Posted inIT Picks

Dance to the “graveyard smash”

This Friday night, get in that costume and make this a Halloween to remember. All ages are welcome at this event presented by the Springfield Park District. Participants will enjoy delicious snacks, groovy tunes and plenty of candy. The event’s name recalls the famous “Monster Mash” song by Bobby “Boris” Pickett & The Crypt Kickers. […]

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Learn how to gather histories, memories

Local history enthusiasts, this one is for you. This Saturday afternoon, don’t miss two free oral history workshops presented by the UIS Performing Arts Center and the Sangamon Experience. The workshops are “Story Harvest: Collecting Oral Histories (12:45-2:30 p.m.) and “Story Harvest: From Memory to Meaning (2:45-4:45 p.m.). In the first session, participants will learn […]

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Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular

FESTIVALS | Fall favorite will draw thousands to carillon  Once again, hundreds of hand-carved, glowing jack-o-lanterns will light up the night this weekend at the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon. In addition, the carillon will be playing with special lighting and sound effects, adding to the experience. The event includes food vendors, too. The Spectacular attracts […]

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Lego enthusiasts gather at fairgrounds

OK, Lego enthusiasts, this is your weekend. For the first time, the Springfield Brick Convention is coming to the Illinois State Fairgrounds. See massive models, meet professional Lego artists and build with thousands of bricks in hands-on building zones. This entertainment-packed family event is for children of all ages and builders and collectors of all […]

Posted inFall Home & Garden

Fall Home & Garden Calendar 2026

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. State Fairgrounds, The Shed, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-524-9129. Old Capitol Farmers Market Wednesdays and Saturdays. Continues through Oct. 31. Springfield’s longest-running and most popular Farmers Market in downtown Springfield. […]

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Learn more about Pillsbury Mills 

As Pillsbury Mills continues to be demolished, interest remains strong in the complex that employed thousands of Springfield residents. Here’s a chance for local residents to learn more. In this event hosted by the group Moving Pillsbury Forward, curator and artist Robert Mazrim will sign souvenir copies of his new book, Pillsbury Abandoned: Art & […]

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Remember Sept. 11 this Friday

This Friday marks the 25th anniversary of the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The Springfield Fire Department is inviting the community to join firefighters, police officers and city staff members as they remember those who perished that day. To participate, arrive at your local neighborhood station by 7:30 a.m. According to the department, there […]

Posted inFall Guide

2026 Fall Guide Event Calendar

Ongoing Prairie HikesLast Wednesday of every month, 8-9am. Through Oct. 28. Jamie Arntzen of the Illinois Audubon Society will share her expertise about the plants and species communities during guided monthly walks along the trails of the AWS prairie as it transitions through the seasons. Free. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 E. Clear Lake Ave., 217-899-6150. […]

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