IT Picks

View art throughout the rooms of the historic grand old Springfield home, The Virgil Hickox House, located above Norb Andy’s. Fine art by Felicia Olin (pictured is Inner Sanctuary, above the building’s fireplace), organizer Michael Mayosky, Jeff Williams, Eric Fliege, Melanie Edmondson, Philip Ackerman and many more will be on display and for sale. You […]

National wordsmiths Kucha Brownlee, Baba Tony Brown, Brian “Fox” Ellis (pictured) and Barry Cloyd wow audiences with their vivid renditions of African and American folklore, American Indian stories, frolicking fables, powerful proverbs, visions of the human experience, prairie tales and much more. A special musical session is scheduled for the Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site at 1 […]

Did slaves escape through Springfield? What Oscar-winning megastar has family roots in Springfield? Who sold pieces of Lincoln’s home and yard — for less than a dollar? Hear answers to these and other questions on July 13 as local historian and award-winning author Tara McClellan McAndrew talks about Springfield history and signs her new book […]

Here’s a chance to see the wildly popular and visually captivating sci-fi film Avatar on the large screen – not the traditional big movie theater-size screen, but a large enough screen than usually found in the home. After the movie, a 20- to 60-minute discussion will be led by Edward Beekman-Myers, UIS’s Speaker Series instructor […]

Fried oysters, poor boys, shrimp jambalaya, pulled pork horseshoes, Thai chicken wrap, ribeye sandwich, blackened salmon sandwich, baby back ribs, gyros and vegetarian sushi. Mouth watering yet? Enjoy food, gourmet desserts and specialty drinks served by your favorite local restaurant at Taste of Downtown. Food and beverage tickets are $1 each, with menu items ranging […]

Your favorite fairy tale characters warped as you have never seen them in a story where everyone’s wishes are granted, but watch out for what you wish for. (See Theater.) Into the WoodsJuly 2-11, 8:30pmThe Muni

The Statehouse rocks during this two-day celebration with three stages nearby featuring performances by local bands, the WIBI Fourth of July Children’s Choir and the Springfield Municipal Band. Stages are at Fifth and Capitol, Second and Monroe, and Second and Capitol. Saturday at noon begins the family fun with lots of good food and free […]

The Play Ball exhibition, curated by Rod Buffington and Mike Badger, commemorates great moments in baseball history, stadium landmarks and baseball heroes and teams. On display is a diverse range of media including paintings, wood carvings, quilts and more. Some of the participating artists are John Hanley, Vincent Scilla, Joel Barr and Springfield’s Chris Britt. […]

If you haven’t caught this performance yet, you must book your spot now. People are raving about the moving and intimate performance. (See Theater.) The Yellow WallpaperJuly 2-3, 6pm and 8pmVachel Lindsay Home

Rock the dock is a 30-minute fireworks display and light show choreographed to a soundtrack with concert sound blasted over Lake Springfield. Families can celebrate in the family fun zone, but there’s also a party garden for those who wish to enjoy a cold one. Free tickets are available while they last at Dewey’s RC […]

Guests are encouraged to pack a picnic for the family and dine in one of the free picnic areas during the Great American Picnic July 2-4, with free parking and park admission benefiting the Spina Bifida Association of Illinois. Friday is the day that really kicks up a notch with a free concert by Seein’ […]

Meet Elijah Iles and Robert Irwin at this history celebration that includes strawberry everything: shortcake, sundaes, daiquiris and strawberries and cream. Families can play lawn games, listen to music and storytelling and witness the grand reopening ceremony of The Ann and Farrell Gay Museum of Springfield History. Free parking is available in the Iles House […]