ONGOING
Small Beginnings
Various dates through June 6, 1:30 p.m. This short play tells the story of Robert Smalls. Smalls, enslaved from birth, commandeered a Confederate ship in Charleston, South Carolina, and used it to take family and friends to freedom. Reggie Guyton portrays Smalls and Randy Erwin provides a moving musical soundtrack for each performance. Free with admission. PresidentLincoln.illinois.gov . presidentlincoln.illinois.gov Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St. 217-558-8844.
Illinois Product Farmers Market
Third Thursday of every month (beginning May 15), 3:30-7:30 p.m. This market hosts a variety of producers, growers, bakers, artisans and local vendors as well as a food truck, live music and wine and beer choices. agr.illinois.gov. Continues through Sept. 18. State Fairgrounds, The Shed, 801 Sangamon Ave.
Carillon concertsApril t
hrough December. Master carillonneur Carlo van Ulft and local assistant carillonneurs play a variety of music from original carillon compositions to arrangements of popular classics and pop music. Carillon-rees.org. Free. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, Washington Park, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-3853.
History Comes Alive
June 6–Aug. 10. This summer immerse yourself in Abraham Lincoln’s hometown as you meet our largest cast of historical reenactors yet. Hop on board our free trolley and explore multiple historic sites where you’ll delve into the lives of some of Springfield’s most fascinating people. Various sites in Downtown. 217-789-2360 x5520.
APRIL
Death of a Salesman
April 3-6. Winner of the 1949 Tony Award for Best Play and the 1949 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Death of a Salesman 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 LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Next to Normal
April 4-6 and April 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 years. hcfta.org. $22. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Henson Robinson Zoo Opening Weekend
Sat., April 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sun., April 6, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Get ready for a wild adventure as the zoo kicks off another incredible season. Adults $7.50, children 3-12 $5.50. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 East Lake Shore Drive, 217-544-1751.
Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon
Sat., April 5, 7:30am. 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.
Club LaCage
Sat., April 5, 7-9:30 p.m. Experience the ultimate celebration of self-expression and community as Deanna Knight reimagines Club LaCage Drag Show in a new location, with a bold new vision. All proceeds will go to local LGBTQIA+ safe spaces. $35. Tickets available on Eventbrite.com. The State House Inn, 101 E. Adams St. 217-415-5769.
Spring Lawn and Garden Sale
Sat., April 5, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sun., April 6, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Local vendors selling plants, flowers, garden art, supplies, grills, mowers, decks, landscaping and more. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-528-3033.
New Home and Remodeling Show
Sat., April 5 and Sun., April 6. Get inspired for those home building and remodeling projects. springfieldareahba.com. Hosted by the Springfield Area Home Builders Association. Illinois State Fairgrounds Exposition Building, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-698-4941,
Cinderella
April 5. Experience the enchantment of this timeless tale of magic and romance as it is brought to life by the Copper Coin Ballet Company. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
The Snow Queen
Sat., April 12, 2 p.m. and Sun., April 13, 2 p.m. Springfield Youth Performance Group dancers will whisk audiences away to a realm teeming with magic and fantastical friends. Gather in the SHG lobby 30 minutes before the show for a princess party. Costumes optional. $15-$20. sypgfoundation.org. Sacred Heart-Griffin High School, 1200 W. Washington St.
Blippi: Join the Band Tour!
Tue., April 15, 6pm. Join Blippi to make music in this live show. Ticket required. uis.edu. $24-$64. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
The Cher Show (Touring)
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.
National Clydesdale SaleApri
l 24-26. The largest Clydesdale sale in the country. Visit the website for the full schedule of events. www.clydesusa.com. Coliseum, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave. 815-247-8780.
The SpongeBob Musical Youth Edition
Fri., April 25, 7pm, Sat., April 26, 2, 7pm and Sun., April 27, 2pm. When the citizens of Bikini Bottom discover that a volcano will soon erupt and destroy their humble home, SpongeBob and his friends must come together to save the fate of their undersea world. hcfta.org. $18. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
2025 Lincoln Pilgrimage
April 25-27. 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 sites. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, Petersburg, 15588 History Lane, 217-632-4000.
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.
MAY
Illinois Symphony Orchestra – Passion and Pulse
Fri., May 2, 7:30pm. The orchestra, led by music director Taichi Fukumura, will feature Nabors’ “Pulse,” Ravel’s “Piano Concerto in G” and Shostakovich’s “Symphony No. 5.” Pianist will be Anna Geniushene. $30-$65. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
llinois Vietnam Veterans Vigil
May 2-4. This yearly 24-hour event honors all veterans and active-duty military with a focus on Vietnam War veterans. Visit the Vietnam Veterans Annual Vigil Facebook page or website for more information. illinoisvvmav.org. Veterans Memorial Complex, Oak Ridge Cemetery, 1500 Monument Ave.
Charley Crockett
Sat., May 3. Charley Crockett is known for his soulful blend of country, blues, and Americana. Charley’s vintage sound and storytelling captivate audiences everywhere. $35-$79.50. uispac.com. UIS Performing Arts Center, 1 University Plaza.
Roasted
Sat., May 3, 3-9pm. This is a ceramic raku event. You will glaze a pot and fire it in an outdoor kiln, and it is ready to take home that night. Come watch the fire, enjoy dinner or drinks, and listen to live music. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.
Hank Williams with Jason Petty
Sun., May 4, 4pm. Jason Petty celebrates Hank Williams’ 100th birthday with his critically acclaimed tribute, “Hank and My Honky Tonk Heroes.” hcfta.org. $25-$30. Hoogland Center for the Arts Peggy Ryder Theatre, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Fat Ass 5K
Fri., May 9, 4-9pm and Sat., May 10, 7:30am-3pm. The Fat Ass 5K & Street Party runs through downtown Springfield. The race, on Saturday, includes beer, corn dog, doughnut and ice cream stops along with live music and entertainment throughout the route. All profits go to charity. $35 junior- $75 ultimate. Downtown Springfield, Downtown.
Billy Joel Songbook
Fri., May 9, 7pm, Sat., May 10, 7pm and Sun., May 11, 2pm. Six vocalists celebrate the music of Billy Joel. This concert evening will bring to life the soundtrack of a generation. $25-$30. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence Ave., 217-528-9760.
The Sound of Music
May 9-11 and May 16-18. The inspirational story based on the memoir of Maria Augusta Trapp follows a governess to the seven children of the imperious Captain von Trapp, bringing music and joy to the household. hcfta.org. $22. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Hammer-In
Sat., May 10, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The blacksmiths will be working and all of the buildings will be open for this popular annual event. Free. Clayville Historic Site, Route 125. 217-481-4430.
Old Capitol Art Fair
Sat., May 17, 10am-5pm and Sun., May 18, 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 to the downtown two-day outdoor art gallery for 60 years. Free. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-785-7960.
Dinner for the Diamond
Sat., May 17, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Meet St. Louis Cardinals great Vince Coleman, get an autograph and walk the red carpet. Includes dinner. Proceeds benefit Friends of Robin Roberts Stadium Foundation. shoesbaseball.com. $135, table for eight, $1,000. Ace Sign Museum, 2540 S. First St., 815-545-3389.
Springfield PrideFest
Sat., May 17, 11am-10pm. The gayest of days embracing diversity and celebrating the local LGBTQ community. Great entertainment, drag show, 11:30am parade, food and drinks, a fun-filled family area, youth and teen talent shows, live music, vendors and pride merchandise. Organized by the Phoenix Center. Free. Downtown Springfield, 217-528-5253.
International Carillon Festival
May 22-25. This popular festival has earned an unsurpassed tradition of presenting the world’s finest carillonneurs. Presented by the Springfield Park District with the support of The Rees Carillon Society and The Carillon Belles. Free. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-306-1838.
101 Dalmatians Kids
Fri., May 23, 7pm, Sat., May 24, 2, 7pm and Sun., May 25, 2pm. Based on the classic animated film, Disney’s 101 Dalmatians Kids is a fur-raising adventure featuring Cruella De Vil, Disney’s most outrageous villain, and 101 of the most adorable heroes to set their paws onstage. hcfta.org. $15. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Lucky Horseshoes season opener
Tue., May 27, 6:30 p.m. Springfield’s Prospect League team’s season begins at home against the Normal CornBelters. Regular season concludes July 31 and playoffs begin Aug. 3. Shoesbaseball.com. Lanphier Park, 1415 North Grand Ave. E., 815-545-3389.
Something Rotten!
May 30-June 1 and June 4-7. Something Rotten! is a musical comedy that follows the Bottom brothers as they struggle to compete with their contemporary, William Shakespeare, by writing the world’s first musical and in the process learn that real success comes from being true to themselves. Directed by Connor McNamara. $12-$15. The Muni, 815 E. Lake Drive, 27-793-6864.
JUNE
Dancing at Lughnasa
Fri., June 6, 7:30pm, Sat., June 7, 7:30pm and Sun., June 8, 2pm. This is the story of five unmarried sisters, eking out their lives in a small village in Ireland in 1936. We meet them at the time of the festival of Lughnasa, which celebrates the pagan god of the harvest with drunken revelry and dancing. Dancing at Lughnasa is directed by James Daniels. hcfta.org. $20-$22. Hoogland Center for the Arts Club Room, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
8K Trail Race and Kids Fun Run
Sat., June 7, 7:30-9:30 a.m. Eight kilometers (4.97 miles) of trails will test runners’ stamina. The race takes place over the scenic trails and pathways of the historic garden, along the trails next to Lake Springfield and through the Ostermeier Prairie Center grounds. Lincolnmemorialgarden.org. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Drive, 217-529-1111.
Sangamon County Fair
June 11-15. The premier county fair of central Illinois. Entertainment, livestock shows, exhibitors, carnival, rodeo and all the fair food you can imagine, See the website for more information and schedule of events. Admission $5 for ages 5 and older. sangcofair.com. Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin, 316 W. Birch St., 217-488-2685.
Disney’s Moana, Jr.
June 12-15, 7:30-9:30pm. A musical adapted from Moana – the Disney movie about an adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people. Performed by students of Studio on the Square’s Music Theatre program. $15-$20. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, Petersburg, 15588 History Lane, 217-725-0239.
Juneteenth Celebration
June 12-19. Saturday, June 14 will feature a parade to Comer Cox Park and events there that day and Sunday, June 15. Includes food, games, music, prizes and more. Comer Cox Park, Capitol Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. 217-572-0234.
Legacy of Giving
TBD. Over 60 music acts on five stages. Two days of music, arts, crafts, children’s entertainment, food trucks and sporting events. All proceeds benefit local charities. Old State Capitol Plaza, between Sixth and Fifth streets at Adams Street, 217-361-5678, logmusicfest.org.
Summer Frolic
Sat., June 14, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Celebrate frontier heritage with period-clothed interpreters demonstrating 19th century daily tasks throughout the historic village. lincolnsnewsalem.com. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 217-632-4000.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
June 20-22 and June 25-28. The story features Quasimodo, a deformed bell-ringer, who is being held captive but wants to learn more about the world outside. He escapes for a day in Paris and is treated cruelly by most, except for Esmeralda. The Hunchback of Notre Dame poses the question: What makes a monster, and what makes a man? Directed by Kevin Kulavic. themuni.org. $12-$15. 217-793-6864.
Great Race Stop
June 23, 4:45pm. Join the fun as the Great Race stops at the Old State Capitol on South Sixth Street in Springfield as part of a nine-day rally from St. Paul, MN to Irmo, SC. Bring the kids and welcome more than 140 classic cars and trucks (1974 and earlier) as they roll into town. Free. Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-789-2360 x5520.
Memorial Health Championship presented by LRS
June 26-29, 6am-7pm. The path to the PGA Tour comes through Springfield. Four competition rounds featuring a field of 156 professional golfers from around the world vying for a total purse of $1 million. Tickets are free courtesy of Visit Springfield. MemorialHealthChampionship.com for more info. Free. Panther Creek Country Club, 3001 Panther Creek Drive, 217-670-2910.
Edgar Lee Masters’ The Sangamon, an original adaptation
Thu., June 26, 7:30-9:30pm. World premiere of a new adaptation of the book The Sangamon by Petersburg’s famous poet, Edgar Lee Masters. Hear stories from and about figures from Menard County and the Sangamon River Valley. A production by Theatre in the Park. $15-$20. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, Petersburg, 15588 History Lane, 217-725-0239.
Grease
June 27-29, July 9-12, July 16-19 and July 23-27. After a whirlwind summer romance, leather-clad greaser Danny and girl-next-door Sandy are unexpectedly reunited when she transfers to Rydell High for senior year. But can they survive the trials and tribulations of teenage life and find true love once more? $30-$35. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence Ave., 217-528-9760.
Paint the Street
Sat., June 28, 11am-7pm. Paint the Street is where artists of all ages take over Washington Street in Downtown Springfield to play with paint and create masterpieces in 6 ft x 6 ft squares. There will be music, food vendors and more. Each square registration will receive one paint supply bucket (including brushes and tempera paint which is water soluble/washable), one giveaway bag with goodies from sponsors, and one Paint the Street T-shirt. springfieldart.org. $35 per square/ $45 per pro square. Downtown Springfield, Seventh and Washington streets, 217-523-2631.
Super Hero Hustle
June 28, 8am. Get out your capes and costumes for the Downtown Kiwanis Superhero hustle 5K. SCHEELS, 3801 S. MacArthur Blvd.
JULY
Independence Day Celebration
July 3-5, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Get your 19th century patriot on. Period demonstrations and the reading of the Declaration of Independence each day. lincolnsnewsalem.com. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 217-632-4000.
Rock the Dock
Fri., July 4, 6-11 p.m. Central Illinois’ largest fireworks display. Live music as well as food and beverages. Lake Springfield Marina, 17 Waters Edge Blvd., 217-483-3625.
Knight’s Fireworks Extravaganza
July 4, 9:30pm. Should be a bang-up time! Knight’s Action Park, 1700 Knight’s Recreation Drive, 217-546-8881.
Twelfth Night
July 10-13, 7:30-9:30pm. This show is a fast-paced romantic comedy with several interwoven plots of romance, mistaken identities and practical jokes. $15-$20. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, Petersburg, 15588 History Lane, 217-725-0239.
Oklahoma!
July 11-13 and July 16-19. Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic is a love story between cowboy Curly and feisty farmer Laurey. But as with almost any romance, the road is bumpy and is full of moments of discovery. Directed by Gil and Ann Opferman. $12-$15. The Muni, 815 E. Lake Drive, 217-793-6864.
Chatham Jaycees Sweet Corn Festival
Fri., July 18 and Sat., July 19. Live music, food, vendors and children’s activities. A big shout out to the local cows’ contributions to that perennial favorite, the Illinois Championship Cow Chip Throw. Chatham Community Park, 731 S. Main St.
Downhome Music Fest
July 25-26. One of Springfield’s most popular music festivals. Features a great lineup of local artists and performers, a wide selection of craft beers and food vendors. Check the Facebook page for the music lineup. Downtown Springfield, Seventh and Washington streets, 217-638-4768.
Lake Springfield Triathalon
Sat., July 26, 7am. Presented by MSE Racing, the course for the Lake Springfield Triathlon is beautiful with a dock start (jump!) lake swim, flat bike course and gently rolling and shady run. For more information, visit mseracing.com. $115-$275. Lake Springfield Beach House, 100 Long Bay Drive, 314-477-6906.
Coin Show
July 27, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 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 Drive, 217-528-7634.
AUGUST
Powerlight Abe Lincoln Car Show
Fri., Aug. 1, 6am-4pm and Sat., Aug. 2, 6am-4pm. Annual car show. Cruise night at 6pm Friday starting at Horace Mann Parking Lot and traveling to Cherry Hills Church. Event includes car judging in 60-plus classes, trophies, helicopter and vintage aircraft demo and more. See the Facebook page for more info. Free. Cherry Hills Baptist Church, 2125 Woodside Road, 217-553-5271.
Camp Sunshine
Aug. 1-3 and Aug. 8-9. Written by Ken Bradbury and Roger Wainwright, Camp Sunshine is a musical telling the story of some young people who attend a camp that’s not so typical … or maybe it is. theatreinthepark.net. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, Petersburg, 15588 History Lane, 217-725-0239.
Shrek: The Musical
Aug.1-3 and Aug. 6-9. This musical features Shrek, the Ogre, who is on a life-changing journey with a donkey and a princess. Shrek starts off just wanting to be left alone, but finds that love is much more rewarding. LaDonna Wilson will direct the show. The Muni, 815 E. Lake Drive, 217-793-6864.
Illinois State Fair
Aug. 7-17. Massive annual fair features every kind of food imaginable, the sounds of music and concertgoers’ cheers at the Grandstand shows, a midway, harness-racing events and tons of agricultural shows and more. The fun begins Aug. 7 with the Twilight Parade. Adults $5, seniors $3, children 12 and younger free. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-782-6661.
Sheryl Crow
Tue., Aug. 12, 8pm. Nine-time Grammy winner Sheryl Crow returns to the Illinois State Fair. Illinois State Fair Grandstand, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-782-6661.
Rockballet
Sat., Aug. 16, 7 p.m. Rockballet is an electrifying fusion of classical ballet and iconic rock music, taking audiences on a thrilling journey through the most influential eras of rock ‘n’ roll. This innovative production showcases the dynamic versatility of Copper Coin Ballet Company dancers as they perform to the timeless hits of legends such as The Beatles, Aerosmith, Fleetwood Mac and more. $15-$25. The Muni, 815 E. Lake Shore Drive, 217-793-6864
Mama Won’t Fly
Aug. 14-17, 7:30-9:30pm. A frantic cross-country four-day road trip leads to family confrontations and comedic chaos along the way. Written by Jones Hope Wooten. Directed by Lora Beavers. $15-$20. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, Petersburg, 15588 History Lane, 217-725-0239.
Abe’s Amble
Sun., Aug. 17, 7:30am. On the last day of the Illinois State Fair in August each year, hundreds of runners from Illinois and surrounding states take to the streets covering the fairgrounds, Lincoln Park, Oak Ridge Cemetery and back. This challenging 10K course is USATF certified. There is also a certified 5K course option. srrc.net/abesamble. TBA. Illinois State Fair Grandstand, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-782-6661.
Dreamgirls
Aug. 22-24, Aug. 29-31. A powerful and captivating musical that takes audiences on an emotional journey through the turbulent world of the American music industry during the 20th century. With its roots in the rise of iconic girl groups like The Supremes, it showcases the complex dynamics of ambition, friendship, love, and betrayal, all set against the backdrop of gospel, R&B, pop, and disco music. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Springfield Mile
Sat., Aug. 30, 12pm and Sun., Aug. 31, 12pm. The annual Labor Day weekend doubleheader of the world’s premier flat track motorcycle racing series. You just now imagined the sound of all those motorcycles roaring past the Grandstand, didn’t you? americanflattrack.com. $20-$150. Illinois State Fair Grandstand, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-632-0277.
SEPTEMBER
Bluegrass Concerts and Traditional Music Festival
Sep. 5-6. Bluegrass performers from all over the Midwest will be playing in the Kelso Hollow outdoor theater both Friday and Saturday. At the Traditional Music Festival on Saturday, folk and bluegrass musicians are invited to participate in impromptu jam sessions from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the village. lincolnsnewsalem.com. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 217-632-4000.
Rock and Run for Mental Health
Sun., Sept. 7, 9 a.m.-noon. Event features 5K run, 1K fun run/walk, food trucks, paint party and art show and live music. Partial proceeds to benefit nonprofit mental health organizations. $30. Rochester Community Park.
Capital City Century
Sat., Sep. 13, 7am-5pm. Five distances from which to choose. Curated routes and low-traffic roads for the seasoned cyclists and beginners alike. Presented by the Springfield Bicycle Club. Register online. $25-$45. Sherman Athletic Club, Sherman, 300 S. First St., 217-899-9175.
Art Spectacular at the Carillon
Sept. 13, 10am-5pm and Sept. 14, 10am.-4pm. A juried Fine Art & Fine Craft Fair ranked in “the best 200 fine art shows in America” for 10 years, by Sunshine Artist Magazine. Thomas Rees Carillon, Washington Park, 217-546-3853.
Edwards Place Fine Art Fair
Sat., Sep. 20, 10am-5pm and Sun., Sep. 21, 10am-4pm. Artwork from artists across the country gather to show their work. Support them, as well as the SAA, by coming out to shop at the best fall art fair in Springfield. Free admission. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.
Clayville Fall Festival
Sat., Sept. 20, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sun., Sept. 21, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. A local favorite! Event includes music, food, crafts, children’s activities and historic buildings to tour. See the Facebook site for more info. Clayville Historic Site, Illinois 125, 217-481-4430.
International Route 66 Mother Road Festival
Fri., Sep. 26, 6-10pm, Sat., Sep. 27, 9am-10pm and Sun., Sep. 28, 9am-12pm. Hundreds of street machines, muscle cars and hot rods will rumble into the heart of Springfield’s historic downtown followed by thousands of spectators for a weekend of family fun, live music and entertainment. Huge cruise Friday night with car show. Saturday and Sunday. Don’t miss the popular burnout competition. route66fest.com. Free for spectators. Downtown Springfield, Downtown, 217-553-5271.
Chatham Jaycees Oktoberfest
Sat., Sept. 27, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Traditional(ish) celebration with food, fun and German and American music. See the Facebook page for more info. Veterans Memorial Square, 101 N. Main St., Chatham.
OCTOBER
Candlelight Walks
Thu., Oct. 3, 7 p.m. and Sat., Oct. 4, 7 p.m. A wonderful opportunity to experience village life at night. Period-clothed interpreters will be inside many of the log homes and shops to talk about life in 19th century Illinois. lincolnsnewsalem.com. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg. 217-632-4000.
Carve for the Carillon
Oct. 11-12, 11am-4pm. Everyone is invited to carve! This includes artists, families, groups, classes, organizations and individuals. Bring your favorite carving tools and we supply the pumpkins. Free. Thomas Rees Carillon, Washington Park 217-546-3853.
Illinois Product Farmers Market Fall Market
Sat., Oct. 11, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. This fall edition of this popular market is brimming with apples, pumpkins and gourds galore. Includes live music, food trucks and beverages. agr.illinois.gov. Illinois State Fairgrounds, The Shed, 801 Sangamon Ave.
Fall Harvest Festival
Sat., Oct. 11, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sun., Oct. 12, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The garden’s highly popular Fall Harvest Festival returns to Cawley Meadow. Event features children’s activities, live music, artisan demonstrations, exhibits, photo contest and food. $8, children age 10 and younger free. Lincolnmemorialgarden.org. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Drive, 217-529-1111.
Springfield Area Highland Games
Sat., Oct. 18. Traditional Scottish Highland games with heavy athletic competitions, pipe bands, live music, food, Scottish and Irish dance, clans, vendors and other Celtic cultural exhibitions. Sangamon County Fairgrounds, 316 W. Birch St., New Berlin, 217-488-2685.
Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular
Oct. 17-18. Nothing quite compares to this Halloween tradition. Carillon music, lighting and sound effects and food vendors. And hundreds of carved pumpkins on display, too, of course. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-3853. Carillon-rees.org.
Little Shop of Horrors
Oct. 24-26 and Oct. 31-Nov. 2. A theatrical classic that has captivated audiences for over three decades, Little Shop of Horrors remains one of the most popular and enduring musicals in theater and film history. hcfta.org. $22. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Fall Festival
Sat., Oct. 25, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Period clothed interpreters will demonstrate daily tasks such as candle dipping, soap making, blacksmithing, spinning wool, gardening and natural dyeing. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 217-632-4000.
NOVEMBER
Fences
Nov. 14-16 and No. 21-23. Set in the 1950s in a segregated Pittsburgh, the play revolves around Troy Maxson, a once-promising baseball player in the Negro Leagues whose dreams were crushed by racial discrimination. Fences is directed by Reggie Guyton. hcfta.org. $20-$22. Hoogland Center for the Arts Peggy Ryder Theatre, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Light up the Gables
Fri., Nov. 28. Annual holiday event with the lighting of the tree and special events. thegablesofspringfield.com. The Gables, 2800 Plaza Drive.
Old Capitol Holiday Walks
Runs every Saturday and Wednesday from late November into December. Presented by Downtown Springfield Inc. Downtown Springfield, 217-544-1723, dowtownspringfield.org.
DECEMBER
Illinois Product Holiday Market
Dec. 5, 4-9 p.m., Sat., Dec. 6, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sun., Dec. 7, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Celebrate the holiday season with local food and goods, live music and a whole lot of holiday cheer. agr.illinois.gov. Y Block, north of the Governor’s Mansion.
Clayville Christmas With Santa
Sat., Dec. 6, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The big guy will be all ears for those Christmas wishes. Clayville Historic Site, Illinois 125, 217-481-4430.
Holiday Lights Parade
TBA. A dazzling event for the season with a possible sighting of the jolly old elf himself. Hosted by the Springfield Jaycees. Parade begins at dusk. Free. Downtown Springfield, 217-544-1723.
Candlelight Christmas
Fri., Dec. 12, 5-9 p.m. and Sat., Dec. 13, 3-9 p.m. Experience the sights and sounds of Christmases long ago in the candlelit historical buildings. Clayville Historic Site, Illinois 125, 217-481-4430
First Night
Wed., Dec. 31, 12-8 p.m. Look for children’s activities and special around-the-world midnight countdown, children’s activities, ice skating at Union Square Park, special open house tours with live music at the Dana-Thomas House and a fireworks spectacular. springfieldartsco.org. Downtown Springfield.
This article appears in Visitor 2025.
