As the sun sets, watch the park come alive with a breathtaking hot air balloon glow at dusk. Ten balloon pilots are scheduled to be at the event with their colorful crafts tethered to the ground the entire time. Besides the glowing balloons, the event will include food for purchase and free, beautiful park views. […]
Illinois Times Staff
Posted inTurning Points
Meyers “Taco John” Everitt
It is with profound love and the deepest sense of loss that we announce the passing of baby Meyers “Taco John” Everitt. Meyers, named after his great-grandpa Ronald Meyers, was born on Nov. 27, 2024, in Springfield, Illinois, and left our world far too soon on Sept. 4, 2025, in the same loving community where […]
Posted inIT Picks
Rockballet: Storytellers
Dive into a night of electrifying performances with Rockballet: Storytellers, featuring music by Billy Joel and Stevie Nicks. This is a high-energy fusion of classical dance and iconic rock music performed live by local group Downstate. Don’t miss this unique celebration of art and sound that brings together the energy of rock and the elegance […]
Posted inArts & Culture
The Golden Seed
This Liturgical Arts Festival program will be a dramatic performance with musical interludes. The theatrical component, from playwright and director James Compton Bockmier, features three figures from Springfield’s history. An in-character “trialogue” will take place among Susan Lawrence Dana (played by Arlene Cooney), Frank Lloyd Wright (Patrick Foster) and Vachel Lindsay (Keegan Otwell). The trio […]
Posted inFall Guide
Fall Guide
The annual Fall Guide issue has info on family friendly activities, fall gardening, upcoming theater and art shows and an expanded three-month calendar of events.
Posted inArts & Culture
Springfield boy places first in statewide photography contest
Ten-year-old Jerry Feng of Springfield took home top honors in the 2025 Cream of the Crop Photo contest, which encourages young photographers to share their vision of agriculture in the state. State Treasurer Michael Frerichs hosted a reception Aug. 8 in the Illinois Department of Agriculture’s tent at the Illinois State Fairgrounds to honor the first-place winners. […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Where to see the Budweiser Clydesdales
Springfield-area residents will have numerous opportunities to see the iconic Budweiser Clydesdales, both at the Illinois State Fair and several special appearances. Springfield is one of the stops on a cross-country tour to celebrate 15 years of partnership between Budweiser and Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization that provides families of fallen or disabled U.S. […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Three days of events commemorate 1908 Springfield Race Riot
The city of Springfield will honor the legacy of the 1908 Springfield Race Riot with a three-day observance next week at various locations. The event will feature presentations, walking tours, a film screening and ceremonies as city residents “reflect, reclaim and remember history.” The first day, Thursday, Aug. 14, begins at 9:30 a m. with […]
Posted inOpinion
Letters to the editor 08-07-2025
NO FUN My opinion is Republicans like to control what businesses and people do, and the fun they have, under the guise of public safety (“Last call is earlier than ever,” July 24). Marie Carnes Via Facebook.com/illinoistimes TOO MUCH TIME Most bars have computerized registers, so it should be easy to quantify the impact of […]
Posted inTurning Points
Linda Keldermans
Linda Keldermans died peacefully on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025. Linda was the daughter of Ross Thomas and Marilyn Wright Thomas. She was born on Dec. 19, 1949. Linda was especially close to her grandmother, Nina Wright, and to Monsignor Patrick Wright, who was her uncle and godfather. Linda graduated from Sacred Heart Academy and attended […]
Posted inTurning Points
John “Jack” Madura
John “Jack” Madura, 84, of Springfield, died at 7:08 p.m. on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at Springfield Memorial Hospital. Jack was born Feb. 6, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of John and Esther (Songhurst) Madura. He married Judy Thomas on Dec. 28, 1965. He was a proud graduate of Fenger High School on the […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Kidzeum holds ribbon cutting for Route 66 exhibit
Kidzeum of Health and Science is holding a seven-year anniversary celebration on Saturday, July 19, and Sunday, July 20. The weekend will feature live performances, hands-on science programs, games, giveaways and the grand opening of the brand-new Route 66-themed exhibition, The Road to Adventure: Exploring Route 66. Admission is free on Saturday, while Sunday will […]
