Love to read? Come to the fifth annual Romantic Galena Reads book fair at the historic DeSoto House Hotel!
In attendance will be 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 Molly McLain, Cameron Hart, Jessa Aarons, Carolyn Brown, Elise Gedicke, L.B. Dunbar, Via Mari, Lacy Rose, 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!

Join Scott Rische’s Open Mic every Sunday at the Grape Escape.

The ensemble meets to rehearse every Tuesday from 7-8pm.

We welcome new singers high school age and up of all abilities – including beginners. This choral group offers local singers an opportunity to make new friends and renew old friendships through music. There is no audition process and singers do not have to be able to read music to join the group. The ensemble is directed by Kent Parry, with accompanist Kori Skidmore.

To learn more about joining the Summit Street Singers, contact Carole Sullivan at 815-402-3111, email info@galenacenterforthearts.com, or simply attend a rehearsal.

The Galena Reprise Singers is a chorus designed for people living with early memory loss and for those who care for them. Choirs like this are often referred to as memory choirs.

The choir welcomes people with early memory loss, and someone involved in their care such as a spouse, family member, friend, or anyone who can attend rehearsals and support their participation on a consistent basis. The care partner may sing or not, their choice. Then, each singer is matched with a volunteer singer who sings alongside the person with memory loss, helping as needed. So, the choir needs volunteers to sing in any vocal part. This is an open and accepting group, welcoming all who are interested in participating regardless of prior singing experience.

Rehearsals are weekly for 90 minutes on Wednesdays at 2pm, rehearsing for 10 weeks, ending November 18, 2026 with a community performance.

To find out more or to sign up, please email RepriseSingers@galenacenterforthearts.com.

The Songwriters Showcase series celebrates the creation and performance of original music while giving audiences an opportunity to hear the stories and inspirations behind the songs.

Thomas Burns has been performing throughout the Upper Midwest for more than 20 years, earning a reputation for his distinctive guitar style rooted in the rich traditions of American music. An award-winning songwriter, his original compositions have received both local and national airplay and have been featured on multiple studio CD releases.

Mark Dvorak is an acclaimed singer-songwriter whose original songs have been praised as “wondrous” and “profound.” A lifelong performer, writer, and recording artist, he brings thoughtful storytelling, memorable melodies, and a distinctive voice to every stage. His engaging performances showcase well-crafted original music that reflects the enduring spirit of the folk tradition while speaking to contemporary audiences.

The event is free and open to the public. Donations are appreciated and help support the Center’s ongoing efforts to showcase regional talent and original music.

Special thanks to sponsors Mark and Mary Ellen

Join Scott Rische’s Open Mic every Sunday at the Grape Escape.

Join us for an engaging afternoon with Maestro William Intriligator, Music Director & Conductor of the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra. Intriligator will offer a preview of the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra’s upcoming season, Spirit, Luminous, sharing insights into the music, performances and inspiration behind the season.

Guitarist Marcus DeJesus will also join the conversation, offering his perspective as a featured artist and performing excerpts from his upcoming performance with the DSO in November.

Taught by Millie Richard
Learn how to use a sewing machine to piece fabric and construct a small basket using linen and cotton! The class will cover threading and setting up your machine & techniques for accurate piecing using a precut kit, including all fabric and fleece batting. You will choose from several different kits for your finished project. Other topics may include fabric, thread, and interfacing types.
$45 per person (covers both days)
Class limit – 8 students

The Carnival Of The Dead pulls into town. A ghostly Medicine Show whispering tales of melancholy, murder, and mayhem…leaving behind the spirits that remain to this day. Join us to experience chilling murder ballads, poetry and nursery rhymes that have been shared throughout generations and the hauntingly true stories that inspired them.

Recommended for ages 16 and up.

Create Scarecrows for our “Art that Stands Out in its Field” annual exhibit, which will be up most of October.
Bring your friends and kids and some silly clothing for a fun experience creating scarecrows!
We’ll have some scarecrow forms to work with. $15 materials fee if you take the scarecrow home with you. No fee if the scarecrow stays at the center.

Taught by Millie Richard
Learn how to use a sewing machine to piece fabric and construct a small basket using linen and cotton! The class will cover threading and setting up your machine & techniques for accurate piecing using a precut kit, including all fabric and fleece batting. You will choose from several different kits for your finished project. Other topics may include fabric, thread, and interfacing types.
$45 per person (covers both days)
Class limit – 8 students

The Carnival Of The Dead pulls into town. A ghostly Medicine Show whispering tales of melancholy, murder, and mayhem…leaving behind the spirits that remain to this day. Join us to experience chilling murder ballads, poetry and nursery rhymes that have been shared throughout generations and the hauntingly true stories that inspired them.

Recommended for ages 16 and up.