Galena fall and winter festivals and events

50TH ANNUAL TOUR OF HISTORIC HOMES

Sept. 23 and 24

Take in Galena's history up close and personal at this guided tour of historic homes and hear the stories of their original residents. Tickets $18 to $72, galenahistory.org/events/tour-of-historic-homes.

OKTOBERFEST

Sept. 30, Depot Park, 91 Bouthillier St.

Celebrate fall with a ceremonial keg tapping, live music, wiener dog races, polka lessons and dancing, a bean bag tournament, beer stein endurance contest, activities for kids and, of course, plenty of beer and hearty German food. Tickets $5, galenalions.org/galena-oktoberfest.asp.

COUNTRY FAIR

Oct. 7 and 8, Grant Park, 625 Park Ave.

More than 150 vendors will bring original, handmade arts, crafts and fine arts to Galena. Visitors also can enjoy fair food, live music and Irish dancing and farmers market booths where they can stock up on maple syrup, honey, locally-grown apples and more. Suggested donation $2, galenacountryfair.com.

ART ALONG THE RIVER

Oct. 14 and 15, Depot Park, 91 Bouthillier St.

Discover the talent of Tri-State-area painters, potters, jewelry makers, photographers and other artists and learn more about the Scenic Art Loop in Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin. Tickets $2, artalongtheriver.com.

HALLOWEEN PARADE

Oct. 28

Bursts of fire light up Main Street as floats and festivities and marching bands delight costumed revelers at this annual parade.

NIGHT OF THE LUMINARIA & LIVING WINDOWS

Dec. 9

Stroll down Galena's Main Street and watch windows come alive with holiday-inspired animation. From Main Street to the hills overlooking Grant Park, all of Galena will be glowing with more than 5,000 candlelit luminaries on streets, steps and sidewalks.

WINE LOVER'S WEEKEND

March 23 and 24, Turner Hall, 115 S. Bench St.

Sip and savor your way through one of Illinois' largest wine tasting events. More than 250 wines will be poured during three tasting times, all expected to sell out. Tickets $45, wineloversweekend.com.