On December 27, 1826, villagers voted to rename their settlement “Galena,” marking the official beginning of the city’s history. This week, Galena is gearing up for an eventful new year with its 200th birthday coming in 2026!
As Galena approaches its 200th anniversary as an incorporated city, a series of special events will take place to honor this historic milestone. Beloved for its rich history, vibrant culture, and strong sense of community, Galena has much to celebrate. This bicentennial is a perfect reminder of all that makes the town so special. Explore the list of upcoming events for the new year, beginning with today’s Bicentennial Kick-Off Celebration:
Bicentennial Events
- Dec 27, 2025: Bicentennial Kick-off at DeSoto House
- Jan 16th: Galena Trivia at Turner Hall
- Feb 26th-Mar 1st: “Dream of Galena” (Turner Hall)
- Mar 14: Pie Eating Contest at Galena Eagles Club
- May 15-17: Galena History Symposium at DeSoto House
- May 15 – Labor Day: Bees, Bounty, and Bicentennial
- Jun 27: French Choir Performance at Turner Hall
- Aug 29th: Corn Boil and Music Festival at Rec Park
- Dec 27, 2026: Birthday Celebration at Turner Hall
Keep track of more updates to come: Galena Bicentennial | Celebrating 200 Years.