Untitled Document
Here’s our quick guide to our favorite fall
celebrations, festivals, and events in Springfield and Illinois. Look for
additional information in weekly editions of Illinois
Times.
By MARISSA MONSON
Through Oct. 27 Our Town: A Visual Journey: Celebrating the 175th anniversary of State Journal-Register, the
Springfield Art Association displays more than 70 photographs from the
newspaper’s archives. Springfield Art
Association, 700 N. Fourth St., Springfield, www.springfieldart.org.
Through Fall Weekend Fall Canoe Tours: Weekends through fall. Guided canoe and kayak trips on the
Sangamon River and Prairie Lake. Petersburg,
217-494-3957.
Through Oct. 31 Old Capitol Farmers’ Market: More than 60 vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, and
plants in an open-air market. Fourth and Adams
streets, Springfield, www.downtownspringfield.org.
Aug. 30-Sept. 2 On the Waterfront Festival: Illinois’ largest music festival features more than 100
performing artists including Daughtry, The Black Crowes, and the New Cars,
among others. Downtown River District,
Rockford, www.onthewaterfront.com.
Aug. 31-Sept. 3 Delavan Fall Festival: A
festival that features a cutest baby contest, tamale-eating contest,
parade, and carnival, among other activities. Delavan,
www.geocities.com/delavanfallfestival.
Aug. 31-Sept. 2 Nauvoo Grape Festival: The
annual grape festival features a traditional pageant, car show, live music,
and food booths. Throughout Nauvoo,
217-453-6648.
Aug. 31-Oct. 28 Great Godfrey Maze: Navigate
your way through two mazes located in a 7-acre cornfield. Robert E. Glazebrook Community Park, Godfrey, www.greatgodfreymaze.com.
SEPTEMBER
Sept. 1 & 2 17th Annual Artistry in Wood Show: Hosted by Sangamon Valley Woodcarvers, the show features more
than 50 carvers selling carvings, wood burnings, and supplies. Members will
be carving a totem pole during the show. Illinois
Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield, www.svwoodcarvers.org.
Sept. 1 & 2 Shawnee Hills Wine Trail Festival: Featuring music, food from Broussard’s Cajun Cuisine, and
wine. Alto Vineyards, Highway 127, Alto Pass,
www.altovineyards.net.
Sept. 1 & 2 Big Muddy Blues Festival: A two-day event with music from Ike Turner, Big Sam’s Funky
Nation, Devon Allman’s Honeytribe, Terry “Big T”
Williams, and Wesley “Junebug” Jefferson, among a lineup of
other national and local performers. Riverfront, St. Louis, www.lacledeslanding.com.
Sept. 1 & 2 Once Upon a Prairie Storytelling Festival: Building on the tradition of Abraham Lincoln’s
storytelling, the Old State Capitol hosts national storytellers Megan
Wells, Momma Kemba, and Jim May. Old State
Capitol Historic Site, Springfield, www.Illinois-History.gov.
Sept. 1-3 Casey Popcorn Festival: Grab
a handful of popcorn or try treats form the food vendors, but don’t
stuff yourself before the hot air balloon ride. Fairview Park, Casey, www.popcornfestival.net.
Sept. 1, 8, 15, 29 and Oct. 6, 13, 20 Haunted Historic River Town Tours: The two-hour tour showcases area sites and haunted historic
buildings on the city’s double-decker bus. 217-223-1000.
Sept. 1-Oct. 26 Hit the Road Jack: Prairie
Art Alliance members exhibit works of a 6×6 size to coordinate with the
Route 66 Festival. Opening reception Sept. 8. H.D.
Smith Gallery, Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., Springfield,
www.prairieart.org.
Sept. 2 & 3 Greenview Sesquicentennial: The community celebrates 150 years with a weekend celebration
that includes historical displays, a pie contest, a car show, a beard
contest, and much more. Greenview,
217-968-5323.
Sept. 3 Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra Labor Day Concert:
The symphony orchestra plays traditional
patriotic tunes and classics such as “March” from The Nutcraker by Tchaikovsky
and “Porgy and Bess: Selection for Orchestra” by
Gershwin/Bennett. Nelson Park Amphitheater,
Lake Decatur, Decatur.
Sept. 6-9 Atlanta Fall Festival: A
carnival, petting zoo, entertainment, and a pie and cake-baking contest. Throughout Atlanta, 217-732-8687.
Sept. 6-9 Mt. Pulaski Fall Festival: A fall festival with carnival rides, games, music, and more. Throughout Mt. Pulaski, Abe66.com.
Sept. 7 & 8 Arenzville Burgoo: A
festival with entertainment, crafts, and food, featuring the town’s
recipe for burgoo, a thick stew cooked for hours in cast iron kettles over
an open fire. Village
Park, Arenzville, www.burgoo.org.
Sept. 7 & 9 Oktoberfest: Celebrate
with a brat in one hand, a frothy cold beer in the other, and German music
in your ears. Riverfront Park, Havana,
www.scenichavana.com.
Sept. 7-9 Pekin Marigold Festival: A family festival celebrating Everett Dirksen’s love of the
flower. Pekin, www.pekin.net.
Sept. 7-9 Arcola Broom Corn Festival The site of the national broom-sweeping contest and a
concert from Andy Griggs. Arcola,
www.arcolachamber.com.
Sept. 7-Oct. 28 Oktoberfest at Rockome Gardens: Rockome Gardens, Arcola, www.rockome.com.
Sept. 8 Third Annual Bocce Ball Tournament: Watch local teams battle. Centennial
Park, Springfield, www.springfieldparksfoundation.org.
Sept. 8 Mt. Pulaski Cemetery Walk: Voices From the Past: Five personalities from Mt. Pulaski history will be
portrayed in first-person accounts. Mt.
Pulaski Township Historical Society Museum, Mt. Pulaski.
Sept. 8 & 9 Fall Indian Art Show: Indian
artists display and sell paintings, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, and more.
Cahokia Mounds, Collinsville,
www.cahokiamounds.com.
Sept. 8 & 9 Cedarhurst Craft Fair: More
than 130 crafters display their wares, which include glass, ceramics,
jewelry, fiber, wood, and more, along with entertainment and food. Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Mt. Vernon,
www.cedarhurst.org.
Sept. 8 Brinkerhoff Home’s Annual Fall Arts and Crafts
Fair: The celebration features more than 80
vendors selling arts, crafts, and food. Tours of the home are available. Brinkerhoff Home, 1500 N. Fifth St., Springfield.
Sept. 8 & 9 Traditional Music Festival: Nineteenth-century music performances and demonstrations. Lincoln’s New Salem Historic Site, Petersburg,
www.lincolnsnewsalem.com.
Sept. 8 & 9 Art Spectacular: More
than 50 artists display work in multiple mediums at this juried art show. Thomas Rees Carillon, Washington Park, Springfield,
www.springfieldparks.org.
Sept. 8 & 9 Celebrate Morgan Horse Weekend: A parade of horses, historical demonstrations, and tours of the
museum. Brunk Morgan House Museum, Rochester, www.brunkmuseum.com.
Sept. 8 & 9 Rockballet: International Rock: Performed by Springfield Ballet
Company. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS campus, Springfield,
www.springfieldballetco.org.
Sept. 9 St. Cabrini Fall Festival: The annual fundraiser features entertainment from St. Andrews
Society, Sisters of the Son, and a DJ. St.
Cabrini Church, 1020 N. Milton, Springfield, 217-522-8555.
Sept. 9 “Let’s Just Wing It”: Sample wings from area bars, individuals, and restaurants
at the Springfield Jaycees’ fundraiser for Crimestoppers. Stadium Sports Bar, 2280 Peoria Rd., 217-691-6015.
Sept. 12 Pied Piper Architectural Walking Tour: A tour of downtown Springfield’s architecture gems. Lincoln Herndon Law Office, Old State Capitol Plaza South,
Springfield, www.downtownspringfield.org.
Sept. 12-15 Morton Pumpkin Festival: More than 80 percent of the world’s canned pumpkin is
processed in Morton, and this celebration features a parade, entertainment,
and all things pumpkin. Morton, www.pumpkincapital.com.
Sept. 12-23 Illinois Senior Olympics: A sports event featuring more than 60 events including swimming,
track and field, golf, bowling, tennis, and cycling. Multiple sites throughout Springfield, wwwspringfieldparks.org.
Sept. 13 Ameren Summer Serenades: Music from the Beatles tribute band, American English. Downtown Springfield, ameren.com.
Sept. 14 Birdie for the Zoo: Third
annual golf outing benefits Henson Robinson Zoo. Lincoln Greens, Springfield,
www.springfieldparks.org.
14 Marvin Hamlisch A performance from the composer, songwriter, and
conductor, Marvin Hamlisch (www.sangamonauditorium.org) Sangamon Auditorium, UIS campus, Springfield
Sept. 14-16 Riverfest Fall Festival: The fall fest features music from Still Kick’n, Fatal
Charm, and Imagine That, a parade on Saturday, and contests such as a
horseshoe tournament and Tug-O-War contest. Center
Park, Riverton, riverfest07@yahoo.com.
Sept. 15 A Taste of Jazz: Eastside Fall Jazz Festival 2007: Featuring music from Preston Jackson and Friends, Lady and
the Sax, John T. Crisp, Jr.’s Chahrm Band with Ada Lou. Tubman/Anthony Women’s Self Help Center Lot, 1415
North Grand Ave. East, Springfield
Sept. 15 Second Annual IBEW Local 193 Charity Ride: Proceeds from the ride benefit Computer Banc. Stadium Bar, Springfield, www.computerbanc.info.
Sept. 15 Belle of Springfield: An Intimate Look at Mary
Lincoln: A “tell all” tour of
Mary’s Springfield that stops at Lincoln’s Home, First
Presbyterian Church, and Lincoln’s Tomb along with a luncheon with
biographer and historian Jean H. Baker. Abraham
Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield, www.alplm.org.
Sept. 15 Bob Galloway Memorial Amish Country Bicycle Tour: Take a short ride (16-30 miles) or a longer route (60
miles) through farmland and Amish communities. Arthur High School, Route 133 and South Vine Street, Arthur,
www.decaturbicycleclub.org.
Sept. 15 Prairie Grapevine Folklore Society: Featuring music from Judy Cook. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside
Rd., Springfield, www.prairiegrapevine.org.
Sept. 15 Fall Garden and Landscape Seminar: “Designing Form and Texture into Your Landscape”
teaches design techniques for fall landscape. Green
View Nursery, 3000 W. Jefferson St., Springfield, 217-787-4700.
Sept. 15 & 16 Sixth Annual Route 66 Film Festival: The festival unspools 28 films including documentaries,
dramas, comedies, and animation. Meet filmmakers and vote for audience
favorites. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420
S. Sixth St., Springfield, www.route66filmfestival.net.
Sept. 15 & 16 Edwards Place Fine Art Fair: A fine arts and crafts fair with more than 80 artists from across
the country displaying work, free tours of Edwards Place, and booths
featuring demonstrations, live entertainment, and more. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., Springfield,
www.springfieldart.org.
Sept. 15-Oct. 8 Prairie Festival: A
simulated prairie environment with animals that dwell in the prairie
habitat and information on plants and people that once inhabited Illinois. Washington Park Botanical Garden, Springfield,
www.springfieldparks.org.
Sept. 16 Music in the Park: A
free outdoor concert featuring music from Country Classic and Still
Kick’n Band. Iles Park, Springfield,
www.springfieldparks.org.
Sept. 16, 23, 30 Lincoln Memorial Garden Leaf Identification Hikes: Leaf and tree identification hikes led by naturalists to
collect 25 different types of leaves. Lincoln
Memorial Garden, Springfield, 217-529-1111.
Sept. 17 Arts Quincy Riverfest: A
combination of fine art and folk art displayed alongside the riverfront. Quincy Riverfront, 217-222-3432.
Sept. 19 “Global Warming: Oil vs. Wilderness
and
Climate Change in the Arctic National Wilderness Refuge”: Presented by Jon Waterman. Rammelkamp
Chapel, Illinois College, Jacksonville.
Sept. 21 Movie in the Park: A
free outdoor
movie showing of Bridge to
Terabithia with concessions available at the
park. Rotary Park, Springfield,
www.springfieldparks.org.
Sept. 21-23 The Pirates of Penzance starring
Rex Smith: The Gilbert and Sullivan operetta
opens with a fundraiser gala including a silent auction and pirate-themed
dinner (Sept. 21) followed by two performances Saturday and a Sunday
matinee. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S.
Sixth St., Springfield, www.scfta.org.
Sept. 21-23 Quincy University Fall Fest Weekend: 1800 College Ave., Quincy, www.quincy.edu.
Sept. 22 Fall Garden and Landscape Seminar: “Gorgeous Container Gardens: It’s All in the
Mix” showcases an array of fall color combinations. Green View Nursery, 3000 W. Jefferson St., Springfield,
217-787-4700.
Sept. 22 Monticello Celebration: Main
Street, Monticello, 217-762-9318.
Sept. 22 Fur, Feather, and Fin, Frontier Style: Learn about the life of earlier pioneer Jack Kelso and how
he spent his life hunting, fishing, and trapping during the 1830s. Lincoln’s New Salem Historic Site, Petersburg,
www.lincolnsnewsalem.com.
Sept. 22 Leaf Identification Hike: Children can collect more than 50 leaves and identify them. Bring
a spiral notebook and pencil. Washington Park
Botanical Garden, Springfield, www.springfieldparks.org.
Sept. 22 Harvest of Dreams: An
event held by The Elizabeth Ann Program featuring cocktails, buffet, silent
and live auctions — call for event location. 217-757-6025.
Sept. 22 Elkhart Fall Festival: Featuring
an open-air flea and craft market, food stalls, an antique tractor show,
and more. Elkhart, 217-947-2238.
Sept. 22 Children’s Miracle Network Miracle
Soirée: An evening of casual elegance
with a wine tasting, food, and music from JED benefiting the
Children’s Miracle Network at St. John’s Hospital. Hill Prairie Winery, Oakford, 217-544-KIDS.
Sept. 22 International Beer Tasting and Chili Cook-Off: Taste more than 150 different types of beer from around the
globe and sample chili from local chefs. Main
and Broadway streets, Downtown Urbana, www.jaytv.com.
Sept. 22 India Night: Presented
by the Asian Indian Women’s Organization, the evening of culture
features Indian cuisine, entertainment, and an auction. IDOT Building, 2300 S. Dirksen Parkway, Springfield,
www.rmhcspringfield.org.
Sept. 22 & 23 Great River Grape Escape: Twelve Illinois wineries set up shop and show off their products.
Clay Adams Park, Quincy, 217-223-1000.
Sept. 22 & 23 Cruise Nite and Car Show: One of the largest cruise nights in Illinois showcases classic
and antique cars. Jacksonville, 217-243-5678.
Sept. 22-Oct. 31 Didier Farms Pumpkinfest: Set your sights on the perfect pumpkin and ride through the
fields on a hayride or try and navigate through the corn maze. Didier Farms, Prairie View, www.didierfarms.com.
Sept. 23 An Evening with Rex Smith: An interview with actor Rex Smith moderated by Gus Gordon.
Presented by Over the Moon Productions. Hoogland
Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., www.scfta.org.
Sept. 23 Fall Equinox Sunrise Observance: Meet at Woodhenge and learn about the function of the ancient
calendar. Cahokia Mounds, Collinsville,
www.cahokiamounds.com.
Sept. 23 The Glenn Miller Orchestra: Listen and dance to the music of Glenn Miller Orchestra.
Reservations required. American Center, 1501
E. Griffiths Ave., Springfield, 217-529-9421.
Sept. 23 Fall Farm Day: A day of
pumpkins, face painting, farm tours, beeswax candle making demonstration,
and honey extraction demo. Gail’s
Pumpkin Patch, 1709 2000th Ave., Beason, www.gailspumpkinpatch.com.
Sept. 24 Tee Time Ladies-Only Golf Tournament: Registration fee includes green fees, cart, lunch, dinner,
and a commemorative photo. Proceeds benefit Ronald McDonald House. For
location and registration information, visit the Web site. www.rmhcspringfield.org.
Sept. 25 The Crisis in Sudan: A
talk from Darfur native Mohamed Yahya. Student
Union, Lincoln Land Community College, Springfield, www.llcc.edu.
Sept. 26 Multicultural Fest: Trutter
Center, Lincoln Land Community College, Springfield.
Sept. 28 Brown Bag Art Talk: Art Deco Architecture: Saving
Miami: A discussion of Miami’s
architecture with Dr. Larry Shiner from University of Illinois-Springfield.
Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth
St., Springfield, www.springfieldart.org.
Sept. 28-30 Prairieland Heritage Museum Steam Show and Fall
Festival Days: A weekend festival with food,
old-time demonstrations, a flea market, and more. Jacksonville, www.jacksonvilleil.org/tourism.
Sept. 28-30 International Route 66 Mother Road Festival: The auto event features car demonstrations and workshops
from experts, the Route 66 City Nights Cruise Parade of Cars. Downtown Springfield, www.route66fest.com.
Sept. 28-30 & Oct. 5 & 6 Hunting the Ghost of Fox Cottage: Presented by Mystery Ink Interactive Dinner Theater Productions. Windswept Manor Bed and Breakfast, Lincoln, 217-605-0201.
Sept. 28-Oct. 28 Haunted Hayrides: Eckert’s
Orchard is the site of hayrides every Friday and Saturday night after
sunset. Eckert’s Grafton Farm, Grafton,
www.eckerts.com/grafton.
Sept. 29 AAUW Used Book Sale: American
Association of University Women hosts a book sale with all proceeds
benefiting local scholarships for women. A presale is on Sept. 28. Westminster Presbyterian Church, Springfield, 217-585-0507.
Sept. 29 Fall Garden and Landscape Seminar: “Versatile Natives and Ornamental Grasses” teaches
about native plants. Green View Nursery, 3000
W. Jefferson St., 217-787-4700.
Sept. 29 & 30 Rockome Wine and Cheese Festival: Jazz music, cheese, and Illinois wines. Rockome Gardens, Arcola, www.rockome.com.
Sept. 29 & 30 Apple-n-Pork Festival: DeWitt
County C.H. Moore Homestead Museum, Clinton, 217-935-6066.
Sept. 29 & 30 Peoria Art Guild 45th Annual Fine Art Fair: Fair features the works of 150 artists, local cuisine, and
musical performances, along with Kids Art Festival. 220 NE Water St., Peoria Riverfront, www.peoriaartguild.org.
Sept. 30 Hairspray: The musical
comedy centered around perky teen Tracy Turnblad. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS campus, Springfield,
www.sangamonauditorium.org.
OCTOBER
Oct. 3 Georgian State Dance Company: A dance troupe from the former Soviet Republic of Georgia. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS campus, Springfield,
www.sangamonauditorium.org.
Oct. 3-31 Rockome Pumpkin Fest: An
autumn event with corn maze, haunted cave, and pumpkin tossing. Rockome Gardens, Arcola, www.rockome.com.
Oct. 4 Downtown Springfield Art Walk: Downtown shops, galleries, and restaurants extend their hours for
a celebration of the arts. H.D. Smith Gallery,
Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., www.prairieart.org.
Oct. 4-7 Barry Apple Festival: A
parade, car show, arts and crafts booths, and of course, apples. Downtown Barry, 217-335-2108.
Oct. 5 & 6 Defending the Caveman: The
Rob Becker comedy is the longest-running solo play on Broadway. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS campus, Springfield,
www.sangamonauditorium.org.
Oct. 5 & 6 Candlelight Tour: Interpreters
in period clothing show visitors what life was like at night in the
historic village. Lincoln’s New Salem
Historic Site, Petersburg, www.lincolnsnewsalem.com.
Oct. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20-22, 27-29, 31 Terror on the Square: A
haunted house. Terror on the Square,
Petersburg, terrorontheweb.com.
Oct. 5-8 Youth Charity Horse Show: Coliseum, Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield,
www.youthcharityhorseshow.com.
Oct. 6 Fur, Feather, Fin Fall Fling: A free afternoon featuring turtle races, animal programs, games,
and more. Henson Robinson Zoo, Springfield,
www.springfieldparks.org.
Oct. 6 An Evening of Purpose: Presented
by The Network Group and Young Springfield Professionals Network. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St.,
Springfield, www.ypspringfield.org.
Oct. 6 Fall Corn Festival: A
day of music, the cow train, food vendors, and a corn on the cob eating
contest. Glazebrook Park, Godfrey,
www.visitalton.com.
Oct. 6 Green View Orchid Event: View orchids in bloom and learn about the flower during seminars
and demonstrations. Green View Nursery, 3000
W. Jefferson St., Springfield, www.greenview.com.
Oct. 6 & 7 Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Show: The show features jewelry, gemstones, minerals, and fossils along
with special exhibitions such as Elvis the Dinosaur and Thunder Egg Rocks.
Hosted by Lincoln Orbit Earth Science Society. Illinois Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield
Oct. 6 & 7 Historic Surveying: A
surveying party from the 1830s using period instruments. Lincoln’s New Salem Historic Site, Petersburg,
www.lincolnsnewsalem.com.
Oct. 6 & 7, 13 & 14 Fall Festival of Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive: Take in the scenic drive and stop by the 15 areas and
villages hosting events in Fulton County. Throughout
Fulton County, www.spoonriverdrive.org.
Oct. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28 Jumpin’ Pumpkin Jamboree: Ride the wagon and choose a pumpkin while listening to country
music. Eckert’s Grafton Farm, Grafton,
www.eckerts.com/grafton.htm.
Oct. 7 Susan Dana Birthday: The
Frank Lloyd Wright-designed abode hosts a party for the resident’s
former owner. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E.
Lawrence Ave., Springfield, www.dana-thomas.org.
Oct. 10 Pied Piper Architectural Walking Tour: A tour of downtown Springfield’s architecture gems. Lincoln Herndon Law Office,
Old State Capitol Plaza South, Springfield, www.downtownspringfield.org.
Oct. 12 Cashore Marionettes — Simple Gifts: An elaborate puppetry performance. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS campus, Springfield,
www.sangamonauditorium.org.
Oct. 12 & 13 Central Illinois Bragging Rights Competition BBQ: More than 45 competitive barbeque teams hit the grills for
a cook-off. Arthur,
www.illinoisamishcountry.com.
Oct. 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, 26-28 & 30 Boo Crew Haunted House: A
large theatrical haunted house with a new story each year — this
year, the tale is dubbed “The Morgue.” Cooper Township Facility, 4 miles southeast of Rochester at Rt.
29 and Jett Road, www.boocrew.com.
Oct. 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27 & 31 Terror on Washington Street: A haunted house. 513 E. Washington
St., Clinton, www.clintonhauntedhouse.com.
Oct. 13 October FunFest: The fest
features an inflatable bounce house, kids’ crafts, a cakewalk, food,
a costume sale, and a silent auction. Cathedral Grade School, 815 S. Sixth St., Springfield,
cgs.dio.org.
Oct. 13 Super Saturday: Underwater Monsters! Children can learn about ocean creatures such as sharks and
squids. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring
St., Springfield, 217-782-6044.
Oct. 13 Fall Garden and Landscape Seminar: “Not-So-Basic Bulbs” teaches how to select the right
bulbs for your garden. Green View Nursery, 3000
W. Jefferson St., Springfield, 217-787-4700.
Oct. 13 Ghost Story Concert: Allerton
Park, Monticello, 217-762-2721.
Oct. 13 & 14 Indian Summer Festival: A
family event with crafts, clowns, turtle races, food, and music from Kevin
Hart Jazz Trio and Kraig Kenning. Lincoln
Memorial Garden, Springfield, 217-529-1111.
Oct. 13 & 14 Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest: Aside from the tasty chilli, the fest offers pageants,
crafts, and food vendors. Taylorville,
www.chillifest.info.
Oct. 13 & 14 Carve for the Carillon: Bring
carving tools to help craft 2,007 pumpkins in preparation for this
year’s Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. Rees
Carillon, Washington Park, Springfield, www.carillon-rees.org.
Oct. 13 & 14 Illinois College Homecoming Week: The parade begins at 10 a.m. Sat. Listen to the live
announcements of parade entries and band judging at East side of Central
Park Plaza. Illinois College, Jacksonville,
www.ic.edu.
Oct. 14 Pumpkinpalooza: Allerton
Park, Monticello, 217-762-2721.
Oct. 15 Jethro Tull Rock & roll live in concert. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS campus, Springfield,
www.sangamonauditorium.org.
Oct. 16 “Aama’s Journey: A Pilgrimage Between
Continents and Cultures”: Based on
Broughton Coburn’s first two books comes the story of an elderly
woman from the foothills of the Himalayas who travels to America. Rammelkamp Chapel, Illinois College, Jacksonville.
Oct. 18 Downtown Springfield Inc. Spy Third Thursdays: A scavenger hunt around downtown shops, galleries, and
restaurants. Downtown Springfield, www.downtownspringfield.org.
Oct. 19 Dave Rodolf Family Halloween Party: Trutter Center, Lincoln Land Community College,
Springfield.
Oct. 19 & 20 Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular View the display of 2,007 illuminated jack-o-lanterns
around the carillon and botanical garden. Children can visit Garden of
Goblins, a haunted greenhouse for trick or treating. Rees Memorial Carillon, Washington Park, Springfield,
www.springfieldparks.org.
Oct. 20 Quincy Preserves House Tour: Tour six architectural and historically important homes. Throughout Quincy, 217-222-3432.
Oct. 20 Paddy Lynn “Chillers” Ghost Stories: A night of haunted stories for the young and old, hosted by
Prairie Grapevine Folklore Society. Springfield
Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., Springfield, www.prairiegrapevine.org.
Oct. 20 & 21 Pike County Fall Color Drive: Take a drive through western Illinois and view the fall colors
and visit towns for old time activities such as buggy rides, and
demonstrations. Throughout Pike County,
www.pikeil.org.
Oct. 20 & 21 Autumn Historic Folklife Festival: Festival features artists and artisans display traditional crafts
and historic demonstrations while street musicians perform, and
festival-goers sample fresh cider. Main
Street, Historic District, Hannibal, Mo., www.hannibalarts.com.
Oct. 20, 21, 26-28 Ghost Train and Haunted Boxcar: Take a ride on Monticello’s haunted train. Monticello Railway Museum, Monticello, 877-762-9011.
Oct. 21 Prairie Mills Windmill Oktoberfest: Gather at the windmill for pork chops, bratwursts, cabbage,
potatoes and gravy, and more. Prairie Mills
Windmill, Golden, www.goldenwindmill.org.
Oct. 21 & 28 Victorian All Hallow’s Eve by Gaslight: A night of 19th century creepy stories and a Victorian
gypsy reads tea leaves at the celebration illuminated by gaslight.
Reservations required. David Davis Mansion,
Bloomington, thetealadiesinc.com.
Oct. 23 & 24 STOMP: A rhythm-based
performance using unconventional instruments. Sangamon
Auditorium, UIS campus, Springfield, www.sangamonauditorium.org.
Oct. 24 Annual Springfield Mayor’s Awards for the Arts:
A celebration of the arts and an awards
presentation to honor those who work to create and promote them in the
city. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S.
Sixth St., Springfield, www.springfieldarts.co.org.
Oct. 25 & 26 A Haunted Evening of History at Edwards Place: Costumed interpreters host a
haunted evening and portray residents of Edwards Place from 1843 through
1909. Edwards Place, Springfield Art
Association, 700 N. Fourth St., Springfield, www.springfieldart.org.
Oct. 25-28 Mid-America Mane Event Horse Show: The horse show attracts barns from throughout the Midwest region.
Coliseum, Illinois State Fairgrounds,
Springfield.
Oct. 26 The Horrorible Film Festival: A new film festival featuring all the films they can show in one
night. Ramada Limited, Springfield,
www.horroriblefilmfestival.com.
Oct. 26 Fourth Annual Comedy in the City: Featuring a dinner, silent auction, and performance from Rik
Roberts. Proceeds benefit the Pregnancy Care Center. Christ the King Parish Center, 1930 Barberry Dr., Springfield,
www.springfieldpregnancycare.org.
Oct. 26 & 27 Halloween in Boootiful Nauvoo: A family-friendly Halloween celebration. Nauvoo, www.beautifulnauvoo.com.
Oct. 26-28 Halloween Dreams: A
Halloween-themed music revue from The Roxy Group. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., Springfield,
www.scfta.org.
Oct. 26-28 & Nov. 1-3 UIS Theatre presents Picnic:
Directed by Missy Thibodeaux-Thompson. Studio Theatre, Public Affairs Center, UIS campus,
Springfield, www.uis.edu/theatre.
Oct. 27 Annual Craft Fair: Area
craft artisans display their wares for early holiday shopping. Washington Park Botanical Garden, Springfield,
www.springfieldparks.org.
Oct. 27 Third Annual Kids Costume Party: Dress up your little ghosts and goblins for a costume contest. Halloween at the Market, Fourth and Sixth streets on Adams
Street, Springfield, www.springfieldmoms.org.
Oct. 27 Family Movie Theme Trivia Night: The Cathedral Council of Catholic Women and the Cathedral
Men’s Club hosts a night of trivia with food, a silent auction, and a
costume party. Cathedral Grade School, 815 S.
Sixth St., Springfield, www.orgsites.com/il/cccw/index.html.
Oct. 27 & 28 Zoolie Ghoulie Dress up in haunting costumes and collect candy from
stations throughout the zoo. Henson Robinson
Zoo, Springfield, www.springfieldparks.org.
Oct. 27 & 28 Lighted Pumpkin Patch: 513
W. Howard St., Kenney, 217-944-2433.
Oct. 28 Spooktacular: Allerton
Park, Monticello, 217-762-2721.
Oct. 28 Yamato — The Drummers of Japan: Sangamon Auditorium, UIS campus, Springfield,
www.sangamonauditorium.org.
Oct. 30 Monster Mash A Halloween costume party for individuals with
developmental disabilities featuring dancing and a costume contest. Nelson Center, Lincoln Park, Springfield,
www.springfieldparks.org.
Oct. 30 Kevin Locke: Native American Hoop Dancer: Rammelkamp Chapel, Illinois College, Jacksonville.
Oct. 30-Nov. 11 Christmas Memories Quilt Show: A quilt show showcasing period quilts, some with holiday-themed
designs. Postville Courthouse State Historic
Site, Lincoln
Oct. 31 John Hopkins Comedy and Magic Show: Student Union, Lincoln Land Community College, Springfield.
Oct. 31 Trick of Treating on Mr. Lincoln’s Square: A chance for kids to trick or treat downtown. Downtown Clinton, 217-935-3029.
Oct. 31 An Evening with Poe: Listen
to Edgar Allen Poe’s frightful tales. Allerton
Park, Monticello, 217-762-2721.
Oct. 31 Children’s Halloween Party: Kenney Community Center, Kenney, 217-944-2433.
NOVEMBER
Nov. 2-4 Holiday Open House: A
holiday open house featuring artwork by Prairie Art Alliance members. H.D. Smith Gallery, Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S.
Sixth St., Springfield, www.prairieart.org.
Nov. 2-Dec. 22 There’s No Place Like Home: An exhibition from Prairie Art Alliance members. The opening
reception is Nov. 3. H.D. Smith Gallery,
Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 Sixth St. Springfield,
www.prairieart.org.
Nov. 3 Boys and Girls Clubs of Springfield’s Annual
Gala: Crowne Plaza, Springfield,
www.bgcsil.org.
Nov. 4 Roman Cultural Society Women’s Auxiliary Fall
Bazaar: St. Aloysius Church, Springfield.
Nov. 4 AAUW Centennial Celebration: Tea time to mark the American Association of University
Women’s centennial. Executive
Mansion, Springfield, 217-793-0573.
Nov. 5 Gypsy: Sangamon
Auditorium, UIS campus, Springfield, www.sangamonauditorium.org.
Nov. 9 Veterans’ Day Ceremony: Menard Hall, Lincoln Land Community College, Springfield.
Nov. 9 & 10 Diavolo: A modern dance
performance featuring gymnasts, actors, and athletes. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS campus, Springfield,
www.sangamonauditorium.org.
Nov. 9-11 21st Annual Greater Downstate Indoor Bluegrass
Festival: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Springfield,
www.bluegrassmidwest.com.
Nov. 10 Super Saturday: Autumn Art Adventure: Children can create and take home autumn-themed crafts. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., Springfield,
217-782-6044.
Nov. 13 Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week Oxfam Hunger
Banquet: Trutter Center, Lincoln Land
Community College, Springfield.
Nov. 16-18 Kenney Festival of Trees: Hosted by the Kenney Heritage Association. Kenney Community Center, Kenney, 217-944-2473.
Nov. 17 Holiday on the Square Vendor Fair: Chatham Senior Center, 111 W. Mulberry, Chatham.
Nov. 17 Prairie Grapevine Folklore Society: Featuring the music of Dennis Stroughmatt et L’
Espirit Creole. Hoogland Center for the Arts,
420 S. Sixth St., Springfield, www.prairiegrapevine.org.
Nov. 17 Breakfast with Santa and Christmas Season in Amish
Country: Eat breakfast with Santa and visit
holiday bazaars and open houses. Arthur, <
This article appears in Aug 30 – Sep 5, 2007.
