AUGUST
Rumble Fish Sat., Aug. 8, 7:30pm. This stage version of S.E. Hinton’s (author or The Outsiders) classic novel explores the themes of gang culture and the search for identity. It tells the story of two brothers, brought up in social deprivation by their alcoholic father. Directed by Mark Buckholz. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, Petersburg, 15588 History Lane, 217-725-0239.
Disney’s Frozen Sat., Aug. 8, 8:30pm. A tale of sisterly love and self-discovery. Disney’s Frozen melts hearts with its story of courage, compassion and acceptance. Directed by Alyssa and DJ Shultz. themuni.org. $12-$30. The Muni, 815 E. Lake Dr., 217-793-6864.
SIX: Teen Edition Sat., Aug. 8. Six wives of Henry VIII take center stage to reclaim their stories with unforgettable music, incredible choreography, and powerhouse vocals. $6 balcony/$10 student or educator/$15 mezzanine/$20 orchestra. Lanphier High School, 1300 N. 11th St., 401-935-2817.
The Jungle Book Sat., Aug. 8, 3-4, 5-6pm. The magic of Rudyard Kipling’s beloved classic leaps from the page to the stage in this enchanting children’s ballet presented by the Springfield Dance Theatre. Young dancers bring Mowgli, Baloo and the Shere Khan to life with vibrant costumes and an imaginative jungle world. $25 in advance, $30 day of show. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 217-528-9760.
Estella Chapter No. 3 OES Back to School Giveaway Sat., Aug. 8, 10am-2pm. Back to School Party and Backpack Giveaway. Free food, vendors, giveaways and a bounce house. Historic Engine House 5, 1310 E. Adams St.
Annual Picnic Sat., Aug. 8, 4-8pm. Gather for an afternoon filled with great food, fun activities and fellowship for all ages. Includes food and grilled favorites, bounce house, Free health screenings, music, games and more. Open to public. Free. Fresh Visions Community Church, 1551 J. David Jones Pkwy., 217-726-5988.
Los Angeles vs. San Francisco Sat., Aug. 8, 6:30pm. Women’s Pro Baseball League action. $20-$37. Robin Roberts Stadium, 1415 N. Grand Ave. E., 217-679-3511.
Power of Love, Decade of Decadence Sat., Aug. 8, 7-10:30pm. Power of Love is a Huey Lewis tribute band while show opener Decade of Decadence, from central Illinois, is “the ultimate 80s rock party.” $11 a week in advance, $15 at gate. Sherman Village Park Amphitheater, Sherman, 1200 Rail Fence Dr., 217-496-2621.
“noir 6: The Truth” Tuesdays-Saturdays. Through Oct. 16. Black art contributes to a deeper and more inclusive understanding of the American narrative. “noir 6: The Truth” invites audiences to engage, thoughtfully, with the histories and perspectives that shape our shared cultural truths. Old State Capitol State Historic Site, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-785-9363.
“The Road to Adventure: Exploring Route 66” Wednesdays-Sundays, 9am-4pm. Through Dec. 31. This vibrant, hands-on exhibit brings the magic of the historic Mother Road to life – and it’s fun for the whole family. kidzeum.org. $5-$12. Kidzeum of Health and Science, 412 E. Adams St., 217-679-2123.
Lincoln Troubadours Wednesdays-Saturdays, 11:30am-12pm. Through Aug. 8. Listen to the music of Lincoln’s day performed by this acapella group. The group performs at several locations as part of the History Comes Alive program. Find a full schedule at the Visit Springfield website. Free. Old State Capitol State Historic Site, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-789-2360.
Abe’s 19th-Century Toymaking Workshop Wednesdays, Saturdays, 1-1:30pm. Through Aug. 8. Abraham Lincoln talks about toys his children played with and invites participants to make their own 19th-century toy. Free. Old State Capitol State Historic Site, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-785-5030.
Elijah Iles House Tours Saturdays, 12-4pm. Through Nov. 14. Tour the oldest house in Springfield. Groups wishing to tour Springfield’s oldest home at other times can call for an appointment. The house was built in 1837 by Iles, one of the city’s earliest settlers. Free. Elijah Iles House, 628 S. Seventh St., 217-494-0640.
History Night Saturdays, 5:30-7pm. Through Aug. 8. Take in two presentations, part of History Comes Alive program. 5:30-6pm: “Custodian of Freedom: William H. Butler’s Capitol Tour.” Hear the story of William H. Butler, Underground Railroad station master and a delegate to Illinois’ first Colored Citizens Convention. 6:30-7pm: “Frederick Douglass, Abolitionist & Orator.” Douglass recounts his visit to Springfield one year after Lincoln’s assassination. Free. Old State Capitol State Historic Site, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-785-5030.
Edwards Place Historic Home Guided Tours Tuesdays-Saturdays, 1-2, 2-3pm. Take this guided tour of the first and second floors. The home, interpreted to 1857, is furnished with examples of Victorian furniture including many pieces that belonged to the Edwards family. edwardsplace.org. $12 adults/ $10 SAA members, military and seniors,; children younger than 10 free. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.
Celebration Concert Sun., Aug. 9, 3-4pm. This free concert will feature pieces on organ, violin and other instruments. Springfield area musicians will preform in honor of Trinity’s music director and organist, Laura Fliege. Light refreshments will be served after. Free. Trinity Lutheran Church, 220 S. Second St., 217-787-2323.
New York vs. Boston Sun., Aug. 9, 6:30pm. Women’s Pro Baseball League action. $20-$37. Robin Roberts Stadium, 1415 N. Grand Ave. E., 217-679-3511.
Rochester Farmers Market Second Sunday of every month, 12-3pm and Fourth Sunday of every month, 12-3pm. Through Sep. 27. Local produce and products. Rochester Public Library District, Rochester, 1 Community Dr., 217-498-8454.
Learn to Skate at the Nelson Center Mondays, 6-6:30pm. Through Aug. 24. The Learn to Skate Academy is a progressive program designed to provide kids balance on and off of the ice. A step-by-step progression of skills is taught to develop the student’s techniques in an enjoyable and social atmosphere. Register by July 24 at bit.ly/SPD_Ice-ProgrammingNelson Center, 1601 N. Fifth St., 217-753-2800.
Kids Fare Garden Club Mondays, 10-11am. Through Aug. 10. Kids Fare Garden Club offers hands-on gardening as well as garden-related activities. Registration held on site with a cap of 15 children participating. Free. Enos Park Neighborhood Garden, 1022 N. Fifth St., 217-610-0720.
Back to School Walk-in Vaccine Clinic Wed., Aug. 12, 8:30am-3:30pm. This clinic is presented by Sangamon County Department of Public Health. Parent/Guardian must be present with ID. Must bring student’s insurance card. Not sure if your child needs vaccines? Call 217-535-3102. Sangamon County Health Department, 2833 South Grand Ave. E., 217-535-3102.
Storytime & Pop-up Library Second Wednesday of every month. Through Sept. 30. For infants, toddlers, pre-K. Children and their grownups will explore stories and activities to encourage children to develop a lifelong love of reading and learning. Group meets in grass so bring a blanket or chair to sit on. Lindbergh Park, 2419 Lindbergh Blvd., 217-753-4900.
Los Angeles vs. San Francisco Wed., Aug. 12, 6:30pm. Women’s Pro Baseball League action. $20-$37. Robin Roberts Stadium, 1415 N. Grand Ave. E., 217-679-3511.
Illinois State Fair Aug. 13-Aug. 22. Massive annual fair features every kind of food imaginable, the sounds of music and concertgoers’ cheers at the Grandstand shows, a midway, harness-racing events and tons of agricultural shows and more. The fun begins Aug. 13 with the Twilight Parade. Adults $5, seniors $3, children 12 and younger free. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-782-6661.
Eat A Rainbow! Week 10 Thu., Aug. 13, 10-11am. How do plants and animals beat the heat when it’s really hot? How do humans cool down when the temperature rises? Learn heat safety tips and stick around for a homemade popsicle treat.. Free. Enos Park Neighborhood Garden, 1022 N. Fifth St., 217-610-0720.
Boston vs. New York Thu., Aug. 13, 6:30pm. Women’s Pro Baseball League action. $20-$37. Robin Roberts Stadium, 1415 N. Grand Ave. E., 217-679-3511.
Flute Circle Second Thursday of every month, 1pm. Play flute with the Sangamon Valley Flute Circle. Beginners are encouraged to come, no experience necessary. Feel the healing power of music fill you. unityofspringfieldil.org. Donations accepted. Unity of Springfield, 417 Cordelia, 217-523-5897.
Dual Piano Fri., Aug. 14, 7pm, Sat., Aug. 15, 7pm and Sun., Aug. 16, 2pm. Damien Kaplan and Mark Gifford will work their magic on your favorite music as only they can. A couple of guys, a couple of grand pianos and a couple of hours of delight – that’s Dual Piano. Comedy runs amuck throughout their programs, and no one knows what is going to happen next – including Mark and Damien. hcfta.org. $20-$22. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Bailey Zimmerman Fri., Aug. 14, 8pm. Multi-platinum singer-songwriter Bailey Zimmerman, from Louisville, Illinois, is one of country music’s brightest stars. He’s known for his chart-topping hits and authentic gritty sound. $55-$130. Illinois State Fair Grandstand, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-782-6661.
Girls Glory Free Hair Braiding for Kids Sat., Aug. 15, 10am-3pm. Hair braiding is free. No weave will be added. Arrive with child’s hair freshly washed and detangled with a blow dryer. Free. 1908 Innovation & Coworking Center, 1100 South Grand Ave E, 217-741-7312.
Los Angeles vs. Boston Sat., Aug. 15, 6:30pm. Women’s Pro Baseball League action. $20-$37. Robin Roberts Stadium, 1415 N. Grand Ave. E., 217-679-3511.
Lainey Wilson Sat., Aug. 15, 8pm. Country music trailblazer Lainey Wilson has been named Entertainer of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Artist-Songwriter of the Year. Tickets go on sale at 10am Saturday, Nov. 8. Ticketmaster.com. $88-$128. Illinois State Fair Grandstand, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., 217-782-6661.
Old-time Community Barn Dance – Capital City Contra Third Saturday of every month, 7pm. Enjoy various folk dances to live music performed by Peaches & Bacon. No experience necessary. All dances taught and called. No partner needed. Dress casual and comfortable. Free and family-friendly. Parking and entrance on west side of church. Free, donations of $5-$10 accepted. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 217-528-4311.
Joseph Rodney: Freedom Seeker on the Illinois Central Railroad Sun., Aug. 16, 1:30-3pm. Author and historian Darrel Dexter will present “Joseph Rodney: Freedom Seeker on the Illinois Central Railroad.” chmoorehomestead.org. Free. C.H. Moore Homestead DeWitt County Museum, Clinton, 219 E. Woodlawn St., 217-935-6066.
Two By Two Sun., Aug. 16, 6pm. Part of the Concerts in the Park series hosted by the Pilot Club of Jacksonville. Bring lawn chairs and blankets to the Big Bandstand. Jacksonville Community Park, Jacksonville, 1201 S. Main, 217-243-5678.
Boston vs. New York Sun., Aug. 16, 6:30pm. Women’s Pro Baseball League action. $20-$37. Robin Roberts Stadium, 1415 N. Grand Ave. E., 217-679-3511.
Free School Physicals Tue., Aug. 18, 9am-3pm. Free school physicals for the 2026-7 school year. For those in kindergarten, sixth and ninth grades and children new to district 186. A parent or guardian must be present. Sponsored by Molina and Springfield Clinic. Compass for Kids Office, 1201 S. 4th St.
Illinois in the Revolutionary War Tue., Aug. 18, 6-7pm. Uncover the daring history of the Revolutionary War in Illinois in this program by Tom Emery. The program will focus on George Rogers Clark and his grueling trek through icy floodwaters to capture Kaskaskia and Vincennes. Chatham Area Public Library, Chatham, 600 E. Spruce St., 217-483-2713.
New York vs. Boston Thu., Aug. 20, 6:30pm. Women’s Pro Baseball League action. $20-$37. Robin Roberts Stadium, 1415 N. Grand Ave. E., 217-679-3511.
The Lion King Jr. Aug. 20-Feb. 22, 8:30pm. In this special youth production of Disney’s The Lion King Jr., join Simba, Nala and friends on a journey of love, responsibility and the circle of life in this timeless family favorite. Directed by Tiffany Williams. themuni.org. $12-$30. The Muni, 815 E. Lake Dr., 217-793-6864.
Great Puzzle Race Fri., Aug. 21, 6-8pm. Gather a team of four and put those puzzle-solving skills to the test in this competition where teams will race against the clock to complete challenging puzzles. For those 12 and older. For more info or to sign up, contact email asablotny@chathamlib.org. Chatham Area Public Library, Chatham, 600 E. Spruce St., 217-483-2713.
San Francisco vs. Los Angeles Fri., Aug. 21, 6:30pm. Women’s Pro Baseball League action. $20-$37. Robin Roberts Stadium, 1415 N. Grand Ave. E., 217-679-3511.
Hairspray! Fri., Aug. 21, 7:30pm, Sat., Aug. 22, 7:30pm, Sun., Aug. 23, 2pm, Fri., Aug. 28, 7:30pm, Sat., Aug. 29, 7:30pm and Sun., Aug. 30, 2pm. It’s 1962 in Baltimore, and the lovable plus-size teen, Tracy Turnblad, has only one desire – to dance on the popular “Corny Collins Show.” When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star. She must use her newfound power to dethrone the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob, Link Larkin, and integrate a TV network… all without denting her ‘do! Winner of eight Tony Awards including best musical. hcfta.org. $21-$23. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Ella Langley Fri., Aug. 21, 8pm. Ella Langley is a multi-platinum, chart-topping and award-winning country artist whose unmistakable voice and fearless songwriting have made her one of the genre’s most defining stars. statefair.illinois.gov. $59-$134. Illinois State Fair Grandstand, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., 217-782-6661.
250 Years of Fashion Sat., Aug. 22, 1pm. This fashion show spans over two centuries of fashion in America. Models will display these fashions in the parlors of Edwards Place, hearkening back to the early days of fashion shows, which took place in the homes of wealthy Parisians. $15 non-members. $10 members. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.
New York vs. Los Angeles Sat., Aug. 22, 6:30pm. Women’s Pro Baseball League action. $20-$37. Robin Roberts Stadium, 1415 N. Grand Ave. E., 217-679-3511.
Abe’s Amble 2025 Sun., Aug. 23, 7:30am. On the last day of the Illinois State Fair in August each year, hundreds of runners from Illinois and surrounding states take to the streets covering the fairgrounds, Lincoln Park, Oak Ridge Cemetery and back. This challenging 10K course is USATF certified. There is also a certified 5K course option. srrc.net. TBA. Illinois State Fair Grandstand, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., 217-782-6661.
Powerlight Fest Sun., Aug. 23, 2-9pm. Dove Award winner Jordan Feliz will headline the event along with Sean Rodriguez and Ignescent. BYO Church will lead the praise and worship to start the festival at 2pm. Free with admission to fair. The Lincoln Stage, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., 217-553-5271.
Community Summer Band Sun., Aug. 23, 6pm. Part of the Concerts in the Park series hosted by the Pilot Club of Jacksonville. Bring lawn chairs and blankets to the Big Bandstand. Free. Jacksonville Community Park, Jacksonville, 1201 S. Main, 217-243-5678.
Los Angeles vs. Boston Sun., Aug. 23, 6:30pm. Women’s Pro Baseball League action. $20-$37. Robin Roberts Stadium, 1415 N. Grand Ave. E., 217-679-3511.
SIU Car Seat Checks Tue., Aug. 25, 11am-1pm. Have your car seat installation checked for safety by the experts at SIU School of Medicine. Free. SIU School of Medicine, Office of Human Resources, 327 W. Calhoun, 217-545-8000.
Prairie Hikes Last Wednesday of every month, 8-9am. Through Oct. 28. Jamie Arntzen of the Illinois Audubon Society will share her expertise about the plants and species communities during guided monthly walks along the trails of the AWS prairie as it transitions through the seasons. Free. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 E. Clear Lake Ave., 217-899-6150.
Boston vs. Los Angeles Wed., Aug. 26, 6:30pm. Women’s Pro Baseball League action. $20-$37. Robin Roberts Stadium, 1415 N. Grand Ave. E., 217-679-3511.
Pedal the Parks Family Bike Series – Aug. 27 Thu., Aug. 27, 6pm. Glow Ride Family Evening Ride. Event designed to give families a safe, beginner-friendly biking opportunity. throughout the summer. Ride begins at 6 pm. Helmets are required for all riders. Lincoln Park, Fifth Street and Sangamon Avenue, 217-544-1751.
Los Angeles vs. New York Thu., Aug. 27, 6:30pm. Women’s Pro Baseball League action. $20-$37. Robin Roberts Stadium, 1415 N. Grand Ave. E., 217-679-3511.
MomCo Fourth Thursday of every month, 6:30-8:30pm. MomCo is a place where mothers can meet to receive support, make meaningful connections and grow a community. Child care is provided. trinity-lutheran.com. Free. Trinity Lutheran Church Parish Hall, 515 S. MacArthur Blvd., 217-787-2323.
Balloons Over 66 Weekend Fri., Aug. 28 and Sat., Aug. 29. While there may not be balloons this year, the weekend includes the annual Lincoln Art Fair, dock dogs, vendors, live music and more in the downtown area. Downtown Lincoln, Lincoln, Lincoln.
Scheels Touch-a-Truck Fri., Aug. 28, 3-6pm. Get ready for a BIG day of hands-on fun as you get up close with the BIGGEST wheels in town! As part of our Back 2 School celebration, join us for an exciting Touch-a-Truck event where kids and families can explore, climb in, and experience real service vehicles firsthand!. Scheels, 3801 S. MacArthur Blvd., 217-726-6330.
Boston vs. San Francisco Fri., Aug. 28, 6:30pm. Women’s Pro Baseball League action. $20-$37. Robin Roberts Stadium, 1415 N. Grand Ave. E., 217-679-3511.
New York vs. Los Angeles Sat., Aug. 29, 6:30pm. Women’s Pro Baseball League action. $20-$37. Robin Roberts Stadium, 1415 N. Grand Ave. E., 217-679-3511.
Ice Cream Social Music Series Sun., Aug. 30, 5pm. An ice cream social like no other! Listen to the sounds of the Land of Lincoln Chorus while enjoying free ice cream. Presented by the Villas of Sherman. Free. Sherman Village Park Amphitheater, Sherman, 1200 Rail Fence Dr., 217-496-2621.
Rob Brogdon Sun., Aug. 30, 6pm. Part of the Concerts in the Park series hosted by the Pilot Club of Jacksonville. Bring lawn chairs and blankets to the Big Bandstand. Free. Jacksonville Community Park, Jacksonville, 1201 S. Main, 217-243-5678.
This article appears in Parent Fall 2026.
