A list of noteworthy events in the capital city during the year

ONGOING

First Fridays Downtown Year round, 5-8pm, Every first Friday of the month stroll, shop and eat downtown. Exhibitions, live music, great deals and fun surprises. 217- 544-1723. Downtown Springfield.

Carillon Concerts Every Sunday, 3pm and 7pm, Hear the amazing bells in a free concert and take a tour up the tower (Memorial to Labor Day, fee). Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, Washington Park. 217-753-6219.

Dance Every first Friday of the month, 7- 9pm, Free dance for individuals of all abilities. Semi-formal dress attire. Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second Street, 217-753-0702.

Acoustic Lunch Hear the sounds of local musicians at the noon hour each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday in this charming coffee house. Trout Lily Cafe, 218 S. Sixth St. 217-391-0101.

Blue Mondays Every Monday night at 8:30pm, Hear local and national blues musicians brought to you by the Illinois Central Blues Club. Admission. The Alamo, 115 N. Fifth Street. 217-523-1455.

Uptown Friday Night Fridays, 5:30-7:30pm, Hosted by the Springfield Arts Council, live jazz and blues. Robbie’s, Old State Capitol Plaza South. 217-753-3519. springfieldartsco.org.

Team Of Rivals Through Aug 15, 9am-5pm daily, One-of-a-kind temporary Civil War Sesquicentennial exhibition. Museum admission. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St, 217-558-8934.

The Urge to Embellish Exhibition Through Oct 2, 8:30am-5pm Mon- Sat, 12-5pm Sun, Eclectic array of new acquisitions and rarely-seen works from museum’s collections made predominantly by non-professional artists. Free. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 217-782-7386.

Springfield Long Nine Games Apr 16, 30, May 8, 21, Jun 19, Jul 23, Aug 6, Oct 8, Nov 5, 1pm, Watch Springfield’s vintage baseball team take on other regional teams. Center Park, on Long Bay Drive off East Lake Shore Drive, Lake Springfield. springfieldlongnine.com.

Pied Piper Architectural Tour May-October, 5:30pm, Free professionally-guided architectural tours. Meets at the Lincoln-Herndon Law Office. 217-544-1723. downstownspringfield.org.

Illinois Products Farmers Market May 12-Oct 20, 4-7pm, Every Thursday (except during the IL State Fair), Fresh local food and entertainment. Commodity Pavilion. 217-785-4873. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave.

Old Capitol Farmers Market May 18-Oct 29, 8am-12:30pm Wed and Sat, Fresh fruits, vegetables and more. Chef demonstrations, artisan area, live music Saturdays. Adams St. at Fifth and Second. 217-544- 1723.

MARCH

Mi America/My America Through Mar 23, 11am-6pm Mon- Thu, Large silk screen prints by artist, writer and Chicano studies professor Carlos Francisco Jackson. UIS Visual Arts Gallery, HSB 201, One University Plaza, 217- 206-6506.

Flight - A play by Charlayne Woodard Mar 17-20, 24-27, 7:30pm Thu- Sat, 4pm Sun, Based on actual slave narratives, as well as African and African-American folktales. $12-$10. Tickets 217-558-8934 or presidentlincoln.org. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth Street.

Slender, Tender, and Sweet - Ricky Dunham Mar 18, 7:30pm, Country music and songs from 50s, 60s and 70s. Nationally known Randy Erwin, Yodel ing Cowboy, opens. $12. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St. 217-523-2787.

The Shamrock Games Mar 19, 9am-6pm, Watch the St. Andrew’s Society ancient athletics in their season opening competition. Free. Illinois State Fairgrounds Coliseum. 217-787-2918.

Willie Nelson Mar 19, 7:30-11pm, Country singing legend comes to play and sing in Springfield. $45-$65. Prairie Capital Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745- 3000.

John Mueller’s Winter Dance Party Mar 19, 8pm, Official live and authentic re-creation of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and Big Bopper’s final tour. $20-$30. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St. 217-523-2787.

Tom Chapin Mar 20, 3pm, One of America’s favorite family entertainers and Grammy Award winner. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160, 800-207-6960.

LLCC Recital Series Mar 20, 4pm, “Four-Hand Classics” with Gregg Brown and Betty Schien, piano. Free. 217-786-2319. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-786-2200.

Play Museum Grand Opening Mar 26, 9:30am-4pm, Excavate mastodon bones, load a jeep for an expedition, crawl through a cave at this new, kid-friendly play museum designed for ages 3-11. Opening also includes live entertainment, games, and crafts. Free. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 217-782-7386.

Spring Floral Display Mar 26-Apr 10, 12-4pm Mon-Fri, 12-5pm Sat-Sun, Easter Lilies and lush tropical foliage fill the Washington Park Botanical Garden Exhibit Hall and Conservatory. 217-753-6228.

Springfield Jaycees International Beer Festival Mar 26, 5-10pm, Join in the tasting and fun. $10. Illinois State Fairgrounds, Illinois Building Main Floor. 217-836-9281.

Springfield Classical Guitar Society Concert Mar 26, 8pm, Stanley Yates, Austin Peay State University. 726-8991. Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2313 Whittier Ave, 217-522-7331.

Spotlight on Ice Mar 26-27, 2pm and 7pm Sat, 2pm Sun, Over 100 Springfield Figure Skating members perform to musical ice versions. $10, $5 kids under 12. Nelson Center Ice Arena, Lincoln Park. 217-793-9114.

APRIL

John Paul Keith and the One-Four-Fives with Jack O and the Tennessee Tearjerkers Apr 1, 8pm, One of Memphis’ most ferocious rock and roll bands pairs with Jack O. WUIS Bedrock Series. $24, $19 in advance. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St. 217- 523-2787.

The Velveteen Rabbit April 1-10, 7pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun, Springfield Theatre Centre presents a play about a toy that earns the love of a young boy and learns about the joys and pain of becoming real. $8- $11. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St. 217-523-2787.

Depression Glass and Pottery Show & Sale Apr 2-3, 10-5pm Sat, 10am-4pm Sun, Twenty-six dealers from across several states show and sell their wares. $3, children under 12 free. (Early bird Saturday from 8:30-10 a.m. is $5.) Illinois Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds. 217-744-9828.

Springfield Train Show Apr 3, 10am-4pm, Model railroading vendors and operating layouts, door prizes. $5, children under 11 free. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds. 217-801-7479.

LLCC Recital Series Apr 3, 4pm, “Journey of the Dragonfly: Native American Flute Odyssey” with Paul Van Heuklom on flute. Free. 217-786-2319. Lincoln Land Com munity College, 5250 Shepherd Road.

Illinois Symphony Chamber Orchestra Apr 8, 7:30pm, Surprises abound for all in this evening of lush string music from Eastern Europe. Program is titled “String Surprises.” St. Agnes Church, 245 N. Amos Street, 217- 793-1330.

Spinning Into Butter Apr 8-10, 14-16, 7:30pm Thu-Sat, 2pm Sun, Play explores the dangers of both racism and political correctness in America today. $12-$6. 206- 6613. UIS Studio Theatre, One University Plaza.

Spring Lawn and Garden Sale Apr 9-10, 8am-5pm Sat, 10am-5pm Sun, Learn all that’s new for spring hosted by Neuhoff Media. Exposition Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds. Free. 217-528-3033.

Blossom Time Hikes Apr 10 and 17, May 1, 2pm, Walk the trails and see the wild flowers and trees in peak bloom. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Dr. 217- 529-1111.

International Quarter Horse Show Apr 14-17, time to be announced, Free. Illinois State Fairgrounds Coli seum. For more information phone 618-407-3221.

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes Apr 16, 9:30am kick-off, 10:45am walk, Men in heels lead the march calling for an end to sexual violence. Kick-off at Caitie Girl. Rally 11:15 a.m. at State Capitol. After party 12 p.m. Caitie Girl’s. 744-2560. firstgiving.com/pcasa. Caitie Girls Restaurant & Lounge, 400 E. Jefferson St.

An Evening of Magic Apr 16, 7:30pm, From the Orient Jade, Master of Ceremonies Doc Eason, Comedy Magician Tom Burgoon, Three Time World Champion Bull Whip Artist Chris Camp, Magician Tony Dowell. Comedy Ventriloquist Rick Fisher & Riley Rabbit. $15. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth Street. 217-523-2787.

Springfield Classical Guitar Society Apr 16, 8pm, Javier Calderon, head of guitar program at University of Wisconsin. $12, $9 students/seniors. 726-8991. Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2313 Whittier Ave, 217-522-7331.

Route 66 Sprint Series Apr 16-17, Regional kart racing series that attracts over 200 entries. Free. route66kartracing.com. Mid state Kart Club, 160 Kender Lane , Dawson (six miles east of Springfield). 217-553-3613.

Free Days at Lincoln Home Apr 16-24, Parking fees waived to celebrate National Park Week. Free home tours always available. Lincoln Home National Historic Site, 413 S. Eighth Street.

Celtic Woman Apr 18, 7:30pm, Irish classics, contemporary covers and original compositions from well-known ensemble. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160, 800-207-6960.

It’s All Done with Mirrors - Anthony Zerbe Apr 30, 8pm, Emmy award winning actor slides the spirit of Cummings’ poetry into smart and witty theater. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160, 800-207- 6960.

Art in the Garden Apr 30, 10am-4pm, Celebrate central Illinois’ diversity of talent in this juried exhibition along the Garden’s trails and lanes. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Dr. 217-529-1111.

MAY

LLCC Recital Series May 1, 4pm, “Keyboard Jewels” with Maria Horvath, harpsichord on fortepiano and piano. Free. 786- 2319. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Rd, 217-786-2200.

Central Illinois Young Musicians’ Concert May 1, 4pm, Solo presentations of award-winning performances. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh Street. 217-528-4311.

Peter Yarrow and Noel Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul and Mary May 1, 7pm, Successful folk group in tribute to Mary Travers, who passed away in 2009. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217- 206-6160, 800-207-6960.

Amateur Photography Display May 2-22, 12-4pm Mon-Fri, 12-5pm Sat-Sun, View photos taken by local amateur photographers who competed in contest. 753-6228. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave.

Upper Story Tour May 5, 5-8pm, Self-guided tour of business, residential and historic sites. $15. Reception follows. 217- 544-1723. downtownspringfield.org. Downtown Springfield.

Illinois Symphony Orchestra May 7, 8pm, Earthly Encounters with guest artist Marietta Simpson, mezzo-soprano. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217- 206-6160, 800-207-6960.

Bronze Vibrations May 8, 4pm, Nationally acclaimed handbell ensemble celebrating release of Bells In Motion’s newest CD ‘Bronze Images.’ St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2477 W. Washington St, 217- 899-2128.

Central Illinois Technology Conference May 12-13, 8am-5pm Thu, 8am- 1pm Fri, Variety of sessions hosted by AITP Capitol Chapter. $50. 971- 0701. President Abraham Lincoln Hotel & Conference Center, 701 E. Adams.

Mornings at Seven May 13-15, 20-22 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun, Springfield Theatre Centre presents comedic play about a family of four sisters and their husbands. $12- $15. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St. 523-2787.

Spamalot May 17, 7:30pm, Winner of 2005 Tony Award for best musical. Prairie Capital Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 217-788-8814.

New Balance Girls on the Run 5K May 21, 10am race; 8:45am prerace festivities, Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities are invited. Washington Park, South Grand and MacArthur, 217-726-9808.

Old Capitol Art Fair May 21-22, 10am-5pm Sat, 10am- 4pm Sun, One of the most popular juried art fairs in the country. Original art, entertainment, food and more. Downtown Springfield on the square. socaf.org.

Art of Illinois Wine Garden May 21-22, 11am-6pm Sat, 11am- 5pm Sun, Sample the many wines of over twenty Illinois wineries. Enter tainment. Admission includes wine glass and sampling tickets. Downtown.

Vintage Go-Kart Races May 27-28, 10am-4pm, Track is only six miles east of Springfield. Free admission for spectators. midstatekartclub.com. 553-3613. Mid-state Kart Club, 160 Kender Lane, Dawson.

JUNE

MacArthur Boulevard Artists Market Jun 4 and 11, 9am-3pm, Two Saturdays in June view the fine art of local artists. Entertainment. Town and Country Shopping Center, MacArthur Boulevard. shoponmacarthur.com.

International Carillon Festival Jun 5-7, 9-12, 7pm, Celebrate the 50 th anniversary with the music of carillonneurs from around the world. Rees Memorial Carillon, Washington Park, Fayette Ave. 217-753-3139. carillon-rees.org.

LPGA State Farm Classic Jun 6-12, Springfield is proud to host the LPGA, with attendance of golf fans from around the world and the biggest names in the game of golf. lpgastatefarmclassic.com.

Southern Culture on the Skids Jun 11, 8pm, Band playing rockabilly, surf rock and R & B with punk edge and outrageous humor. WUIS Bedrock Series. $24. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth Street. 217-523-2787.

Midwest Charity Horse Show Jun 14-18, 11am-3pm, 6pm-12am, Watch the beautiful horses compete. Free. Illinois State Fairgrounds Coliseum. 217-793-0670.

Butterflies Family Event Jun 25, 11am-3pm, Learn about butterflies and moths through crafts, hands-on activities, games and more. Free. Illinois State Museum, Spring and Edwards Streets. 217- 782-5993.

JULY

Taste of Downtown and American Music Show Jul 8-9, 6pm-12am Fri, 12pm-12am Sat, More than 20 downtown restaurants present ethnic, classic and eclectic cuisine, the American Music Show and children’s entertainment. Between Fifth and Washington. $2. Downtown Springfield.

Iron Abe Triathlon Jul 30, 7:30am, .9-mile swim, 24.8mile bike, 6.2-mile run. Lake Springfield Beach House, 100 Long Bay Dr, 217-341-1309.

Mid-West Sprint Series Jul 23-24, Regional kart racing series that attracts over 150 entries. Free. midwestsprint.com. 553-3613. Mid-state Kart Club, 160 Kender Lane, Dawson (six miles east of Springfield).

AUGUST

Illinois State Fair Aug. 12-21, 7am-12am, Ten days of carnival, exhibits, music, food and so much more. Admission. Illinois State Fairgrounds, Sangamon Avenue. 217-782-6661.

Old Capitol Blues & BBQ Aug 26-27, 6pm-12am Fri, 12pm- 12am Sat, Features 40 BBQ competitors and vendors, local and national Blues talent and children’s activities. $5, under 12 free. 544-1723. Down town Springfield.

SEPTEMBER

SOB Festival Sep 10, 12-5pm, Craft beer from 23 breweries and oysters with music on the side. $20. Inn at 835, 835 S. Second Street. sobfestival.com.

Route 66 International Film Festival Sep 16-18, 10am-11pm Sat, 10am- 8pm Sun, See the best of independent films from around the world. Special opening night celebration with filmmakers. Tickets and passes go on sale in August. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St, 217-220-0669.

Edwards Place Fine Art Fair Sep 17-18, 10am-5pm Sat, 11am- 4pm Sun, Family friendly weekend of art and entertainment on historic grounds. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth Street. 217-523-2631.

National Show Horse Finals Sep 22-24, 9am-10pm, Artisans Building in the Coliseum, State Fairgrounds. 937-962-4336.

International Route 66 Mother Road Festival Sep 23-25, 6-10pm Fri, 11am-10pm Sat, 11am-2pm Sun, Classic Cars and more. Free. Downtown Springfield.

OCTOBER

Loess Rock, Fossil and Gem Show Oct 1-2, 10am-6pm Sat, 10am-5pm Sun, $2, children under 12 free. Illinois Building, State Fairgrounds. 217-622-3484.

Indian Summer Festival Oct 8-9, 10am-4pm, Fall food, entertainment, crafts and so much more for the entire family held in the great outof-doors. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 East Lake Drive. 217-529-1111.

Route 66 Sprint Series Oct 15-16, Regional kart racing series that attracts over 200 entries. Free. 217-553-3613. route66kartracing.com. Mid-state Kart Club, 160 Kender Lane , Dawson (six miles east of town).

NOVEMBER

Free Days at Lincoln Home Nov 11, 13, Free home tours to public always available, $2/hour parking fee waived Nov. 11-13 in remembrance of Veterans Day Weekend.

Lincoln Home National Historic Site, 413 S. Eighth St.

Memorial’s Festival of Trees Nov 19-27, 10am-8pm (Except: Nov 24, 4-8pm and Nov 27, 10am-5pm) Stroll a winter wonderland of trees and Christmas displays. Also entertainment, food, kid’s train and more. Illinois State Fairgrounds Orr Building. $5 adults, $2 children. 217-788-3293.

Greater Downstate Indoor Bluegrass Festival Nov 11-13, Three days of great music, workshops and more. Crowne Plaza Hotel 3000 S. Dirksen Parkway. 217-529-7777.

DECEMBER

Springfield Jaycee/ Ansar Shrine Holiday Parade Dec 3, 10am, Annual holiday parade through downtown Springfield. Springfieldjaycess.org.

Christmas at the Dana-Thomas House Through December, See this Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home decked out for the holidays. Tours. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence Avenue. 217-782- 6776. Dana-thomas.org.

Winter Floral Display Through December, See the conservatory filled with poinsettias amidst the lush tropical collection. Washington Park Botanical Garden, Fayette Ave. 217-753-6228.

Old Capitol Holiday Walks Dec 7-8, 14, 21, 5-8pm, Discover the charm of downtown - stroll the festive streets and enjoy free entertainment, horse-drawn trolley rides, lighted holiday tree, extended shopping hours and more. 217-544-1723. Downtown Springfield.

First Night Springfield Dec 31, A family-oriented night of free music, entertainment and free children’s activities. Admission. Downtown Springfield at various locations. 217-753-3519. springfieldartsco.org.

FEBRUARY

Maple Syrup Time Feb 18- Mar 11, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm, Public syrup-making demonstrations for four weekends on Saturdays and Sundays. Dress warm. Begins with brief orientation in Nature Center. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Drive. 529-1111.