Summerguide

MAY Pawnee Prairie Days May 29-31. Three days of fun including a carnival rides and games, pageants, barbecue contest, tractor pull, car show, live music and much more. See the Facebook page for more info. Pawnee Square, Pawnee, 617 Seventh St., 622-4661. Janet Evra Thu., May 29, 6-9:30pm. The first show of the 10-week 2025 […]

The Springfield Park District has been bringing the community outside for 125 years, and it’s celebrating this summer with a packed calendar of events for the whole family. Founded in 1900, the Springfield Park District is one of the largest in the state and encompasses more than 2,800 acres, from quaint neighborhood playgrounds and quiet […]

You have already been wowed by the tricks of magician Tristan Crist and as you sit in the darkened theater, you eagerly await the finale. As the music crescendos, the theater lights reveal Crist’s assistant in a small metal cage. He flourishes a curtain for only a few seconds, dropping it to reveal the assistant […]

“To be or not to be… that is the question.” Hear this famous line from Hamlet at three Shakespeare events in three separate venues this summer. Travel to the Illinois Shakespeare Festival in Bloomington, Shakespeare in the Park in St. Louis, or stay right here in Springfield for Shakespeare in Enos Park. Maybe hit all […]

People arrive early with their picnics and bottles of wine, setting everything out on blankets or at picnic tables, enjoying a summer evening before the opening of a play at the Springfield Municipal Opera near Lake Springfield. This summer marks the 75th year that the Muni has been wowing audiences with tremendous performances. Casts have […]

A hammered dulcimer, a cappella ensembles, percussion, a 72-member choir, bird songs, nature walks – all will come together May 30-June 1 in a three-day, three-venue festival of music called Hymnody of Earth, a series of musical numbers composed by Malcolm Dalglish. Sponsored by the Springfield Choral Society, in partnership with Lincoln Memorial Garden and […]

With summer just around the corner, many parents are probably wondering how to keep kids busy, as well as engaged with all of the learning they’ve accomplished over the last school year. Look no further than your local library for great options that are both entertaining and educational. Summer reading has been proven to help […]

Summertime is the perfect opportunity to spend time with your friends and family, and there are tons of opportunities to do so right here in Springfield and the surrounding communities. But enjoying summer doesn’t have to mean spending money. Read on for some free opportunities to soak up the fun and sun with your family. […]

ONGOING Friday Night Jazz Every Friday, 5:30-7:30pm. Listen to some of Springfield’s finest jazz musicians with a different act every week. Sponsored by the Springfield Area Arts Council. Free, family friendly and accessible. springfieldartsco.org. Boone’s, 301 Edwards St., 217-679-3752. Kidzeum Sensory-Friendly Visit Times First Sunday of every month through Dec. 1, 9-11am. Lights and noises […]

Chicago can be a pricey destination any time of the year, but summer is a swell time to seek some savings. Just concentrate on outdoor fun with the family or friends. “As families plan their summer outings, Chicago offers a vibrant array of fun and oftentimes free activities,” says Rich Gamble, interim president and CEO […]