Macomb.com

Ari Noris "The Enormity of an Atom"
2026-02-17 16:30 - 18:00 (America/Chicago) | WIU Art Gallery, Macomb, IL, 61455, United States
Ari Noris “The Enormity of an Atom”
On View: February 17 – March 13, 2026
Reception: Tuesday, February 17, 4:30-6:00 pm
ANNEX Gallery, Heating Plant Annex
Western Illinois University
Macomb, Illinois

Rockford artist, Ari Norris, will have his solo exhibition, “The Enormity of and Atom”, on display February 17 through March 13 at the Western Illinois University ANNEX Gallery.
A reception for the artist will be held Tuesday, February 17, 4:30-6:00 p.m. The artist will speak about his work at 5:00 pm.
Originally from West Michigan, Ari Norris is an artist primarily working in sculpture. His work utilizes a variety of processes and materials in what generally result in the duplication of real-world objects, aimed at exploring the boundaries between the ordinary and the phenomenal. Norris received an MA from Northern Illinois University in 2021, and has exhibited solo shows in Chicago at David Salkin Creative, Artruss, and The Plan. Norris has been included in the 100th Show and West, Wester, Westest 4 at Left Field Gallery, Los Osos, CA, Purpose of a System is What it Does, at Sawhorse, Chicago, IL, Introspective Dream Assembly, at Riverside Arts Center, Riverside, IL, Shooting Pool with a Rope, at Baby Blue Gallery, Chicago, IL, the Midwest Sculpture Exhibition in Kokomo, IN, among other locations including Michigan, Missouri, New York, Florida, Texas, and Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Solo exhibitions of the artist’s have been reviewed by both Chicago Spleen & Newcity, and his work has been included in print publications such as Chicago Gallery News. In 2025, Norris was awarded the Luminarts Visual Arts Fellowship.
Admission is free and open to the public.
Parking will be allowed near the gallery starting at 4:00 pm.
Image: Gesture Arrestor #1, 2025, wood, paint, found drop cloth canvas, corrugated aluminum, 48 x 48 in.

MCSRA Ceramics Workshop
2026-02-17 17:30 - 18:30 | Macomb Park District Ceramic Studio, 1406 N Randolph St. , Macomb, IL, United States
In partnership with MCSRA well provide a Ceramics class that is sensory friendly, accommodating, and above all FUN!

Wine & Wax!
2026-02-19 17:30 - 20:00 | The Wine Sellers
Sippin’ Wine and spinning’ Vinyl

Every third Thursday means it’s Wine & Wax time at The Wine Sellers!
So grab your favorite vinyl and join us beginning at 5:30.
For the Record, we hope to see you the

Noticing Nature: A Curious Guide for Sprouts
2026-02-20 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-03-13 16:00 - 17:30 | Lakeview Nature Center, 10050 N 1500th Rd, Macomb, IL, United States
The seasonal rhythm of the natural world is full of wonder and can be a constant companion that offers new surprises every day! Join us at Lakeview Nature Area and Center this month for a nature-themed story, a creative activity, and noticing nature.

Nature Makers Workshop: Little Felted Winter Landscape
2026-02-21 12:00 - 13:30 | Lakeview Nature Center, 10050 N 1500th Rd, Macomb, IL, United States
Join us this month as we transform colorful wool roving into a felted winter landscape! In this workshop, well walk through a series of simple steps as we learn how to needle felt with fabric stretched across a small embroidery hoop.

Puzzle Wars 2026!
2026-02-21 17:30 - 19:30 | Washington Street Gym
On your mark, get set, PUZZLE! Put together a team of 24 people and register for Puzzle Wars a jigsaw puzzle tournament! This year, were growing the event from 20 to 30 teams, so even more puzzlers can join the fun.

Tonja Torgerson "Plant / Person"
2026-02-24 16:30 - 18:00 | WIU Art Gallery, Macomb, IL, 61455, United States
Tonja Torgerson “Plant / Person”
On View: January 20 – February 24, 2026
Reception: Tuesday, February 24, 4:30-6:00 pm
University Art Gallery
Western Illinois University
Macomb, Illinois

Detroit artist, Tonja Torgerson, will have her solo exhibition, “Plant / Person”, on display January 20 through February 24 at the Western Illinois University Art Gallery.

A closing reception for the artist will be held Tuesday, February 24, 4:30-6:00 p.m. The artist will speak about her work at 5:00 pm.

Originally from the northern woods of Minnesota, Tonja Torgerson received her BFA from the University of Minnesota and MFA in Printmaking at Syracuse University. Her artwork is regularly exhibited nationally and internationally; and is included in private and museum collections, including the Weisman Art Museum and the Minnesota Museum of American Art.

Torgerson is an Assistant Professor and Section Lead of Printmaking at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, MI. She has been a resident artist at Texas Tech University, West Virginia Wesleyan College, the Lawrence Arts Center in Kansas, Fogo Island in Newfoundland Canada, AIR: Artist Image Resource of Pittsburgh, and New York Mills in Minnesota. Her recent series Body Politic, a collaboration with Christa Carleton, was awarded funding from Indiana University, the Puffin Foundation, the Holter Museum, and the McKnight Foundation.

Admission is free and open to the public.

Parking will be allowed near the gallery starting at 4:00 p.m. on the day of the reception.

Post 6 BIG Band
2026-02-25 19:00 - 21:00 | Park Place
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
POST 6 BIG BAND
Park Place 127 E Carroll St, Macomb, IL 61455
Bring your dancing shoes and/or just come to enjoy the tunes from the past with the Post 6 Big Band, directed by John Cooper.
We play from 7-9 p.m. the last Wednesday of every month August—April
Except November and a Special Christmas Edition presented on the 2nd Wednesday, December 10
Admission is free, but there will be a free-will donation to support the band.
Cold Drinks Available for Purchase

319 to 309 Tour: Macomb Stop!
2026-02-28 18:00 - 22:30 | The Ritz
The 319 to 309 Tour travels city to city across Iowa and Illinois to spotlight local artists, small businesses, and brands.
Hometown Acts:
CHISongwriter
MCPaul X
Ozone815
Touring Acts:
Tone Da Boss
Yung Bullet
Silence
KlazikSounds by @SwerveSamuels
6PM – 10PM
Early Bird Tix: $5 until Jan 9th
Presale: $7
Door: $10

Christine Knize "Orchidelirium”
2026-03-03 16:30 - 18:00 | WIU Art Gallery, Macomb, IL, 61455, United States
Christine Knize “Orchidelirium”
On View: March 3 – April 10, 2026
Reception: Tuesday, March 3, 4:30-6:00 pm
University Art Gallery
Western Illinois University
Macomb, Illinois

Florida artist, Christine Knize, will have her solo exhibition, “Orchidelirium”, on display March 3 through April 10 at the Western Illinois University Art Gallery.
An opening reception for the artist will be held Tuesday, March 3, 4:30-6:00 p.m. The artist will speak about her work at 5:00 pm.
Christine Knize, alumna of Tyler School of Art, BFA and Rhode Island School of Design, MFA, born in NYC, inherited her artistic talent from two generations of women artists. Her academic journey led her to spend three years in Italy and France, specializing in the Renaissance. Throughout her career, Christine maintained a dual focus on painting and photography. In 1986, Christine moved to Miami, where she established a paint decoration company which drew the attention of numerous celebrities. Notably, Christine dedicated years to the restoration of the Biltmore Hotel, where she meticulously revived the hand-painted finishes adorning the lobby and ballrooms. She also played a role in the initial renovations of Miami Beach Art Deco hotels, contributing to the preservation of historical landmarks. After three decades in Miami; Christine embraced a new chapter in Jacksonville, Florida, where she channels her artistic energy into creating large-scale canvases of orchids.
Admission is free and open to the public.
Parking will be allowed near the gallery starting at 4:00 p.m. on the day of the reception.

Trivia Night - EVERY TUESDAY
2026-03-03 18:30 - 20:30 | Sports Corner @ 124
Sports Corner Presents? TRIVIA NIGHT🧠🏆‼️
Looking for some mid-week excitement? We got you covered EVERY Tuesday from 6:30-8:30

Lion’s Club Pancake Breakfast
2026-03-07 07:00 - 12:00 | Colchester Lion’s Den, Colchester, IL
The 28th annual Maple Syrup Festival will be held at Argyle Lake State Park on Saturday, March 7th from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Individuals attending the festival will experience the tapping of the maple trees, collection of the sap, boiling down of sap into syrup, and a taste of the finished product. Tours to collect sap at the maple grove will depart regularly and several children’s activities will be ongoing throughout the day. This event is being sponsored through the cooperative efforts of the Friends of Argyle Lake State Park and park staff. The Colchester Lion’s Club will be hosting a pancake breakfast at 207 S. Fulton St. in Colchester from 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in conjunction with this event. Free refreshments will be provided by Macomb Morning Rotary and Friends of Argyle will have maple syrup and other items for sale at the event. For more information, please call the park visitor center at (309) 776-3422.

Winter Farmers Market
2026-03-07 08:30 - 12:00 | Macomb American Legion Post 6
The Macomb Farmers Market’s January indoor Winter Farmers Market will be held on Saturday, January 17th, from 8:30 am to Noon in the American Legion hall (located at E. Washington and S. Campbell, behind Macomb’s US Post Office).
You’ll find a variety of locally grown fresh produce; local honey, jams, & syrups; cookies, cakes, & other baked goods of many kinds; ready-to-eat foods, including various flavors of candy & popcorn; locally raised eggs & packaged meat; personal care products like soaps and lotions made from goats’ milk, hemp, & beeswax; and a wide variety of hand-crafted wooden, ceramic, woven, and painted items made by talented local artists & artisans. Many of our summer Macomb Farmers Market vendors will be present, along with a number of additional vendors.
Macomb’s remaining Winter Farmers Markets will be held on February 7, March 7, and March 28. The only way to become a Macomb Winter Market vendor is to complete and submit the online application form that is pinned to the top of the Macomb Farmers Market Facebook page, next to the Vendor Rules document. If your application is accepted by the Board of Directors, the vendor fee is $20 per Market or $100 for the season.

28th Annual Maple Syrup Festival
2026-03-07 10:00 - 15:00 | Argyle Lake State Park, 640 Argyle Park Rd. , Colchester, IL, 62326, United States

Stitchin' Time
2026-03-07 10:30 - 12:00 | Macomb Public Library, 235 S Lafayette St , Macomb
Macomb Public Library presents Stichin’ Time. Meets the first Saturday of each month from 10:30AM-Noon. Beginners through experts; limited supplies available or bring your own.

Day in Clay Workshop: Daffodil Candle Holder
2026-03-07 13:30 - 14:30 | Macomb Park District Ceramic Studio, 1406 N Randolph St. , Macomb, IL, United States
Join us in the studio this month as we create a daffodil candle holder that you can enjoy in your home year after year! In this workshop, well combine slab rolling and impressed textures to create a lovely piece to celebrate the arrival of spring!

Conservation Book Club
2026-03-09 18:00 - 20:00 | The Wine Sellers
Join Prairie Land Conservancy’s Conservation Book Club as we read All Humans Outside: Stories of Belonging in Nature by Tommy Corey. Explore the stories of 101 folks with different experiences and backgrounds as we reflect on how people’s lives are forever changed by nature.
The book club meets at The Wine Sellers in Macomb from 6-8pm on Monday nights.
​Please register at the link below for this three-part event. Can only attend one of the days? Then we’d still love to have you join us!
prairielandconserancy.org/events

Get Hooked: Shamrock Keychain & Lanyard
2026-03-11 16:30 - 17:30 | Macomb Park District
Jump into the new year by learning how to crochet! In this crochet workshop, beginners will learn and work through basic stitches to create a dazzling star garland that will brighten your space!

Prairie Quilters
2026-03-12 19:00 - 21:00 | University Baptist Church, North Sherman Avenue, Macomb, IL, 61455, United States
Hosted by: University Baptist Church
Prairie Quilter meets every second Thursday to share information and stories about quilting and share designs and more. If you are interested in quilting, come and join us each month.

The Annual GESCI Mineral, Fossil & Jewelry Show
2026-03-14 10:00 - 18:00 | WIU Grand Ballroom
The Annual Mineral, Fossil and Jewelry Show
March 14 and 15, 2026 Student Union Ballroom at Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL.
Presented by theGeodeland Earth Science Clubs, Inc. (GESCI)
Find dealers, demonstrators, kid’s activities, silent auction, geode cracking, and much, much more!

This year’s show theme: “Sensational Selenite!”
Western Illinois University Union Grand Ballroom 1000 W. Murray St. Macomb, IL 61455
Saturday 10:00AM – 6:00PM
Sunday 10:00AM – 5:00PM
Admission & parking FREE!

Nature Makers Workshop: Virginia Bluebells Watercolor
2026-03-14 12:00 - 13:30 | Lakeview Nature Center, 10050 N 1500th Rd, Macomb, IL, United States
Join us this month as we paint a lovely collection of Virginia bluebells on watercolor paper! Well walk through a series of simple steps and basic watercolor painting techniques as we capture a range of luminous colors.

Cirque du Soirree
2026-03-14 17:00 - 19:00 | YMCA of McDonough County, 400 East Calhoun Street, Macomb, IL, 61455, United States
Join us for a spectacular night under the lights featuring performances from our
YMCA Circus Academy
alongside talented artists from the Gamma Phi Circus at Illinois State University.
Tickets are on sale now!
$35 per person, including a buffet-style dinner.
Cash bar available during intermission.
Want to purchase an entire table?
VIP seating for eight can be reserved for $350.
Only seven tables available, reserve soon!
For more details email staff@macombymca.org.
Also hosting a free show on Sunday at 2:00 PM featuring our YMCA Youth Academy performers only.
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1360495136105381&set=pb.100064347233412.-2207520000

BBBS Music Trivia Night
2026-03-14 18:00 - 21:00 | Macomb Elks Lodge, 401 Deer Rd, Macomb, IL
It’s MADNESS… Music Madness!
Big Brother Big Sisters Music Trivia Night!
The bracket is set and the competition is fierce!
Tickets are ON SALE NOW!
Think you’ve got what it takes to be the trivia champion?
Grab your friends, rep your favorite team, and get ready for a night of fun, friendly competition, all while supporting our local youth!
Ticket includes 7 rounds of music trivia, ONE free drink, appetizers and snacks!
Don’t get knocked out in the first round!
Get your tickets NOW!
https://secure.qgiv.com/for/bbbsotmv/event/musictrivia26/

The Annual GESCI Mineral, Fossil & Jewelry Show
2026-03-15 10:00 - 17:00 | WIU Grand Ballroom
The Annual Mineral, Fossil and Jewelry Show
March 14 and 15, 2026 Student Union Ballroom at Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL.
Presented by the Geodeland Earth Science Clubs, Inc. (GESCI)
Find dealers, demonstrators, kid’s activities, silent auction, geode cracking, and much, much more!

This year’s show theme: “Sensational Selenite!”
Western Illinois University Union Grand Ballroom 1000 W. Murray St. Macomb, IL 61455
Saturday 10:00AM – 6:00PM
Sunday 10:00AM – 5:00PM
Admission & parking FREE!

Wine & Wax!
2026-03-19 17:30 - 20:00 | The Wine Sellers
Sippin’ Wine and spinning’ Vinyl

Every third Thursday means it’s Wine & Wax time at The Wine Sellers!
So grab your favorite vinyl and join us beginning at 5:30.
For the Record, we hope to see you there!

Western Illinois Fiber Festival
2026-03-21 10:00 - 16:00 | 3022 W. Jackson Street, Macomb, IL
Meet & shop with all your favorite Fiber Farmers, Dyers, & Artisans

Join us from 10am-4pm on Sat., March 21st for the spring Western Illinois Fiber Festival at the McDonough County 4-H Center in Macomb, IL!
Meet & shop with all your favorite fiber farmers, dyers, and artisans at this lovely small but mighty event. It’s full of fiber fun, stay tuned for more details and the list of vendors!

Act 2 @ The Wine Seller
2026-03-21 17:30 - 20:00 | The Wine Sellers
The 3-piece family band returns to The Wine Sellers

Post 6 BIG Band
2026-03-25 19:00 - 21:00 | Macomb American Legion Post 6

Winter Farmers Market
2026-03-28 08:30 - 12:00 | Macomb American Legion Post 6
The Macomb Farmers Market’s second March indoor Winter Farmers Markets will be held on Saturday, March 28th, from 8:30 am to Noon in the American Legion hall (located at E. Washington and S. Campbell, behind Macomb’s US Post Office).
You’ll find a variety of locally grown fresh produce; local honey, jams, & syrups; cookies, cakes, & other baked goods of many kinds; ready-to-eat foods, including various flavors of candy & popcorn; locally raised eggs & packaged meat; personal care products like soaps and lotions made from goats’ milk, hemp, & beeswax; and a wide variety of hand-crafted wooden, ceramic, woven, and painted items made by talented local artists & artisans. Many of our summer Macomb Farmers Market vendors will be present, along with a number of additional vendors.
