As we roll on through the end of August, next weekend brings Labor Day and the unofficial finish to summer along for the ride. We will be falling into autumn soon enough, so let’s take a gander at what’s out there now as we wander through the aftermath of the State Fair looking for things to do.
With the 2026 ISF behind us, for the most part I’ve heard nothing but good things about attendance and live music shows. It seems the fair continues to evolve and improve each year and that’s a good thing to be a part of and be proud of as fellow citizens of the great state of Illinois.
Right now, it’s certainly hard to not miss the Old Capitol Blues & BBQ festival, held the last weekend in August for many years. And while we’re lamenting, let’s have a big boo-hoo for LoG Fest and Downhome as well. When looking at the choices for Best of Springfield nominations in the festival category, it’s obvious our once robust summer party season has dwindled drastically. Perhaps some intrepid and enterprising folks will find a way to fill the void and bring back or create anew those fun-filled fests of yore to the streets of Springfield soon.
Before we get to our regularly scheduled programming, let’s take a moment to mention a couple of upcoming benefits. Many of us know Kip Nelson by his various hats worn through the years, especially in this space as founder and co-lead singer of Off the Wall and his dedicated work as organizer and supporter of numerous fundraisers for others over the last few decades. Now after Kip’s recent accident and necessary surgeries, he’s in recovery mode and needs some return love. Your chance to help comes this Sunday at Weebles from noon to 6 p.m. as 2nd Street Harmony, Hat Trick, Mississippi Leghound and Brandy Kristin Band provide the requisite live music, while silent auction items, plus food and drinks are available to peruse and purchase. Please attend to help someone who has helped so many, so much and pass the good stuff forward. Kip says thank you, thank you very much, in advance and as always.
Another fundraiser happens this Saturday from 1 to 6 p.m. at Route 66 Motorheads for the family of the late Jeff Conn as the community gathers in a celebration of life for the “beloved father, son, brother, uncle and friend” who passed away on Aug. 8 in a motorcycle accident. Brandy Kristin Band and Broken Stone perform music for their lost friend and several ways of supporting Jeff’s family are available at the event and through a GoFundMe account.
Six months after the devastating fire at The Curve Inn last February, owners Ami and Ray Merchant are in the midst of a rebuild from the inside out. The best way to see the progress is on their Facebook page and to drive by the place. Nothing is certain in this world, but plans and odds are the extremely popular and locally supportive bar, restaurant and live music venue will be open later this fall.
Now for live music, let’s jump to Sunday, the original Funday where Griffin Fenoglio plays Golden Fox Brewing’s 10th anniversary celebration in Decatur while Joel Honey wanders to Oogie & JJ’s and Roger Whitsell hits at Brookhills Golf Club. Tracy Gibbs lands at It’s All About Wine as the 66 Ramblers go sock hoppin’ at Trails End while Tim Crosby floats into Dockside and the Tangents glide into Elks Lodge 158 on the shores of Lake Springfield.
Please check our extensive listings for all the other good stuff goin’ on.
This article appears in August 27-September 2, 2026.
