A list of noteworthy events in and around the capital city
ONGOING
Blue Mondays
Every Monday night at 8pm, 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.
On and Of Paper: ISM Selections
Through April 2012, 8:30am-5pm Mon-Sat, 12-5pm Sun, Exhibit of all things paper. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring Street. 217- 782-7386.
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.
Poetry Open Mics
Every third Wednesday, 6-8pm, Bring poetry to read - or just sit back and listen. Hosted by Springfield Poets & Writers. 725-9058. Robbie’s, 4 S. Old State Capitol Plaza.
Super Saturdays at the Museum
Every second Saturday, 10am- 4pm, On-going hands-on activities recommended for children ages 4-8 and their families. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring Street. 217-782-7386.
Art Exhibits
Every six weeks new exhibit of work by local artists at non-profit Prairie Art Alliance galleries. Gallery II, 2 S. Old State Capitol Plaza, 544-2727; H.D. Smith Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St., 544-2787.
Boys in Blue Exhibit
Through Dec 28, 9am-5pm Mon- Fri, New images and artifacts, including original Civil War battle flag. Free. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 North Sixth Street.
Meet a Boy in Blue
Apr 14, May 12, 11am, 1pm and 3pm, Second Saturday through May, meet costumed presenter and hear a presentation. Free. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza.
Pied Piper Architectural Tour
May 02, Jun 06, Jul 04, Aug 01, Sep 05, Oct 03, 5:30pm, Free professionally-guided architectural tour. Meets in front of Herndon Law Office. 544-1723. Old State Capitol Plaza, Between Sixth and Fifth Sts at Adams.
Illinois Products Farmers Market
May 10-Oct 18, 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 16-Oct 27, 8am-12:30pm Wednesdays and Saturdays, Fresh fruits, vegetables and more. (Chef demonstrations, artisans, live music on Saturdays.) Adams St. at Fifth and Second. 217-544-1723.
Luminous Ground: Artists with Histories
May 20-Jan 2013, 8:30am-5pm Mon-Sat, 12-5pm Sun, Exhibit by older Illinois artists. Cited in top ten shows of the year by New City and Time-Out Chicago. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St. 217-782-7386.
MARCH
Summer in the French-Italian Riviera
Through March 30, 10am-2pm Tue-Fri, Photo exhibit by students who studied abroad. Robert Morris Gallery, 607 E. Adams, 522-8977.
Amy Stein - Stranded
Mar 15-Apr 19, 11am-6pm Mon- Thu, Internationally recognized NY photographer. Lecture Mar. 22, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Artist Reception Mar. 22, 6:30-8 p.m. UIS Visual Arts Gallery, HSB 201.
Springfield St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Mar 17, 12pm, Reviewing stand and family friendly area is Sixth Street. More details at springfieldirish.org. Downtown Springfield.
Q.U.I.L.T.S. Presents Celebrate Quilts
Mar 17-18, 10am-6pm Fri and 10am-4pm Sat, Hundreds of quilts and quilted items, raffle, demos, appraisals, scissor sharpening, vendors and more. Orr Building. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave, 217-652-4292.
Giant Flea Market
Mar 18, 8:30am-4:30pm, Indoor market. $1.25, age 12 and under free with adult. Illinois Building. 529-6939. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave, 782-8886.
Soweto Gospel Choir
Mar 18, 3pm, South African awe-inspiring vocal ensemble, performs in eight languages, tribal, traditional and popular African and Western gospel. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 217-206-6160.
Xanadu
Mar 23-24, 7:30pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sat, Greek muse descends to Venice Beach 1980 to inspire artist with first Roller Disco. $7- $10. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St.
Riverdance
Mar 25, 7pm, Farewell tour of internationally-acclaimed celebration of Irish music, song and dance. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160, 800-207-6960.
Cinderella: The Musical
Mar 30-31, Apr 01, 7pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun, Calvary Academy presents. $10-$13. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St.
The Shamrock Games
Mar 24, 9am-6pm, Watch the St. Andrew’s Society ancient athletics in their season opening competition. Free. Illinois State Fairgrounds Coliseum. Free. 217-787-2918.
Springfield Classical Guitar Society Concert
Mar 24, 8pm, Chanson Du Soir, (Chelsae Camille, soprano and David Isaacs, classical guitar) California duo. $12. 726-8991. Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2313 Whittier Ave.
Mike Doughty: The Book of Drugs
Mar 30, 8pm, Readings from NYbased musician’s new book about addiction and recovery. Doughty will play songs between readings. Q&A with audience. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 528- 9760.
Lincolnland Depression Era Glass Show
Mar 31, Apr 01, 8:30-10am Early bird, 10am doors open, Twenty-six dealers from across several states. Illinois building. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 546-4790.
CCQMA Quarter Midget Racing
Mar 31, Apr 01, 7am-10pm Sat, 7am-5pm Sun, Coliseum. 971- 2094. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave.
Doug & Telisha Williams
Mar 31, 8pm, WUIS Bedrock 66 Live concert. $28. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth Street, 217-523-2787.
Illinois Symphony Orchestra
Mar 31, 8pm, “Brilliant & Beautiful.” Andrew Sewell, conductor, and violin virtuoso Vadim Gluzman. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160, 800-207-6960.
Spotlight on Ice
Mar 31-Apr 1, 2pm and 7pm Sat, 2pm Sun, Over 100 Springfield Figure Skating members perform to musical ice versions. $10-$5. Nelson Center Ice Arena, Lincoln Park. 217-793-9114.
APRIL
International Quarter Horse Show
Apr 12-15, 8am-5pm, Free. Illinois State Fairgrounds Coliseum. For more information phone 618- 397-1388.
An Art Affair
Apr 14-15, 10am-5pm Sat, 11am-4pm Sun, Enjoy a juried invitational fine art show in an indoor environment. Orr building. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 652-2873.
Party for the Planet
Apr 14, 10am-6pm, Learn how our actions impact the earth in our own backyards and beyond. Regular admission. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr, 217- 753-6217.
5th House - Listen to the River
Apr 14, 8pm, Chicago-based ensemble defined by its limitless imagination and energy, and desire to bring chamber music to all. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 217- 206-6160, 800-207-6960.
Illinois Symphony Orchestra
Apr 20, 10am and 12:30pm, “Play Me A Story,” Donato Cabrera, conductor. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160, 800-207-6960.
Ralphie May - Too Big to Ignore Tour
Apr 20, 8pm, One-of-the-most popular comedians in the country voted one of Variety’s 10 Comics to Watch. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160, 800-207-6960.
Charlotte’s Web
Apr 20-22, 27-29, 7pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun, Wilbur the pig, Charlotte the spider and a girl who understands what animals say to each other. $8-$12. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St.
I Do! I Do!
Apr 20-22, 27-29, 8pm Fri-Sat; 2pm Sun, Tony nominated musical comedy. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St. 217-523- 2787.
Poets in the Parlor
Apr 21, 2pm, Kevin Stein, Illinois Poet Laureate. Tours available after presentation. Refreshments. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St, 217-524-0901.
Personalities Paint
Apr 21, 6-9pm, Paintings by local celebrities who are not artists. Live art auction and exhibition. $25. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth Street, 217-523-2631.
Young Frankenstein
Apr 21, 8pm, Musical based on Mel Brooks movie. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160, 800-207-6960.
Art in the Garden
Apr 28, 9am-3pm, 4-6pm reception, Celebrate central Illinois’ diversity of talent in juried exhibition along Garden’s trails. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr, 217-529-1111.
Jeffrey Foucault and Lydia Loveless
Apr 28, 8pm, WUIS Bedrock 66 Live concert. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St, 217- 523-2787.
Springfield Classical Guitar Society Concert
Apr 28, 8pm, Jeffrey Rogers, Florida based Springfield native. $12. 726-8991. Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2313 Whittier Ave, 217-522-7331.
Pilobolus
Apr 29, 7pm, Extraordinary dance company with a body of over 100 choreographic works. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160, 800-207-6960.
MAY
Upper Story Tour
May 03, 5-8pm, See unique historical, residential and commercial spaces on this self-guided tour. $15. Tickets downtownspringfield.org or at door. Downtown Springfield.
Late Night Catechism
May 04, Direct from Chicago, the hilarious comedy Late Night Catechism coming in the Spring. Date and times TBA. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 1-800- 838-3006.
Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap
May 04-06, 8pm Fri-Sat; 2pm Sun, Idyllic young couple converts an old English manor into a guest house, and a murder-mystery ensues. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St, 523-ARTS.
Illinois Symphony Orchestra
May 05, 8pm, “Titanic and Terrific.” Kenneth Raskin, conductor, and Adam Neiman, piano. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160, 800-207- 6960.
Liturgical Arts Festival of Springfield
May 05-08, 12-15, 19-22, 26- 29, Jun 02, Free multi-faith interdenominational festival celebrating creative, artistic spirit of area’s diverse and multi-cultural residents. Various locations. lafspringfield.org.
An Evening with Joe Bonamassa
May 08, 8pm, Lauded as one of the world’s greatest guitarists and emerging blues-rock star and charismatic singer/songwriter. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 217- 206-6160, 800-207-6960.
Fat Ass 5K Run and Street Party
May 11-12, 4-10pm Fri, 10am and 11am-3pm Sat, Preview party Friday; race and street party Saturday. Proceeds to charity. Seventh Street between Adams and Washington. fatass5k.com.
The Great American Trailer Park Musical
May 11-13, 18-20, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun, There's a new tenant at Armadillo Acres - and she's wreaking havoc all over Florida's most exclusive trailer park. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St. 217-523-2787.
Dr. Dolittle Day
May 12, 10am-6pm, Free admission for all, turtle races, animal programs and more. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr. 753-6217.
In the Heights May
15, 7:30pm, 2008 Tony Award-winning Best Musical is moving, funny and uplifting about hard-working immigrants seeking a better life. Sangamon Audito rium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217- 206-6160, 800-207-6960.
Springfield PrideFest
May 19, 12-9pm, Free LGBTQ festival with comedian, musicians, drag race, dancing, vendors, pooch parade, food and drink for all ages, children’s area. 528-5253. Three city blocks, downtown Springfield.
Old Capitol Art Fair
May 19-20, 10am-5pm Sat, 10am- 4pm Sun, One of the most popular, juried art fairs in the country. Original art, entertainment, food and more. socaf.org. Downtown Springfield on the square.
Art of Illinois Wine Garden
May 19-20, 11am-6pm Sat, 12- 5pm Sun, Sample Illinois wine on southwest corner of Fifth and Jefferson. $10, wine glass and sampling tickets. Downtown Springfield.
Springfield Area Highland Games & Celtic Festival
May 19, 9am-7pm, Celtic themed dance, pipe/drum/bagpipe competitions, music, food, children’s area. $5-$3. central-illinois-celts.org. Chatham Community Park, S. Main St, Chatham, 971-5893.
Clayville Spring Festival
May 19-20, 9am-6pm, Historic building tours, pioneer craftsmen/artisan demos, kid’s crafts/games, craft vendors, re-enactors, entertainment. Clayville, Route 125, Pleasant Plains, 481- 4430.
Springfield Jaycees International Beer Festival
May 19, 4-11pm, Samplings and music. Admission. 836-9281. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-8886.
IMDA Springfield TT Motorcycle Races
May 25-27, 5pm Fri, 7pm Sat, 1pm Sun (gates open at 9am), Amateur TT Friday. TT National Saturday, $35. Springfield Mile on Sunday, $35. Illinois State Fairgrounds Multi-purpose arena, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-8886.
JUNE
MacARTFest
Jun 9, 12-8pm, Art Fair with over 40 exhibitors featuring fine arts, fine crafts and photography. Southwest corner of South Grand and MacArthur. 217-753-2226, x137. shoponmacarthur.com.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Jun 08-10, 13-17, 8:30pm, Outdoor theater. $14-$6. The Muni, 815 East Lake Drive. 793-6864.
Midwest Charity Horse Show
Jun 12-16, 11am and 6:30pm, One of the premier horse shows in the U.S. Free. Coliseum. 793-0670. midwestcharity.com. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave.
Bells in Motion
Jun 24, 4pm, “Bronze Images” handbell concert. $10 at door. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2477 W. Washington Street, 793-3933.
Crazy for You
Jun 29, Jul 01, 5-8, 8:30pm, Outdoor theater. $14-$6. The Muni, 815 East Lake Drive. 793-6864.
JULY
Region XI Arabian Horse Show
Jul 05-08, 8am-10pm, Coliseum Artisans Building. Free admission. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 309-338-5128.
Taste of Downtown and American Music Show
Jul 06-07, 6pm-12am Fri, 12pm- 12am Sat, Downtown restaurants present ethnic, classic and eclectic cuisine; American Music Show and children’s entertainment. Between Fifth and Washington. $2. 544-1723.
CPE Dog Agility Trial
Jul 06-08, 8am-5pm, Livestock Center – Upstairs Ring. Free admission, but no un-entered dogs allowed. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-585- 0937.
Legally Blonde - The Musical
Jul 13, Opening day of musical with Katie Ford as Elle. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 1-800- 838-3006.
Once on this Island
Jul 20-22, 25-29, 8:30pm, Outdoor theater. $14-$6. The Muni, 815 East Lake Drive. 793-6864.
AUGUST
Illinois State Fair
Aug 09-19, 7am-12am, Ten days of carnival, exhibits, music, food and so much more. Admission. 782-6661. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave.
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
Aug 10-12-15-19, 8:30pm, Outdoor theater. $14-$6. The Muni, 815 East Lake Drive. 793-6864.
Old Capitol Blues & BBQs
Aug 24-25, 6pm-12am Fri, 12pm-12am Sat, BBQ competitors and vendors, local and national blues talent and children’s activities. $5, under 12 free. Fifth and Washington. 544-1723. downtownspringfield.org. Poets, Painters and Performers Aug 29, 6-8pm, Poetry reading, solo musical performances and artist talks during creative inspiration between Springfield Poets and Writers, Prairie Art Alliance and individual local musicians. Prairie Art Alliance Gallery II, 2 S. Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-544- 2727.
IMDA Springfield Short Track Motorcycle Races
Aug 31-Sep 02, 5pm Fri, 7pm Sat, 1pm Sun, Amateur races Friday. Short Track Nationals Saturday, $35. Springfield Mile Sunday. Illinois State Fairgrounds Multipurpose arena, 801 Sangamon Ave., 218-853-8866.
SEPTEMBER
Sangamon Valley Woodcarvers Show
Sep 01-02, 10am-5pm Sat, 10am-4pm Sun, Carvers from across the country. How-to seminars at no extra charge. $3, 12 and under free. Illinois Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds. svwoodcarvers.org. Spring Awakening Sep 07, Tony-award winning electrifying fusion of morality, sexuality, and rock and roll about teens coming of age. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 1-800- 838-3006.
SOB Festival
Sep 08, 12-5pm, Over fifty specialty craft and homemade beers, exhibits, food and musical entertainment. $20. sobfestival.com. The Inn at 835, 835 S. Second Street, 523-4466.
Art Spectacular at the Carillon
Sep 08-09, 10am-5pm Sat, 10am-4pm Sun, Juried Fine Art Fair with original artwork, music, food, demos and more. Accessible. Washington Park Rees Memorial Carillon, Fayette Road, 753- 6219.
Edwards Place Fine Art Fair
Sep 15-16, 10am-5pm Sat, 10am- 4pm Sun, Premiere fall arts event with tours of Edwards Place where Lincoln entertained, hands-on activities for kids, music, food and book sale. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St. 523-2631.
International Route 66 Mother Road Festival
Sep 21-23, 6-10pm Fri, 11am- 10pm Sat, 11am-2pm Sun, Over 1,000 cool cars, free entertainment, swap meet and so much more. route66fest.com. Downtown Springfield.
Creatures of the Night
Sep 22, 11am-3pm, Free family event to learn about the nocturnal animals of Illinois through games and hands-on activities. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring Street. 217-782-5993.
Clayville Fall Festival
Sep 22-23, 9am-6pm Sat, 10am- 4pm Sun, Artisan/craftsman demons, historic building tours, pony rides, pioneer crafts/games for kids, craft vendors and entertainment. Admission. Clayville, Route 125, Pleasant Plains, 481- 4430.
OCTOBER
Loess Rock, Fossil and Gem Show
Oct 06-07, 10am-6pm Sat, 10am-5pm Sun, $2, children under 12 free. Illinois Building, State Fairgrounds. 217-622- 3484.
Indian Summer Festival
Oct 13-14, 10am-4pm, Popular prairie party with food, kids activities, games, bluegrass and folk music, crafts and more. Admission. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr. 529- 1111.
Carve for the Carillon
Oct 13-14, 11am-4pm, Free family event. Bring your carving tools or use the garden’s. Pumpkins supplied. Washington Park Rees Memorial Carillon, Fayette Rd, 753-6219.
Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular
Oct 19-20, 6:30-9:30pm, Walk through display of 2012 illuminated hand-carved pumpkins. Food, spooky music. $7-$3. Washington Park Rees Memorial Carillon, Fayette Rd, 753-6219.
CPE Dog Agility Trial
Oct 19-22, 8am-6pm, Exposition Building, Tech Town. $3, $1 for children under 12. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-762-7441.
Goosebumps Organ Concert / Electronic Light Show
Oct 27, 7-8:15pm, Dress in black, white or as historical hero for free dramatic and evocative music, dance and electronic lighting. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh Street, 528-4311.
NOVEMBER
Route 66 International Film Festival
Nov 02-04, 10am-11pm Sat, 10am-8pm Sun, See the best independent films from around the world. Gala Friday night. route66filmfestival.net. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 220-0669.
25th Greater Downstate Bluegrass Festival
Nov 09-11, 2:30 & 7pm Fri, 10:30am Sat, 10am Sun, Awardwinning artists from across the nation performing six concerts. Workshops, guitar show, vendors, jam area. Daily/weekend fees. 243-3159. Crowne Plaza, 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy.
Memorial’s Festival of Trees
Nov 17-25, 10am-8pm, 10am- 5pm Sundays (exception: Nov 22, 4-8pm), 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. 788-4301.
Holiday Farmers Market
Nov 17, 9am-1pm, Local produce for all your holiday needs. Illinois State Fairgrounds, Artisans Building. Free admission. 217-528-1563.
DECEMBER
Springfield Jaycee/Ansar Shrine Holiday Parade
Dec 1, 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.
Old Capitol Holiday Walks
Dec 05-06, 12, 19, 5-8pm, Wednesdays and Dec. 6, Unique shopping and dining, free entertainment, horse-drawn trolley rides, Santa House and more. 544-1723. Downtown Springfield.
Clayville Christmas
Dec 08, 10am-4pm, Caroling groups throughout the day, children’s store, refreshments, puppeteer, Santa all day. Free. Clayville, Route 125, Pleasant Plains, 481-4430.
Holiday Farmers Market
Nov 15, 9am-1pm, Local produce for all your holiday needs. Illinois State Fairgrounds, Artisans Building. Free admission. 217-528-1563.
Caroling at the Carillon Dec
16, 4:30-5pm, Gather around a roaring bonfire and sing carols accompanied by bells. Enjoy hot cocoa and cookies. 753-6219. Washington Park Rees Memorial Carillon, Fayette Rd, 753- 6219.
First Night
Dec 31,6:30pm, Alcohol-free event for entire family with live music, dance and theatrical performances. Downtown locations. springfieldartsco.org. 785-7960.
FEBRUARY
Maple Syrup Time
Through February, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm Saturdays and Sundays, Public syrupmaking demos. Dress warm. Begins with brief orientation in Nature Center. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Drive. 217-529-1111.
