This year marks the 29th annual Molly Schlich Independent International Film Series. It is sponsored by the Springfield Art Association (SAA) and proceeds benefit the Michael Victor Art Library. The series is named in honor of local resident Molly Schlich, who is passionate about international films and is devoted to bringing entertaining and challenging films […]
Stacie Lewis
Christmas Eve 1864
Lincoln Home National Historic Site invites the community to attend a special performance of A Message at Midnight, a one-act play set on Christmas Eve of 1864. Celebration is far away from the mind of President Abraham Lincoln as he awaits the news from General Sherman as the general marches towards Savannah, Georgia. A victory […]
A change in seasons
The winter solstice occurs when one of the earth’s poles has its maximum tilt away from the sun thus creating the longest night of the year in the Western hemisphere. Since ancient times, people all over the world have recognized this astronomical occurrence and celebrated the subsequent return of the sun in a variety of ways. […]
Local events for 50-PLUS-ers
Dance for Hope Every Friday, 7:30pm. Each week features a different dance genre – West Coast swing, ballroom or Latin. $8 per person. Normandy Hill Plaza, 3111 Normandy Road, Suite 104, 217-522-9106. Springfield Breakfast Optimist Club Every Friday, 7am. Visitors are welcome. 217-546-5021. Peace Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St., 217-546-7646. Downtown Holiday Walk Wednesdays and Saturdays […]
Christmas in the 19th Century
Volunteers have decked the halls of one of Springfield’s oldest homes, the Elijah Iles House, to help show how Christmas was celebrated in the 19th century and how it evolved from the 1840s through the 1890s. The open house will feature live readings of an 1866 Christmas story with Thomas Nast illustrations, live music by […]
City sidewalks dressed in holiday style
Enjoy shopping, dining and holiday cheer at downtown Springfield’s charming shops and restaurants during Saturday’s Old Capitol Holiday Walk. The 2019 holiday walks feature a 12-foot-tall Christmas tree sponsored by Ace Sign Co. and Butler Funeral Homes, complimentary horse-drawn carriage rides around the plaza, holiday lights and music in Union Park and a musical performance […]
Holiday Open House
After being closed since early October for renovations, the Illinois Governor’s Mansion will be reopened just in time for the holidays. Built in 1855, the Illinois Governor’s Mansion is one of the oldest and most historic governor’s mansions in the United States. The mansion serves as the official residence of the governor of Illinois, a […]
Songs of the season
Individuals of all ages are invited to sing holiday carols accompanied by the carillon bells during the 38th annual Caroling at the Carillon event at the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon. Seasonal interludes will be provided by the Trinity Wind Ensemble while guests enjoy a roaring bonfire plus complimentary cookies and hot cocoa. Santa will visit […]
Awet Andemicael
Soprano Awet Andemicael will debut with the Illinois Symphony Chamber Orchestra to perform Alleluias written by Vivaldi and Mozart, and paired with the sounds of Corelli’s Concerto Grosso and Haydn’s Thirtieth Symphony “Alleluia.” Andemicael has sung across the United States, as well as in Europe, Asia and Africa. The Illinois Symphony Orchestra is central Illinois’ […]
Central Illinois during the 11th through 14th centuries
Each month, the Illinois State Museum hosts the Paul Mickey Learning Series which features a variety of topics and expert speakers. This month Duane Esarey, director of the Illinois State Museum at Dickson Mounds, will discuss the Mississippian history of central Illinois during the 11th through 14th centuries. The history of the Mississippian people of […]
Holiday events calendar
Memorial’s Festival of Trees Nov 27-Dec 1, Wed 10am-8pm, Thu 4-8pm, Fri-Sat 10am-8pm and Sun 10am-5pm. A holiday tradition featuring more than 200 decorated trees and wreaths, hand-crafted gingerbread village structures, hand-decorated cookies and live entertainment. Adults $5, children ages 3-12 $3 and ages 2 and under are free. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon […]
Family event calendar
Collectors Day and Artifact Identification Nov 16, 1-3pm Sat. Local collectors will display their best objects. Visitors can bring in items to be identified by museum staff and other experts. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386. 217-558-6696. Superheroes and Villains Pops Concert Nov 16, 7:30pm Sat. Illinois Symphony Orchestra . UIS Performing Arts […]
