You’ll start seeing motorcycles in numbers the next two weekends. The Illinois Motorcycle Dealers Association TT (Tourist Trophy) and Springfield Mile Motorcycle Races take place at the Illinois State Fairgrounds May 25-27. May 29-June 1 is the American Motorcycle Association Racing Dirt Track Grand Championships. These wildly popular races charge in with the Amateur TT […]
IT Picks
Posted inArts & Culture
Colorful cavalcade
This is your day to come out and show your respect and support with other tolerant and loving folks at Springfield PrideFest, May 19, downtown Springfield. Organized by The Phoenix Center, the party takes place on Capitol Avenue between Fourth and Sixth. The lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community celebration promises to make you laugh […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Pioneering the past
Clayville Spring Festival is May 19-20 at the Clayville Historic Site, just east of Pleasant Plains on Route 125, and not far outside of town following Jefferson Ave. west. The old stage coach stop village comes alive with pioneer artisan and craftsman demonstrations, historic building tours, pony rides, pioneer crafts and games for kids, 40 […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Celtic menagerie
Chatham Community Park is transformed into a Celtic venue for the Springfield Area Highland Games and Celtic Festival on Saturday, May 19. The gathering offers ancient athletic, highland dance and bagpipe band competitions, clan info, vendors and public participation events like Ladies Haggis Hurl, Bonniest Knees, Tug of War and Kids Kettle Toss. Rain or […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Fare and square
One-of-the-most popular spring soirees in our area, the Old Capitol Art Fair is always a fun and inspiring weekend of fine art and community camaraderie. Head to downtown Springfield Saturday or Sunday to view or purchase original wares by juried artists from around the country. There’s something for everyone — jewelry, sculpture, photography, glassware, pottery, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Stand-up humor
Nationally-known comedian Suzanne Westenhoefer performs at The Legacy Theater on Friday, May 18. With appearances on Letterman, HBO, Bravo, Logo, GSN and across the United States, the popular lesbian comedian was the first openly gay comedian to appear on television. Suzanne has new material thanks to several changes in her life, and she quips, “Even […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Illinois vintage
The Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association, Downtown Springfield, Inc. and the Old Capitol Foundation offer a festival featuring 16 Illinois wineries and breweries both Saturday, May 19, and Sunday, May 20, in downtown Springfield in conjunction with the Old Capitol Art Fair. Open to anyone 21 years of age or older, the event is held […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Excellent ales
Join hundreds of other ale aficionados and those looking for a good party at the Springfield Jaycees International Beer Festival held Saturday evening, May 19, at the Illinois Building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Sample more than 100 beers with specialty rare beers served on the hour. The first 750 attendees receive a commemorative glass. […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Madcap musical
Springfield Theatre Center presents a musical about Pippi, the stripper on the run, who is the new tenant at the exclusive Florida trailer park, Armadillo Acres. But she’s no ordinary tenant, and there are only laughs after Pippi comes between Dr. Phil-loving, agoraphobic Jeannie and her tollbooth collector husband. Music and lyrics by David Nehls. […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Plentiful produce
The Old Capitol Farmers Market opens for the season on three downtown blocks beginning May 16. Join the mayor, Downtown Springfield, Inc., St. John’s Hospital representatives and the Chamber of Commerce in a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. Frank Trompeter Quartet will play, Celebrity Chef Ashley Glatz Meyer will provide a demonstration, and free […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Street feat
Becoming one of the most popular parties in Springfield, the Fat Ass 5K and Street Party fills downtown May 11-12. This is a race where winning is good, but enjoying yourself is even better. Stations are set up along the race route where participants can indulge in goodies such as donuts, ice cream and beer. […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Street smart
Another UIS Broadway Series takes place at Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, May 15 at 7:30 p.m. The contemporary musical, In the Heights, received four 2008 Tony Awards and a Grammy Award the same year for Best Musical Show Album. The production is set in the Washington Heights neighborhood in New York City. Residents try to make sense […]
