Noteworthy happenings in and around the capital city Event listings updated daily at illinoistimes.com

MARCH

Lincoln’s Ghost Walk: Legends & Lore March 10-Oct. 31, 7:30 p.m. Strange stories surrounding Lincoln’s life and death. Factual history-based walking tour of Lincoln sites suited for all ages. $15-$8, free under 7. springfieldwalks. com. Old State Capitol Plaza, 6th and Adams, in front of Lincoln-Herndon Law Office.

Fiddler on the Roof March 20-22, 27-29, 8 p.m. Fri-Sat, 2 p.m. Sun. Hit musical directed by and starring John Preece. $16-$18. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., Springfield, 523-2787, hcfta.org.

Lincoln Memorial Garden Pancake Breakfast March 21-22, 29-30, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Sat-Sun. All-you-can-eat breakfast of pancakes and sausage served with 100 percent real maple syrup. $8 adults, $5 children 12 and under. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 529-1111, lincolnmemorialgarden.org.

Celebrate Cultural Diversity Family Event March 21, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat. Explore the heritage and traditions of various world cultures via hands-on crafts, international displays, live performances and more. Free. 782-5993. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386, museum.state.il.us.

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny March 28, 8-10 a.m. Sat. Reservations, prepayment required. $9-13. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Dr., 585- 1821, hensonrobinsonzoo.org.

APRIL

Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra April 2, 7:30 p.m. 245-1181. jaxsym. com. Illinois College Rammelkamp Chapel, 1101 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 245-3000.

Shelterbelt: Jericho Brown April 3, 7-8 p.m. Fri. Keynote speaker for Student Technology Arts and Research Symposium. Former speechwriter for Mayor of New Orleans. Recipient of the Whiting Writers Award and fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts. Free to public. UIS Brookens Library, One University Plaza, 206-6633.

Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon April 4, 7:30 a.m. Run 13.1-miles where Lincoln walked. Pass major historic sites such as Lincoln’s Home and Tomb. Runabe.net. Downtown Springfield.

A Streetcar Named Desire April 10-12, 16, 7:30 p.m. Fri-Sat, 2 p.m. Sun, 6 p.m. Thur. UIS Theatre performs Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Tennessee Williams. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160. sangamonauditorium.org.

Our American Cousin April 10-12, 17-19, 8 p.m. Fri-Sat, 2 p.m. Sun. Springfield Theatre Centre production. Three-act play by Tom Taylor. Comedy about the introduction of an awkward American to his English relatives. springfieldtheatrecentre.com. $16-$18. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., Springfield, 523-2787, hcfta.org.

59th Annual Lincoln Tomb Ceremony April 11, 10 a.m. Event commemorating the 150th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln’s death. Parade, speeches, laying of wreaths, taps. suvcw.org. Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site, 1500 Monument Ave., 782-2717.

Spring Wildflower and Tree Sale April 11-12. Annual sale featuring native trees and wildflowers. Wildflowers $4 and up. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 529-1111, lincolnmemorialgarden. org.

Dinner and Show with the Lincolns April 14, 6:30 p.m. Springfield Theatre Centre fundraiser dinner followed by special showing of Our American Cousin. springfieldtheatrecenter.com. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., Springfield, 523-2787, hcfta.org.

Discovery After Dark April 17, 24, 7 p.m. Fri. Guided, nocturnal tour of zoo. $4-$8.50. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Dr., 585-1821. hensonrobinsonzoo.org.

Mr. Lincoln April 17-19, 7:30 p.m. Fri-Sat. Explore the inner life, mind and thoughts of Abraham Lincoln, from boyhood to presidency. John O’Connor as Lincoln. $13-$8. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 632-5440, theatreinthepark.net.

ColorBlaze 5K April 18, 11 a.m. Fun, noncompetitive 5K walk/run. Family-friendly. Become your own work of art. Wear as much white as possible and get blazed with color during the run. Registration $25 -$18.75, colorblaze5k.com. Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 753-0702.

Swan Lake April 18-19, 2 p.m. Sat-Sun. Final show of Springfield Ballet Company’s 40th anniversary season. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160, sangamonauditorium.org.

Roasted Hot Pots and Pork April 18, 3-9 p.m. Glaze a Raku pot to take home, hog roast dinner, live music. $20 adults, $9 children. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631, springfieldart.org.

Club LaCage April 18, 7 p.m. Drag show featuring Springfield’s greatest drag performers.

Hosted by Springfield Phoenix Center. $10, $25 VIP. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., Springfield, 523- 278, hcfta.org.

ALPLM 10-Year Anniversary Celebration April 19, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Special events and exhibits to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum. Free admission today only. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 782-5764, tenyearslincoln.com.

Bonnie and Clyde April 24-25, 30, May 1-3. Musical retelling of America’s most romantic outlaws, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. $7. Illinois College Sibert Theatre, McGaw Fine Arts Center, Jacksonville, 245-3000.

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike April 24-26, 8 p.m. Fri-Sat, 4 p.m. Sun. Tony Award-winning comedy about two middle-aged sisters in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, plus their movie star sister and her new boy toy. Presented by Hoogland Center for the Arts. $16-$18.

Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., Springfield, 523-2787, hcfta. org.

Central Illinois Young Musicians’ Concert April 26, 4-5:30 p.m. Sun. Annual concert featuring solo presentations by central Illinois young musicians. Reception to follow. Free. lincolnschurch.org. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 528-4311.

The Fumee Gypsy Project April 30, 7 p.m. Traditional European jazz with a Chicago twist. Christy Bennett is band leader. $13-$15. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., Springfield, 523-2787, hcfta.org.

MAY

Lincoln Funeral Reenactment May 1-3. Reenactors, visitors and dignitaries honor Abraham Lincoln with special events and ceremonies, plus funeral procession to tomb in Oak Ridge Cemetery. lincolnfuneralcoalition.org. Various locations.

Civil War Encampment May 1-3, dawn until dusk, Fri-Sun. 10th Illinois Volunteer Cavalry (Reactivated) on south lawn of Edwards Place. Free, open to public. lincolnfuneraltrain. org. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631, springfieldart.org.

Civil War Encampment May 1-3, dawn until dusk, Fri-Sun. Band concerts in various locations, Civil War artifact museum and more. Free, open to public. lincolnfuneraltrain.org. Benedictine University at Springfield, 1500 N. Fifth St., 525-1420.

Lincoln Through the Arts May 1, 7 p.m. Performances by national award-winning artists and poets that celebrate the life of Abraham Lincoln. Visual art and music to accompany performances. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., Springfield, 523- 2787, hcfta.org.

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike May 1-3, 8 p.m. Fri-Sat, 4 p.m. Sun. Tony Award-winning comedy about two middle-aged sisters in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, plus their movie star sister and her new boy toy. Presented by Hoogland Center for the Arts. $16- $18. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., Springfield, 523-2787, hcfta.org.

Poets in the Parlor: Simone Muench May 3, 2-3 p.m. Sun. Author of Wolf Centos and four other full-length poetry collections. Free, open to public. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St., 524-0901, vachellindsay.org.

Million Dollar Quartet May 3, 7 p.m. Tony Award-winning Broadway musical about the recording session that brought together Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160, sangamonauditorium.org.

An Evening with Garrison Keillor May 6, 7:30 p.m. American author, storyteller, radio personality. Host of “A Prairie Home Companion.” Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160, sangamonauditorium.org.

Bat-Boy: The Musical May 8-10, 15-17, 8 p.m. Fri-Sat, 2 p.m. Sun. Three siblings find a “half-boy, half-bat creature” in a West Virginia cave. Complications ensue when Bat- Boy goes to live with the Parker family in their home. $16, $18. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., Springfield, 523-2787, hcfta.org.

Fat Ass 5K Run and Street Party May 9, 10 a.m., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 5K race route includes beer, donuts, ice cream, corn dogs, live music and other surprises. Pig roast and street party to follow. Proceeds to charity. fatass5k. com. Seventh Street, Adams and Washington. Downtown Springfield.

Timber! by Cirque Alfonse May 12, 7:30 p.m. A lumberjackinspired aerial acrobatic show based out of Quebec and set to a traditional folk music soundtrack. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160, sangamonauditorium.org.

Old Capitol Farmers Market May 13-Oct. 24, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Wed & Sat. Local cheese, produce, meats, art and more. Third Saturdays include entertainment and cooking demos. Downtown Springfield, Adams between Fifth and Second, downtownspringfield.org.

An Evening with Roger McGuinn May 14, 7:30 p.m. Founder, lead singer and lead guitarist of The Byrds. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160, sangamonauditorium.org.

Lincoln Memorial Garden 8K Trail Run May 16, 7:30-9 a.m. Sat. 4.97-mile loop starting and ending in Lincoln Memorial Garden. Kids fun run at 9 a.m. for $6. $30 for 8K through April 19, $35. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 529-1111, lincolnmemorialgarden.org.

20th Annual Springfield Highland Games & Celtic Festival May 16, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat. Dance, solo piping, drumming, band and athletic competitions and games, live musical acts, vendors, kids activities, storytelling, food, animals and more. $10 per person; $5 seniors and kids under 13, veterans and kids under 5 free. springfieldhighlandgames.com.

Chatham Community Park, 731 S. Main St., Chatham.

Springfield PrideFest May 16, 12-10 p.m. Entertainment, dancing, vendors, food and drink for all ages, children’s area. springfieldpride. org. Downtown Springfield.

Clayville Spring Festival May 16-17 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Sun. Artisan demonstrations, historic building tours, kids’ crafts and games, vendors, reenactments, period music, entertainment, food and refreshments. $5, $3 ages 6-12, under 6 free. Clayville, Route 125, Pleasant Plains, 572-4984, clayville.org.

Old Capitol Art Fair May 16-17, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun. One of the most popular juried art fairs in the country. Original art, entertainment, food and more. socaf.org. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, Springfield, 785-9363.

Grace Among the Leavings May 22-24, 8 p.m. Fri-Sat. $13-$8. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 632-5440, theatreinthepark.net.

Invincible: A Glorious Tribute to Michael Jackson May 29, 8 p.m. Fri. World-class dance company, Grammy Awardwinning vocalists, master musicians, impersonator Darrin Ross. $35-$41. Prairie Capital Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, Springfield, 800-745-3000, springfieldpc3.com.

Two Gentlemen of Verona May 29-31, 8 p.m. Fri-Sun. $13-$8. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 632-5440, theatreinthepark.net.

Next to Normal May 22-24, 29-31, 8 p.m. Fri-Sat, 2 p.m. Sun. 2010 Pulitzer Prize-winner for drama. Contemporary rock musical about a suburban household grappling with the mother’s worsening bipolar disorder. $16, $18. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., Springfield, 523-2787, hcfta.org.

5th Annual Downtown Celebration May 30, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sat. Jacksonville square, 200 E. State, Jacksonville, 243-5678, jacksonvilleil.org.

JUNE

Two Gentlemen of Verona June 4-6, 8 p.m. Thurs-Fri. $13-$8. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 632- 5440, theatreinthepark.net.

SOHO Music Fest June 5-6, 5 p.m.-12 a.m. Fri, 12 p.m.-12 a.m. Sat. Two days, two stages of local musicians and bands. $5 per day. 10K race and golf tournament, registration. springfieldsoho. org. Washington between Fifth and Sixth. Downtown Springfield.

Harbor Lights in Concert June 7, 3 p.m. Live performance by Doo Wop group. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., Springfield, 523-2787, hcfta.org.

Spamalot June 12-13, 18-20, 25-27, 8:30 p.m. Thurs-Sat. Loving rip-off of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Musical retelling of the legend of King Arthur, the Knights of the Round Table and the quest for the Holy Grail. $6-$14. The Muni, 815 East Lake Dr., Springfield, 793-MUNI, themuni.org.

Sangamon County Fair June 17-21. Five days of carnival, contests, entertainment, concerts, exhibits and more. $5-$25. Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin, 488-2685, sangcofair.com.

Grierson Days: Civil War and All Veterans Celebration June 19-21, 4-7 p.m. Fri, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat, 12-4 p.m. Sun. Free. Jacksonville Community Park, 1201 S. Main, Jacksonville, 243-5678, jacksonvilleil.org.

Grease June 19-21, 25-27, 8 p.m. Thurs-Sun. $13-$8. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 632-5440, theatreinthepark.net.

Stovepipe Sprint and Railsplitter Triathlon June 20, 8 a.m. Swim, bike and run through an 1800s pioneer village and Lincoln’s New Salem Historic site. $70- $160. triharderpromotions.com. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 632-4000.

8th Annual Crazy Horse Bluegrass Festival June 26-28, 5 p.m. Fri-Sat, 8 a.m. Sun. Three-day bluegrass music festival. Weekend pass, single-day tickets available, $25-$5. Crazy Horse Campground, 2113 Crazy Horse Road, Ashland, 886-2089.

Neil Berg and Rita Harvey on Broadway June 27, 8 p.m. Award-winning Broadway composer and his singeractress wife. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160, sangamonauditorum.org.

JULY

Capital City Celebration July 3-4. Local bands, food vendors, kids activities and more. Downtown Springfield, Second and Capitol.

Fourth of July Celebration and Parade July 3-4. 6 p.m. Fri, 10am Sat. Parade, concessions, children’s activities, live entertainment, fireworks and more.

Free to public. Nichols Park, 319 Holken Brink Dr., Jacksonville, 243-5678, jacksonvilleil.org.

Morgan County Fair July 8-12, 5-10 p.m. Wed-Fri, 12-10 p.m. Sat, 12-6 p.m. Sun. Morgan County Fairgrounds, 110 N. Westgate, Jacksonville, 243-5678.

Downtown Bacon Throwdown July 10-11. New festival showcasing the popular, delicious food item. Downtown Springfield, 544-1723, downtownspringfield.org.

Mary Poppins July 10-12, 15-19, 22-26, 8 p.m. Wed- Sat, 2 p.m. Sun. Based on stories by P.L. Travers and Walt Disney film. $25 advance, $30 door. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, Springfield, 800-838- 3006, atthelegacy.com.

Seussical July 10-11, 16-18, 23-25, 8:30 p.m. Thurs-Sat. $6-$14. The Muni, 815 East Lake Dr., Springfield, 793-MUNI, themuni.org.

Children of Eden July 17-19, 23-25, 8 p.m. $13-$8. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 632-5440, theatreinthepark.net.

Paint the Street Fest July 18, 4-10 p.m., Springfield Art Association block party with music and food. Free admission, $30/$35 per square to paint. Downtown Springfield, springfieldart.org.

River Country Quilt Show July 24-25, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri-Sat. Beautiful quilts on display by central Illinois quilters. jacksonvilleil. org. Jacksonville High School, Jacksonville, 243-5678.

Sangamon Valley Iris Society Plant Sale July 25, 1-4 p.m. Sat. Iris sale, plus opportunities to join local Iris Society or American Iris Society. 556-7415. Washington Park Botanical Garden Exhibit Hall, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 546-4116.

AUGUST

United Warriors Extreme Race Aug. 1, 8 a.m. Sat. 5K run with tireswinging, fire-jumping and heartpumping obstacles. jacksonvilleil.org. Morgan County Fairgrounds, 110 N. Westgate, Jacksonville, 243-5678.

Chapin Big Country Days Aug. 7-9, 10 a.m. Fri-Sun. Games, vendors, food, live entertainment. Free or small charge. jacksonvilleil. org. Chapin, 243-5678.

Downhome Music, Beer and Art Festival Aug. 7-8. Local bands playing original songs on multiple stages, 100 craft beers, local food vendors, kids area. All proceeds support local music. Admission. downhomemusicfest.com. Downtown Springfield, at Seventh & Washington.

West Side Story Aug. 7-8, 13-15, 20-22, 8 p.m. $6- $14. The Muni, 815 East Lake Dr., Springfield. 793-MUNI, themuni.org.

Illinois State Fair Aug. 13-23, 7 a.m.-12 a.m. So much to do we can’t list everything. Food, entertainment, exhibits and more. 782- 6661. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-1698, agr.state. il.us/isf.

Jane Eyre: The Musical Aug. 14-16, 20-22, 8 p.m. $13-$8. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 632-5440, theatreinthepark.net.

Hummingbird Festival Aug. 15, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Adopt banded hummingbirds, learn about hummingbird banding and migration from Sangamon River Audubon Society volunteers. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 632-4000, lincolnsnewsalem.com.

Abe’s Amble 10K Aug. 23, 7:30 a.m. 6.2-mile course takes runners through Lincoln Park, Oak Ridge Cemetery and back to Fairgrounds. srrc.net. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-1698.

Broadway and Chocolate Aug. 28, 29, 8 p.m. Theatre in the Park fundraiser concert. $13-$8. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 632-5440, theatreinthepark.net.

The Great Midwest Mashup Aug. 29-30, 9 a.m. Two days of roller derby. Eight women’s mash up teams tournament plus two MRDA sanctioned men’s bouts. Vendors, halftime shows, more. Championship bout 3:30 p.m. Sun. $5-$50. thegreatmidwestmashup. com. Prairie Capital Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745-3000.

SEPTEMBER

Cabaret Sept. 4-5, 10-12, 17-19, 7:30 p.m. $6-$14. The Muni, 815 East Lake Dr., Springfield. 793-MUNI, themuni.org.

Springfield Oyster and Beer Festival Sept. 5, 12-5 p.m. Local and national craft beer vendors, a variety of fresh oyster dishes, food trucks and live music. $25. Inn at 835, 835 S. Second St., 523- 4466, connshospitalitygroup.com.

17th Annual Prairieland Chautauqua Sept. 5-7, 4 p.m. Sat-Mon. Fun, educational family event featuring a variety of musical shows, storytelling, communal suppers, historical reenactors. Free to public. First Christian Church, 2106 S. Main St., Jacksonville, 243-5678.

Traditional Music Festival Sept. 11-12, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Midwest musicians perform with instruments such as mountain and hammer dulcimers, fiddles, banjos, guitars, etc. Plus cloggers and clogging demonstrations. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 632-4000, lincolnsnewsalem.com.

Governor Duncan Neighborhood Walking Tour Sept. 12, 11 a.m. Tour historically and architecturally significant homes in Jacksonville’s historic district. 243-5678. Governor Duncan Mansion, 4 Duncan Pl., Jacksonville, 245-2626.

Art Spectacular at the Carillon Sept. 12-13, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat-Sun. Juried fine art fair, ranked in the “Best 100 Art Fairs in the County” by Sunshine Artist magazine. Featuring up to 50 artists. Free. $1.25 per child for Kids’ Place activities. 787-3532. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 546-3853.

2015 Cruise Night Sept. 19, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. 31st anniversary event. Car show from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. and cruise from 5-9 p.m. Free to public. jacksonvilleil.org. Jacksonville Community Park, 1201 S. Main, Jacksonville, 243-5678.

Capital City Century Sept. 13, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Springfield Bicycle Club’s 43rd annual recreational bicycle ride. Distances of 10 to 100 miles over flat to slightly rolling terrain. Registration. spfldcycling.org. Knights of Columbus Hall Council 364, 2200 S. Meadowbrook Road.

Clayville Fall Festival Sept. 19-20, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Sun. Artisan demonstrations, historic building tours, kids’ crafts and games, vendors, reenactments, period music, entertainment, food and refreshments. $5, $3 ages 6-12, under 6 free. Clayville.org. Clayville, Route 125, Pleasant Plains, 572-4984.

Edwards Place Fine Art Fair Sept. 19-20, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun. Tours of Edwards Place Home, hands-on activities for kids, food, music, demos and more. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523- 2631, springfieldart.org.

Prairie Land Heritage Museum Steam Show Sept. 25-27, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri-Sun. See horse-powered equipment, antique tractors, steam and gas engines, baling and blacksmithing demonstrations and much more. Train rides, flea market, food. $5 admission covers all three days. jacksonvilleil.org. Prairie Land Heritage Museum, 1005 West Michigan, South Jacksonville, 243-5678.

International Route 66 Mother Road Festival Sept. 25-27, 6-10 p.m. Fri, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sat, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sun. More than 1,000 cool cars, free entertainment, swap meet and so much more. route66fest.com. Downtown Springfield.

OCTOBER

Old Capitol Blues and BBQs

Oct. 2-3, 5 p.m.-12 a.m. Fri, 1p.m -12 a.m. Sat. BBQ competitors and vendors, local and national blues talent and children’s activities. Fifth and Washington. Downtown Springfield. 544-1723, downtownspringfield.org.

Candlelight Tour Oct. 2-4, 7-9 p.m. See Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site at night. Staff and volunteers in period clothing discuss life in 19th century Illinois. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 632- 4000, lincolnsnewsalem.com.

Rotary Oktoberfest Oct. 3, 10 a.m. Sat. jacksonvilleil.org. Morgan County Fairgrounds, 110 N. Westgate, Jacksonville, 243-5678.

Indian Summer Festival Oct. 10-11, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat-Sun. Prairie party with delicious food, kids activities, games and crafts, music. Admission. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 529-1111, lincolnmemorialgarden.org.

Prairieland Classic Dog Shows Oct. 15-18, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. AKC All- Breed Dog Show. More than 1,200 dogs competing daily, plus vendors. Expo Building. Free. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782- 1698, agr.state.il.us.

Carve for the Carillon Oct. 10-11. Fun, family friendly event. Help carve 2,015 pumpkins for display at Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. All ages, all abilities welcome. Free. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 546-3853, carillon-rees.org.

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular Oct. 16-17, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Fri-Sat. Display of 2,015 illuminated handcarved pumpkins. Food, bonfire, spooky music. Admission. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 546-3853, carillon-rees.org.

Fall Festival Oct. 24-25, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat-Sun. A demonstration of life on the prairie in 1830s Illinois. Costumed interpreters demonstrate daily tasks such as candle dipping, butter churning, soap making, meat smoking, fruit and vegetable preservation. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 632-4000, lincolnsnewsalem.com.

Jacksonville Mainstreet Pumpkin Festival Oct. 25, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. Fifth Annual Pumpkin Festival. Free. Jacksonville Downtown, Central Park Plaza, Jacksonville, 243-5678, jacksonvillemainstreet.com.

Goosebumps Organ Concert and Electronic Light Show Oct. 31, 7-8:15 p.m. Concert characterized by electronic lights, dramatic dance. Organist Chris Holman, lighting artist Stephen Tankersley and choreographer Elizabeth Cheney. Free, donations accepted for Salvation Army. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 528-4311, lincolnschurch. org.

NOVEMBER

Fighting Illini Basketball Nov. 8, 13, 15, 21, 23. University of Illinois home games. Prairie Capital Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, Springfield, 800-745-3000, springfieldpc3.com.

Abe’s Trail Trek Nov. 14. 5K, 10K, 15K trail runs at Lincoln’s New Salem. Run on rolling terrain, along the Sangamon River, across bridges and up and down more than 150 steps. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 632-4000, lincolnsnewsalem.com.

Lincoln Memorial Garden Holiday Market Nov. 14-15. 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 Dr., 529-1111, lincolnmemorialgarden.org.

Woodhaven Hospice Festival of Trees Nov. 21-22, 5-8 p.m. Sun, 12-2:30 p.m. Fri, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Sat. Theme: “Christmas Around the World.” Designer trees and wreaths for the holidays. $4 adults, $2 students, $1 under age 6. jacksonvilleil.org. Masonic Temple, 345 W. College, Jacksonville, 243-5678.

Memorial’s Festival of Trees Nov. 21-29, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Mon- Wed, Fri-Sat, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. More than 150 trees, swags and wreaths decorated by area designers. (Thanksgiving 4-8 p.m.) $5-$3. MemorialsFestivalofTrees.com. Orr Building. Adults $5, Children 3-12 $3, Children 2 and under free. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-1698.

DECEMBER

Clayville Christmas Dec. 5, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Santa, facepainting, children’s store, caroling groups starting at noon. Donations accepted. Clayville, Route 125, Pleasant Plains, 572-4984, clayville. org.

First Night Dec. 31, 5-11:15 p.m. Free kids’ activities 1-4 p.m. at Springfield High School. Evening music, dance and much more at various downtown locations. springfieldartsco.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.