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. […]
Daron Walker
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Wings and Wheels Fly-In and Cruise-In
Awesome aircraft and cars on display in one place Like to check out cool cars and planes? See both in one place this weekend as EAA Chapter 770 of Springfield hosts this fourth annual event. More than 200 cars and more than 20 planes are expected. Converge on the Stellar Aviation Hangar for displays, exhibits […]
Welch should apologize to Benton’s former staffer
Last month, House Speaker Chris Welch told WGN political editor Tahman Bradley during an interview, “I’m going to apologize for making her feel uncomfortable.” The woman he was referring to was former Rep. Harry Benton’s district office worker who quit after she said she was sexually harassed. The woman also told the Chicago Tribune that […]
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. […]
Celebrate Route 66 anniversary at this popular event
It’s the centennial of Route 66! Once again, hundreds of street machines, muscle cars and hot rods will rumble into the heart of Springfield’s historic downtown followed by thousands of spectators for a weekend of family fun, live music and entertainment. The event begins with a huge cruise Friday night, downtown light show and performance […]
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 & […]
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 […]
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. […]
Springfield Oyster & Beer Feztival
Springfield Oyster & Beer Feztival Sat., Sept. 5, noon-5 p.m. | Ansar Shrine 630 S. Sixth St. | 217-525-1771 FESTIVALS | Oyster and beer lovers to gather for annual event Enjoy oysters at this popular annual downtown event now featuring a new host and site. The Ansar Shrine and its members are leading the event […]
