- Tuesday, January 7: Dreams in Fiction: A Workshop
- Wednesday, January 8: Writing for Young People: A Workshop
- Thursday, January 9: Self-Publish with Inkie.org!
- Saturday, January 11: Jane Austen and the Uses of the Gothic
- Sunday, January 12: A Tale of Beatrix Potter
- Monday, January 13: Commando: Poetry Reading
- Saturday, January 18: Beginning Writing for Publication
- Saturday, January 18: Sound Play: A Poetry Workshop
- Sunday, January 19: Dining with the Authors
This event will feature dinner, two presentations, and book signings. The cost is $40-60.
Slip & Slide Sundays at Chestnut
Bring your kiddos to Chestnut Mountain Resort every Sunday in January for Slip & Slide Sundays. This event is hosted in partnership with Burton and is intended to introduce kids, aged 3-7, to the slopes. Tickets are $5 and must be purchased online. Only 8 spots are available per class, so grab those tickets while you can! The lesson itself is from 2 to 3 p.m. each Sunday, with registration taking place from 1:30 to 2 p.m. Tickets can be redeemed in Powder Pups, located in the basement of the Main Lodge.
Windy City Dueling Piano
Enjoy dinner AND a show at The Galena Brewery on Friday, January 17. From 5:30 to 10 p.m. the Windy City Dueling Piano performers will treat audience members to a memorable night of singing and dancing. Their musical ability stretches across all genres, including over 1,000 tunes from the last century to today. The cost for dinner and the show is $38 per person or $14 for the show only. The show begins at 7 p.m.
Bonfire on the Bluff
Join Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation (JDCF) for their bonfire on the bluff event on Saturday, January 18 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Casper Bluff Land and Water Reserve. This is a family-friendly event that will feature candle-lit hiking at Casper Bluff, several bonfire locations, sunset viewing, hot chocolate, and the potential to hear some owl’s hooting in the night. This outdoor adventure is just $10 and will continue regardless of snowfall, so if that’s the case bring appropriate attire, including snowshoes or cross-country skis. The trails are appropriate for all ages and abilities.
Murder and Mayhem in a Mining Town
Embrace your spooky interests well beyond “spooky season” by joining Haunted Galena at the DeSoto House Hotel on Saturday, January 18 for Murder and Mayhem in a Mining Town. This event will take place from 8 to 9:45 p.m. and costs $25. It will feature dark Galena history, eerie folklore, and true ghost stories. Attendees will learn about historically infamous deaths, tragedies, and hauntings. The creepy fun will be accompanied by some music, appetizers, and a cash bar. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
Galena Whiskey Weekend
Pick from one of two whiskey tasting experiences during Galena’s Whiskey Weekend. The experience includes over 175 whiskey options, hors d’oeuvres, and a Glencairn keepsake glass. Hosted at Turner Hall on Saturday, January 25, attendees can choose between two tasting experiences. The afternoon tasting goes from 1-3:30 p.m. and the evening tasting follows from 5-7:30 p.m. Tickets are $110 per person and are required with identification for admittance.
