MARCH
McKinney, Hennessy and O’Hare (Irish Song Fest)
March 14, 7pm Thu. Join McKinney, Hennessy and O’Hare as they perform Irish folk songs including songs by the Clancy Brothers, traditional Irish-American songs and story songs. $12. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Springfield Winter Farmers Market
March 16, 9am-1pm Sat. Seasonal farmers market features 16 local vendors selling a wide variety of fresh and/or locally grown products. ilstewards.org. 217-528-1563. The State House Inn, 101 E. Adams St., 217-528-5100.
Cirque Mechanics: 42FT-A Menagerie of Mechanical Marvels
March 17, 7pm Sun. Cirque Mechanics, inspired by the modern circus, finds its roots in the mechanical and its heart in the stories of American industrial ingenuity. The shows, imbedded in realism, display a raw quality rarely found in a modern circus. Cirque Mechanics’ signature style is wrapped in acrobatics, mechanical marvels and a bit of clowning around. $19-$59. sangamonauditorium.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza. 217-206-6160.
French Connections
March 22, 7:30pm Fri. A concert by the Illinois Symphony Orchestra featuring Clayton Penrose-Whitmore on violin. ilsymphony.org. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 217-528-4311.
Museum After Hours: The Art of Tattoos
March 22, 5-8pm Fri. View the influence of tattoo artists from prehistory to modern times with a special exhibition of objects and artwork from the museum’s collection. Ages 21+. $10 members, $15 non. 217-782-0979. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St. 217-782-7386.
The Genius of Frank Lloyd Wright
March 23, 1pm Sat. Master storyteller Timothy Totten specializes in the life and work of Frank Lloyd Wright having studied the architect for 30 years. Totten’s engaging storytelling is a fast-paced, fact-filled journey through the life of Wright. Free. Illinoisstatemuseum.org. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.
Cinderella
March 23, 2pm and 7pm Sat. Spectacular dancing, a beautiful score by Sergei Prokiev, a generous dose of humor and a treasured fairytale all combine to make this a can’t-miss event. $17-$37, $22-$42 day of show. springfieldballetco.org. UIS Public Affairs Center (PAC), 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6073.
Historic Fashion Show
March 23, 1pm Sat. This show features a wide range of fashion primarily from the 19th-20th centuries. It will take place inside historic Edwards Place, like the first fashion parades in salons of 19th century Paris. It is a more intimate experience where guests can have a closer experience with each ensemble in a home known for its elegant parties. $10 members, $15 non. edwardsplace.org. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.
Civil War Tech
March 26-28, 9am-12pm. Hands-on activities that allow children to explore the intersection of history and technology. Each day will explore a different theme including Civil War Spies, Life of a Civil War Soldier, and Investigating and Inventing. $50 or $17/day members, $60 or $20/day non. presidentlincoln.illinois.gov. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.
Carillon Winter Concerts
March 27, 12pm Wed. Carillonneur Carlo van Ulft will play classical, folk and popular music. Free and all ages are welcome. carillon-rees.org. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, Washington Park, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-3853.
The Sound of Music
March 27, 7:30pm Wed. The spirited, romantic and beloved musical story of Maria and the von Trapp family will once again thrill audiences. $29+. sangamonauditorium.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Lewis Black, The Joke’s on US Tour
March 31, 7pm Sun. Finger-pointing funnyman Lewis Black spills the beans on everything from pop culture to politics to history and religion. $38+. uispac.com. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
APRIL
Civil War Tech
April 2-4, 9am-12pm Sat. Hands-on activities that allow children to explore the intersection of history and technology. Each day will explore a different theme including Civil War Spies, Life of a Civil War Soldier, and Investigating and Inventing. $50 or $17/day members, $60 or $20/day non. presidentlincoln.illinois.gov. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.
Hunchback of Notre Dame: A New Musical
April 5, 8pm Fri. Based on the Victor Hugo novel with songs from the Disney-animated feature. springfieldtheatrecentre.com. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon
April 6, 7:30am Sat. Premiere Midwest half marathon takes runners 13.1 miles past Springfield’s major Lincoln sites, such as his home and tomb. Registration. srrc.net. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-785-9363.
Incredibly Inspiring
April 6, 7:30pm Sat. Featuring pianist Sandra Wright Shen. $21-$63. ilsymphony.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Music at the Museum: Suzie Vinnick
April 11, 7pm Thu. A Saskatoon native transplanted to the Niagara region of Ontario, Roots and Blues singer Suzie Vinnick has a voice you’ve heard a thousand times and one you’ll never forget. $10 adults, $8 members and children under 12. Illinoisstatemuseum.org. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.
Roasted: Hot Pots and Pork
April 13, 3-9pm Sat. Glaze a raku pot and watch it get fired in an outdoor kiln, enjoy a hog roast dinner and listen to live music by The Pleasure Chest Blues Band. $30 admission and pot, $20 admission only, $15 children 12 and under, day-of fee add $5. springfieldart.org. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.
Club LaCage
Apr 13, 7pm Sat. A fun-filled evening of drag, music and comedy supporting the Springfield Phoenix Center. Recommended for mature audiences. $15-$35. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Three Dog Night
April 13, 8pm Sat. Tickets $39+. uispac.com. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
The King and I
April 15, 7:30pm Mon. Set in 1860’s Bangkok, the musical tells the story of the unconventional and tempestuous relationship that develops between the King of Siam and Anna Leonowens, a British schoolteacher. $29+. uispac.com. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Earth Awareness Fair
April 20, 1-5pm Sat. Featuring 40+ exhibitors, live music, games, crafts, activities, workshops, food and more. Hosted by the City of Springfield. Free. springfield.il.us. Old State Capitol Plaza, between Sixth and Fifth streets at Adams Street, 217-789-2255.
Springfield Winter Farmers Market
April 20, 9am-1pm Sat. Seasonal farmers market features 16 local vendors selling a wide variety of fresh and/or locally grown products. ilstewards.org. 528-1563. The State House Inn, 101 E. Adams St., 217-528-5100.
Carillon Winter Concerts
April 21, 2pm Sun. Carillonneur Carlo van Ulft will play classical, folk and popular music. Free and all ages are welcome. carillon-rees.org. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, Washington Park, 1740 W. Fayette Ave. 217-546-3853.
Museum After Hours: Science
Apr 26, 5-8pm Fri. Relive your childhood love of science with messy experiments, weird collection objects and science trivia. Ages 21+. $10 members, $15 non. 782-0979. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.
MAY
“Bound to the Western Waters:” The Discovery of Lewis and Clark’s Long-Lost Outpost of Ft. Kaskaskia
May 1, 7pm Wed. Part of the Paul Mickey Learning Series. Presented by Mark Wagner, director of the Center for Archaeological Investigations and associate professor of anthropology, SIU Carbondale. Free. Donations accepted. Illinoisstatemuseum.org. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.
Antique Farm Show
May 4, 10am-4pm Sat. Featuring horse-drawn plows, historic farming equipment and agricultural techniques from the 19th century. Free. lincolnsnewsalem.com. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Ln., Petersburg, 217-632-4000.
Nature’s Beauty
May 4, 7:30 Sat. Featuring renowned violinist Rachel Barton Pine. $21-$63 adults, $6 students age 6-26, students age 5 and below are free. ilsymphony.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
March of the Women: Music for the 100th Anniversary of Suffrage
May 5, 2-4:00pm Sun. Phil Passen will share music from Illinois history on the hammered dulcimer. Participants will learn the ways in which songs supported the changes sought from the 19th through the 21st centuries. Free. Donations accepted. Illinoisstatemuseum.org. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.
Central Illinois Young Musicians Concert
May 5, 4-5pm Sun. Annual concert of solo presentations celebrating central Illinois young musicians in their award-winning performances. Reception to follow. Free. lincolnschurch.org. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 217-528-4311.
Finding Neverland
May 6, 7:30pm Mon. The amazing story behind one of the world’s most beloved characters: Peter Pan. $29+. sangamonauditorium.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Chicago Live in Concert
May 8, 7:30pm Wed. $59.99+. uispac.com. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
College Sports
May 9, 12pm Thu. Illinois History Forum session moderated by Kenneth Owen, University of Illinois Springfield. Free. presidentlincoln.illinois.gov. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.
42nd Street
May 10-12 and 17-19, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. Presented by Springfield Theatre Centre. Directed by Morgan Kaplan and Andrew Maynerich. $20 adults, $18 students and seniors. springfieldtheatrecentre.com. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Fat Ass 5K
May 11, 10am Sat. 5K race includes food, beer and entertainment along race route. Saturday street party featuring hog roast and live band to follow race. Registration. fatass5k.com. Downtown Springfield.
The Temptations and the Four Tops
May 16, 7:30pm Thu. Tickets $39+. uispac.com. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Girls on the Run
May 18, 10am Sat. Runners and non-runners of all ages are encouraged to join us for our semi-annual celebratory 5k. gotrcentralillinois.org. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Rd., 217-786-2200.
Springfield PrideFest
May 18, 11am-11pm Sat. Annual celebration features parade, entertainment, dancing, vendors, food, drink, children’s area, teen lounge and more. Presented by The Springfield Phoenix Center. Free. springfieldpride.org. Downtown Springfield, Capitol Avenue between Fourth and Sixth streets.
Old Capitol Art Fair
May 18-19, 8am-5pm Sat, 8am-4pm Sun. One of the most popular juried art fairs in the country. Original art, entertainment, food, children’s tent and more. Free. socaf.org. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-785-9363.
Benjamin P. Thomas Civil War Conference
May 18, Sat. McClernand Butler Crawford, a descendent of Gen. John A. McClernand, William Butler and James Dunlap will speak, as will author Mark Flotaw, professor emeritus James E. Davis, Ph.D., historian Samuel Wheeler, Ph.D. and nationally known Civil War author and retired National Park Service historian Terry Winschel. 217-245-3595. ic.edu. Illinois College, 1101 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-245-3000.
Museum after Hours: Prohibition
May 24, 5-8pm Fri. Ages 21+. $10 members, $15 non. 782-0979. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.
Harley-Davidson Springfield Mile
May 26, 9am-4:30pm Sun. $35 in advance, $45 day of race. springfieldmile.org. Illinois State Fair Grandstand, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., 217-782-6661.
Peter Pan
May 31-June 2, 8:30pm Fri-Sun. Peter and his mischievous sidekick, Tinkerbell, visit the nursery of the Darling children late one night and, with a sprinkle of pixie dust, begin a magical journey across the stars that none of them will ever forget. Admission. themuni.org. The Muni, 815 E. Lake Dr., 217-793-6864.
JUNE
Rees International Carillon Festival
June 2-7, Sun-Fri. Annual festival features nightly carillon concerts by renowned carillonneurs. Fireworks on Friday at dusk. Free. carillon-rees.org. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, Washington Park, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-3853.
These Shining Lives
June 6-9. 8pm, preshow 7pm. Directed by Adam Reisch, this story chronicles the strength and determination of women considered expendable in their day, exploring their true story and its continued resonance. Based on the true story of the Radium Girls of Ottawa, Ill. $15, seniors $13, ages 12 and under $10. theatreinthepark.net. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Ln., Petersburg, 217-632-5440.
Legacy of Giving Music Festival
June 7-8, 5pm Fri, 12pm Sat. Featuring 60 bands across five stages, plus a vendor fair, kids area and more. Proceeds to charity. $5. logmusicfest.org. Downtown Springfield.
Summer Frolic
June 8, 10am-4pm Sat. Period-clothed interpreters celebrate frontier heritage, plus World Wide Knit in Public Day. Bring your own chair and knit. lincolnsnewsalem.com. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Ln., Petersburg, 217-632-4000.
Sangamon County Fair
June 11-16, Tue-Sun. Carnival, contests, nationally recognized entertainment, rodeo, agricultural exhibits and more. Admission. sangcofair.com. Sangamon County Fairgrounds, 316 W. Birch St., New Berlin, 217-488-2685.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
June 21-23 and 27-29, 8pm, preshow 7pm. Directed by Katie Bulava and Phillip Heppe, this comedy was written by William Shakespeare in 1595-96. $15, seniors $13, ages 12 and under $10. theatreinthepark.net. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Ln., Petersburg, 217-632-5440.
Evita
June 21-23, 26-30, 8:30pm Fri-Sun, 8:30pm Wed-Sun. Directed by Craig Williams II. themuni.org. The Muni, 815 E. Lake Dr., 217-793-6864.
Car Show and Art Fair
June 22, 10am-4pm Sat. Car show and art fair, plus a music festival from 9am-12pm. $3 adults, $1 ages 6-12 and free to ages 5 and under. clayville.org. Clayville, Route 125, Pleasant Plains, 217-572-4984.
Paint the Street Festival
June 22, 11am-10pm Sat. Purchase a 6x6 foot square of street to paint solo or with your family and friends. Free admission. To paint: $35 advance, $40 at door and $45 professional. All supplies included. springfieldart.org. 217-523-2631. Downtown Springfield.
Gen. W.H.L. Wallace
June 27, 6:30pm Thu. Speakers Dan Schott and Ron Slack will highlight Wallace’s service in the battles at Ft. Donelson and Shiloh. Part of the Summer 2019 Civil War series offered by the Civil War Round Tables of Macoupin County and Springfield. Free. Books on the Square Springfield, 427 E. Washington St., 217-965-5443.
Hairspray
June 28, 8pm Fri. In 1962 Baltimore, Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, has only one desire - to dance on the Corny Collins Show. $25 advance, $30 day of show. atthelegacy.com. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence Ave., 800-838-3006.
JULY
Five of our Favorite Objects
July 3, 12pm Wed. Presented by Erika Holst. Part of the ALPLM and ISM’s “Tales from the Vault” program series. Free. illinoisstatemuseum.org. Illinois State Museum Research and Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St., 217-785-0037.
Morgan County Fair
July 9-14, Tue-Sun. Carnival, food, talent show, pageant, livestock, tractor pulls, live entertainment and more. $4 adults, $2 kids 8-12, free for kids under 8, half-price admission for all and free to seniors on Sunday. themorgancountyfair.com. Morgan County Fairgrounds, 110 N. Westgate, Jacksonville, 217-245-6800.
Lincoln, Gettysburg and Smallpox
July 12, 6:30pm Fri. Dr. Donald Graham will discuss the smallpox case of President Lincoln. Part of the Summer 2019 Civil War series offered by the Civil War Round Tables of Macoupin County and Springfield. Free. Books on the Square Springfield, 427 E. Washington St., 217-965-5443.
Illinois in World War I
July 12, 12pm Thu. Illinois History Forum session moderated by Chris McDonald, Lincoln Land Community College. Free. presidentlincoln.illinois.gov. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.
All Shook Up
July 12-14 and 18-20, 8pm, preshow 7pm. Directed by Karla Wilhelm and Ginny Racette, this musical comedy is built around a number of songs made famous by Elvis Presley. $15, seniors $13 and ages 12 and under $10. theatreinthepark.net. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Ln., Petersburg, 217-632-5440.
Thoroughly Modern Millie
July 12-14 and 17-21. It’s 1922 and small-town girl Millie Dillmount has just arrived in New York City, ready to make her dreams come true. themuni.org. Directed Morgan Kaplan and Andrew Maynerich. Sponsored by Sikich, LLC. themuni.org. The Muni, 815 E. Lake Dr., 217-793-MUNI.
Women’s Distance Festival
July 13, 8am Sat. Two-mile race and kids’ fun run. Registration. srrc.net. Washington Park, 1501 S. Grand Ave. W., 217-544-1751.
Kids at the Market
July 20, 8am-12pm Sat. Special activities for kids and families. downtownspringfield.org. 544-1723. Downtown Springfield.
Hairspray
July 24, 7pm Wed. In 1962 Baltimore, Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, has only one desire - to dance on the Corny Collins Show. $25 advance, $30 day of show. atthelegacy.com. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence Ave., 800-838-3006.
The Unknown Role of Agriculture in the Civil War
July 25, 6:30pm Thu. ALPLM archivist Ian Hunt will offer a perspective on the impact of agriculture for both the North and the South. Part of the Summer 2019 Civil War series offered by the Civil War Round Tables of Macoupin County and Springfield. Free. Books on the Square Springfield, 427 E. Washington St., 217-965-5443.
Downhome Music, Beer and Art Festival
July 26-27, Fri-Sat. Local bands playing original songs on multiple stages, plus craft beers, local vendors, kid’s area and more. Admission. downhomemusicfest.com. Downtown Springfield, Seventh and Washington streets.
Abe’s Olympic Triathlon
July 27, 7:30am Sat. triharderpromotions.com. Lake Springfield Center Park, Long Bay Drive, 217-341-1309.
Coin Show - Central Illinois Numismatic Association
July 28, 9am-4pm Sun. Fifty dealers from throughout the Midwest in what has grown to be a major regional show. U. S. and foreign coins, paper money, tokens, medals and bullion. Dealers both buy and sell items. $1 from 9am-4pm, early birds before 9am $20. Northfield Inn, Suites and Conference Center, 3280 Northfield Dr., 217-523-7900.
AUGUST
Powerlight Super Cruise and Movie Night
Aug 2, 7pm Fri. Cruise from downtown Springfield to Knights Action Park. Free. Knights Action Park, 1700 Knights Recreation Dr., 217-546-8881.
Pirates of Penzance
Aug 2-4 and 8-10. Directed by Mark Wheeler, this is a comic opera in two acts. $15, seniors $13, ages 12 and under $10. theatreinthepark.net. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Ln., Petersburg, 217-632-5440.
Abe Lincoln Car Show Spectacular
Aug 3, 8am-4pm Sat. Includes ground and air displays, police officer and veterans’ tributes and more. Car show features all makes and models. Free to spectators. Knights Action Park, 1700 Knights Recreation Dr., 217-546-8881.
Wizard of OZ
Aug 7-11, 8:30pm. L. Frank Baum’s classic novel comes to life. themuni.org. The Muni, 815 E. Lake Dr., 217-793-MUNI.
Illinois State Fair
Aug 8-18, Thu-Sun. So much to do we can’t list everything. Food, entertainment, midway, exhibits and more. Admission. illinois.gov. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-782-6661.
Dan + Shay
Aug 11, 7:30pm Sun. Illinois State Fair Grandstand, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., 217-782-6661.
Pentatonix The World Tour
Aug 14, 7:30pm Wed. Illinois State Fair Grandstand, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., 217-782-6661.
Abe’s Amble 10K
Aug 18, 7:30am Sun. 6.2-mile course takes runners through Lincoln Park, Oak Ridge Cemetery and back to fairgrounds. Registration. srrc.net. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-782-6661.
Women in the Civil War
Aug 22, 6:30pm Thu. Historical researcher and author Kathleen Heyworth will present stories and information about women and the multiple roles they played in the Civil War. Free. Books on the Square Springfield, 427 E. Washington St., 217-965-5443.
Walking Across Egypt
Aug 23-25 and 29-31, 8pm, preshow 7pm. Directed by Phil Funkenbusch, this play was adapted by Catherin Busch from the novel by Clyde Edgerton. $15, seniors $13, ages 12 and under $10. theatreinthepark.net. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Ln., Petersburg, 217-632-5440.
Springfield Oyster and Beer Festival
Aug 31, 12-5pm Sat. Enjoy craft beer and cider, fresh oysters, offerings from several food vendors, live bands and more. Admission. sobfestival.com. The Inn at 835, 835 S. Second St., 217-523-4466.
Sangamon Valley Woodcarvers Annual Show
Aug 31-Sep 1, 10am-5pm Sat, 10am-4pm Sun. Wood art on display plus vendors, show activities, drawings, seminars and more. svwoodcarvers.org. Illinois Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 S. Sangamon Ave., 217-782-6661.
SEPTEMBER
Historical Archaeology or 19th Century Garbage
Sept 5, 12pm Thu. Presented by Robert Mazrim. Part of the ALPLM and ISM’s “Tales from the Vault” program series. Free. illinoisstatemuseum.org. Illinois State Museum Research and Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St., 217-785-0037.
Bluegrass Concerts
Sept 6-7, 6-10pm Fri-Sat. Featuring performers from all over the Midwest. lincolnsnewsalem.com. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Ln., Petersburg, 217-632-4000.
Springfield Bicycle Club Tour of Historic Sites
Sept 7, 1pm Sat. This casual, neighborhood-style ride is approximately eight miles. Sites will include Lincoln’s Home, the Old State Capitol and Lincoln’s Tomb, among others. spfldcycling.org. Begins and ends at the Capitol Complex Visitors Center, 425 S College St., 217-899-9175.
Family Funfest
Sept 7, 10am-5pm Sat. Featuring large inflatable games, video gaming truck, food trucks, character appearances, plus main stage entertainment such as bands, magicians, zoo animals and more. preventchildabuseillinois.org. 217-522-1129. Downtown Springfield, Washington Street between Sixth and Seventh streets.
Traditional Music Festival
Sept 7-8, 10am-4pm Sat-Sun. Midwest performers entertain on instruments such as mountain dulcimers, bones, autoharps, fiddles, banjos and guitars. lincolnsnewsalem.com. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Ln., Petersburg, 217-632-4000.
Capital City Century
Sept 8, 7am Sun. Distance options of 10-125 miles over flat to slightly rolling terrain. Food stops, SAG service, post-ride party. Registration at 6:30am. spfldcycling.org. UIS Student Union, 217-899-9175.
7th Annual Full Moon Trail Run
Sept 13, 7pm Fri. 2.5-mile nighttime trail run. srrc.net. Lewis Memorial Acres, 399 S. Koke Mill Road.
Art Spectacular – Juried Fine Art and Fine Craft Fair
Sept 14-15, Sat-Sun. Free. carillon-rees.org. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, Washington Park, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-3853.
Art Spectacular
Sept 14-15, 10am-5pm Sat, 10am-4pm Sun. A multi-experience festival consisting of art, music and children’s programs. Featuring 50 regional and national artists. Free admission. Kid’s place costs $2 per child. carillon-rees.org. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-4116.
30th Annual Edwards Place Fine Art Fair
Sept 21-22, 10am-5pm Sat, 10am-4pm Sun. Artists from across the region and country, live music, food trucks, art demos and more. Free. springfieldart.org. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.
Fall Festival
Sept 21-22, 10am-5pm Sat, 9am-4pm Sun. Featuring vendors, artisans, reenactments and more. $5 adults, $3 ages 6-12, and free to ages 5 and under. clayville.org. Clayville, Route 125, Pleasant Plains, 217-572-4984.
International Route 66 Mother Road Festival
Sept 27-29, 6-10pm Fri, 9am-10pm Sat, 11am-2pm Sun. More than 1,000 cool cars, live music and entertainment, performance marketplace, family fun area, food and more. Free. route66fest.com. Downtown Springfield.
City Wide Hymn Fest
Sept 29, 3pm Sun. Interdenominational hymn sing open to all who enjoy singing along with or listening to traditional hymns. Held in cooperation with several local churches. Free. carillon-rees.org. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, Washington Park, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-3853.
OCTOBER
Conference on Illinois History
Oct 3-4, Thu-Fri. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.
Candlelight Tour
Oct 4-6, 7-9pm Thu-Sun. See Lincoln’s New Salem at night. Staff and volunteers in period clothing discuss life in 19th century Illinois. lincolnsnewsalem.com. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Ln., Petersburg, 217-632-4000.
Carve for the Carillon
Oct 12-13, 11am-4pm Sat-Sun. Help carve, scoop and move pumpkins for the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. Pumpkins supplied. All ages, abilities welcome. Rain or shine. Free. carillon-rees.org. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, Washington Park, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-3853.
Springfield Marathon, 3/4 Marathon, Half Marathon and Quarter Marathon
Oct 12-13, Sat-Sun. All routes feature beautiful scenery and begin and end on the UIS campus. springfieldmarathon.com. University of Illinois at Springfield, 217-206-6073.
Illinois Symphony Orchestra
Oct 19, 7:30pm Sat. Featuring cellist Camille Thomas. Admission. ilsymphony.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Halloween at the Market
Oct 26, 8am-12pm Sat. Featuring costume contests for kids, families and dogs, plus many special activities. downtownspringfield.org. 217-544-1723. Downtown Springfield.
Fall Festival
Oct 26-27, 10am-4pm Sat-Sun. Period-clothed interpreters demonstrate daily tasks such as candle dipping, soap making, basket making, spinning wool, fruit and vegetable preservation, and more. lincolnsnewsalem.com. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Ln., Petersburg, 217-632-4000.
NOVEMBER
Taxidermy
Nov 7, 12pm Thu. Presented by Meredith Mahoney. Part of the ALPLM and ISM’s “Tales from the Vault” program series. Free. illinoisstatemuseum.org. Illinois State Museum Research and Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St., Springfield, 217-785-0037.
The Anti-Slavery Movement in Illinois
Nov 14, 12pm Thu. Illinois History Forum session moderated by Jeanne Schultz Angel, Nineteenth Century Charitable Association. Free. presidentlincoln.illinois.gov. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.
Illinois Symphony Orchestra
Nov 16, 7:30pm Sat. Family Pops Concert. Admission. ilsymphony.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Memorial’s Festival of Trees
Nov 23-Dec 1, 10am-8pm Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm Sun. Featuring trees, swags and wreaths decorated by area designers. Thanksgiving hours are 4-8pm. MemorialsFestivalofTrees.com. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-725-8047.
Small Business Saturday – Holiday Walks
Nov 30, 12-5pm Sat. Tree lighting at 5pm. Free. downtownspringfield.org. Downtown Springfield, 217-544-1723.
DECEMBER
Holiday Walks
Dec 4-21, 5-8pm Wed and 12-5pm Sat. Free. downtownspringfield.org. Downtown Springfield, 217-544-1723.
Holiday Lights Parade
Dec 7, 5:30pm Sat. Jefferson to Fifth to Monroe to Sixth to Washington. springfieldjaycees.net. Downtown Springfield.
Caroling at the Carillon
Dec 8, 4pm Sun. Sing carols accompanied by the carillon bells, visit with Santa, and enjoy cocoa and cookies. Free. carillon-rees.org. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, Washington Park, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-3853.
First Night
Dec 31, 1-4pm and 5-11:15pm Mon. Complimentary afternoon activities for kids. Ticketed shows feature evening music, dance and more at various downtown locations at night. Admission. springfieldartsco.org. Downtown Springfield.
