Here Are the Best Places to Find Live Music in Galena, IL
How to Experience Live Music in Galena, IL
If you’re a fan of music, you’ll know that live performances offer something that recorded music doesn’t. It adds a measure of energy and authenticity, and it also provides an opportunity for a closer connection between the musician and the listener. Listening to live music is also a great way to have fun and enjoy an evening. Whatever your reasons for listening, here are some of the best places to enjoy live music in Galena, IL. And, if you’re looking for other things to do while in Galena, our free Vacation Guide is a huge time-saver!
Music on Main Street – Restaurants, Bars & Beyond
If you’d like somewhere right on Main Street in Galena, walking distance from Farmers Guest House, where you can relax with your favorite spirits, a romantic meal or casual pub fare and light bites while enjoying live music, the following spots offer something for everyone in unique settings.
Miss Kitty’s Grape Escape | See Live Music Schedule
Looking for a truly unique, delicious, and endlessly entertaining place? Make your way to Miss Kitty’s Grape Escape for an experience you won’t soon forget! Discover fantastic drinks and a fun atmosphere when you visit this favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. Food is served up at Miss Kitty’s Grape Escape until 1:00 am every morning and their seasonal, rotating menu highlights are a don’t miss! Everything about this bar is top-notch, from the excellent service to the creative cocktails and lively music. The vibrant atmosphere at Miss Kitty’s makes for a great place to go on the weekend!
Log Cabin Steakhouse | Live Piano Saturday nights
If you’re looking for somewhere where you can find entertainment, top-notch food, and a classy though welcoming atmosphere, Log Cabin is the place for you. This restaurant has a lively piano bar on Saturday nights—order a drink and stay for a while! If you plan to eat here, it may be a good idea to get a reservation beforehand. Thanks to the quality, the Log Cabin tends to be busy!
Galena Cellars Downtown Tasting Room | Live Music Saturdays
Sip local wines, savor seasonal small plates and enjoy live music every Saturday at this local vineyard’s Main Street location. Their Vineyard, just a short drive from the Farmers Guest House, also offers live “Music in the Vines” on Saturdays if you’re looking to explore beyond the downtown area. You can check out the details of their events on their website: https://galenacellars.com/events/
Galena Brewing Company | See Live Music Calendar
If you are in search of a refreshing glass of craft beer, head on over to Galena Brewing Company! Local history influences their award-winning brews, many of which bear names of historical figures. Stop in to see what they have on tap—it changes throughout the year as seasonal beers are made available.
Unique Live Music Events Beyond Downtown
It’s fair to say that Galena is a destination that calls to travelers with a passion for history and scenery in equal measure. This locale is rich in stories and vistas that make a trip memorable with every booking. The versatility that visitors find within the boundaries of Galena also extends to its ever-growing music scene. Much to the delight of those who are looking to define their Galena getaway through performances, impromptu musical experiences, and stops that pair the best of flavors with musical fun—there’s no shortage of options to choose from! Diversifying that music-focused itinerary in Galena is a breeze when you know where to start looking. The following are a few more of the many options that are sure to provide an incredible audible experience when you’re next in the area!
Live at the Plaza – Select Thursdays, June – October
Those looking for a small town experience complete with street musicians, fun performances, and the beverage and food vendors to match will find it at Live at the Plaza! It’s a pedestrian-friendly and admission-free event that highlights talented local artists while visitors can simultaneously check out the Main Street galleries, eateries, and boutiques alike.
This new addition to the city’s lineup is hosted from 5:00pm – 8:00pm at Green Street Plaza at 110 Green Street on the second and last Thursday even of each month. While the performances are sure to please, the atmosphere is vibrant and every Live at the Plaza event has a specific monthly theme as well.
Animals, Nature AND Live Music – Hoof it Galena
In addition to their hugely popular, goat treks, Hoof It Galena offers special event treks like Hoof’n & Groove’n where, not only do you get to mingle with their herd during a evening hike, but you also get to enjoy live music on the gorgeous property. These events are bring your own beverage, your favorite snacks or a picnic meal, and guests are welcome to bring blankets or lawn chairs to enjoy an evening of nature, bonfires, music and goats! Check out their website for additional details about these and other events offered by Hoof-It Galena.
Craft Brews in Elizabeth, IL at Highway 20 Brewing Company
Just a short drive east on Route 20 from Farmers Guest House you’ll find Highway 20 Brewing Company, once a 148 year old Presbyterian Church, now a small craft brewery! Highway 20 Brewing Company offers a variety of taps, all brewed on location. They offer a selection of snacks, and also encourage you to bring your own. Relax on their outdoor patio while taking in some live music performances on Saturdays and Sundays. Visit them at 113 S Main St., Elizabeth, IL 61028 and check out their Facebook page for event specifics and more information.
Live Music Friday-Sunday Afternoons at Council Hill
Situated in the beautiful rolling hills outside of Downtown Galena, Council Hill Station is another unique gem among the bars in Galena Country. Step inside the old general store or barn and drift back in time for a while. This is a great place to spend some time in conversation with others while enjoying a drink and live music from local musicians.
To see what other events happen in Galena, check out Galena Country’s event calendar. Of course, our Vacation Guide is also a great resource!
Relax at Farmers Guest House
You will be within walking distance from some of the best music in Galena when you stay at Farmers Guest House! Our charming historic inn is in the heart of downtown, just steps away from Main Street. Since Galena is a small town, walking from place to place is a fantastic way to explore, so making Farmers Guest House your first stop ensures that your vacation will be off to a great start.
Additionally, Farmers Guest House has a long-standing tradition of greeting guests which began over 150 years ago, in 1867, as the Farmers Home Hotel. A stay at Farmers Guest House is an experience in Galena’s history. From the rooms named after the wives of Civil war generals to elegant decor, our inn is the perfect balance of authentic Galena charm and modern amenities. Beyond comfortable beds and luxurious Whirlpool tubs, we host a scrumptious breakfast every morning for our guests, and evening WineTime, ensuring you will get the most out of your retreat.
Be sure to browse all our accommodations before you book your stay in historic Galena, and feel free to contact us with any questions you may have!