Sangamon Valley Woodcarvers 35th Annual Show, Sale and Competition

Sat., Sep. 5, 10am-4pm. Woodcarvers will display their carvings and will be working on new ones. Some carvings will be available for purchase. Event includes people’s choice voting for best carving competition, signup for a beginning carving class, door prize drawings and vendors selling woodcarving supplies and tools. Free admission. Williamsville Community Center, Williamsville, 141 W. Main St., 217-691-5943.

Traditional Music Festival

Sat., Sep. 5, 10am-4pm and Sun., Sep. 6, 10am-4pm. This popular annual event showcases 19th-century instruments and folk music. dnrhistoric.illinois.gov. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, Petersburg, 15588 History Lane, 217-632-4000.

Military Vehicle Show Sat., Sep. 12, 10am-4pm. See old and newer military vehicles and equipment and then check out the museum. Free, donations accepted. Illinois State Military Museum, 1301 N. MacArthur Blvd., 217-761-3910.

Rockballet

Sat., Sep. 12. Rockballet is an electrifying fusion of classical ballet and iconic rock music, taking audiences on a thrilling journey. This innovative production showcases the dynamic versatility of Copper Coin Ballet Company dancers as they perform to the timeless hits of Prince. Set in an outdoor theatre, Rockballet combines the raw energy of a live concert with the grace and precision of ballet, creating a unique and unforgettable experience that appeals to a broad audience. The Muni, 815 E. Lake Dr., 217-793-MUNI.

Art Spectacular

Sat., Sept. 12 and Sun., Sept. 13. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, 1740 W. Fayette Ave. A popular, professionally juried fine art and craft show featuring collector and museum-quality works. Food trucks and activities for kids. Free admission.

Rock and Run for Mental Health

Sun., Sep. 13, 9am-12pm. Fourth annual event includes 5k and 1-mile fun run/walk, live music by The 66 Ramblers and vendors. Cendor lineup includes a food truck, coffee bar, massage therapists, chiropractors, physical therapists, counselors, community organizations and more. Partial proceeds provide counseling services to uninsured individuals and those in need. Register at rock4mentalhealth.org. 10. Rochester Community Park, Rochester, 90 Wild Rose Lane.

Ride to Remember

Sun., Sept. 14, 9am. Starting site TBA. Vehicles line up at 9am. After a short ceremony, the procession will leave at 10am and proceed to Illinois State Capitol grounds to the 9/11 Memorial site. Free.

Capital City Century

Sat., Sept. 19, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Five distances from which to choose including the “100-mile Century.” Curated routes and low-traffic roads for seasoned cyclists and beginners alike. Hosted by the Springfield Bicycle Club. All routes begin and end at the Sherman Athletic Club. Each route features a rest stop with drinks and snacks to keep riders fueled and supported. Register online. Capcitycentury.com. $30-$55. Sherman Athletic Club, 300 S. First St.

Edwards Place Fine Art Fair

Sat., Sep. 19, 10am-5pm and Sun., Sep. 20, 10am-4pm. Artwork from artists across the country gather to show their work. Support them, as well as the SAA, by coming out to shop at the best fall art fair in Springfield! Expect live music, art demonstrations, food trucks, used book sale, self-guided tours of historic Edwards Place, kids’ activities, and more!. Free admission. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.

Chatham Jaycees Oktoberfest

Sat., Sep. 19, 11am-9pm. Traditional(ish) celebration with food, fun and German and American music. Veterans Memorial Square, Chatham, 101 N. Main St.

International Route 66 Mother Road Festival

Sep. 25-27. It’s the centennial of Route 66! 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. Huge cruise Friday night with car show 9am-10 p.m. Saturday and 9am-noon Sunday. Don’t miss the popular burnout competition. route66fest.com. Free for spectators. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-553-5271.

Annual Artisan Market

Sat., Sep. 26, 9am-4pm. This annual curated event hosts regional artisans chosen based on their original and handcrafted works. Skilled craftspeople and creators attend to sell their handmade, one-of-a-kind items directly to the public. Artisans who create original artwork, written works, bath/body products, apparel, food products, jewelry, candles and more are welcome. In lieu of an admission fee, non-perishable items will be accepted for the local food pantries in Sangamon and Menard counties. Free. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-306-3394.

Night Glow Festival

Tue., Sept. 29, 6-9 p.m. As the sun sets, watch the sky come alive with a breathtaking hot air balloon glow at dusk. Besides glowing balloons, event includes food truck and beautiful park views. Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 217-585-2941.

Bourbon Done Wright

Wed., Sep. 30, 5:30-8pm. Experience the sweet, smooth flavors of bourbon (Frank Lloyd Wright’s favorite drink) while learning more about it. Sample fine foods, visit with fellow bourbon aficionados and support the Dana-Thomas House. Route 66 MotorHeads Bar & Grill, Museum & Entertainment Complex, 600 Toronto Road, 217-788-9452.

OCTOBER

Candlelight Walks

Oct. 2-10. 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. lincolnsnewsalem.com. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, Petersburg, 15588 History Lane, 217-632-4000.

Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show

Sat., Oct. 3, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sun., Oct. 4, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Features gem, mineral, fossil and jewelry dealers, exhibits, silent auction, concessions, demonstrations and children’s activities. Presented by Lincoln Orbit Earth Science Society. Adults $3, seniors $2, children 12 and younger and Scouts in uniform free. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-414-0033.

Blessing of the Animals

Mon., Oct. 5. This longtime APL tradition marks the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. All animals are welcome and must be on a leash or in a size-appropriate carrier throughout the entire event for the safety of the animals and people attending. For more information visit www.apl-shelter.org or call. Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Road, 217-544-7387.

APL Boo Bark Party

Sat., Oct. 10, 11am-2pm. Trick or treat. Springfield’s only Halloween party for dogs. We invite dog owners to grab their pets and join APL for a spooky, fun dog party. Boo Bark features pet-themed vendors, activities for kids and dogs, pumpkin painting, demonstrations and a canine contest with prizes for winners. $3 for one dog. $5 for two dogs. Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Road, 217-361-6212.

Illinois Product Farmers Fall Market

Sat., Oct. 10, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Features Illinois meats, produce, baked goods and wine. Includes children’s events and live music. illinoisproductsfarmersmarket.com. Illinois State Fairgrounds, The Shed, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-524-9129.

Carve for the Carillon

Fri., Oct. 10, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sat., Oct. 11, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Scooped pumpkins will be ready for your creative carving. Bring your carving tools, family and friends. The carved pumpkins will be displayed at the following week’s Jack O’Lantern Spectacular. Rain or shine and while supplies last. Free. carillon-rees.org.

Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-3853.

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular

Fri., Oct. 16, 6:30-9:30 p.m. and Sat., Oct. 17, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Enjoy the sparkling splendor of hundreds of illuminated, carved pumpkins surrounding the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon and Botanical Garden at Washington Park. Admission fee. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-4116

Highland Games & Celtic Festival

Sat., Oct. 17, 10am-7pm. A day of bagpiping, dancing, athletics, Gaelic lessons, vendors, live entertainment and more. centralillinoiscelts.com. $15 for adults, $8 for seniors, children free. Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin, 316 W. Birch St., 219-899-3359.

The UNusual Suspects - Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre

Sat., Oct. 17, 6:30pm and Sun., Oct. 18, 4:30pm. At Edwards Place Murder Mystery dinner theater, guests will help to solve a dastardly murder. They will interact with a motley crew of suspects to discover which of them committed the crime all while enjoying a themed, catered meal. The show is written in-house and includes a dozen community members as actors. This year’s theme is “The UNusual Suspects,” in which detectives from classic mystery novels and movies become the suspects in a murder themselves. edwardsplace.org. $65. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.

Come From Away

Fri., Oct. 23, 7:30pm, Sat., Oct. 24, 7:30pm, Sun., Oct. 25, 2pm, Mon., Oct. 26, 7:30pm, Tue., Oct. 27, 7:30pm and Sat., Oct. 31, 2pm. Based on true events surrounding 9-11, it tells the story of the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, whose residents unexpectedly welcomed the world on Sept. 11, 2001. When 38 planes were diverted to their town, the people of Gander opened their homes, shared meals, offered music and laughter, and forged lasting connections with 7,000 stranded travelers. hcfta.org. $21-$23. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Zoolie Ghoulie

Oct. 23-24. Grab your little ghouls and goblins and have a wild time wandering through the zoo’s spectacularly spooky Halloween scenes for some safe trick or treating. Costume contest each night. $5, 2 and younger are free. springfieldparks.org. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-585-1821.

Fall Festival

Sat., Oct. 24, 10am-5pm. Period clothed interpreters will demonstrate daily tasks such as candle dipping, soap making, blacksmithing, spinning wool, gardening and natural dyeing. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, Petersburg, 15588 History Lane, 217-632-4000.

NOVEMBER

World War I living history

Sat., Nov. 7, 10am-4pm. Speak to historians and re-enactors of the Great War that went on from 1914 to 1918. Then check out the museum. Illinois State Military Museum, 1301 N. MacArthur Blvd., 217-761-3910.

Statewide Conference and Centennial Celebration

Wed., Nov. 11, 8am. A future, grand celebration of Route 66’s 100th anniversary featuring live entertainment in the Motordome at Motorheads Bar, Grill & Museum, special guests, classic cars and networking opportunities. The Centennial Celebration will be a ticketed event. Discounts will be available exclusively for Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway members. See the Facebook page or website for more info. Route 66 MotorHeads Bar & Grill, Museum & Entertainment Complex, 600 Toronto Road, 217-670-1805.

Girls on the Run 5K Celebration

Sat., Nov. 14, 9-11am. Support Girls on the Run of Central Illinois participants by joining them at the fall 5K. Celebrate and honor their season of growth, connection and confidence. Event begins at 9am with family-friendly activities followed by the 5K at 10am. Register to run/walk as a 5K participant or to volunteer. Early pricing before 10/26, adults $30 and children ages 3-12 $20. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-726-9808.

Art Synergy

Sat., Nov. 14, 5:30-11pm. This creative, collaborative event will culminate in an exciting evening at Paul Tree Farms filled with food, drinks, bartending battle, silent auction, raffles and a live auction of the finished pieces. More details TBA. $75. Paul’s Paradise, Pleasant Plains, 12430 State Route 125, 217-544-2787.

Route 66 Film Festival

Fri, Nov. 20 and Sat., Nov. 21. Celebrating 25 years of independent, international films and featuring films of all lengths and genres. Trophies will be awarded Saturday night for judges’ choice in various categories. Suggested donation at the door is $10 for each session. Food and drinks available for purchase. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Annie

Opens Friday, Nov. 20. Believe it or not, Annie is 50! Join The Legacy Theatre for its 50th anniversary celebration of this beloved musical. More details TBA. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence Ave., 217-528-9760.

Light Up The Gables

Fri., Nov. 27. Parade and tree lighting at 5pm featuring Santa & Mrs. Claus, Abraham and Mary Lincoln and more. Includes children’s events from 3 to 5pm. Free. The Gables, 2800 Plaza Dr., 793-3344.

Holiday Zoo Lights

Fridays-Sundays, Nov. 27-Dec. 22, 5-9 p.m. Stroll through the zoo and enjoy thousands of lights and themed lighted display. Enjoy a hot chocolate or hang out under the tent to enjoy a s’more after roasting a marshmallow over the fire pit. Admission fee. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-585-1821

DECEMBER

Holiday Open House

Sat., Dec. 5, 1-4pm. See Edwards Place in holiday finery while listening (and singing!) carols around a piano once heard by Abraham Lincoln and meeting a Civil War-era Santa Claus. Refreshments provided. edwardsplace.org. Free. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.

The Nutcracker

Sat., Dec. 5 and Sun., Dec. 6. The timeless holiday classic that has enchanted Springfield-area audiences for generations, now under the banner of the Copper Coin Ballet Company. Created by Julie Ratz, Ronda Brinkman, Gina Russell and Grace Nanavati, and performed by a talented company of more than 100 local dancers. Experience Clara’s magical dream, and create beautiful holiday memories for the young and young-at-heart. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.

Caroling at the Carillon

Sun., Dec. 13, 3-5:30pm. Gather around a roaring bonfire and sing Christmas carols accompanied by the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon. Free. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-3853.

Winter Holiday Floral Show

Dec. 5-20. Step into a world of enchantment and immerse yourself in the beauty of over 500 radiant poinsettias carefully nestled among lush fresh evergreens and vibrant tropical foliage. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-4116.

Santa Claus Holiday Tea

Sat., Dec. 12, 1pm. Learn about popular tea customs while participating in a special program based on The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum. Includes tea, tea foods, gifts, and original programming. edwardsplace.org. $30-$35. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.

Dual Piano Christmas

Fri., Dec. 18, 7pm, Sat., Dec. 19, 7pm and Sun., Dec. 20, 2pm. The duo that Illinois Times called “improvisational and strategically comedic” is back for more mischief and music. Comedy runs amuck throughout their programs and no one knows what is going to happen next – including Mark Gifford and Damien Kaplan. hcfta.org. $21-$23. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

First Night Springfield

Thu., Dec. 31, 12-8:30 p.m. Look for children’s activities, live performances and special around-the-world midnight countdown with confetti cannons at ALPLM, ice skating at Union Square Park, live performances and arts activities at the Hoogland and a fireworks spectacular. 16 and older $25, 15 and younger free. springfieldartsco.org/first-night. Downtown, 217-753-3519.