Noteworthy happenings in and around the capital city
Event listings updated daily at illinoistimes.com
Friday Night Jazz
Every Friday, 5:30-7:30pm. Listen to some of Springfield’s finest jazz musicians with a different act every week. Sponsored by the Springfield Area Arts Council. Free, family friendly and accessible. Boone’s, 301 Edwards St., 217-679-3752. springfieldartsco.org.
Friday Nights at DIM
Fridays, 6-8pm. Hang out, visit the gallery, create or just come and chill in the creative space. DIM Art House, 319 Chatham Road, 773-235-5600. dimarthouse.com.
Open Studio First Friday of each month, 6-8pm, beginning in April. Member artists will be working in studios in the gallery. This is a great opportunity to watch them at work, ask questions and learn about their creative processes, and also view the current exhibit on display. Pharmacy Gallery & Art Space, 623 E. Adams St. pharmacygallery.com.
Spring Floral Display
Saturday-Sunday, 12-5pm and Monday-Friday, 12-4 p.m., through April 9. Easter lilies and lush foliage fill the exhibit hall and conservatory. Washington Park Botanical Garden Exhibit Hall, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-4116.
“Martin Luther King Jr.: A Commemoration”
Tuesday-Saturday, 12-4pm, through April 15. Learn about King’s childhood and his efforts to fight for racial and social equity. Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum, 1440 Monument Ave., 217-391-6323. spiaahm.org.
“Growing Up X”
During regular museum hours through Sept. 4. Gen X, the often-overlooked Forgotten Generation, falls between Boomers and Millennials. Learn about the cultural touchstones that shaped this generation’s youth, the last generation to have had an analog childhood. illinoisstatemuseum.org. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386. illinoisstatemuseum.org.
“Here I Have Lived: Home in Illinois”
Through Jan. 21, 2024. Explore stories of home. Visitors can connect through artifacts, videos and interactive features about life here in our home state. Free with admission. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.
APRIL
Carillon concerts
April through December. Master carillonneur Carlo van Ulft and local assistant carillonneurs play a variety of music from original carillon compositions to arrangements of popular classics and pop music. Enjoy the beauty of the park and gardens with the unique accompaniment of carillon music. Visit the website or call for performance times. Free. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, Washington Park, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-3853. carillon-rees.org.
Henson Robinson Zoo Opening
April 1-2, 10am-5pm. Enjoy a day of sun and fun to kick off the start of the zoo season. Meet new animal friends that have arrived and get a visit from the Spring Bunny. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-544-1751.
Spring Lawn & Garden Sale
April 1, 8am-5pm and April 2, 9am-4pm. Landscape design, decks, hot tubs and everything you’ve dreamed about for your outdoor space. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-528-3033.
Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon
April 1, 7:30am. Run through history in Abraham Lincoln’s hometown, including past his law office, his tomb and the only home he over owned. Go Abe! USATF-certified course. Hosted by the Springfield Road Runners Club. Old State Capitol Plaza. srrc.net.
Exhausted Paint: The Death of van Gogh
April 14, 8pm. This 70-minute, one-act play is built around ideas of disorientation and struggle, often based on van Gogh’s extensive collected letters. Hoogland Center for the Arts Peggy Ryder Theatre, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787. hcfta.org.
The Linda Ronstadt Songbook
April 14, 8pm, April 15, 8pm and April 16, 2pm. A concert evening highlighting the songs of Linda Ronstadt and featuring Springfield singer Lori Ann McCabe and a rocking band. $25 in advance, $30 day of show. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence Ave., 217-528-9760. atthelegacy.com.
Newsies Jr.
April 14-15, 7:30pm, April 16, 2pm, April 21-22, 7:30pm and April 23, 2pm. Set to a Tony Awardwinning score, this play is inspired by a true story of newsboys in turn-of-the-century New York City. When publishers raise prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack Kelly rallies fellow newsies from across the city to strike. $15. Springfield Theatre Centre, Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787. springfieldtheatrecentre.com.
Madagascar the Musical
April 17, 7-9pm. Based on the DreamWorks’ hit animated motion picture and filled with outlandish characters, adventures galore and an upbeat score, this musical is the perfect family outing for audiences of all ages. $19-$59. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160 uispac.com.
The Book of Mormon
April 18-20, 7:30pm. A nine-time Tony Award-winning musical. Simply brilliant. $29-$89. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160 uispac.com.
Ninth Street Women
April 20, 6-7:30pm. Local art expert Sheri Ramsey will discuss Lee Krasner and Joan Mitchell, two of the women featured in the bestselling book, Ninth Street Women, by Mary Gabriel. An American Sign Language interpreter will be present. Hors d’oeuvres and drinks served. Free. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 2175232631. springfieldart.org.
Club LaCage Drag Show
April 21-22, 7pm. Presented by the Phoenix Center. Two evenings being planned with Friday night featuring Drag Queen Bingo. The queens and personalities that grace both events will keep you wildly entertained. Admission includes snacks and swag. $25-$35. Hoogland Center for the Arts. A combo ticket will be available. springfieldpride.org.
Our Town
April 28, 7pm, April 29, 2pm and 7pm and April 30, 2pm. Thornton Wilder’s timeless drama of life in the mythical village of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire, is an American classic. It explores the relationship between two neighbors, whose childhood friendship leads to romance and later marriage. $18-$26. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787. hcfta.org.
Venice
April 28, 7pm. This band has been described as quintessentially Californian, mixing the rock of 70s Aerosmith with the storytelling of James Taylor and harmonies reminiscent of The Eagles. $40 or $45 day of show. The Legacy Theatre, 101 W. Lawrence Ave., 217-528-9760. atthelegacy.com.
MAY
Moonlight Market
First and third Wednesdays May through October, 6-9pm. A wonderful way to enjoy an evening downtown. Find the works of local artists and artisans, plus dine and sip while you shop. Downtown Springfield, Jackson Street, between Sixth and Seventh streets. 217-670-0627.
Epic Endings
May 5, 7:30pm. With the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, conductor Joon Andrew Choi and featuring cellist Jamal Aliyev. Explore epics, made in America, by Dvoák, Bartok and Torke. $22-$66. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160. uispac.com.
Annual Illinois Vietnam Veterans Vigil
May 5-7. To honor all veterans and active duty military with a focus on Vietnam War veterans. Visit the Vietnam Veterans Annual Vigil Facebook page for more information. Veterans Memorial Complex, Oak Ridge Cemetery, 1500 Monument Ave. illinoisvvmav.org.
An Evening at the Farm
May 6, 5:30pm. A dinner theater featuring Sangamon Songs performed by Tom Irwin and Family. $50 per person. Doors open at 5:30pm. Dinner at 6pm. Jubilee Farm, 6760 Old Jacksonville Road. jubileefarm.info.
An Evening with Barbra Streisand, Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga
May 6, 7pm. Tribute artists Steve Leeds and Sharon Owens team up to bring some magic to the stage. Enjoy the hits of Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga and Barbra Streisand. $30-$32. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787. hcfta.org.
Hammer-In
May 6, 9am-4pm. A bunch of blacksmiths sharing stories and making noise and metal parts the old-fashioned way. The historic buildings will be open for small, socially distanced tours. Beverage service and popcorn available. Clayville Historic Site, Pleasant Plains, Route 125, 217-481-4430. clayville.org.
First Sunday Midwest Bazaar Spring Fever
May 7, 8am-4pm. You never know what you’re going to find at this bazaar. Top-notch vendors, food, pet adoption mobile site. You can even visit with some alpacas. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-725-8047.
Fat Ass 5K and Street Party for Charity
May 12, 4-10pm and May 13, 7:30am-3pm. This awesome event kicks off on Friday night with live music by local bands Shenanigans, Lick Creek and Off the Wall. Saturday’s race includes stops for beer, corndogs, doughnuts and ice cream, because why not? Live music and entertainment throughout the race route, followed by another street party with cold drinks, food and more live music. That’s how you do a Fat Ass. fatass5k.com. Downtown Springfield, Sixth and Adams streets. 217-525-1111.
Iron Chef Gala
May 12, 6pm. Sample the culinary delights of Springfield’s finest chefs as they battle it out to win the People’s Choice Award for their mouth-watering creations. Monies raised benefit the students of the Ball-Chatham School District. Crowne Plaza Springfield, 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy., 217-529-7777.
The Color Purple
May 12 - May 21. Check the website for show dates and times. A musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel and the popular 1985 Steven Spielberg film. The score features jazz, ragtime, gospel, African music and blues. It is a story of hope and love. $20. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787. hcfta.org.
Mother’s Day Remembrance Tribute
May 13, 10am. Honoring all mothers and the important roles they have played in our lives. The brief ceremony will be led by a certified celebrant. Free. Roselawn Memorial Park, 1735 S. Camp Butler Road, 217-525-1661.
Foreigner with special guest Head East
May 16, 7:30pm. Two classic rock acts with timeless hits. A show for all ages. $45 and up. BOS Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 217-788-8800. theboscenter.com.
Illinois Product Farmers Market
Thursdays, May 18 through Sept. 28, 3:30-7pm. Local meats, produce, dairy products, baked goods, honey and jams, craft beers, woodworking, jewelry and more. Plus live entertainment and a food truck. Illinois State Fairgrounds, The Shed, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-524-9129.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
May 19. The leaders of Wakanda battle to protect their nation. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Part of the Springfield Park District’s Movies in the Park series. Begins at sunset. Free. Velasco Tennis Center, 1501 South Grand Ave. W., 217-544-1751.
Old Capitol Farmers Market
May 20, 8am-12:30pm. Wednesdays and Saturdays through Oct. 28. A popular market where you’ll find local cheese, vegetables, meats, art and more. Downtown Springfield, Adams Street between Fifth and Second streets. 217-544-1723.
Springfield Area Highland Games and Celtic Festival
May 20. Try your hand at tossing a 20-foot-long caber or throw a 56-pound weight over a raised bar. Conversely, you can watch others do those things while enjoying bagpipe bands, food, storytelling and Scottish goods. Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin, 316 W. Birch St., 488-2685
Old Capitol Art Fair
May 20, 10am-5pm and May 21, 10am-4pm. Set against the backdrop of the Old State Capitol, the art fair is the jewel of the Midwest. This tradition of fine art has brought artists and shoppers from across the country flocking to downtown Springfield’s two-day outdoor art gallery for over 60 years. Free. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-553-5564. springfieldoldcapitolartfair.org.
Springfield PrideFest 2023
May 20, 11am-12am. Join the Phoenix Center for the gayest of days of embracing diversity and celebrating the local LGBTQ community. Live entertainment, great vendors, food and drinks. Downtown Springfield, Fifth Street and Capitol Avenue. Free. 217-528-5253.
Capital City Biathlon and 5K
May 27, 8 am. Choose from a 5K run, a biathlon (5K run and 15-mile bike) or a team biathlon. Danenberger Family Vineyards, 12341 Irish Rd, New Berlin. 217-488-6321.
JUNE
Nate Bargatze: The Be Funny Tour
May 31, 7-9pm. Hailing from Old Hickory, Tennessee, this stand-up comedian is selling out shows around the world. $39.75-$69.75. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160. uispac.com.
Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series
Thursdays, 6pm. A variety of music acts will perform from June 1 through Aug 3. Free. Y Block, Main Stage, Fourth and Jackson streets, 217-544-1723. downtownspringfield.org.
International Carillon Festival
June 1-4. Times TBA. Fireworks at dusk on Friday. Lauded as one of the world’s most important and prestigious carillon events, the festival has an unsurpassed tradition of presenting the finest carillonneurs from around the world. Free. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-306-1838. carillonrees.org.
History Comes Alive
June 2-Aug. 6. Go back in time in this 10-week living history program. Meet the Lincolns, attend a flag-lowering ceremony, join in an ice cream social and visit the local museums and historic sites. Go to visitspringfieldillinois.com for the full schedule. 217-789-2360x5520.
Legacy of Giving
June 2, 5pm-midnight and June 3, noon to midnight. Over 60 music acts on five stages. Two days of music, arts, crafts, kid’s entertainment, food trucks and sporting events. All proceeds benefit local charities. Old State Capitol Plaza, between Sixth and Fifth streets at Adams Street, 217-361-5678. logmusicfest.org.
8K Trail Race
June 3, 7:30-9:30am. Race over the scenic trails and pathways of the historic garden, along the trails next to Lake Springfield and throughout the Ostermeier Prairie Center grounds, while kids can participate in a Fun Run. Race is $30 or $40 after April 15. No on-site registration on race day. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-529-1111.
Sangamon County Fair
June 14-18. This is a classic Midwestern county fair featuring livestock shows, queen contest, midway, music and always some top-notch entertainment. $5-$10. Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin, 316 W. Birch St., 217-488-2685.
Juneteenth Celebration Weekend
June 14-19. A communitywide celebration over several days with a variety of family-friendly events and a parade. Find more information on the Juneteenth Inc. Springfield, IL Facebook page.
Respect
June 16. Nobody sings it like Aretha. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Part of the Springfield Park District’s Movies in the Park series. Begins at sunset. Free. Comer Cox Park, Capitol Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, 217-544-1751.
“DARK/LIGHT” group show gallery opening
June 16, 6-9pm. Works of art by regional artists exploring the use of darks and lights and Black Light Art! Look for some neon. Free. DIM Art House, 319 Chatham Road, 773-235-5600. dimarthouse.com.
Chicago
June 17, 8pm. Hailed as one of the most important bands in music since the dawn of the rock ‘n’ roll era, the legendary rock and roll band with horns, Chicago, came in as the highest charting American band in Billboard Magazine’s Top 125 Artists Of All Time. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160. uispac.com.
Henson Robinson Zoo Day
June 17, 10am-5pm. Help the zoo celebrate the city of Springfield’s proclamation of Henson Robinson Zoo Day. All guests get in free. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-585-1821.
Bullets Over Broadway
June 23 through July 23. Check the website for show dates and times. In 1928, a struggling young writer is forced to cast a mobster’s talentless girlfriend in his latest Broadway play in order to get it produced. $30 or $35 day of show. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence Ave., 217-528-9760. atthelegacy.com.
Rock of Ages
June 23-25 and June 28-July 1, 8:30pm. This Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical set on the Sunset Strip in the 1980s features the hits of artists such as Night Ranger, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister and more. $12-22. The Muni, 815 E. Lake Dr., 217-793-6864. themuni.org.
Paint the Street
June 24, 11am-7pm. Your chance to create your Picasso on pavement for the world to see. Participants paint 6 ft. x 6 ft. squares of pavement with the artwork of their choice. Painters receive one paint supply bucket, one giveaway bag with goodies from sponsors and one Paint the Street T-shirt. $35-$45. Hosted by the Springfield Art Association. Downtown Springfield. 217-544-2787. springfieldart.org.
Wonderland
June 25. Dance Arts Youth Company presents a contemporary retelling of the story of Alice in Wonderland. $15. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787. hcfta.org.
Memorial Health Championship presented by LRS
June 29-July 2, 6am-7pm. The path to the PGA Tour starts here at this stop on the Korn Ferry Tour. The four-day competition presented by LRS features more than 150 players from around the world vying for a total purse of $1 million. Free. Panther Creek Country Club, 3001 Panther Creek Dr., 217-670-2910.
Rock the Dock
June 30. This celebration has been making waves for years. Food trucks, live music and the much-anticipated fireworks at dusk. Lake Springfield Marina, 17 Waters Edge Blvd., 483-3625.
JULY
Springfield Jaycees Capital City Celebration
July 1. Join in the festivities and fireworks in downtown Springfield. Springfieldjaycees.net.
Independence Day Celebration
July 1, 10am-4pm and July 4, 10am-4pm. Get your 19th century patriot on. Period demonstrations and the reading of the Declaration of Independence each day. Free. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, Petersburg, 15588 History Lane, 217-632-4000.
Knight’s Fireworks Extravaganza
July 4, 9:30pm. Should be a bang-up time.
Knight’s Action Park, 1700 Knights Recreation Dr., 217-546-8881.
Women’s Distance Festival
July 8, 8am. Bring your mother, daughter, sister or friend and run or walk this beautiful two-mile course through Washington Park. For women and girls of all ages, whether you are a competitive runner or just plan to take a stroll. Registrants get a race shirt. Washington Park, 1501 South Grand Ave. W., 217-544-1751. srrc.net.
Top Gun: Maverick
July 14. Tom Cruise returns in the role of naval aviator Maverick in this sequel to the 1986 film Top Gun. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Part of the Springfield Park District’s Movies in the Park series. Begins at sunset. Free. Lincoln Park, Fifth Street and Sangamon Avenue, 217-544-1751.
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
July 14-17 and July 19-22. Step into the enchanted world of Belle and Prince Adam. This international sensation has been produced in 37 countries. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature. $12-$22. The Muni, 815 E. Lake Dr., 217-793-6864. themuni.org.
Chatham Sweet Corn Festival
July 21, 5-11:30pm and July 22, 10am-11:30pm. Live music, food, vendors and children’s activities. A big shout out to the local cows’ contributions to that perennial favorite, the Illinois Championship Cow Chip Throw. Chatham Community Park, Chatham, 731 S. Main St.
Karen Hester as Dolly
July 22, 7pm. Dolly Parton tribute artist Karen Hester delivers the star’s greatest hits. $28-$32. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787. hcfta.org.
Coin Show
July 23, 9am-3pm. U.S. and foreign coins, ancient and modern coins, gold and silver bullion, state quarters and paper money. Over 70 dealer tables. Hosted by the Central Illinois Numismatic Association. Free for members and children under 16. $1. Northfield Inn, Suites and Conference Center, 3280 Northfield Dr., 217-523-7900.
Downhome Music Festival
July 28-29. One of Springfield’s most popular music festivals. Features local artists and performers, a wide selection of craft beers and food vendors. Downtown Springfield, Seventh and Washington streets. downhomemusicfest.com.
AUGUST
Encanto
Aug. 4. In this computer-animated film, an extraordinary family lives hidden in the mountains of Colombia. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Part of the Springfield Park District’s Movies in the Park series. Begins at sunset. Free. Veterans Memorial Pool, 2700 Ely St., 753-3030.
Powerlight Abe Lincoln Car Show Spectacular
Aug. 4, 6-9pm and Aug. 5, 8am-4pm. Super Cruise at 6pm Friday from Horace Mann in downtown Springfield to Cherry Hills Church. Car show on Saturday. Show includes actor Butch Patrick, known as Eddie Munster from The Munsters television show. Free. Cherry Hills Church, 2125 Woodside Road, 217-553-527
School of Rock - The Musical
Aug. 4-6, 8:30pm and Aug. 9-12, 8:30pm. A wannabe rock star named Dewey Finn poses as a substitute teacher at a prep school. There he turns a class of students into a rock band. Single tickets $12-$22. The Muni, 815 E. Lake Dr., 217-793-6864. themui.org.
Illinois State Fair
Aug. 10-20. Every kind of food imaginable, the sounds of music and concertgoers’ cheers at the Grandstand shows, a midway with all the bells and whistles, harness-racing horses kicking up the dust on the track, tons of agricultural shows and lots of 10-gallon hats and cowboy boots. Visit the Facebook page for Grandstand shows updates and admission info. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., 217-782-6661.
Rockballet
Aug. 19, 8pm. Dancers of the Copper Coin Ballet Company will perform to rock music by Downstate. The show’s theme is “Rock Royalty” and songs by Queen, Elton John, Prince, Michael Jackson and Aretha Franklin will be included. Springfield Muni Opera, 815 E. Lake Shore Dr. coppercoinballet.org.
Abe’s Amble
Aug. 20, 7:30am. On the last day of the Illinois State Fair, hundreds of runners from Illinois and surrounding states take to the streets covering the fairgrounds, Lincoln Park, Oak Ridge Cemetery and back. This challenging 10K course is USATF-certified and a lot of fun. Certified 5K course option available. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-782-6661.
Powerlight Christian Music Festival
Aug. 20, 3-9pm. Featuring four-time Grammy Award-winning band Petra at the Lincoln Stage. Free with paid fair admission. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., 217-553-5271.
Sing 2
Aug. 25. Sing 2 is the sequel to the 2016 animated hit. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Part of the Springfield Park District’s Movies in the Park series. Begins at sunset. Free. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-544-1751.
Old Capitol Blues and BBQ
Aug. 25-26. Possibly the bluesiest of summer fests. Featuring top blues bands, unbeatable award-winning barbecue, cold drinks and first-rate fun. Old State Capitol Plaza, between Sixth and Fifth streets at Adams Street, 217-523-1455.
Jubilee Morgan Horse Show
Aug. 30-Sep. 2, 9am-9pm. The stamina and spirit of the Morgan, combined with its build and way of traveling, contributed greatly to the formation of the other American breeds. Coliseum, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., 248-207-4956.
SEPTEMBER
Springfield Oyster and Beer Festival
Sep. 2, 12-5pm. This event has raised more than $130,000 for area charities. Features over 5,000 gourmet oysters and 50 different types of craft beers to wash them down. Live music and local food trucks. Having a good time is much easier when it’s for a great cause. The Inn at 835, 835 S. Second St., 217-523-4466.
Springfield Mile
Sep. 2-3, 9am-4pm. The annual Labor Day weekend doubleheader of the world’s premier flat track motorcycle racing series. You just now imagined the sound of all those motorcycles roaring past the grandstand, didn’t you? Ticket prices will increase the week of the event. $20-$150. Children 12 and under $5-$25. Illinois State Fair Grandstand, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., 217-632-0277.
Bluegrass Concerts and Traditional Music Festival
Sep 8-9. Bluegrass performers from all over the Midwest will be playing in the Kelso Hollow outdoor theater on Friday, 6-10pm. At the Traditional Music Festival on Saturday, musicians are invited to participate in impromptu jam sessions from 10am-4pm. lincolnsnewsalem.com. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 217-632-4000.
Art Spectacular
Sep. 9, 10am-5pm and Sep. 10, 10am-4pm. A juried fine art and craft fair, ranked by Sunshine Artist Magazine as one of the best 200 art fairs in the United States. Free. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-3853. carillon-rees.org.
Capital City Century Ride
Sep. 9. One of the oldest and most popular recreational bicycle rides in Illinois. A scenic, one-day ride on low-traffic roads. Multiple route options. Hosted by the Springfield Bicycle Club. 217-801-2873.
Ride to Remember
Sep. 10, 9am. Vehicles begin lining up at 9am at Hall’s Harley-Davidson. The procession will leave at 10am and proceed to the Illinois State Capitol grounds to the 9/11 Memorial site where a ceremony will take place. Ceremony starts upon arrival. Free. Hall’s Harley-Davidson, 2301 N. Dirksen Pkwy., 217-528-8356.
Edwards Place Fine Art Fair
Sep. 16, 10am-5pm and Sep. 17, 10am-4pm. Shop over 70 different vendors, take tours of Edwards Place Historic Home and join in other fun family activities. This fair is popular with locals and is in its 35 th year. Free. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-544-2787. springfieldart.org.
Fall Festival
Sep. 16-17, 9am-4pm. A local favorite with music, food, crafts, children’s activities and historic buildings to tour. Clayville Historic Site, Pleasant Plains, Route 125, 217-481-4430. clayville.org.
22nd Annual International Route 66 Mother Road Festival
Sep. 22, 6-10pm, Sep. 23, 9am-10pm and Sep. 24, 9am-2pm. Hundreds of street machines, muscle cars and hot rods will rumble into the heart of Springfield’s historic downtown followed by thousands of spectators for a weekend of family fun, live music and entertainment. Cruise at 6pm Friday with car show Saturday and Sunday. Show features My Classic Car host Dennis Gage. Don’t miss the Burnout Competition. Free for spectators. Downtown, 217-553-5271.
OCTOBER
Youth Charity Horse Show
Oct. 6-8, 8am. Class sessions all three days. The organization donates its annual proceeds to area charities. Coliseum, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., 217-413-1026.
Candlelight Walk
Oct. 6-7, 7pm. A wonderful opportunity to experience village life at night. Period-clothed interpreters will be inside many of the log homes and shops to talk about life in 19th century Illinois. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, Petersburg, 15588 History Lane, 217-632-4000.
Mid America Mane Event Horse Show
Oct. 11-14. A full array of performance, pleasure, equitation, hackney and road horse classes. Coliseum, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., 815-347-4395.
“Oddities”
Oct. 13 and 20, 6pm - 9pm. An immersive gallery experience created by regional artists. Rooms of oddities and wonders. Spooky, cool, weird. Performances and surprises. Donations welcome. DIM Art House, 319 Chatham Road, 773-235-5600. dimarthouse.com.
All Breed Dog Shows
Oct. 13-15 and Oct. 19-22. Featuring hundreds of dogs from the region. Free. Illinois State Fairgrounds Exposition Building, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-621-5169.
National Fossil Exposition
Oct. 20-22. Hosted by the Mid-American Paleontology Society, this is the largest show in the world that exhibits fossils exclusively. A show for both novices and experts alike. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-725-8047.
Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular
Oct. 20-21, 6:30-9:30pm. Nothing quite compares to this Halloween tradition. Carillon music, lighting and sound effects and food vendors. And hundreds of carved pumpkins on display, too, of course. Adults $10, Children 4-11 $7, children 3 and under: Free. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-3853. carillon-rees.org.
Fall Festival
Oct. 28, 10am-4pm. Period-clothed interpreters will demonstrate daily tasks throughout the historic village such as candle dipping, soap making, blacksmithing, spinning wool, gardening, and natural dyeing. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 217-632-4000. lincolnsnewsalem.com.
NOVEMBER
Winter Old Capitol Farmers Market
Nov. 4, 11 and 18, 8am-12pm. Find fresh autumn and winter produce from local orchards and gardens, baked goods, honey and jams, and meats and dairy products. Visits downtownspringfield.org for more market dates later in the season. Winter Old Capitol Farmers Market, Union Station, 500 E. Madison St., 217-544-1723.
Light up the Gables
Nov. 24, 5pm. Join in singing some familiar Christmas carols as the tree is lit. Then enjoy some delicious hot chocolate or apple cider by the fire. The Gables, 2800 Plaza Drive. thegablesofspringfield.com.
Christmas tree lighting
Nov. 25. Hosted by Downtown Springfield, Inc. Free. Old State Capitol Plaza, between Sixth and Fifth streets at Adams Street, 217-544-1723. downtownspringfield.org.
Old Capitol Holiday Walks
Opens Sat., Nov. 25, 10am, and runs every Saturday and Wednesday through Dec. 23. Presented by Downtown Springfield Inc. The whole family can enjoy a variety of special events downtown through the holiday season. Downtown Springfield, 217-544-1723, downtownspringfield.org.
DECEMBER
Christmas with Santa
Dec. 2, 10am-2pm. The big guy will be all ears for those Christmas wishes. Clayville Historic Site, Pleasant Plains, Route 125, 217-481-4430 clayville.org.
Holiday Lights Parade
Dec. 2. A dazzling event for the season with a possible sighting of the jolly old elf himself. Hosted by the Springfield Jaycees. Parade begins at dusk. Jefferson Street to Fifth Street to Monroe Street to Sixth Street. Free. Downtown Springfield. 217-544-1723.
The Nutcracker
Dec. 2-3. 2pm. Dancers from the Copper Coin Ballet Company and guest artists will perform in this annual holiday favorite by Pyotr Tchaikovsky. UIS Performing Arts Center, University of Illinois Springfield. $5 minimum. After that, ticket prices are pay what you can. coppercoinballet.org.
The Nutcracker
Dec. 6, 9, 13, 16, 20 and 23. 5:30pm. The Copper Coin Ballet Company heads downtown for more performances, this time at the Union Theater at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, 212 N. Sixth St. Free. coppercoinballet.org.
Candlelight Christmas
Dec. 8, 5-9pm and Dec. 9, 3:30-9pm. Experience the sights and scents of Christmases long ago in the candlelit historical buildings. If you catch a chill from the nippy weather, warm up by the crackling fire in the stone fireplace. Clayville Historic Site, Pleasant Plains, Route 125, 217-481-4430. clayville.org.
First Night Springfield
Dec. 31. A spectacular celebration of the arts with live music, dance and art exhibits at various downtown venues. A family-friendly, handicapped-accessible and affordable event. Snacks available for purchase. Hosted by the Springfield Area Arts Council. Downtown Springfield 217-753-3519. springfieldartsco.org.
MORE EVENTS, MORE DETAILS in our online calendar at ILLINOISTIMES.COM
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