A list of noteworthy events in and around the capital city

MARCH

Alpaca Show Mar 22-23, 8am-5pm, Free family event, alpaca competition show, vendors. 217-632-2590. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-782-1698.

Illinois Symphony Orchestra Mar 22, 8pm, Estacio: “Spring’s Promise;” Saint-Saens: “Cello Concerto No. 1 in A minor,” Julie Albers, cello; Brahms: “Symphony No. 1.” Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160. ilsymphony.org.

H.M.S. Pinafore - New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players Mar 23, 7pm, Gilbert and Sullivan’s timeless operetta. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160. uis.edu/sangamonauditorium.

Million Dollar Quartet Mar 25, 7:30pm, Tony Award®winning Broadway musical inspired by true story of famed recording session with Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160. uis.edu/ sangamonauditorium.

Battle of the Nations Mar 29, 12-3pm, Livestock Center - upstairs ring. $10, $25 family. 801-8038. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-782-1698.

SFJAZZ Collective Mar 30, 7pm, San Francisco unique jazz group named Small Group Ensemble of the Year by Jazz Journalists Association in 2009 and nominated again in 2012. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160. uis.edu/sangamonauditorium.

APRIL

Images of Illinois Photography Contest Reception Apr 3, 5-7pm, Celebrate the wonders of Illinois through photography at this reception for winners of the contest. Digital show and refreshments. Free. Prairie Art Alliance Gallery in the Hoogland, 420 S. Sixth St., 217- 544-2787. prairieart.org.

Classic Albums Live performs Abbey Road Apr 4, 8pm, Beatles fi nal recording recreated cut for cut, note for note. $27-$42. $27-$42. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1

University Plaza, 217-206-6160. uis.edu/sangamonauditorium.

CCQMA Quarter Midget Racing Apr 5-6, 7am-5pm Sat, 9am-3pm Sun, Coliseum. Free. 217-306-0544. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-782-1698.

Lincolnland Depression Era Glass Show Apr 5-6, 9am-5pm Sat, 10am-4pm Sun, Twenty-six dealers from across several states. Illinois building. $3. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-782-1698. lincolnlandglassclub.com.

Shen Yun Apr 8, 7:30pm, Ethnic and folk dances fi lled with color and energy. $52. $52. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160. uis.edu/sangamonauditorium.

Paul Mickey Science Series Lecture Apr 9, 7-8:30pm, Joel Greenberg, Chicago Academy of Science’s Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and Field Museum, “The Echoes of their Wings: The Life and Legacy of the Passenger Pigeon.” Illinois State Museum Research and Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St., 785-0037. museum. state.il.us.

Clash at the Capitol Rodeo Apr 11-12, 7pm, Two-day rodeo with bull riding, barrel racing and specialty acts. $15, $6 kids 6-13. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-782-1698. cbarrodeo.com.

The Gershwin Project starring Peter Nero Apr 11, 8pm, Two-time Grammy Award winner performs songs such as “Embraceable You,” “Rhapsody in Blue,” “Someone to Watch Over Me” and “They Can’t Take That Away.” Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217- 206-6160. uis.edu/sangamonauditorium.

Songs for a New World Apr 11-12, 17-19, 8pm, Neither play or revue but closer to theatrical song cycle. $25, $28 in advance. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006. roxytheatricals.com.

Super Saturdays at the Museum Apr 12, 11am-3pm, Ongoing activities for ages 3-8. “What’s the Buzz. Where are the Bees?” Free. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386. museum.state. il.us.

Spring Lawn and Garden Sale Apr 12-13, 8am-5pm Sat, 9am-4pm Sun, Learn all that’s new for spring. Exposition Building. Free. 528-3033. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-782- 1698.

Springfield Poets and Writers Open Mic Apr 16, 6-8pm. Every third Wed. read or listen to poetry, prose, nonfi ction. Food available for purchase. Free. Robbie’s, 4 S. Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-528-1901. springfieldpoetsandwriters.com.

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Apr 16, 7pm, Book comes to the stage in a one-hour show. Kids’ tickets 50 percent off. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160. uis.edu/sangamonauditorium.

Illinois Quarter Horse Association Spring Show Apr 17-19, 8am-6pm Thu-Sat, Coliseum.

Free admission. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-782-1698.

Prairie Grapevine Folklore Society Concert Apr 22, 7:30pm, Chris Vallillo and Rocky Maffi t. $10 donation, $5 students, $25 families. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside, 217-585-9550. prairiegrapevine.org.

Illinois Native Plant Society Plant Sale Apr 26, 9am-2pm, Purchase native Illinois prairie and woodland plants grown by INPS members. Pavilion. 243-6055. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-782- 1698.

Ani-Mall Pet Expo Apr 26, 10am-4pm, Exposition Building. Admission: Donation to Animal Shelters. 217-467-2831. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-782-1698.

Party for the Planet Apr 26, 10am-6pm, Animal programs, games, activities, crafts, repurpose/reuse sale and more. Admission. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Drive, 217-585- 1821. hensonrobinsonzoo.org.

Hundredth Gala Celebration Apr 26, 6pm, Victorian dinner with Lincoln and Edwards family interpreters, fiesta in studio with live demo art. Or enjoy dinner and art trivia. $185-$50. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523- 2631. springfieldart.org.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Apr 27, 7pm, Hailed as America’s cultural ambassador to world. Pulse-racing thrill of contemporary favorites to spirit-lifting joy of beloved classics. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160. uis.edu/sangamonauditorium.

MAY

Upper Story Tour May 1, 5-8pm, Self-guided tour of business, residential and historic buildings. downtownspringfield.org. $15-$10. Downtown Springfield.

Sacred and Liturgical Arts Festival May 2-24, 9am Mon-Fri and 10am Sat-Sun, Free multi-faith interdenominational festival celebrating creative, artistic spirit of area’s diverse and multicultural residents. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631. lafspringfield.org.

Illinois Symphony Orchestra May 2, 8pm, Copland: Lincoln Portrait with photochoreography by James Westwater; Mahler: Symphony No. 5. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160. uis.edu/sangamonauditorium.

Moonlight Marathon May 3, 6pm-12am, Full marathon, marathon relay, 6.55 mile and 5k fun run. triharderpromotions. com. Oak Ridge Cemetery, 1441 Monument Ave., 217-789-2340.

Pied Piper Architectural Tour May 2, 4, 7, Aug 1, 3, 6, 5:30pm Wed, Free professionally-guided architectural tour. Meets outside. 544-1723. Lincoln-Herndon Law Offi ce, 112 North Sixth St, downstownspringfi eld.org/. [ONGOING.]

The Addams Family May 7, 7:30pm. Smash-hit musical comedy with the darkly delirious world of Gomez, Morticia, Uncle Fester and the rest of the spooky crew. Sangamon

Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160.

Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-782-1698.

10 Artists Art Show May 9, 5:30-7:30pm, Amanda J. Bryan and 10 artists. Food, music, wine. Free. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217- 523-2787. sigilartabstracts.bravesites.com.

Fat Ass 5K Run/Street Party May 10, 10am, 11am-3pm party, Proceeds to charity. Seventh Street, Adams and Washington. Downtown Springfield, fatass5k. com.

Dr. Dolittle Day May 10, 10am-6pm, Free admission, turtle races, animal programs, artists and poets and more. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-585-1821. hensonrobinsonzoo.org.

Super Saturdays at the Museum May 10, 11am-3pm, Ongoing activities for ages 3-8. “Mimic the Masters of Art.” Free. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217- 782-7386. museum.state.il.us.

AADA Antique Show May 16-18, 10am-5pm Sat, 11am-4pm Sun, Orr Building. 899-4437. Illinois State

Springfield Area Highland Games and Celtic Festival May 16-17, 6-10pm Fri, 9am- 7pm Sat, Celtic dance, music, food, kids area and more. Massed bands at noon and 5:30 p.m. Chatham Community Park, S. Main St., Chatham. centralillinois-celts.org.

Art of Illinois Wine Festival May 17, 11am-9pm, Features 20 plus Illinois wineries and entertainment. Southwest corner of Fifth and Jefferson. Downtown Springfield, downtownspringfi eld. org.

Old Capitol Art Fair May 17-18, 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, socaf.org.

Springfield PrideFest May 17, 12pm, Entertainment, dancing, vendors, food and drink for all ages, children’s area. 528- 5253. Downtown Springfield, springfieldpride.org.

Illini Bird Fanciers Bird Fair

May 18, 9am-4pm, Breeders with varieties of birds and supplies. $3, kids free with paid adult. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave, 217-782-1698. illinibirdfanciers.com.

Senior Celebration May 21, 9am-2pm, Health screenings, informational displays, entertainment and more. Free. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-782-1698.

Springfield Poets and Writers Open Mic May 21, 6-8pm, Every third Wed. read or listen to poetry, prose, nonfiction. Food available for purchase. Free. Robbie’s, 4 S. Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-528- 1901. springfieldpoetsandwriters. com.

The Diary of Anne Frank May 30-31, June 1, 5-7, 8pm, Classic in the outdoor theater. $13. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg. 217-632-5440. theatreinthepark. net.

JUNE

International Carillon Festival Jun 4-8, 6:30pm, Bring chair and listen to free concerts by Carillonneurs from around the world. Fireworks Jun. 6. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-3853. carillon-rees.org.

SOHO Music Fest Jun 6-7, 5pm-12am Fri, 12pm-2am Sat, Two days, two stages of local musicians and bands. Admission. Bring a chair. Washington between Fifth and Sixth. Downtown Springfi eld, https://facebook. com/pages/SOHO-Music- Festival/124681014238225.

Multiple Impressions Jun 6-28, 9am-5pm Mon-Fri, 10am-3pm Sat, A national juried printmaking exhibit. Free. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631. springfieldart.org.

World Oceans Day Jun 7, 10am-6pm, Face painting and ocean themed giveaways. Admission. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Drive, 217-585-1821. hensonrobinsonzoo.org.

Cat Show Jun 7-8, 10am-3:30pm Sat, 9am-3pm Sun, Illinois Building. $5, $4 children ages 4-14. 217-370-7871. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217- 782-1698.

The Sound of Music June 13-14, 19-21, 26-28, 8:30pm. Sponsored Springfi eld Clinic. $6-$14. The Muni, 815 East Lake Drive, 793- MUNI. themuni.org.

Springfield Poets and Writers Open Mic Jun 18, 6-8pm, Every third Wed. read or listen to poetry, prose, nonfiction. Food available for purchase. Free. Robbie’s, 4 S. Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-528- 1901. springfieldpoetsandwriters.com.

Footloose June 20-22, 26-28, 8pm, $13. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg. 217-632-5440. theatreinthepark.net.

Thoroughly Modern Millie Jun 20-29, 8pm, Roxie Theatricals presents this Tony award-winning musical. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006. roxytheatricals.com.

JULY

Taste of Downtown Jul 11-12, 5pm-12am Fri, 12pm-12am Sat, Downtown restaurants present ethnic, classic and eclectic cuisine. Children’s entertainment. Fifth and Washington. $5. Downtown Springfield, tasteofdowntownspringfi eld.com.

All Shook Up Jul 11-12, 17-19, 24-26, 8:30pm, $6- $14. The Muni, 815 East Lake Drive, 793-MUNI. themuni.org. place ($1.25), demos, food, music and more. Free. Washington Park, 217-753- 6225. carillon-rees.org.

Springfield Poets and Writers Open Mic Sep 17, 6-8pm, Every third Wed. read or listen to poetry, prose, nonfi ction. Food available for purchase. Free. Robbie’s, 4 S. Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-528-1901. springfieldpoetsandwriters.com.

Edwards Place Fine Art Fair Sep 20-21, 10am-5pm Sat, 11am- 4pm Sun, Premiere event with tours of Edwards Place Home, hands-on activities for kids, food, music, demos and more. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631. springfi eldart.org.

Clayville Fall Festival Sep 20-21, 9am-6pm Sat, 10am-4pm Sun, Artisan demonstrations, historic tours, crafts and games for kids, vendors, re-enactments, period music, entertainment, food. Clayville, Route 125, Pleasant Plains. 217-572-4984. clayville.org.

International Route 66 Mother Road Festival Sep 26-28, 6-10pm Fri, 11am-10pm Sat, 11am-2pm Sun, Over 1,000 cool cars, free entertainment, swap meet and so much more. Downtown Springfield, route66fest.com.

OCTOBER

Fur, Feather, Fin Fall Fling Oct 4, 10am-6pm, Final free admission day of the season. Activity packed day includes animal programs. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Drive, 217-585-1821. hensonrobinsonzoo.org.

LOESS Rock, Fossil and Gem Show Oct 4-5, 10am-6pm Sat, 10am-5pm Sun, Demos, kids activities and more. Illinois Building. 217-622-3484. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-782-1698.

Indian Summer Festival and Art in the Garden Oct 11, 10am-4pm, Popular prairie party with delicious food, kids activities, games and crafts, music. Also, Art in the Garden juried art show along the garden’s trails. $5-$3. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Drive, 217-529-1111. lincolnmemorialgarden.org.

Springfield Poets and Writers Open Mic Oct 15, 6-8pm, Every third Wed. read or listen to poetry, prose, nonfi ction. Food available for purchase. Free. Robbie’s, 4 S. Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-528- 1901. springfieldpoetsandwriters.com.

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular Oct 17-18, 6:30-9:30pm Fri- Sat, Display of 2013 illuminated hand-carved pumpkins. Food, bonfire, spooky music. Admission. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-3853. carillon-rees.org.

Prairieland Classic Dog Shows Oct 17-19, 8am-6pm Fri-Sun, Competition and vendors. Expo Building. $3, $1 kids and seniors. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-782-1698. illinoiscapitolkennelclub.org.

Memorial’s Be Aware Women’s Fair Oct 18, 9am-2pm, Fun, informative day devoted to women’s physical, emotional and financial health and fitness. Orr Building. $4. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-782-1698. BeAwareWomen’sFair.com.

Illinois Feline Fanciers Cat Show Oct 18-19, 9am-5pm Sat, 9am- 3pm Sun, Illinois Building Main Floor. 217-546-8370. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-782-1698.

NOVEMBER

Goosebumps Organ Concert / Electronic Light Show Nov 1, 7pm, Dress in black, white or as historical hero for free dramatic and evocative music, dance and electronic lighting. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 528-4311. lincolnschurch.org.

Route 66 Film Fest Nov 7-8, 6-10pm Fri, 10am- 10pm Sat, Independent films from around the world. Capital City Bar and Grill, 3149 S. Dirksen Parkway, 529-8580. route66fi lmfestival.net.

Bluegrass Midwest Festival Nov 7-9, 2:30pm and 7pm Fri, 10:30am, 1pm and 7pm Sat, 10am Sun, Six-stage shows including multiple IBMA award winners, workshops, vendors and more. Admission. Crowne Plaza Hotel, 3000 S. Dirksen Parkway, 217-529-7777. bluegrassmidwest.com.

Lincoln Memorial Garden Holiday Market Nov 15, 9am-4pm, Split Rail Shop specializes in art and handcrafted items such as wreaths, centerpieces, ornaments and unique items for gardeners. Free. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Drive, 217-529-1111. lincolnmemorialgarden.org.

Springfield Poets and Writers Open Mic Nov 19, 6-8pm, Every third Wed. read or listen to poetry, prose, nonfi ction. Food available for purchase. Free. Robbie’s, 4 S.

Old State Capitol Plaza, 217- 528-1901.

Memorial’s Festival of Trees Nov 22-30, 10am-8pm Mon- Wed, Fri-Sat, 10am-5pm Sun, More than 150 trees, swags and wreaths decorated by area designers. (Thanksgiving 4-8 p.m.) $5-$3. Orr Building. Adults $5, Children 3-12 $3, Children 2 and under free. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave, 217-782-1698. MemorialsFestivalofTrees.com.

DECEMBER

Old Capitol Holiday Walks Dec 3-4, 10, 17, 5-8pm, Unique shopping, Santa House, entertainment, festive holiday decor and more. Free. Downtown Springfield, downtownspringfi eld.org.

Springfield Poets and Writers Open Mic Dec 17, 6-8pm, Every third Wed. sign up to read some poetry, prose, nonfiction. Listeners welcome. Food available for purchase. Free. Robbie’s, 4 S. Old State Capitol Plaza, 217- 528-1901.

First Night Dec 31, 5-11:15pm, (1-4 p.m., free activities for kids at Springfi eld High School.) Evening music, dance and more at various downtown locations. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St, 217-523-2787. springfieldartsco.org.

FEBRUARY

Maple Syrup Time February and March, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm Saturdays and Sundays, Public syrup-making demos. Dress warm. Begins with brief orientation in Nature Center. Phone or check website for dates. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Drive. 217-529-1111.