See what’s happening near you
As events may be canceled or rescheduled at the last moment, please first check with the host or venue when making plans to attend an event.
MARCH
Illinois Prairie Pastel Society 2025 Members Show
Through March 22. The show features artwork from the society’s statewide members. Free. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.
“Journey Into Abstract”
Wednesdays-Saturdays, 11am-5pm. Through March 29. This solo exhibit at The Underground Gallery features one of its juried artists and photographer, Gregory Pratt. springfieldart.org. Free. SAA Collective Gallery, 105 N. Fifth St., 217-523-2631.
Angela Jackson visit, poetry workshop
Thu., March 20, 11am-1:30pm. Angela Jackson, Illinois poet laureate in residence, will facilitate a poetry writing workshop and speak about her life, her inspirations and her experiences as poet laureate. She will read from her collections. Free. Sangamon Hall, Lincoln Land Community College, 2445 Poorman Dr., 217-786-2200.
Rabbit Hole
Fri., March 21, 7:30pm, Sat., March 22, 7:30pm and Sun., March 23, 3pm. Rabbit Hole delves into the complexity of a family navigating deep grief and learning what it means to live a fruitful life when things fall apart. hcfta.org. $20-$22. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Springfield Illinois RV and Camper show
Fri., March 21, 3-8pm, Sat., March 22, 10am-7pm and Sun., March 23, 10am-5pm. See the latest in RV and campers. Central Illinois’ largest show. centralilrvshow.com. Adults $8, children younger than 12 free. BOS Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 217-341-1730.
“Heroines of Springfield: Stories and Songs”
Fri., March 21, 7:30pm. By Sangamon County Historical Society and Springfield Choral Society Small Ensembles. First of three events of “Songs For The Unsung, Music and Stories of Women,” a festival of the Springfield Choral Society led by artistic director Jacobsen Woollen. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 217-528-4311.
“Choose Love” art exhibit
Fridays, Saturdays, 12-6pm. Through May 3. See how some artists have been inspired by the theme of “Choose Love.” The interpretations are varied, some obvious, interesting and/or humorous while others more personal and vague. pharmacygallery.com. Free. The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space, 623 E. Adams St., 720 447 4548.
Musical Tours of the Dana-Thomas House
Sat., March 22, 10am, 1:30, 3pm. Features Leigh Steiner and singers of the Springfield Choral Society. Second of three performance events of “Songs For The Unsung, Music and Stories of Women,” a festival of the Springfield Choral Society led by artistic director Jacobsen Woollen. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence Ave., 217-782-6776.
Noble Discontent: Louisa May Alcott
Sat., March 22, 3-4:30pm. Living historian Debra Ann Miller will portray Louisa May Alcott, the poet, author, nurse, patriot and suffragist. Meet this prolific American author at the height of her health and success and learn of her hopes, heartbreaks and experiences which inspired her works including Little Women. Free. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-753-4900, ext. 5630.
The LOSS’D Comedy Tour
Sat., March 22, 7pm. See three touring comedians in one show – headliner Tim Loss with Josh Reynolds and Luis Arellano. $15. Route 66 Hotel and Conference Center, 625 E. Saint Joseph St., 217-529-6626.
Mike Bova
Sat., March 22, 7-8:30pm. A night of stand-up comedy and music parodies with Mike Bova to raise funds for VFW Post 755. Tickets available via eventbrite. Bova’s show is rated “M” for “mature.” $25. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 217-546-9515.
Improv Roulette
Sat., March 22, 8pm. Get ready for the ultimate comedy gamble … Improv Roulette! Every spin brings our troupe a new challenge, and brings a new punchline. A jackpot of laughs awaits. hcfta.com. $15. Hoogland Center for the Arts Club Room, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Coin Show
Sun., March 23, 9am-4pm. U.S. and foreign coins, ancient and modern coins, gold and silver bullion, state quarters and paper money. Over 70 dealer tables. Hosted by the Central Illinois Numismatic Association. $1. Free for members and children under 16. Northfield Inn, Suites and Conference Center, 3280 Northfield Drive, 217-528-7634.
Whose Live Anyway?
Wed., March 26, 7:30-9:30pm. An improv tour with 90 minutes of hilarious, improvised comedy and song all based on audience suggestions. Cast members Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Jeff B. Davis, and Joel Murray will spontaneously create witty scenes. Audience participation is key to the show. uis.edu. $59-$69. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Always … Patsy Cline
Sat., March 29, 2, 7pm. A Los Angeles-based production of this true story. Always … Patsy Cline is the story of Patsy Cline’s close friendship with Houston housewife Louise Seger, a friendship that lasted until Cline’s untimely death in a plane crash in 1963. Features 27 Patsy Cline songs. $25. Lincoln Square Theater, Decatur, 141 N. Main St., 217-454-4583.
Million Dollar Time Machine
Sat., March 29, 8-10pm. This musical sensation is a tribute to 27 “million dollar” musical acts from the past. uis.edu. $49-$85. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
APRIL
Death of a Salesman
April 3-6. Winner of the 1949 Tony Award for Best Play and the 1949 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, the play evolves around the last days of Willy Loman, a failing salesman who cannot understand how he failed to win success and happiness. Presented by Spencer Theater. hcfta.org. $20-$22. Hoogland Center for the Arts Peggy Ryder Theatre, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Next to Normal
April 4-6, 11-13. Dad’s an architect. Mom rushes to pack lunches and pour cereal. Their daughter and son are bright, wise-cracking teens, appearing to be a typical American family. And yet their lives are anything but normal because the mother has been battling bipolar disorder for 16 years. Next to Normal takes audiences into the minds and hearts of each character, presenting the family’s story with love, sympathy and heart. hcfta.org. $22. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon
Sat., April 5, 7:30am. This course will immerse runners in Lincoln history unlike any other race. The race starts and finishes at the Old State Capitol where Lincoln gave his House Divided speech and near his former law office. Hosted by Springfield Road Runners Club. srrc.net. $40 for volunteers, $80 for runners. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-492-5823.
Spring Lawn and Garden Sale
Sat., April 5, 9am-5pm and Sun., April 6, 9am-3pm. Local vendors selling plants, flowers, garden art, supplies, grills, mowers, decks and more. Free. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-528-3033.
Wooden It Be Lovely Spring Showcase Furniture Sale
Sat., April 5, 9am-3pm and Sun., April 6, 12-3pm. Shop for refurbished furniture at amazing prices while at the same time helping women survivors of poverty, addiction and abuse. Wooden It Be Lovely, 501 S. Douglas Ave.
Cinderella
Sat., April 5, 2-3:30, 7-8:30pm. Copper Coin Ballet Company cordially invites you to the ball! The entire family can experience the magic and romance of this beloved fairy tale. Running time is 90 minutes including intermission. uis.edu. $25-$45. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
New Home and Remodeling Show
Sat., April 5 and Sun., April 6. Get inspired for your home building and remodeling projects. Talk with exhibitors to get ideas and tips. Hosted by the Springfield Area Home Builders Association. Illinois State Fairgrounds Exposition Building, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-698-4941.
Mystery Movie Monday
First Monday of every month, 6pm. Through May 6. Through May 6. You won’t know the title of the film until the red velvet curtain opens on the Grand Screen. Movies from across the spectrum of genres will be shown: comedy, drama, suspense, musical, romance, western – everything but horror. Films will span from the early days of the 20th century to contemporary titles. $10. Free popcorn. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 217-528-9760.
Spring Market
Sat., April 12, 9am-3pm. Shop the expanded market at the Brinherhoff Mansion and Becker Library. More than 40 incredible local vendors will be on hand offering handmade goods, art, jewelry and more. $3, children 13 and younger free. Brinkerhoff Mansion, 1500 N. Fifth St., 217-361-5555.
Relay for Life
Sat., April 12, 12-3pm. Help attack cancer in the community with this annual event at West Campus Track. Donations help fund groundbreaking cancer research, patient care programs, and can make a difference in communities. Every donation helps the American Cancer Society save lives. Sacred Heart-Griffin High School, 1200 W. Washington, 787-1595.
The Snow Queen
Sat., April 12, 2pm and Sun., April 13, 2pm. Springfield Youth Performance Group dancers will whisk audiences away to a realm teeming with magic and fantastical friends in this retelling of this classic fairytale. Gather in the SHG lobby 30 minutes before the show for a princess party. Costumes optional. sypgfoundation.org. $15-$25. Sacred Heart-Griffin High School, 1200 W. Washington, 787-1595.
The Cher Show
Thu., April 17, 7:30pm. Her life. Her music. Her legend. Superstars come and go. Cher is forever. In this Tony Award-winning musical, three women play Cher and bring 35 smash hits to the stage. $94 and up. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Power of the Purse
Thu., April 24, 5:30-8:30pm. Ticket includes live music, hors d’oerves and great purses up for auction. A cash bar will be open. Proceeds support MERCY Communities. mercycommunities.org. $50. LRS Hangar, 820 S. Capital Airport Drive, 217-753-1358.
Mr. Lincoln
Fri., April 25, 7:30pm, Sat., April 26, 7:30pm and Sun., April 27, 4pm. This one-person play by Herbert Mitgang stars John O’Connor as Abraham Lincoln. The play features both the folksy wisdom of Lincoln’s biography and the transcendent grandeur of his nation – healing words as president – healing that was cut short by an assassin’s bullet. hcfta.org. $20-$22. Hoogland Center for the Arts Peggy Ryder Theatre, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Suvartukas
Wed., April 30, 5:30pm. This folk dance group offers audiences an entertaining and authentic glimpse into old Lithuania through music, song and dance. Free. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 630-440-7816.
This article appears in Spring 2025 March 2025.
