"Dreaming"
Fridays, Saturdays, 12-6pm, through April 29. View all new work in a wide range of media such as blown glass, glass mosaic, graphite, metal work, mixed media, paintings in both acrylic and oil, pastels, photography and sculpture. Free. The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space, 623 E. Adams St., 217-899-9786. pharmacygallery.com.
Friday Nights at DIM
Fridays, 6-8pm. Artists get an opportunity to work on their projects while collaborating with professionals. Free. Check the Facebook page for updates. DIM Art House, 319 Chatham Road.
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
"Lasting Impressions"
Through April 1. Art from the Illinois Prairie Pastel Society. Free. On March 17, noted artist Lyn Asselta will judge the show at a reception open to the public. M.G. Nelson Gallery, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-544-2787. springfieldart.org.
"In the Shadow"
Mondays-Thursdays, 11am-6pm and April 6, 5:30-8pm, through April 13. An exhibit of ceramic works by Decatur-based artist Jennifer Holt. Holt's mixed media sculpture and installation art revolve around concepts of time, place and memory. UIS Visual Arts Gallery, HSB 201, One University Plaza, 217-206-6506. uis.edu.
"Martin Luther King Jr.: A Commemoration"
Tuesdays-Saturdays, 12-4pm, through April 15. A celebration of the life and legacy of King. Learn details about King's childhood and his fight for racial and social equity. Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum, 1440 Monument Ave., 217-391-6323. spiaahm.org.
"Art for the Ages"
Tuesdays-Saturdays, 12-4pm, through March 31. An exhibit by Springfield District 186 students. Celebrates Black history and includes drawings, paintings in tempera, oil, watercolor and three-dimensional figures. Free. Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum Springfield, 1440 Monument Ave., 217-391-6323. spiaahm.org.
"Back Home"
Sundays, 1-3pm and Tuesdays-Saturdays, 4-6pm, through March 26. A canvas painting exhibit by Jamie Woodward. Free. David Bourland Gallery, 939 C Durkin Dr., 217-381-4735. davidbourlandgallery.com.
"Growing Up X"
Through Sep. 4. Gen X, the often-overlooked Forgotten Generation, lies between Boomers and Millennials. Learn about the cultural touchstones that shaped this generation's youth, the last generation to have an analog childhood. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386. Illinoisstatemuseum.org.
"Here I Have Lived: Home in Illinois"
Through January, 2024. Explore stories of home. Visitors can connect through artifacts, videos and interactive features about how people have imagined, created and found home in Illinois. Free with admission. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.
MARCH
Luck of the Irish Green Garb Contest
March 17, 11:30am-1pm. Join in the fun of the Green Garb contest, complete with Shamrock Punch and Irish tunes. Prizes awarded for 1st and 2nd place winners. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035. centralilseniors.org.
Jeff Dunham: Still Not Canceled
March 17, 7pm. $5-$49.50. BOS Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745-3000. theboscenter.com.
Spotlight on Ice
March 18, 2pm and 7pm and March 19, 2pm. The Springfield Figure Skating Club presents "They're Playing Our Song!" featuring popular productions such as Mary Poppins, Shrek, Showstoppers and 42nd Street. $7-$12. Nelson Center Ice Arena, Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St., 217-753-2800. sfsc4u.com.
Wooden It Be Lovely furniture sale
March 18, 9am-1pm and March 19, 11:30am-3pm. Sale of more than 200 pieces of hand-painted furniture benefits Wooden It Be Lovely, a nonprofit that hires women healing from lives of poverty, addiction and abuse. Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church, 501 S. Douglas Ave., 217-546-4631. woodenitbelovely.love.
Shiitake Mushroom Workshop
March 18, 10am-12pm, 1-3pm. Learn how to grow shiitake mushrooms on logs and using mushrooms to make a double-extract tincture. Includes a walking tour of the logs and a foraging tour to identify turkey tail mushrooms. Participants will receive a small bag of dried turkey tail. $35. Black Oak Woods, Petersburg, 21472 Indian Point Ave.
Winter Old Capitol Farmers Market
Saturdays, 8am-12pm, through April 15. Union Station, 500 E. Madison, 217-544-1723.
Spring Floral Display
March 18-April 9. Noon to 5pm Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday. Easter lilies and lush foliage fill the exhibit hall and conservatory for the 50th annual floral display. Washington Park Botanical Garden Exhibit Hall, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-4116.
Springfield Flea Market
March 19, 8am-3pm. Sixty vendors with over 200 tables full of vintage items, collectibles, antiques, new and used merchandise and handmade items. $1.50. Illinois Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-782-6661. springfieldfleamarket.net.
Swap Meet and Motorcycle Show
March 19, 10am-3:30pm. $5- $10. Hosted by ABATE of Illinois. Motorcycle parts, clothing, jewelry and gear. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-725-8047. abate-il.org.
All American Circus
March 19, 4-5:30pm. A traditional family circus touring the U.S. Enjoy the kids' fun zone before showtime. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-782-6661.
WWE Road to WrestleMania
March 19, 7pm. See your favorite superstars in action. $20-$115. BOS Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745-3000. theboscenter.com.
Dana Thomas House Stained Glass Windows Restoration
March 20, 6-7pm. Ralls Melotte will discuss his work involving the restoration of the world-class Frank Lloyd Wright stained glass collection. Free. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-753-4900 x5634.
Brown Bag Concert
March 22, 12:15-12:45pm. Featuring pianist Matthew Nall. Free. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 217-528-4311. lincolncchurch.org.
Career Connections Expo
March 23, 11am-2pm. Community members, students and alumni can make connections with participating employers and learn about job and internship opportunities during the expo. Hosted by the University of Illinois Springfield and Lincoln Land Community College. Advance employer registration is required. UIS Recreation and Athletic Center, 2171 University Dr., 217-206-6508. uis.edu.
St. John's Nursing Students Spring Visits
March 23 and every Thursday 10am-12pm, through April 20. Join great conversation and a lot of fun as the St. John's College students return for activities and games. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035. centralilseniors.org.
The Christians
March 24-25, 7:30pm, March 26, 2pm, March 31-April 1, 7:30pm and April 2, 2pm. A play about faith in America, and the trouble with changing your mind. $18-$20. Hoogland Center for the Arts Peggy Ryder Theatre, 420 S. Sixth St. 217-523-2787. hcfta.org.
Once
March 24-25, 8pm, March 26, 2pm, March 31-April 1, 8pm and April 2, 2pm. The regional premier of a musical about how an Irish musician and Czech immigrant are drawn together on the streets of Dublin over a shared love of music. Show features songs from the critically acclaimed movie. $18-20. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787. hcfta.org.
Ernie Bankhead Neighborhood Association Spring Cleanup
March 25, 10am-1pm. Help clean up the neighborhood. Dress for the weather; gloves are optional. A Sierra Club outings waiver is required. RSVP on the Sierra Club Sangamon Valley Group Facebook page. Free. Ernie Bankhead Neighborhood, Beech Avenue and Livingston Street, 217-414-6325.
Seasons of History Fashion Show
March 25, 1pm. Experience a classic fashion show like the earliest fashion parades that took place in Paris salons in the 19th century. Models will pass through the parlors of Edwards Place wearing summer gowns, winter coats and more, showing off a wide variety of clothing. $15. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631. edwardsplace.org.
The Ritz
March 25, 5:30-11pm. An annual event of the Coalition for Rainbow Alliances for the central Illinois lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, it is a casually elegant affair that features dinner, an evening of dancing and a celebration of the progress made by the LGBT community during the past year. Crowne Plaza Springfield, 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy., 217-741-4603. springfieldcoral.org.
LUNAFEST
March 25. 12:30-3:30pm. A film festival dedicated to amplifying stories by women and gender nonconforming filmmakers featuring short films about friendship, bravery and community. Proceeds support higher education opportunities for local women and other nonprofit organizations. Viewing age is 13 and older. Hosted by the AAUW Springfield branch. aauwspringfieldil.com. Brookens Auditorium, University of Illinois Springfield.
All Ages Improv
March 25, 7-9pm. Presented by Capital City Improv. Join members of CCI's Teen Improv troupe for an evening of comedy for the whole family. Team up with members of CCI for scenes and games made up on the spot. $15. Hoogland Center for the Arts Club Room, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
IC Fine Arts Series: Momenta Quartet
March 26, 3pm. The ensemble's eclectic vision encompasses contemporary music of all aesthetic backgrounds alongside great music from the recent and distant past. Adult $15, students free. Illinois College Rammelkamp Chapel, Jacksonville, 1101 W. College Ave., 217-245-3192. ic.edu.
Coin Show
March 26, 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.
Festival de Mujeres 1979
March 29, 6-7:30pm. "Window to Latina activism in 1970s Chicago." How did Latinas empower themselves, their families and communities in 1970s Chicago? Explore this through a street fair in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood, the cultural and activist heart of the Mexican Midwest. Free. UIS Brookens Auditorium, One University Plaza, 217-206-6245. uis.edu.
Chamber Job Fair
Wed., March 29, 4-6 pm. Event provides employers and organizations the opportunity to seek out quality candidates. Hundreds of jobseekers of all ages, including high school and college students, professionals and newcomers to the area attend the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce's job fairs each year. Booth space is $175. Chamber member companies can screen a large number of candidates in a short period of time. Crowne Plaza Springfield Convention Center, 3000 S. Dirksen Parkway. business.gscc.org/events
Central Illinois STEM Fair
March 30, 6-8pm. After a three-year hiatus, the STEM Fair returns and is open to all K-12 students, their families, teachers and education professionals from area schools. Aviation, meteorology, drones, robots, chemistry, geospatial technology, esports, astronomy, physics, ecology and the best STEM curriculum and activities showcased by local schools and institutions. Free. Rochester High School, Rochester, 3 Rocket Dr., 217-498-9761.
Soirée for the Bob Freesen YMCA
March 31, 6-11pm. Entertainment by 90s Daughter. All proceeds benefit the YMCA. Hamilton's, Jacksonville, 110 N. East St.
Sunshine 66: A Hotel Music Festival
March 31-April 2. Features the Rumpke Mountain Boys and Sunshine Daydream, and local favorites such as Positively 4th Street, Chickadee Sermon, Square of the Roots, plus some new acts that will keep the music moving all weekend long. Check the Facebook event for more info. Route 66 Hotel and Conference Center, 625 E. Saint Joseph St., 217-529-6626.
Springfield RV and Camping Show
March 31, 3-8pm, April 1, 10am-7pm and April 2, 10am-5pm. Show features the very latest makes and models of campers and recreational vehicles from the nation's top manufacturers and much more. $8, children 12 and younger are free. BOS Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745-3000. theboscenter.com.
ON THE VERGE or The Geography of Yearning
March 31-April 1, 7:30pm, April 2, 2pm and April 6-8, 7:30pm. In this play by Eric Overmyer, Mary, Fanny and Alexandra travel through Terra Incognita, the globe's final undiscovered land. The intrepid explorers test their friendship and courage with wonder, humor and grace. Directed by Missy Thibodeaux-Thompson. UIS Studio Theatre, One University Plaza, 217-206-6106. uispac.com.
APRIL
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. USATF-certified course. Downtown Springfield. srrc.net.
Spring Lawn & Garden Sale
April 1, 8am-5pm and April 2, 9am-4pm. Show features flowers and plants, garden art, decks and patio, hot tubs and more. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-528-3033.
Jr. NBA Skills Challenge
April 1, 9am. Open to boys and girls ages 9 to 13. Compete for the chance to win an all-expense-paid trip to New York City. Pre-registration suggested. Free. Salvation Army, 1600 Clear Lake Dr., 217-753-2800 ext. 2003.
Breaking Boundaries
April 1, 2pm and 7pm. A performance by the Springfield Ballet Company that features the beauty of classical ballet contrasted with neo-classical dance works. Children $17, adults $23-$30. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160. yispac.com.
Art Synergy
April 1, 6:30pm. A collaborative event in which 16 community leaders and business owners have been matched up with artists over the last couple of months to collaborate on art. See the pieces in person, bid on them in a live auction, enjoy food, drink and live music, and see who is crowned the champion. Those who would like to bid or vote, but cannot attend, should call for more info. Silent auction and voters choice contest launch at 9am March 27. $35 in advance, $45 at door. SAA Collective Gallery, 105 N. Fifth St., 217-523-2631. springfieldart.org.
Zoo opening weekend
April 1-2, 10am-5pm. Enjoy a day of sun and fun to kick off the start of the zoo season. The zoo will take this weekend to introduce to you new animal friends. $5.50-$7.50. Children 2 and younger are free. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-544-1751.
39th Annual Spring Luncheon
April 3, 10:30am-1pm. Benefits the Pregnancy Care Center of Springfield Inc. Includes a silent auction, bake sale, lunch and entertainment by the Rochester High School Madrigals. $10 raffle tickets will also be sold for a chance to win $250 in restaurant gift cards. $30 or $240 for a table of eight. Reservations required by March 27. $30. Northfield Inn, Suites and Conference Center, 3280 Northfield Dr., 217-525-5630.
Brown Bag Concert
April 5, 12:15-12:45pm. Featuring pianist Pei-I Wang accompanied by Andy Rauff. Free. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 217-528-4311. lincolnschurch.org.
Ethical Artificial Intelligence: An Industry Perspective
April 5, 6:30-7:30pm. Artificial Intelligence (AI) represents an enormous opportunity to advance human wellbeing. Today this very topic is being tackled by an odd mixture of ethicists, attorneys, statisticians, computer scientists and regulators. A discussion of different conceptions of Ethical AI from the perspective of these parties. Free. UIS Student Union Ballroom, 2251 Richard Wright Dr., 217-602-6245. uis.edu.
Tiny Adventurers
April 5, and May 10, 10-11am and 1-2pm. A hands-on nature exploration program for children ages 3 to 5 with an adult chaperone. Children learn about a nature topic, make a craft and enjoy a story. Morning and afternoon sessions available. $3-$5 per family. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-529-1111. lincolnmemorialgarden.org.
Having Our Say
April 7-8, 7pm. "The Delaney Sisters' First 100 Years." Starring Kathryn Harris and Patricia Davis as Sadie and Bessie Delaney, who take the audience on a remarkable journey through the last 100 years, recounting fascinating events and anecdotes drawn from their family history and their careers as pioneering African American professionals. $18-$20. Hoogland Center for the Arts Peggy Ryder Theatre, 420 S. Sixth St. 217-523-2787. hcfta.org.
School is out, so Kidzeum is open
April 10, 9am-4pm. School is out, so Kidzeum is open! Pack in a full day of learning and play. Regular admission. Kidzeum of Health and Science Children's Museum, 412 E. Adams St., 217-679-2123. kidzeum.org.
U of I Lunch and Learn Series
April 13 and May 9, 11am. Mark Flotow, anthropologist and author, will discuss his book, In Their Letters, In Their Words: Illinois Civil War Soldiers Write Home, a collection of quotations from letters written by Illinois Civil War soldiers to loved ones. $38 includes lunch. Illini Country Club, 1601 S. Illini Road, 217-206-6058.
IC Fine Arts Series: Hub New Music
April 14, 7:30pm. This Boston-based ensemble has commissioned dozens of new works and continues to usher in a fresh and culturally relevant body of work for its distinct combination of flute, clarinet, violin and cello. Adult $15, students free. Illinois College Rammelkamp Chapel, Jacksonville, 1101 W. College Ave., 217-245-3192.
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.
Newsies Jr.
April 14-15, 7:30pm, April 16, 2pm, April 21-22, 7:30pm and April 23, 2pm. Inspired by the rousing true story of newsboys in turn-of-the-century New York City, Newsies Jr. is a 60-minute adaptation featuring a Tony Award-winning score. When powerful newspaper publishers raise prices at the newsboys' expense, the charismatic Jack Kelly rallies newsies from across the city. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787. hcfta.org.
The Linda Ronstadt Songbook
April 14 and 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, 217-528-9760. atthelegacy.com.
Relay for Life
April 15, 12pm. Help attack cancer in the community with this annual event. Donations help fund groundbreaking cancer research, patient care programs and can make a difference. With every donation, you are helping the American Cancer Society save lives. Sacred Heart-Griffin High School, West Campus Track, 1200 W. Washington St.
Date Night with Spontaneous Music
April 15, 6:30-7:30pm. Music by Freedom Therapy Trio with jazz drummer and percussionist Richard Gilman-Opalsky, classical and improvising guitarist Adam Larison and jazz saxophonist Brian Stark. $15. UIS Studio Theatre, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160. uis.edu.
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.
The Book of Mormon
April 18-20, 7:30pm. The nine-time Tony Award-winning musical. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160. uispac.com.
Nash
April 19, 1-1:30pm. Certified pet therapy team, Nash and his human, Christie Goleman, stop by to visit with the seniors. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035. centralilseniors.org.
Ninth Street Women
April 20, 6-7:30pm. Sheri Ramsey will discuss Lee Krasner & Joan Mitchell, two of the women featured in the best-selling book, Ninth Street Women by Mary Gabriel. American Sign Language Interpreters will be present during our Spring presentations, thanks to a grant from the Springfield Area Arts Council. Free. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 2175232631. springfieldart.org.
Drag Bingo, Club LaCage Drag Show
April 21-22, 7pm. Presented by the Phoenix Center. Two evenings with Friday night featuring Drag Queen Bingo. The queens and personalities that grace both events will keep you wildly entertained. $25-$35. Hoogland Center for the Arts. hcfta.org/tickets.
Orchid info and repotting workshop
April 22, 10am-2pm. Members of the Prairie State Orchid Society will teach basic orchid care and repotting techniques. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-4116.
Logan County Spring Pickers Market
April 22-23. Art, craft, vintage, antiques and specialty booths. Visit with some of the original actors from The Waltons TV show and check out the vintage camper rally. Logan County Fairgrounds, Lincoln, 1408 Short 11th St., 217-732-3311.
Underground Railroad Spring Bus Tour
April 23, 1-5pm. Join storyteller tour guides in 19th century attire for a bus tour of Underground Railroad sites in Jacksonville. Tour starts at Illinois College and ends at Woodlawn Farm. Before the tour, participants meet in McGaw Fine Arts Center lobby at 12:30 p.m. Reservations by phone are required. Adults $20, Children 10 and younger $10. Illinois College, McGaw Fine Arts Building, Jacksonville, 1101 W. College Ave., 217-479-4144.
Concert for Kids
April 26, 10am. A performance by the Illinois Symphony Orchestra. Recommended for grades K-6. Part of the Staley Class Acts performances. uispac.com $7. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Power of the Purse
April 27, 6:30-9:30pm. Ticket includes live music, hors d'oerves, and great purses up for auction. Cash bar. Event proceeds support MERCY Communities, where the independence of homeless and at-risk families is fostered. $40. LRS Hangar, 1200 Capital Airport Dr., 217-523-8159.
Venice
April 28, 7pm. This band is described as quintessentially Californian, with a unique sound that mixes the rock of 70s Aerosmith with the storytelling of James Taylor, and harmonies reminiscent of The Eagles. $40 or $45. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 217-528-9760. Atthelegacy.com.
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 that explores the relationship between two neighbors, George Gibbs and Emily Webb, whose childhood friendship blossoms into romance, and then culminates in marriage. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787. hcfta.org.
Health fair/5K walk, run
April 29, 9am-1pm. Sponsored by the Springfield-Decatur Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. The fair will include screenings, farmers market, exercise options, informational displays and healthy snacks. Race course to be determined. Gus and Flora Kerasotes YMCA, 4550 West Iles Ave., 217-679-1625. sdaacdst.org.
UIS Music - Peace Concert
April 30, 3pm. A performance by the Illinois Symphony Youth Orchestra. Free. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160. uisipac.com.
MAY
Moonlight Market
First and third Wednesday of every month, 6-9pm, May through Sep. 20. Find the works of local artists and artisans, plus dine and sip while you shop. Jackson Street between Sixth and Seventh streets. connshg.com.
Backyard composting
May 4, 6-7pm. Learn how to create compost in your own backyard by using the best and most effective methods and materials. Plus, learn about vermicomposting, which is composting with worms to create even better compost. Free. Chatham Area Public Library, Chatham, 600 E. Spruce St., 217-483-2713. chathamlib.org.
Central Park Market
First Thursday of every month, 4-8pm, May through Oct. 5. The Central Park Market is a makers' market featuring 25-plus local makers and small businesses including food trucks and growers, plus live music. Downtown Jacksonville, Central Park, 217-473-7287.
Epic Endings
May 5. With the Illinois Symphony Orchestra conducted by Andrew Joon Choi. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160. uispac.com.
UIS Chorus Concert
May 5, 7pm. UIS musicians in concert. Free. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160. uispac.com.
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.
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.
Hammer-In
May 6, 9am-4pm. A bunch of blacksmiths sharing stories and making metal parts the old-fashioned way. The historic buildings will be open for small, socially distanced tours. Clayville Historic Site, Pleasant Plains, Route 125, 217-481-4430. clayville.org.
Maifest Spring Brew Festival
May 6, 12-4pm. Enjoy adult beverages from many micro-breweries, home brewers, wineries, and distributers suppling popular local and national craft beers. Live music and food trucks will be available. Admission is $25 which includes a commemorative tasting glass and 20 drink samples. Downtown Jacksonville, Central Park, 217-473-5081. jacksonvillemainstreet.com.
An Evening with Barbra Streisand, Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga
May 6, 7pm. Renowned tribute artists Steve Leeds and Sharon Owens authentically recreate the music and on-stage magic of Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga, with a little Barbra Streisand thrown in for good measure. $30- $32. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787. hcfta.org.
UIS Music
May 6, 7pm. A performance by UIS musicians, UIS Community Music School musicians and the Illinois Symphony Youth Orchestra. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Spring fever bazaar
May 7, 8am-4pm. Fantastic seasonal finds, boutique, jewelry, art, photography, soaps, lotions, coins, toys, home and garden decor, sewn items, crochet, handmade, recycled, upcycled, vintage, antique, collectibles, furniture, floral, wood, metal, produce and always lots of surprises. Visit with alpacas or even adopt a pet from the mobile adoption team. Enjoy delicious fair food and homemade goodies. $5. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-725-8047.
Fat Ass 5K and Street Party for Charity
May 12, 5-10pm and May 13, 7:30am-3pm. This race has generated more than $1.7 million for charity since 2008. Includes stops for beer, corn dogs, doughnuts and ice cream, because why not? Live music and entertainment throughout the race route, followed by a street party that includes drinks, barbecue and more live music. Downtown Springfield, Sixth and Adams streets. $40-$60. Downtown Springfield, Downtown, 217-525-1111. fatass5k.com.
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 culinary 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 and 13, 7:30pm, May 14, 2pm, May 19 and 20, 7:30pm and May 21, 2pm. A musical adaptation of Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. A story of hope, a testament to the healing power of love, and a celebration of life. $20. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787. hcfta.org.
Bird banding
May 13, 8:30am-2pm. Experts will demonstrate and teach about banding wild birds in this family friendly event. Experience the beauty of the diverse bird population in this area. Free. Jubilee Farm, 6760 Old Jacksonville Road, 217-787-6927. jubileefarm.info.
Native Plant Sale
May 13, 9am-12pm. Native trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants, and multiple milkweed species will be offered, along with many other great species that benefit native wildlife. Hosted by the Illinois Native Plant Society. Illinois State Fairgrounds Reisch Pavilion, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-243-6055. illinoisplants.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 on-staff certified celebrant Judy Woerner. CDC guidelines will be followed. Free. Roselawn Memorial Park, 1735 S. Camp Butler Road, 217-525-1661. roselawninfo.com.
Foreigner Farewell Tour
May 16, 7:30pm. With special guest Head East. $5-$95. BOS Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745-3000. theboscenter.com.
Central Illinois Senior Celebration
May 17, 9am-2pm. The theme is Aging Unbound and the celebration will feature exhibitors, health screenings and entertainment. Admission is free with the donation of a canned food item. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-528-4035. centralilseniors.org.
Illinois Products Farmers Market
Thursdays, 3:30-7pm, May 18 through Sep. 28. 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 Movies in the Park series. Begins at sunset. Free. Velasco Tennis Center, 1501 South Grand Ave. W., 217-546-4103.
Old Capitol Farmers Market
Wednesdays and Saturdays, 8am-12:30pm from May 20 to Oct. 28. Local cheese, produce, meats, art and more. Downtown Springfield. Fourth Street. 217-544-1723. downtownspringfield.org.
Springfield Area Highland Games and Celtic Festival
May 20, 9am-10pm. Try to toss a 20-foot-long caber or throw a 56-pound weight over a raised bar. Enjoy bagpipe bands, food, storytelling and Scottish goods. $8-$15. Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin, 316 W. Birch St., 217-488-2685. centralillinoiscelts.com.
Journey to the Heart: Falling in Love
with Earth
May 20, 9:30am-3pm. Celebrate the planet during a daylong retreat. Bring a lunch. Coffee, tea, water and snacks provided. Seating is limited. Call by May 17 to register. Free. Jubilee Farm, 6760 Old Jacksonville Road, 217-787-6927.
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 that brings artists and shoppers from across the country flocking to downtown Springfield. Free. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-785-7960. springfieldoldcapitolartfair.org.
Springfield Pridefest 2023
May 20, 11-12am. Bringing it "Back to the Streets" on the gayest of days. A day of embracing diversity and celebrating the local LGBTQ community. Organized by the Phoenix Center. Downtown Springfield, Fifth Street and Capitol Avenue. Free. 217-528-5253. phoenixcenterspringfield.org.
A day in the life of a batboy
May 24, 12pm. Kevin Corbin will talk about his time as a batboy for the St. Louis Cardinals. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035. centralilseniors.org.
