IT Picks

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 & […]

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 […]

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 […]

Nineteen balloons will return to Lincoln this weekend for the popular two-day Balloons Over 66 Weekend. The balloons will be a welcome sight, especially after event organizers canceled the event earlier this year. Never fear, though, the event is back with all the events participants love, especially the balloon launches and “glows.” Friday’s events include […]

CONVENTIONS | Comic book collectors gather this Sunday  This long-running convention will return to Springfield on Sunday. A huge variety of new and old comic books will be for sale at the show as well as toys and related collectibles. Do you have comic books sitting around that are no longer wanted? This might be […]

Yes, it’s that time again, Springfield! It’s time to get a corndog at Vose’s, see a Grandstand show or two and take that ride on the Sky Glider. The Illinois State Fair begins bright and early today at 7 a.m. Today’s big event, of course, is the Twilight Parade from Lincoln Park to the fairgrounds […]

DANCE | Display those dance moves at downtown party  Would you like to show your dance moves or learn how to dance? Here’s your chance to try some Latin dances including salsa, merengue and bachata. This free pop-up Latin dance party started last Saturday and will continue on Saturdays through Aug. 29. The event includes […]

Doc Robinson, Gold Maps | Thu., July 30, 6-9:15 p.m. | The Matchsellers, Bill Poss Fri., July 31, 6 p.m. | Y Block, north of Governor’s Mansion MUSIC | Two nights of music on Y Block  What’s better than a Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series show? Easy. Back-to-back Levitt AMP shows two nights in a […]