Seminary Street shuts down this Friday for the return of First Fridays — and if you’ve never been, here’s what you need to know.
Morgan Seabloom, marketing and operations coordinator for Dante & Dory’s Pet Emporium, and Nikki Malley, owner of Malley Farms, joined Galesburg’s Morning News on Tuesday, June 3, to talk about the event. Listen to the full interview below.
First Fridays runs from 5 to 8 p.m. on the first Friday of each month, June through September, on Historic Seminary Street. The street closes to traffic, local businesses and restaurants set up in the street, and a free live concert anchors the evening. The event has run for 17 years and has only been cancelled two or three times.
It’s free. Bring a lawn chair.
This Friday — June 5
Bits and Pieces, a classic rock band with a kick of Santana, opens the season. The band is sponsored by CBI Bank and has a strong local following. Discovery Depot will have a children’s activity booth where kids can make DIY hand spinners. Malley Farms will be out in the street with sweet and salty snacks and their new line of handmade chocolate bon bons.
Restaurants in the street include Landmark Cafe, Innkeepers Coffee, The Packinghouse, Jimmy’s Pizza, JT’s Caramel Corn, and Cornucopia. Prices for street food run roughly $3 to $10. Euclid Beverage is the drink sponsor and will have an adult beverage tent.
The full 2026 lineup
- June 5: Bits and Pieces — classic rock, sponsored by CBI Bank
- July 3: Frank F. Sydney’s Western Bandit Volunteers — local band returning from hiatus
- Aug. 7: Soul Situation — soul, funk, and R&B from the Peoria area
- Sept. 4: Pippi and Daniel Music with the Experience Band — large band, high-energy performance
OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Tompkin’s State Bank, and Knox College carry sponsorship through July, August, and September.
For more information, visit the First Fridays Facebook event page.
