June
Spamalot
June 12-13, 18-20, 25-27, 8:30 p.m. Thurs-Sat. Loving rip-off of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Musical retelling of the legend of King Arthur, the Knights of the Round Table and the quest for the Holy Grail. $6-$14. The Muni, 815 East Lake Dr., Springfield, 793-MUNI, themuni.org.
Grease
June 19-21, 25-27, 8 p.m. Thurs-Sun. $13-$8. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 632-5440, theatreinthepark.net.
8th Annual Crazy Horse Bluegrass Festival
June 26-28, 5 p.m. Fri-Sat, 8 a.m. Sun. Three-day bluegrass music festival. Weekend pass, single-day tickets available, $25-$5. Crazy Horse Campground, 2113 Crazy Horse Road, Ashland, 886-2089.
Neil Berg and Rita Harvey on Broadway
June 27, 8 p.m. Award-winning Broadway composer and his singer-actress wife. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160, sangamonauditorum.org.
July
Capital City Celebration
July 3-4. Local bands, food vendors, kids activities and more. Downtown Springfield, Second and Capitol.
Fourth of July Celebration and Parade
July 3-4. 6 p.m. Fri, 10am Sat. Parade, concessions, children’s activities, live entertainment, fireworks and more. Free to public. Nichols Park, 319 Holken Brink Dr., Jacksonville, 243-5678, jacksonvilleil.org.
Morgan County Fair
July 8-12, 5-10 p.m. Wed-Fri, 12-10 p.m. Sat, 12-6 p.m. Sun. Morgan County Fairgrounds, 110 N. Westgate, Jacksonville, 243-5678.
Downtown Bacon Throwdown
July 10-11. New festival showcasing the popular, delicious food item. Downtown Springfield, 544-1723, downtownspringfield.org.
Mary Poppins
July 10-12, 15-19, 22-26, 8 p.m. Wed-Sat, 2 p.m. Sun. Based on stories by P.L. Travers and Walt Disney film. $25 advance, $30 door. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, Springfield, 800-838-3006, atthelegacy.com.
Seussical
July 10-11, 16-18, 23-25, 8:30 p.m. Thurs-Sat. $6-$14. The Muni, 815 East Lake Dr., Springfield, 793-MUNI, themuni.org.
Children of Eden
July 17-19, 23-25, 8 p.m. $13-$8. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 632-5440, theatreinthepark.net.
Paint the Street Fest
July 18, 4-10 p.m., Springfield Art Association block party with music and food. Free admission, $30/$35 per square to paint. Downtown Springfield, springfieldart.org.
River Country Quilt Show
July 24-25, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri-Sat. Beautiful quilts on display by central Illinois quilters. jacksonvilleil.org. Jacksonville High School, Jacksonville, 243-5678.
Sangamon Valley Iris Society Plant Sale
July 25, 1-4 p.m. Sat. Iris sale, plus opportunities to join local Iris Society or American Iris Society. 556-7415. Washington Park Botanical Garden Exhibit Hall, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 546-4116.
August
United Warriors Extreme Race
Aug. 1, 8 a.m. Sat. 5K run with tire-swinging, fire-jumping and heart-pumping obstacles. jacksonvilleil.org. Morgan County Fairgrounds, 110 N. Westgate, Jacksonville, 243-5678.
Chapin Big Country Days
Aug. 7-9, 10 a.m. Fri-Sun. Games, vendors, food, live entertainment. Free or small charge. jacksonvilleil.org. Chapin, 243-5678.
Downhome Music, Beer and Art Festival
Aug. 7-8. Local bands playing original songs on multiple stages, 100 craft beers, local food vendors, kids area. All proceeds support local music. Admission. downhomemusicfest.com. Downtown Springfield, at Seventh & Washington.
West Side Story
Aug. 7-8, 13-15, 20-22, 8 p.m. $6-$14. The Muni, 815 East Lake Dr., Springfield. 793-MUNI, themuni.org.
Illinois State Fair
Aug. 13-23, 7 a.m.-12 a.m. So much to do we can’t list everything. Food, entertainment, exhibits and more. 782-6661. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-1698, agr.state.il.us/isf.
Jane Eyre: The Musical
Aug. 14-16, 20-22, 8 p.m. $13-$8. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 632-5440, theatreinthepark.net.
Hummingbird Festival
Aug. 15, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Adopt banded hummingbirds, learn about hummingbird banding and migration from Sangamon River Audubon Society volunteers. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 632-4000, lincolnsnewsalem.com.
Abe’s Amble 10K
Aug. 23, 7:30 a.m. 6.2-mile course takes runners through Lincoln Park, Oak Ridge Cemetery and back to Fairgrounds. srrc.net. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-1698.
Broadway and Chocolate
Aug. 28, 29, 8 p.m. Theatre in the Park fundraiser concert. $13-$8. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 632-5440, theatreinthepark.net.
The Great Midwest Mashup
Aug. 29-30, 9 a.m. Two days of roller derby. Eight women’s mash up teams tournament plus two MRDA sanctioned men’s bouts. Vendors, halftime shows, more. Championship bout 3:30 p.m. Sun. $5-$50. thegreatmidwestmashup.com. Prairie Capital Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza,
800-745-3000.
September
Cabaret
Sept. 4-5, 10-12, 17-19, 7:30 p.m. $6-$14. The Muni, 815 East Lake Dr., Springfield. 793-MUNI, themuni.org.
Springfield Oyster and Beer Festival
Sept. 5, 12-5 p.m. Local and national craft beer vendors, a variety of fresh oyster dishes, food trucks and live music. $25. Inn at 835, 835 S. Second St., 523-4466, connshospitalitygroup.com.
17th Annual Prairieland Chautauqua
Sept. 5-7, 4 p.m. Sat-Mon. Fun, educational family event featuring a variety of musical shows, storytelling, communal suppers, historical reenactors. Free to public. First Christian Church, 2106 S. Main St., Jacksonville, 243-5678.
Traditional Music Festival
Sept. 11-12, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Midwest musicians perform with instruments such as mountain and hammer dulcimers, fiddles, banjos, guitars, etc. Plus cloggers and clogging demonstrations. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 632-4000, lincolnsnewsalem.com.
Governor Duncan Neighborhood Walking Tour
Sept. 12, 11 a.m. Tour historically and architecturally significant homes in Jacksonville’s historic district. 243-5678. Governor Duncan Mansion, 4 Duncan Pl., Jacksonville, 245-2626.
Art Spectacular at the Carillon
Sept. 12-13, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat-Sun. Juried fine art fair, ranked in the “Best 100 Art Fairs in the County” by Sunshine Artist magazine. Featuring up to 50 artists. Free. $1.25 per child for Kids’ Place activities. 787-3532. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 546-3853.
2015 Cruise Night
Sept. 19, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. 31st anniversary event. Car show from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and cruise from 5-9 p.m. Free to public. jacksonvilleil.org. Jacksonville Community Park, 1201 S. Main, Jacksonville, 243-5678.
Capital City Century
Sept. 13, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Springfield Bicycle Club’s 43rd annual recreational bicycle ride. Distances of 10 to 100 miles over flat to slightly rolling terrain. Registration. spfldcycling.org. Knights of Columbus Hall Council 364, 2200 S. Meadowbrook Road.
Clayville Fall Festival
Sept. 19-20, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun. Artisan demonstrations, historic building tours, kids’ crafts and games, vendors, reenactments, period music, entertainment, food and refreshments. $5, $3 ages 6-12, under 6 free. Clayville.org. Clayville, Route 125, Pleasant Plains, 572-4984.
Edwards Place Fine Art Fair
Sept. 19-20, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun. Tours of Edwards Place Home, hands-on activities for kids, food, music, demos and more. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631, springfieldart.org.
Prairie Land Heritage Museum Steam Show
Sept. 25-27, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri-Sun. See horse-powered equipment, antique tractors, steam and gas engines, baling and blacksmithing demonstrations and much more. Train rides, flea market, food. $5 admission covers all three days. jacksonvilleil.org. Prairie Land Heritage Museum, 1005 West Michigan, South Jacksonville, 243-5678.
International Route 66 Mother Road Festival
Sept. 25-27, 6-10 p.m. Fri, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sat, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sun. More than 1,000 cool cars, free entertainment, swap meet and so much more. route66fest.com. Downtown Springfield.
October
Old Capitol Blues and BBQs
Oct. 2-3, 5 p.m.-12 a.m. Fri, 1p.m.-12 a.m. Sat. BBQ competitors and vendors, local and national blues talent and children’s activities. Fifth and Washington. Downtown Springfield. 544-1723, downtownspringfield.org.
Candlelight Tour
Oct. 2-4, 7-9 p.m. See Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site at night. Staff and volunteers in period clothing discuss life in 19th century Illinois. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 632-4000, lincolnsnewsalem.com.
Rotary Oktoberfest
Oct. 3, 10 a.m. Sat. jacksonvilleil.org. Morgan County Fairgrounds, 110 N. Westgate, Jacksonville, 243-5678.
Indian Summer Festival
Oct. 10-11, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat-Sun. Prairie party with delicious food, kids activities, games and crafts, music. Admission. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 529-1111, lincolnmemorialgarden.org.
Prairieland Classic Dog Shows
Oct. 15-18, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. AKC All-Breed Dog Show. More than 1,200 dogs competing daily, plus vendors. Expo Building. Free. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-1698, agr.state.il.us.
Carve for the Carillon
Oct. 10-11. Fun, family friendly event. Help carve 2,015 pumpkins for display at Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. All ages, all abilities welcome. Free. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 546-3853, carillon-rees.org.
Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular
Oct. 16-17, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Fri-Sat. Display of 2,015 illuminated hand-carved pumpkins. Food, bonfire, spooky music. Admission. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 546-3853, carillon-rees.org.
Fall Festival
Oct. 24-25, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat-Sun. A demonstration of life on the prairie in 1830s Illinois. Costumed interpreters demonstrate daily tasks such as candle dipping, butter churning, soap making, meat smoking, fruit and vegetable preservation. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 632-4000, lincolnsnewsalem.com.
Jacksonville Mainstreet Pumpkin Festival
Oct. 25, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. Fifth Annual Pumpkin Festival. Free. Jacksonville Downtown, Central Park Plaza, Jacksonville, 243-5678, jacksonvillemainstreet.com.
Goosebumps Organ Concert and Electronic Light Show
Oct. 31, 7-8:15 p.m. Concert characterized by electronic lights, dramatic dance. Organist Chris Holman, lighting artist Stephen Tankersley and choreographer Elizabeth Cheney. Free, donations accepted for Salvation Army. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 528-4311, lincolnschurch.org.
November
Fighting Illini Basketball
Nov. 8, 13, 15, 21, 23. University of Illinois home games. Prairie Capital Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, Springfield, 800-745-3000, springfieldpc3.com.
Abe’s Trail Trek
Nov. 14. 5K, 10K, 15K trail runs at Lincoln’s New Salem. Run on rolling terrain, along the Sangamon River, across bridges and up and down more than 150 steps. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 632-4000, lincolnsnewsalem.com.
Lincoln Memorial Garden Holiday Market
Nov. 14-15. Split Rail Shop specializes in art and handcrafted items such as wreaths, centerpieces, ornaments and unique items for gardeners. Free. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 529-1111, lincolnmemorialgarden.org.
Woodhaven Hospice Festival of Trees
Nov. 21-22, 5-8 p.m. Sun, 12-2:30 p.m. Fri, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Sat. Theme: “Christmas Around the World.” Designer trees and wreaths for the holidays. $4 adults, $2 students, $1 under age 6. jacksonvilleil.org. Masonic Temple, 345 W. College, Jacksonville, 243-5678.
Memorial’s Festival of Trees
Nov. 21-29, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Mon-Wed, Fri-Sat, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. More than 150 trees, swags and wreaths decorated by area designers. (Thanksgiving 4-8 p.m.) $5-$3. MemorialsFestivalofTrees.com. Orr Building. Adults $5, Children 3-12 $3, Children 2 and under free. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-1698.
December
Clayville Christmas
Dec. 5, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Santa, face-painting, children’s store, caroling groups starting at noon. Donations accepted. Clayville, Route 125, Pleasant Plains, 572-4984, clayville.org.
First Night
Dec. 31, 5-11:15 p.m. Free kids’ activities 1-4 p.m. at Springfield High School. Evening music, dance and much more at various downtown locations. springfieldartsco.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.
This article appears in Capital City Visitor 2015.
