A quick guide to some of the festivals, celebrations, and other events that make fall special in Springfield and Illinois. Look for additional information in weekly editions of Illinois Times.
SEPTEMBER
Sept. 1-4
Chicago Jazz Festival:
Feeling funky? Head north to one of the best jazz festivals in the country.
Featuring such world-renowned jazz musicians as pianist John Medeski and
the Zawinul Syndicate. Grant Park, Chicago,
www.cityofchicago.org/specialevents.
Sept. 1-5
Prairieland Chautauqua: A
celebration marking the 175th year of Illinois College, Jacksonville.
Featuring food and live music. Community Park
and Rammelkamp Chapel, Jacksonville.
Sept. 1-5
62nd National Sweet Corn Festival: Hoopeston’s children of the corn have boasted this festival
of the cob for more than 60 years. The magic includes music, demolition
derbies, and a beauty pageant. Route 1 &
West Penn Street, Hoopeston, www.hoopestonjaycees.com/page5.html.
Sept. 1-5
Colchester Labor Day Celebration: This five-day festival stretches throughout the town, with a
carnival in the business district, live entertainment in the park, and food
and craft vendors along sidewalks all over town. Downtown Colchester, 309-776-4813.
Sept. 2-4
Nauvoo Grape Festival: Wine
tasting, custom-auto show, entertainment tent, arts and crafts, flea
market, and parade. A free shuttle provides service from the festival
grounds to area businesses. Nauvoo State Park,
Nauvoo, 217-453-6648.
Sept. 2-4
Springfield Ethnic Festival: Local nonprofit groups share their heritage with a taste of food,
music, and cultural activities from their respective native lands. Illinois State Fairgrounds, Ethnic Village, Springfield,
217-629-7871.
Sept. 3
Fine Arts Fair on the Square: The fourth annual art fair boasts more than 40 exhibitors in media
including fabric, glass, jewelry, painting, photography, and pottery.
Leisure Time barbershop quartet and Suns of Circumstance provide the
soundtrack. Route 4, Chatham Town Square,
217-483-4471.
Sept. 3
The Modern Landscape
Opening Reception: Juried exhibit includes the
work of 34 artists who have explored the impact of human beings on the
American terrain. Exhibit closes Nov. 5. Springfield
Art Association Gallery of Art, 700 N. Fourth St., Springfield,
217-523-2631, collections@springfieldart.org.
Sept. 3 & 4
Shawnee Hills Wine Trail Festival: Featuring music by Shady Mix and St. Stephens Blues. Alto Vineyards, Alto Pass, www.altovineyards.net.
Sept. 3-5
Illinois Renaissance Faire: Visit the days of Queen Elizabeth I and delve into the history of
the 16th century during this re-creation of the period. Ellsworth Park, Danville, 217-649-4217,
www.prairieplayerstheatreacademy.org.
Sep. 3-5
Casey Popcorn Festival:
Carnival, crafts, and, of course, popped corn. The festival has a car show,
a music stage and from what we hear, all the free popcorn festival-goers
can eat. Casey Fairview Park, East Monroe
Street, Casey.
Sept.3-Oct.31
Great Godfrey Maze:A Wizard of Oz-themed maze that
sprawls 2.4 miles. Oct. 15-31, the merry old land of Oz will be abandoned
for spooky Halloween fun in the maze. Glazebrook
Park, Godfrey, 800-258-6645 .
Sept. 3-5
32nd Annual Amish Cheese Festival: The good folks of Arthur have planned a celebration replete with a
cheese-curling contest, cheese-eating contest, and, well, lots of cheese. Arthur, 800-722-6474.
Sept. 4
Fulton County Arts Council’s Children’s
Art in the Park: Coupled with the third annual
Dulcimer Gathering, this festival is music to any art lover’s ears.
Activities and displays for tiny art lovers. Dickson
Mounds, Lewistown, 309-547-3721.
Sept. 5
Labor Day Pops Concert: Free
concert featuring the Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra bids farewell to
the summer season. Nelson Park Amphitheater,
Lake Decatur, 217-424-6318.
Sept. 5-7
Oktoberfest: German
bands, brats, polka-pace race, and more. Including fireworks Friday and
Saturday. Downtown Havana,
www.havanail.net/oktoberfest.
Sept. 9 & 10
Arenzville Burgoo: This
century-old small town tradition boasts 1,500 gallons of burgoo, grilled
steaks, hamburgers, and all the fixins. Carnival rides, games for the kids,
and free music. What the heck is burgoo? A soup made of chicken, beef, and
vegetables. Village Park, Arenzville,
www.burgoo.org.
Sept. 9-11
Pow-Wow: A weekend of
competitive and social dancing by American Indians from across the country.
Traders’ booths and refreshment stands. Cahokia
Mounds, Collinsville, www.cahokiamounds.com.
Sept. 9-11
Pekin Marigold Festival: A
family festival in honor of the late Everett Dirksen, a longtime member of
Congress who loved marigolds. Features more than 350 booths. Mineral Springs Park, Pekin, 309-346-2106, www.pekin.net.
Sept. 9-11
Greene County Days:
Celebrate all things Greene with a countywide festival. Food, crafts, barn
tours, yard sales, music, parades, pageants, and car shows. Greene County, 217-589-5251.
Sept. 9-11
35th Annual Broomcorn Festival: Who knew that sweeping could be so competitive? The Broomcorn
Festival’s weekend events include a sweeping contest, an
antique-tractor display, a broom tent, arts-and-crafts booths, and a flea
market. Downtown Arcola, www.arcola-il.org
Sept. 9-Oct. 31
Great Pumpkin Patch: Pick
your own pumpkins or just take a gander at the Wall o’ Squash and the
display “A to Z of Squash.” Near
Arthur, 217-543-2394.
Sept. 9-11
Golden Fall Festival: This
charming small-town festival in the heart of Golden (near Quincy) has food,
vendor booths and, this year’s highlight, professional bull riding on
the first night. Throughout Golden.
Sept. 10
Brinkerhoff Home Fall Arts & Crafts Fair: Arts-and-crafts booths, silent auction, country kitchen,
tours of the Brinkerhoff Home, and more. Brinkerhoff
Home, 1500 N. Fifth St., Springfield, 217-529-8227.
Sept. 10
Jam Fest: Hosted by the
Friends of Nelson Center, this annual fest is a fundraiser for a second
sheet of ice at the center’s skating rink. With bands in the evening
and children’s activities during the day, this one’s for the
whole family. Nelson Center, Lincoln Park,
Springfield.
Sept. 10
Third Annual Afternoon of Earthly Delights: Hay-wagon tour of the Baugher Hill Prairie and Savanna,
followed by lunch and a silent action of earth-friendly goods and fine
arts. Hosted by Friends of the Sangamon Valley. Hill Prairie Winery, Rte. 97, Oakford, www.fosv.org.
Sept. 10 & 11
Fall Indian Art Show:
Fine art works on display and for sale created by American Indians. Interpretive Center, Cahokia Mounds, Collinsville,
www.cahokiamounds.com.
Sept. 10 & 11
Springfield Ballet Company’s Rockballet : Who says rock music and
ballet don’t mix? Watch SBC perform an energetic recital to the tunes
of rock giants Queen. Sangamon Auditorium,
UIS, Springfield, 217-206-6160.
Sept. 10 & 11
29th Annual Cedarhurst Craft Fair: A weekend of entertainment and fun for a good cause. Slurp down a
lemon shake-up or munch on roasted sweet corn; some proceeds go to civic,
church, and other nonprofit organizations. Cedarhurst
Center for the Arts, Mount Vernon, 618-242-1236.
Sept. 10 & 11
Prairie Celebration: Join
woodworkers, tailors, blacksmiths, and artisans to learn their crafts;
while you’re at it, enjoy the Irish folk music, wagon rides, and
reptile programs in this celebration of the prairie. Rock Springs Center, Decatur, 217-423-7708.
Sept. 10 & 11
The Whip “Bigger Stick” Fall Festival: Music festival packin’ so much rockabilly and
alternative acoustic that your head will spin. Lineup includes the Tommy
Castro Band, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Monte Montgomery, Robbie Fulks, and the
Bottle Rockets. Mustang Sally’s, Route
150, Leroy, 309-928-9876, wwhp.com.
Sept. 11
Traditional-Music Festival: A showcase of traditional 19th-century music and dancing
throughout the pioneer village. Lincoln’s
New Salem, 632-4000, www.lincolnsnewsalem.com
Sep. 11
Green Acres Farm Grand Opening Festival: Festivities include lawnmower races, a firefighter relay
challenge, a craft fair, inflatable attractions, a 12-acre corn maze,
hayrides, and a you-pick pumpkin patch. 16339
Springfield Rd., Pekin, 866-FUN-MAZE, cornmaze.com.
Sept. 13
Central Illinois Beer Tasting & Chili Cookoff
Championship: More than 150 beers from special
import houses and microbreweries available. Chili samples available, too. Lincoln Square, Urbana, 217-344-3872.
Sept. 14-16
Chicago’s Berghoff Oktoberfest: The Berghoff Restaurant in Chicago pulls out all the stops
for this German-themed festival. Adams &
Dearborn Streets, Chicago, 312-427-3170, www.berghoff.com.
Sept. 14-17
Morton Pumpkin Festival: Weekend
of family entertainment includes a parade, carnival rides, merchants’
tents, and, of course, lots of pumpkins. Downtown
Morton, 309-263-2491.
Sept. 15-17
Atlanta Fall Festival:
Parade, carnival, plenty of food, and a pie-baking contest. Throughout Atlanta, 217-648-2351.
Sept. 17
Loco-Motion Cruise-In: Antique,
classic, and custom cars cruise in for display. Museum open house. Chatham Railroad Museum, 100 N. State St., Chatham,
217-483-7792.
Sept. 17
Fourth Annual Monticello Celebration: Annual celebration offers a pet parade, arts-and-crafts
vendors, and the “Taste of Monticello.” Look for the Tag Sale
— an upscale rummage sale with resale items of the highest quality. Main Street, Monticello.
Sept. 17
Chatham Community Bazaar:
Our friendly neighbor to the south hosts a bazaar featuring antiques,
garage-sale items, a dunk tank, entertainment, and food. Chatham Village Park on the Square, Chatham.
Sept. 17 & 18
Route 66 Film Festival: Meet
filmmakers and celebrate films you won’t see at your neighborhood
multiplex. Contest winners and feature films of all lengths and genres will
be on hand from around the world. Hoogland
Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., Springfield, www.route66filmfestival.org.
Sept. 17 & 18
Sacred Harp State Singing Convention: A weekend of sacred songs, hymns, odes, and anthems. Old State Capitol, Springfield, 217-793-0024.
Sept. 17 & 18
Ninth Annual Celtic Fest:
Put on your kilt and head north for Chicago’s Celtic Fest. This
year’s performers include the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra, the
Chicago Rovers, the Different Drums of Ireland, and the Trinity Irish
Dancers. Grant Park, Columbus & Jackson,
Chicago, 312-744-3370.
Sept. 17 & 18
Edwards Place Fine Arts Fair: More than 70 artists from across the country will be on hand to
display fine arts and crafts at this 17th annual fair. Artist
demonstrations, live music and free tours of Edwards Place are part of the
festivities. Springfield Art Association’s library holds a used-book
sale in conjunction with the fair. Springfield
Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., Springfield, 217-523-2631.
Sept. 17-Oct. 10
Prairie Festival: An
educational display focusing on all things prairie — from different
varieties of plants found in the region to the importance of natural
ecosystems. For all ages. Washington Park
Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette, Springfield, 217- 753-6228.
Sept. 19
U.S. Constitution Day Forum: Panel discussion titled “Politics, the Constitution and
Supreme Court Appointments” features keynote speaker Professor Martin
Redish of Northwestern University’s law school, plus U.S. District
Judge Jeanne Scott and University of Illinois at Springfield Dean Pinky
Wassenberg. Brookens Auditorium, UIS,
Springfield, 217-206-6576.
Sept. 23 & 24
Next-to-New Sale: Attention
bargain hunters and vintage vixens! Hosted by the Junior League of
Springfield, all clothes are $1, except for the cream of the crop and
household items. Illinois Building, Illinois
State Fairgrounds, Springfield, 217-787-7802.
Sept. 23 & 24
The Cabin Concerts presents Rickie Simpkins &
Wyatt Rice: Two nationally recognized bluegrass
musicians play an energetic set featuring traditional duets and original
compositions at the intimate setting of the Cabin. 6495 Lehmann Rd., Pleasant Plains, www.thecabinconcerts.com.
Sept. 23-25
Little Flower Fall Festival: Weekend-long festival features plenty of food, live music,
dancing, a pumpkin-decorating contest, face-painting, and live and silent
auctions. Little Flower Parish Center, 800
Stevenson Dr., Springfield, www.little-flower.org.
Sept. 23-25
Steam Show & Fall Festival Days: Threshing, tractor pulls, and baling, oh my. Experience all
things country at the show, including the music of Freight Train Mike. Corner of Lincoln & Michigan., South Jacksonville,
www.jacksonvilleil.org/prairieland.
Sept. 24 & 25
Johnny Appleseed’s Birthday Party: He’s a staggering 230 this year, so come party down
with the apple man himself, have some birthday cake, and ride wagons out to
the orchard to pick — what else? —
apples. Eckert
Farms, Millstadt, Grafton, and Belleville, 618-233-0513.
Sept. 24
Corn Day Celebration: Everything
corn, including a corn king and queen contest, family activities, contests,
and food. Downtown Vandalia, www.vandaliaillinois.com.
Sept. 24 & 25
Brooms Orchard Apple Festival: Whether it’s Golden Delicious, Jonathan, or Red Delicious
apples you fancy, Brooms Orchard has a little something for everyone. Sip
an icy cider slush or crunch on a juicy caramel apple at this annual
favorite festival. Broom’s Orchard,
12803 Broom Rd., Carlinville.
Sept. 24 & 25
Peoria Art Guild 43rd Annual Fine Art Fair: This fine-art fair, which draws more than 40,000 visitors,
is one Illinois art show you shouldn’t miss. One hundred fifty
artists from 29 states exhibit original works, and musicians perform free
hourly jazz shows. Peoria Riverfront,
309-637-2787, www.peoriaartguild.org.
Sept. 25
Enos Park 100th Anniversary: Music in the Park’s final performance for the year,
“Jazz and Blues,” celebrates the Enos Park centennial.
Performers include Real Time, the Mighty Mudbugs, and Tempus Fugitive. Enos Park, Springfield, www.springfieldpark.org.
Sept. 24-Oct. 31
Didier Farms Pumpkinfest: Take a tractor-drawn hayride to the 20 acres of pumpkins and the
5-acre corn maze. Prairie View, 847-634-3291, www.didierfarms.com.
Sept. 25
Fur, Feather, Fin Fall Fling: The Henson Robinson Zoo hosts a free day featuring carnival games.
Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Dr.,
Springfield, 217-753-6217.
Sept. 25
Celebration of Children’s Art Festival: Kids create art projects and experience visual art, music,
dance, and theater performances by youth arts organizations and young
artists at this event. Sponsored by the Springfield Area Arts Council. Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St., Springfield, 217-753-3519.
Sept.30-Oct. 2
Barry Apple Festival: Enjoy
apple treats, a parade, bands, crafts, and food. Downtown Barry, 217-285-2971.
Sept. 29-Oct.2
Wall-to-Wall-Guitar Festival: The Krannert Center takes a weekend to celebrate the guitar with
performances by some of its most famous players, including Taj Mahal,
Daniel Lanois, and Dan Zanes. Krannert Center,
Urbana, www.krannertcenter.com.
Sept. 30
Dance-and-Drum Presentation: In conjunction with the ongoing 50
Years of Powwow exhibit, members of
Chicago’s American Indian Center will present an authentic
drum-and-dance circle. Illinois State Museum,
502 S. Spring St., Springfield, 217-782-7386.
Sept. 30, Oct. 1 & 2
International Route 66 Mother Road Festival: The annual street festival features a car show of
approximately 1,000 vehicles and two stages of live entertainment. Downtown
Springfield, www.route66fest.com.
OCTOBER
Oct. 1 & 2
Taylorville Chillifest: The
chili cookoff is the main attraction, but don’t forget about the
Christian County beautiful-baby contest and the cutest-pet contest. South side of Taylorville Square, Taylorville, 217-824-3395.
Oct 1 & 2
Annual Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Show: The largest show of its kind in downstate Illinois, this
show really rocks, with a 6-foot skull of a “super croc” on
display and jewels, gemstones, and fossils to boot. This year’s theme
is “Super Croc and Lincoln in the Rock.” Illinois Building, State Fairgrounds, Springfield.
Oct. 1, 2, 8 & 9
Spoon River Scenic Drive: Rendezvous at Spoon River: Get ready to rough it with members of the Mackinaw Valley
Longrifles Association on this trip to a primitive encampment representing
the French-colonial period of Illinois. Demonstrations of wooden-spoon
carving, outdoor cooking methods, and ax-throwing. Dickson Mounds, Lewistown, 309-547-3721.
Oct. 1, 2, 8 & 9
Fall Festival of Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive: Along approximately 100 miles of scenic Fulton County, 15
towns participate in this festival, which features arts, crafts,
entertainment, and food. Throughout Fulton
County, www.spoonriverdrive.org.
Oct. 2
An Evening with Bill Cosby: Funnyman Bill Cosby will presents his sensible brand of comedy
twice in one day. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS,
Springfield, 217-206-6160, www.sangamonauditorium.org.
Oct. 1 & 2
Galesburg Scarecrow Festival: Shake a tail feather with the acoustic and country bands, enjoy
the pumpkin-painting booths, and choose your favorite straw man in the
scarecrow contests. Standish Park Arboretum,
Galesburg, 309-343-2485.
Oct. 6
Downtown After 5: An Evening at Maldaner’s: The sixth annual auction and fundraiser benefits Rutledge
Youth, a charity for abused and neglected youth in Sangamon County. The
live and silent auction includes unique gifts and hotel and sports
packages. Maldaner’s, 222 S. Sixth St.,
Springfield, 217-525-7757.
Oct. 7
The Network Presents Expressions in the Dark: Open-mic night showcases some of the best local, regional,
and national musicians, poets, hip-hop artists, and comedians. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St.,
www.thenetwrk.org.
Oct. 7 & 8
Oktoberfest: Presented by
the Springfield German-American Club, this festival includes German food,
beer, and bands, as well as prize drawings. Exposition
Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, www.gac-springfield.org.
Oct. 7 & 8
Candlelight Tour of New Salem: Tour the pioneer village in the dark, guided by hosts dressed in
period clothing for a trip back to the time when Abraham Lincoln was a
resident of New Salem. Lincoln’s New
Salem, 217-632-4000, www.lincolnsnewsalem.com.
Oct. 8
Fall Colors Family Day: Get
into the Halloween spirit with a marshmallow roast, haunted hayrack rides,
a children’s candy hunt, and more. Comlara
Park, Rural Hudson, Bloomington, 309-726-2022.
Oct. 8 & 9
Indian Summer Festival: The
scenic fall colors of the beautiful Memorial Garden complement a day of
games, music, and crafts. Lincoln Memorial
Garden and Nature Center, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., Springfield,
217-529-1111.
Oct. 8 & 9
Broom’s Orchard Pumpkin Festival: Weekend festival and you-pick pumpkins. Broom’s Orchard, 12803 Broom Rd., Carlinville.
Oct. 8 & 9
Fall Color Fest: Head
down to the Shawnee National Forest region for music and award-winning
wines, with the changing colors of fall as your backdrop. Alto Pass Winery & Vineyard, Alto Pass, www.altovineyards.net.
Oct. 13
Lincoln Legacy Lecture Series: “Lincoln’s Declaration of Economic Dependence,”
presented by Dr. Allen C. Guelzo, director of Civil War-era studies and the
Henry R. Luce Professor of the Civil War Era at Gettysburg College. Brookens Auditorium, UIS, Springfield, 217-206-6576.
Oct. 14 & 15
Porcelain Art Show & Exhibit: Beautiful handmade porcelain gifts and demonstrations by the
artists. Days Inn, Route 150 & S. Lake
Storey Rd.,
Galesburg, 309-343-2485.
Oct. 14 & 15
The Cabin Concerts presents Michael Reno Harrell: Jack-of-all trades incorporates songs, storytelling, and
witty banter into an exciting, upbeat stage show. 6495 Lehmann Rd., Pleasant Plains, www.thecabinconcerts.com.
Oct. 14-16
Early Tindusters Fall Color Run: Rev up your engines for a street-rod show for cars built in 1948
or earlier. Downtown Quincy and Moorman Park,
Quincy, 217- 964-2426.
Oct. 14-16 & 21-23
Little Theatre on the Square presents Late Nite Catechism : Catechism classes led by Sister in the hit comedy by Vicki
Quade and Maripat Donovan. The Sister teaches an adult-catechism class to a
roomful of students — the audience. Little
Theatre on the Square, Sullivan, www.thelittletheatre.org.
Oct. 15 & 16
Pike County Fall Color Drive: Take a scenic drive through Pike County. Local roadside stands
selling produce and baked goods will be set up along the route. Pike County, 285-2971, www.pikeil.org.
Oct. 15
Marbold Farmstead Fall Festival: Pick your own pumpkin and watch (or participate in) the apple-pie
contest at this 155-year-old farm. State Route
29 S., Greenview.
Oct. 15
Jerome Fourth Annual Craft Sale: This craft sale offers handcrafted goods made mostly by village
residents, with some outside crafters’ creations as well. Jerome Civic Center, 2901 Leonard St., Jerome,
217-546-2203.
Oct. 15 & 16
Stitching Stars Quilt Show: The Illini Country Stitchers Guild of Champaign hosts this quilt
show, at which more than 200 quilted items will be displayed. Linden Banquet Hall, 224 W. Wheat, Rantoul,
www.prairienet.org/quilts.
Oct. 16
Horseshoe Cookoff: Local
restaurants will dish out their best and most inventive recipes, and a
panel of celebrity judges will vote for the best horseshoe. Contest
categories include best sauce, most original horseshoe, best french fries,
and best overall presentation. Illinois
Department of Transportation Atrium, 2300 S. Dirksen Parkway, Springfield,
www.springfieldparksfoundation.org.
Oct. 20
Lincoln Legacy Lecture Series: “Lincoln’s Whigs: Expanding Economic
Opportunities,” presented by Dr. Michael F. Holt, Langbourne M.
Williams Professor of History at the University of Virginia. Brookens Auditorium, UIS, Springfield, 217-206-6576.
Oct. 21-23 & 28-30
Wildlife Scary Park: Take
the kids on a hair-raising train ride through the Haunted Forest and
trick-or-treat for goodies. Wildlife Prairie
State Park, 3826 N. Taylor Rd., Hanna City, 309-676-0998 .
Oct. 22 & 23
Punkin Chunkin’ Festival: For all things “punkin,” visit Green Acres Farm and
this rural Pekin fair boasting a 12-acre corn maze, hayrack rides, and
you-pick pumpkins. 16339 Springfield Rd.,
Rural Pekin, cornfieldmaze.com.
Oct. 22, 23, 28, 29 & 30
Ride the Halloween Train: All-ages train ride takes the brave through Camp Creek Hollow and
makes a stop at Cemetery Road. Check out the Haunted Boxcar, but be warned:
It’s not for the faint of heart. Monticello
Railway Museum, Monticello, www.mrym.org.
Oct. 23
Oktoberfest: Annual
dinner of pork chops and sauerkraut. Golden
Windmill, 902 Prairie Mills Rd., Golden, 217-696-2360.
Oct. 24-Nov. 20
Chrysanthemum Festival: Mums
on display. Washington Park Botanical Garden,
Springfield, 217-753-6228.
Oct. 26
Lincoln Legacy Lecture Series: “Lincoln and the Right to Rise,” presented by Dr.
Gabor S. Boritt, professor of history and director of the Civil War
Institute at Gettysburg College. Brookens
Auditorium, UIS, Springfield, 217-206-6576.
Oct. 27 & 28
Conference on Illinois History: Features traditional academic papers, local-history studies,
teacher workshops, and roundtable discussions. A full list of sessions is
posted on the Web site. Prairie Capital
Convention Center, 217-785-7933, Springfield,
www.illinois-history.gov/conference.htm.
Oct. 29
Harvest Celebration at the Old Capital Farmers’
Market: Bring in the harvest with a costume
parade, crafts, live music, and, of course, some of the best produce in
Illinois. Old Capitol Building, Springfield,
217-544-1723, www.downtownspringfield.org.
Oct. 28-30
Halloween Dreams: A 30-song musical revue of all things Halloween. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St.,
Springfield, 217-523-2787.
Oct. 29
Halloween in Boootiful Nauvoo: Festivities include a lighted pumpkin walk, a haunted house,
music, and a parade. Parade starts at Nauvoo
Elementary School, Young Street, Nauvoo, 217-453-6648.
Oct. 29
Eighth Annual Halloween Party: A safe alternative to trick-or-treating and a costume parade are
being offered to Jerome residents and their children. Jerome Civic Center, 2901 Leonard St., Jerome, 217-546-2203.
Oct. 30
28th Annual International Festival: Celebrate multiculturalism with an evening of dancing,
skits, and musical performances from around the globe. Studio Theater, UIS, Springfield, 217-206-6678.
NOVEMBER
Nov. 4
The Network presents Expressions in the Dark: Open-mic night showcases some of the best local, regional,
and national spoken-word poets, musicians, hip-hop artists, and comedians. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St.,
www.thenetwrk.org.
Nov. 4 & 5
The Cabin Concerts presents the Claire Lynch Band: As the air starts to get colder, let this band’s
blistering set of contemporary and tradition music keep you warm. 6495 Lehmann Rd., Pleasant Plains,
www.thecabinconcerts.com.
Nov. 4-6
13th Annual Holiday in the Village Fine-Crafts Sale: Twenty-seven artists from nine states will be on hand to
display jewelry, pottery, textiles, woodcarving, painted silk, handmade
purses, blown glass, and more. Hoogland Center
for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., Springfield, 217-546-0769.
Nov. 5
The Place of the Arts: The last Prairie Art Alliance exhibit of the year explores
the importance of art in society through interpretations by featured
artists Joan Gardner and Chery Miller. Exhibit ends Dec. 22. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth, Springfield,
www.prairieart.org.
Nov. 10-Dec. 25
Holiday Treasures Exhibition and Sale: Hosted by the McLean County Arts Center, this fine-arts
event, now in its 30th year, showcases more than 100 locally and nationally
recognized artists. The gala opening features music, hors d’oeuvres
and plenty of vino. 601 N. East St.,
Bloomington, 308-829-0011, www.mcac.org.
Nov. 11-13
Greater Downstate Indoor Bluegrass Music Festival: Live music by the Dillards, Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver,
and the Dry Branch Fire Squad, among others. Crowne
Plaza Hotel, Springfield, 217-243-3159, www.bluegrassmidwest.com.
Nov. 11-13 & 18-20
Little Theatre on the Square presents Rave On! A Revue of the Music of Buddy Holly: Billy McGuigan plays musical
legend Buddy Holly. Little Theatre on the
Square, Sullivan, www.littletheatre.org.
