MAY
Storytime – Early Learning for Ages 1–5 Thursdays, 9:30am-1:30pm. Through May 22. Each week is a magical journey with books, crafts and themed movement activities. From bear hunts to ocean waves, there’s something new to explore every class. Class for ages 1-2 is 9:30-10:30am. Class for ages 3-5 follows at 12:30-1:30pm. Register at bit.ly/Funshop_Storytime. $60-$70. Lincoln Park Funshop, 1601 N. Fifth St., 217-753-6234.
Color & Tell – Imagination Explorers (Ages 3–5) Thursdays, 5:30-6:30pm. Through May 22. Where creativity meets storytelling! Kids create colorful characters – animals, superheroes, dinos, and monsters – and bring them to life through guided stories. Each class follows a fun structure: decorate, describe and tell a tale. Register at bit.ly/Funshop_Color-Tell. $60 residents, $70 nonresidents. Lincoln Park Funshop, 1601 N. Fifth St., 217-753-6234.
Hammer-In & Chuck Wagon Sat., May 10, 9am-3pm. The blacksmiths will be working and all of the buildings will be open for this popular annual event. Also enjoy a taste of history this year. Clayville Historic Site, Pleasant Plains, Route 125, 217-481-4430.
Open House, Community Resource Fair, and Milkweed Giveaway Sat., May 10, 9-11am. A morning of self-guided garden tours, a free milkweed giveaway and a community resource fair with more than 20 groups. Features free lead soil testing, free trees, seeds, seedlings, harm reduction supplies, produce giveaway and more. enosparkgardens.org. Enos Park Neighborhood Garden, 1022 N. Fifth St., 217-610-0720.
EAA Young Eagles Rally Second Saturday of every month, 10am-2pm. Through June 30. Free airplane rides for children 8-17 years old. Preregistration for flights required. yeDay.org. Free. LLCC’s Levi, Ray & Shoup Aviation Center, Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport, 815 South Airport Dr., 217-483-3238.
PBS KIDS Goes Exploring with Xavier Riddle Sat., May 10, 1-3pm. A special day of family activities, art projects, magic, Xavier Riddle from the PBS KIDS program and free books planned 1-3pm. Free. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 618-453-6154.
Mansion Tours Saturdays, Sundays, 1:45-2:45, 3-4pm. Illinois Department of Natural Resources trained staff and volunteers, called “interpreters,” lead this tour of the official residence of Gov. JB and first lady MK Pritzker. Tour focuses on the history of the mansion. No self-guided tours are permitted. Reserve a spot on eventbrite.com. Free. Illinois Governor’s Mansion, 410 E. Jackson St., 217-782-6450.
Little Scientists – STEM for Ages 3-5 Tuesdays, 12:30-1:30pm. Through May 27. Spark your little one’s curiosity with hands-on science fun. Preschoolers can explore bubbles, magnets, boats and building in this playful STEM class. Register at bit.ly/Funshop_Little-Scientists. $60 residents / $70 nonresidents. Lincoln Park Funshop, 1601 N. Fifth St., 217-753-6234.
Little Creators – Art for Ages 3-5 Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30pm. Through May 27. Get ready to paint, sculpt, glue, and create! Each week explores a new art theme, from messy masterpieces to wearable art. Parent or guardians can join the fun, too. Weekly projects include finger painting, clay critters, collages and DIY crowns and a mini artist parade. Register at bit.ly/Funshop_Little-Creators. $60 residents, $70 nonresidents. Lincoln Park Funshop, 1601 N. Fifth St., 217-753-6234.
Girls on the Run 5K Celebration Sat., May 17, 9-11:30am. Support Girls on the Run of Central Illinois participants by joining this celebratory 5K and honoring their season of growth, connection and confidence. Day begins at 9am with family-friendly activities followed by race at 10am. gotrcentralillinois.org. Adults: $30, children ages 3-12, $20. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-726-9808.
Mini Chess Tournament Sat., May 17, 10am-2pm. Chess play for all ages and skill levels. Multipurpose room on the second floor. Three games, more games possible if time permits. Beginners welcome. Players should bring their chess sets. springfieldchessclub.com. Free. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-726-2584.
Old Capitol Art Fair Sat., May 17, 10am-5pm and Sun., May 18, 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 to the downtown two-day outdoor art gallery for 60 years. Free. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-785-7960.
Snap into a Flytrap Workshop Sun., May 18, 9-10:30am. Get up close and personal with one of nature’s most fascinating creatures – the Venus Flytrap – at this hands-on workshop. Learn all about this snappy lplant and how it lives, what it eats and how to care for one of your own. For ages 10-13.Register at bit.ly/SPD_Flytrap-Workshop. $35 residents/$40 nonresidents. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-4116.
ISYO Season Send-Off Concert Sun., May 18, 4pm. Join the Illinois Symphony Youth Orchestra for a final musical sendoff as it celebrates graduating seniors and sends everyone into the summer with a rousing musical coda to a successful season. Conducted by Jacobsen Woollen. ilsymphony.org. $5-$15. Sacred Heart-Griffin High School, 1200 W. Washington, 217-522-2838.
101 Dalmatians Kids Fri., May 23, 7pm, Sat., May 24, 2, 7pm and Sun., May 25, 2pm. Based on the classic animated film, Disney’s 101 Dalmatians Kids is a fur-raising adventure featuring Cruella De Vil, Disney’s most outrageous villain, and 101 of the most adorable heroes to set their paws onstage. hcfta.org. $15. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Author Jan Jacobi May 24 and 31, June 7, 21 and 28, and July 5 and July 12, 10am-4pm. Award-winning author Jan Jacobi will sign his new book, Lincoln and Douglas, the sequel to Lincoln in Springfield and Young Lincoln. Suitable for both middle school and high school readers, the book focuses on the relationship and rivalry of both men. Lincoln Home National Historic Site, 413 S. Eighth St., 217-492-4241.
Little Lincoln’s Fireside Tales: Robots! Tue., May 27, 10-11am. Beep! Boop! Beep! Join the ALPLM’s Education Team as wit shares stories and activities about robots. Advance registration is required. presidentlincoln.illinois.gov. Free. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.
Lucky Horseshoes season opener Tue., May 27, 6:30pm. Springfield’s Prospect League team’s season begins at home against the Normal CornBelters. Lanphier Park, 1415 North Grand Ave. E., 815-545-3389.
Rides on a 1929 Ford Tri-Motor Airliner May 30-June 1, 9am-5pm. Step back in time to the “Golden Age of Aviation” by stepping aboard this beautifully restored 1929 Ford Tri-Motor for a flight over Springfield. flytheford.org. $105 adults, $85 children. Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport, 1200 Capital Airport Dr., 217-483-3238.
Dr. Dolittle Day Sat., May 31, 10am-5pm. A fun-filled day of children’s activities, games, live music by Mackville and shows. Free. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-585-1821.
JUNE
The Yellow Brick Road – Summer Classes 2025 Mon., June 2 and Thu., July 24. An enchanting experience inspired by The Wizard of Oz, The Wiz, and Wicked! Themed dance camps and classes feature ballet, hip hop, silks, acro, and yoga – helping dancers of all ages and skill levels build confidence, creativity and skill in a fun and welcoming environment. Spots are limited. $62 and more. Springfield Dance, 5531 International Pkwy., 217-483-3623.
8K Trail Race and Kids Fun Run Sat., June 7, 7:30-9:30am. Eight kilometers (4.97 miles) of trails will test runners’ stamina. Race takes place over the scenic trails and pathways of the historic garden, along the trails next to Lake Springfield and through the Ostermeier Prairie Center grounds. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-529-1111.
APL Donuts and Dogs 5K Fun Run Sat., June 7, 9am-12pm. Competitive, dog and family-friendly 5K Run and casual Fun Run/Walk. Includes vendors, costume contest, children’s and pet activities, awards for top runners. Register to race, or walk by midnight May 20 to receive a commemorative T-shirt. apl-shelter.org. $30. Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 217-361-6212.
Ollie’s Paint Day Sat., June 7, 1-3pm. A day of family-friendly fun and excitement. Including painting, games and snacks. RSVP by June 1. stpaulspringfield.com. Free. Cathedral Church of St. Paul, 815 S. Second St., 2175445135.
Sangamon County Fair Wed., June 11, Thu., June 12, Fri., June 13, Sat., June 14 and Sun., June 15. The premier county fair of central Illinois. Entertainment, livestock shows, exhibitors, carnival, rodeo and all the fair food you can imagine. Admission $5 for ages 5 and older. sangcofair.com. Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin, 316 W. Birch St., 217-488-2685.
Ice Cream Socials with Abe and Mary Wednesdays, 2-4pm. Through Aug. 6. Meet the 16th president and first lady while enjoying a free cup of ice cream provided by Visit Springfield for this ice cream social on the porch of this historic house museum. Part of the History Comes Alive program. edwardsplace.org. Free. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.
Juneteenth Celebration June 12-19. Events through June 19. Saturday, June 14 will feature a parade to Comer Cox Park and events there for the next two days. Includes food, games, music, prizes and more. Comer Cox Park, Capitol Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, 217-572-0234.
Disney’s Moana, Jr. June 12-15, 7:30-9:30pm. A musical adapted fromMoana – the Disney movie about an adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people. Performed by students of Studio on the Square’s Music Theatre program. $15-$20. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, Petersburg, 15588 History Lane, 217-725-0239.
Summer Frolic Sat., June 14, 10am-4pm. Celebrate frontier heritage with period-clothed interpreters demonstrating 19th century daily tasks throughout the historic village. lincolnsnewsalem.com. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, Petersburg, 15588 History Lane, 217-632-4000.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame June 20-22 and June 25-28. The story features Quasimodo, a bell-ringer who is being held captive but wants to learn more about the world outside. He escapes for a day in Paris and is treated cruelly by most, except for Esmeralda. The Hunchback of Notre Dame poses the question: What makes a monster, and what makes a man? Directed by Kevin Kulavic. themuni.org. $12-$15. 217-793-6864.
Great Race stop Mon., June 23, 4:45pm. More than 140 classic cars and trucks in The Great Race will roll into town and stop at the Old State Capitol. Family-friendly event. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-789-2360, ext. 5520.
Shoes 2025 Baseball Camp June 24-26, 9am-12pm. Learn skills and fundamentals from Coach Casey Fair and Springfield Lucky Horseshoes players this summer. Includes lunch each day and ticket to June 26 game. Space limited. $45 per session or $115 for all three. Robin Roberts Stadium, 1415 N. Grand Ave. E., 217-381-3858.
Grease June 27-July 27. After a whirlwind summer romance, leather-clad greaser Danny and girl-next-door Sandy are unexpectedly reunited when she transfers to Rydell High for senior year. With its beloved score, bursting with hits including “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightnin’,” “Hopelessly Devoted to You” and “You’re the One That I Want,” the show everyone loves is brought to life with an amazing cast in a new production. $30-$35. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 217-528-9760.
Paint the Street Sat., June 28, 11am-7pm. Paint the Street is where artists of all ages take over Washington Street in Downtown Springfield to play with paint and create masterpieces in 6 ft x 6 ft squares. There will be music, food vendors and more. Each square registration will receive one paint supply bucket (including brushes and the tempera paint we will be using which is water soluble/washable), one giveaway bag with goodies from sponsors, and one Paint the Street T-shirt. springfieldart.org. $35 per square/ $45 per pro square. Downtown Springfield, Seventh and Washington streets, 217-523-2631.
JULY
Independence Day Celebration Thu., July 3, 10am-4pm, Fri., July 4, 10am-4pm and Sat., July 5, 10am-4pm. Get your 19th century patriot on. Period demonstrations and the reading of the Declaration of Independence each day. lincolnsnewsalem.com. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, Petersburg, 15588 History Lane, 217-632-4000.
Knight’s Fireworks Extravaganza Fri., July 4. Come early to get a good spot. A fireworks display worthy of the state capitol!. Free. Knight’s Action Park, 1700 Knights Recreation Dr., 217-546-8881.
Rock the Dock Fri., July 4, 6-11pm. Central Illinois’ largest fireworks display. Live music as well as food and beverages. Free. Lake Springfield Marina, 17 Waters Edge Blvd., 217-483-3625.
This article appears in Summer 2025 May 2025.
