FEBRUARY
Lilacs and Letters Through March 22. This one-act play features a single actor portraying Walt Whitman, one of America's most influential poets, as Whitman processes the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and tends to wounded Civil War soldiers. Free with admission. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.
Ho Etsu Tauko Drummers Sat., Feb. 17, 7:30-9:30pm. Part of the Illinois College Fine Arts Series. $20. Students and children free. Illinois College Rammelkamp Chapel, Jacksonville, 215 Park St., 218-245-3192.
Jesus Christ Superstar Sat., Feb. 17, 7:30pm and Sun., Feb. 18, 2pm. This iconic musical returns to the stage on the show's 50th anniversary. With lyrics and music by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, the show is set against the backdrop of the extraordinary events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ. Part of the Broadway Series. uispac.com. $34-$99. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
The Boat Show Feb. 23, 2pm-8pm; Feb. 24, 10am-7pm; Feb. 25, 10am-5pm. Lots of exhibitors from across central Illinois. Fiberglass and aluminum fishing boats, inboards, runabouts, pontoons and more. Concessions. $5, children under 12 are free. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-341-1730.
Black Children's Book Week Kickoff Sun., Feb. 25, 1-3pm. Get a free book to take home, chat with local celebrities and listen as they read a story, join a scavenger hunt. Learn about community organizations such as Lincoln Library, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Kidzeum, Juneteenth, Inc. and the League of Women Voters. spiaahm.org. Free. Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum, 1440 Monument Ave., 217-391-6323.
Experience Joyful Music - A sensory-friendly performance Tue., Feb. 27, 6:30-8:30pm. Intended for an inclusive audience of all ages with sensory or other needs. Grammy Award winner Dan Zanes and Haitian-American jazz vocalist Claudia Zanes perform a mix of songs in a style that's homespun, joyful, sophisticated, and artful. The audience is invited to dance and sing along. uispac.com. $15. UIS Studio Theatre, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
The World of Percussion Thu., Feb. 29, 6:30-8pm. Percussionist Brant Roberts will showcase a range of styles and sounds that can only come from percussion instruments, featuring music from around the world and telling the stories of different locations through sound. In partnership with UIS Music and part of the Date Night series. uispac.com. $15. UIS Studio Theatre, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
The Questioneers: Read, Question, Think. PLAY! Through May 5. Children can explore art, science and civics in a hands-on exhibit featuring characters in second grade from a series of best-selling books. Children will be able to build flying contraptions, pilot a "cheese-copter," make an arch out of pancakes and transform "Mount Trashmore" into a park. Free with admission to museum. Children admitted for $1 on Feb. 17, March 16 and April 20 and May 4. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.
Springfield Chess Club Wednesdays, 5:30-8pm. Casual games for the public and club members of all ages and skill levels. Meets weekly at the White Oaks Mall food court. Free. White Oaks Mall, 2501 Wabash Ave., 217-726-2584.
MARCH
Sensory-Friendly Visit Times First Sunday of every month, 9-11am. Through Dec. 1. Lights and noises are turned down to make the museum more comfortable for visitors with sensory differences so they can explore and discover the galleries at their own pace. Headphones are available for loan at the admissions desk. kidzeum.org. Admission. Kidzeum of Health and Science Children's Museum, 412 E. Adams St., 217-971-4435.
Mystery Movie Monday First Monday of every month, 7pm. 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. Free popcorn. atthelegacy.com. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.
On Your Feet Tue., March 5, 7:30pm. "The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan." The inspiring true story about heart, heritage and two people who believed in their talent—and each other—to become an international sensation. uispac.com. $34-$99. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Disney Princess: The Concert Wed., March 6, 7-9pm. The songs of Disney's princesses come alive on stage. Larger-than-life animation and theatrical effects immerse the audience as powerhouse talents sing your favorite princess, hero and villain songs, and share behind-the-scenes stories from their time on the stage and screen. Attend in royal attire. uispac.com. $39.50-$79.50. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Illinois Alpaca and Fiber Fest March 9-10. A certified show featuring halter classes with championships, adult and youth showmanship, walking fleece with championship and fiber arts. Sponsored by the Illinois Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association. alpacainfo.com. Illinois State Fairgrounds Exposition Building, 801 Sangamon Ave., 402-437-8484.
Train Fair Sun., March 10, 10am-4pm. With over 35,000 square feet, this is the largest train show in downstate Illinois. Operating layouts, vendors, buy, sell and trade. Hosted by the Springfield Railroad Society. Early bird shopping starts at 9am for $10. springfieldtrainfair.com. $5. Children under 11 are free. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-725-8047.
Abraham Lincoln in song with Chris Vallillo Wed., March 13, 6:30-8:30pm. Part of the Illinois College Fine Arts Series. $20. Students and children free. Illinois College Sibert Theatre, Jacksonville, McGaw Fine Arts Center, 217-245-3192.
Q.U.I.L.T.S. Biennial Quilt Show 2024 Fri., March 15, 10am-6pm and Sat., March 16, 10am-4pm. Over 400 quilts and quilted items. Raffle, Quilts of Valor presentations, bed turnings, demonstrations, quilt appraisal (by appointment), door prizes, vendors and a kid's scavenger hunt. Food available, free parking, accessible and some wheelchairs will be available. springfieldquilts.com. $10 or $15 for both days. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217 652-9839.
St. Patrick's Day Parade Sat., March 16, 12pm. Barry Friedman, owner of the Alamo, is the grand marshal. Proceeds of the event will benefit the Rutledge Youth Foundation. This year's theme is Irish fairytales and folklore. Fhéile Pádraig Sona Daoibh! stpatsdayparade.com. Downtown Springfield, Downtown.
World Ballet Series: Swan Lake Fri., March 22, 7-9pm. World Ballet Series is a unique project composed of renowned professional dancers representing over ten countries. Featuring richly detailed, hand-painted sets as well as over 150 radiant costumes that bring fresh representation to this timeless classic. uispac.com. $35-$89. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Disney's Finding Nemo Jr. Fri., March 22, 7pm, Sat., March 23, 2, 7pm and Sun., March 24, 2pm. A story full of family, friendship and adventure presented by Hoogland Performing Arts Education. hcfta.org. $18. Reduced prices for seniors, students and children. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Jiu Jitsu Tournament Sat., March 23, 9:30am. Presented by FUJI BJJ Championship Series. Competitors range in age from 4 years old to 60+. fujibjj.com. $20 at the door. Age 12 and under are free. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-725-8047.
WWE Road to WrestleMania Sat., March 23, 7:30-10:30pm. See your favorite WWE superstars including The American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes, Seth "Freakin" Rollins, LA Knight, Rhea Ripley, Becky Lynch, Bobby Lashley and many more. Superstar Experience and Walk the Aisle VIP Packages also available. $20 and up. BOS Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 217-788-8800.
Coin Show Sun., March 24, 9am-3pm. 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. Free for members and children under 16. $1. Northfield Inn, Suites and Conference Center, 3280 Northfield Dr., 217-899-9996.
APRIL
First Friday Concert Series Fri., April 5, 7pm. Duruflé's Requiem performed by the Millikin University Choir. spicathedral.org. Free. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 524 E. Lawrence Ave., 217-522-3342.
Henson Robinson Zoo Opening April 6, 10am-5pm. Enjoy a day of sun and fun to kick off the start of the zoo season. Meet new animal friends that have arrived and possibly get a visit from the Spring Bunny, too. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 East Lake Shore Drive, 217-544-1751.
Come From Away Sun., April 14, 7:30pm. This musical is based on the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded plane passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Part of the Broadway Series. uispac.com. $34-$99. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
National Clydesdale Sale April 18-20. The largest Clydesdale sale in the country. Visit the website for the full schedule of events. clydesale.com. Free admission. Coliseum, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., 815-247-8780.
Disney's Winnie the Pooh Kids Fri., April 26, 7pm, Sat., April 27, 2, 7pm and Sun., April 28, 2pm. Welcome to the Hundred Acre Wood, where you'll once again find Winnie the Pooh and his pals, Tigger, Piglet, Rabbit and Owl. hcfta.org. $15. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
2024 Lincoln Pilgrimage April 26-28. Boy Scouts from across the Midwest will converge on Lincoln's New Salem Village. The Scouts will hike 20 miles to Springfield, visit Lincoln's Tomb and see more than a dozen Lincoln-related museums. Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site, Petersburg, 15588 History Lane, 217-632-4000.
Bluey's Big Play Tue., April 30, 6-8pm and Wed., May 1, 6-8pm. Bluey's Big Play is a brand-new theatrical adaptation of the Emmy award-winning children's television series. Join the Heelers in their first live theater show. Featuring brilliantly created puppets, this is Bluey as you've never seen it before, uispac.com. $33-$131. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
MAY
First Friday Concert Series Fri., May 3, 7pm. Featuring the UIS Choir. spicathedral.org. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 524 E. Lawrence Ave., 217-522-3342.
Hammer-In Sat., May 4, 9am-3pm. The blacksmiths will be working and all of the buildings will be open for this popular annual event. clayville.org. Clayville Historic Site, Pleasant Plains, Route 125, 217-481-4430.
First Sunday Midwest Bazaar Spring Fever May 5, 8am-4pm. You never know what you're going to find at this bazaar. Top-notch vendors, food and even a pet adoption mobile site. You can even visit with some alpacas. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-725-8047.
Mothers Day at the Zoo May 12, 10am-5pm. Celebrate the day with Mom at the zoo. Moms get in free with any other paid admission. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 East Lake Shore Drive, 217-544-1751.
Old Capitol Art Fair May 18, 10am-5pm and May 19, 10am-4pm. Set against the backdrop of the Old State Capitol, the art fair is the jewel of the Midwest. This tradition of fine art has brought artists and shoppers from across the country flocking to downtown Springfield's two-day outdoor art gallery for over 60 years. Free. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-553-5564. springfieldoldcapitolartfair.org.
Springfield Legends Classic III May 25, 6:30pm. Former members of the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals battle it out in a seven-inning exhibition game. VIP meet and greets available which include autographs, photos and more. Former Cardinals Tom Herr and Brian Jordan are among the players. See Lucky Horseshoes web site, shoesbaseball.com, for ticket prices and more info. Robin Roberts Stadium, 1415 North Grand Ave. E., 217-679-3511.
Lucky Horseshoes May 28. Springfield's Prospect League team's season begins at home against a division foe, the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp. Regular season concludes July 31 and playoffs begin Aug. 1. Shoesbaseball.com. Lanphier Park, 1415 North Grand Ave. E., 217-679-3511.
