Whether it’s a family ski trip, a snowboarding expedition with the guys, or a girlfriend getaway, Galena is a destination you don’t want to miss this winter. Known for beautiful views, a rich history, small boutiques, and rolling vineyards, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Galena. So, what are you waiting for? Here are just a few things to do this month once you’re here!
Mardi Gras Weekend Celebration
This event is the next best thing to New Orleans for a Mardi Gras celebration with friends. Arrive on Friday, March 1 to register at 2 p.m., then start the celebration off with a pub crawl that moves down the Helluva Half Mile at 6 p.m. Continue the festivities on Saturday, March 2 with a Mardi Gras Parade in the late afternoon, followed by a Masquerade Ball at Galena Brewing Company in the evening. The ball is free to attend, masks will be for sale, and there will be live music by The Blue Dog Band.
Bring your dance partner to Galena on March 8-9 to immerse yourself in 50s culture. Kick off the weekend on Friday night with live music from Jake’O McCluskey at the Galena Brewing Company. The dance workshops will take place Saturday starting at 9 a.m. at the historic Turner Hall, followed by a Sock Hop dance party from 6-10 p.m. Admission to dance workshops is $15 for adults and $10 for kids, with the concerts included in the price. There will be contests, prizes, food, and craft beer to top off the perfect weekend with your dance crew.
Bring the squad down to Galena on March 9-10 for the 11th Annual Big Nut Open. Rail Park Jam is from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Farside Terrain Park and Jump Line will be from 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Blackhawk. Bank Slalom will take place from 11 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. It’s $10 per event and registration is from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on both days. All competitors must have a valid lift ticket and a helmet. Prizes include cash and products from sponsors. All ages can compete.
What better way to wrap up the season than to dress up and get dirty? Join Chestnut Mountain Resort as they host the 16th Annual Slush Cup on Sunday, March 17th! This family friendly event includes a costume contest, live entertainment and of course the legendary Slush Cup! Registration is at 11 a.m. inside the Sunset Grille. There is a $5 donation and the competition will begin at noon. Fuel up with some outdoor BBQ on Sunset Deck and enjoy food and drink specials.
What better way to celebrate the Irish than to head to The Grape Escape at 2 p.m. to register for the St. Patrick Pub Crawl. The crawl will head down Main Street beginning at the Green Street Tavern. You’ll need your Irish luck on Saturday during the Shamrock Shimmy 5K race, as awards are given out for the best dressed, 1st place male and female, and the most fun group. The Mini Shimmy kid’s race begins at 8 a.m. and the Adult Shimmy follows at 8:15 a.m. Wrap up the fun weekend on Sunday with a St. Patrick’s Day Parade beginning at 4 p.m. on Main Street. After the parade, head to Elks Lodge for music.
20th Annual Spaless Weekenders
The Spaless Weekenders, taking on Galena March 29-31, are a network of women from more than 15 states that gather in Galena each year for camaraderie, sisterhood, shopping, and to visit the many different venues and businesses that Galena has to offer. A welcome reception is held on Friday to kick off the weekend, hosted by Poopsie’s, Gabby’s, and Serendipity. The “Sisters” began as two women that met in Hawaii and decided to keep in touch. It’s now grown to about 150 women joining in on the fun each year, and the organization donates to charities as well.
