Community Events

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This Weekend

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Springfield PrideFest

Sat., May 18

Downtown Springfield

Downtown, Springfield Downtown

Fairs & Festivals

The gayest of days embracing diversity and celebrating the local LGBTQ community. Great entertainment, drag show, food and drinks, a fun-filled family area, youth and teen talent shows, vendors and pride merchandise. Organized by the Phoenix Center.
Car showcase, meetup

Last Saturday of every month, 5-8 p.m.

Burger King

2 Corvette Dr., Litchfield Central Illinois

Free

Bulletin Board

Automobile showcase to bring together area car enthusiasts. Food and frozen drink specials inside restaurant. 217-321-4509
The Illinois Freedom Project

Tuesdays-Saturdays, 12-4 p.m.

Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum

1440 Monument Ave., Springfield North Side

History, Bulletin Board

This exhibit tells the story of Illinois' long fight for freedom from slavery. It is on loan from the National Park Service. 217-391-6323
The Most Precious Gem in your Life is your Mother

Fri., May 10, 11 a.m.

Senior Services of Central Illinois

701 W. Mason St., Springfield Springfield Area

Holiday Happenings

Show all mothers how precious they are.Punch, desserts, door prizes and a special gift for all the ladies, will be provided. 217-528-4035
Fat Ass 5K and Street Party

Fri., May 10, 5:30-11:30 p.m. and Sat., May 11, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Downtown Springfield

Downtown, Springfield Downtown

Fairs & Festivals, Sports, Fundraisers and Galas

The Craft Beer and Cigar Festival on Friday night features live music by The Shenanigans, Lick Creek and Off the Wall. The 5K takes off on Saturday, followed by the street party with live music by Captain Geech and the Shrimp Shack Shooters. Visit the website or call for registration info. 217-525-1111
Abe Appreciation: Teacher Appreciation Week

Through May 10, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum

212 N. Sixth St., Springfield Downtown

Free

Bulletin Board

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is on a mission to make a visit to the Presidential Museum an experience everyone can enjoy. We also want to give back to groups that support our community. Abe Appreciation is a series of such events, and we want to recognize teachers the week of May 4-10. All teachers, teacher aides, and school administrators will receive free admission. Please present a school-issued ID card or other proof of employment. Advance registration is not required. 217-558-8844
NIAHAC Arabian Horse Show

May 10-12

Coliseum, Illinois State Fairgrounds

801 E. Sangamon Ave., Springfield North Side

Bulletin Board

Regional, youth and U.S. National Championship-qualifying concurrent shows. Performance, halter, ranch riding, reining and ACT classes. Hosted by the Northern Illinois Arabian Horse Activity Club.
Athens Glory Days

May 10-11

Athens Community Park

W Jackson St. at N Main St, Athens Central Illinois

Fairs & Festivals

Three-day festival features carnival, pageants, vendors, food, beer tent, a 10am. Saturday parade and more including live music by Captain Geech and the Shrimp Shack Shooters (8pm Friday) and Lick Creek (8pm Saturday). 217-416-5456
The Bridges of Madison County Musical

Fri., May 10, 7:30 p.m., Sat., May 11, 7:30 p.m., Sun., May 12, 2 p.m., Fri., May 17, 7:30 p.m., Sat., May 18, 7:30 p.m. and Sun., May 19, 2 p.m.

Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1

420 S. Sixth St., Springfield Downtown

Get Tickets
$22

Theater & Comedy, Bulletin Board

Experience the heartrending romance of ‘Bridges of Madison County: The Musical. Set in picturesque 1960s Iowa, this captivating show follows the chance encounter between a passionate Italian-American housewife and a roving National Geographic photographer. Amidst the backdrop of covered bridges and sweeping landscapes, their forbidden love unfolds in a soul-stirring tale of sacrifice and longing. With a Tony Award-winning score by the Jason Robert Brown, the musical’s soaring melodies and poignant lyrics perfectly capture the essence of love’s complexities. 217-523-2787
Student art show reception, opening

Through May 10, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

LLCC James S. Murray Gallery

5250 Shepherd Road, Springfield Lake Springfield Area

Art & Architecture, Bulletin Board

The Trutter Museum/Murray Gallery at Lincoln Land Community College will host the 2024 Student Art Show from April 25 to May 10. The public is invited to view the exhibit weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The gallery is located on the upper level of Menard Hall on the LLCC Springfield campus, 5250 Shepherd Road. A reception will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. on April 25. Awards will be presented at 6 p.m. The exhibit features a variety of works, including drawing, digital photography, film, ceramics and 3D sculptures alongside digital designs, animations and more… 217-786-4967
Let's Get Fit

Senior Services of Central Illinois

701 W. Mason St., Springfield Springfield Area

Get Tickets

Health & Fitness, Sports

Let's Get Fit is a chair based group exercise program designed specifically to meet the needs of older adults who are looking to incorporate more physical activity into their lives. These classes consist of aerobic, strengthening, balance and flexibility exercises.Meets in person. 217-528-4035
Bingocize

Fridays, 10:30-11:15 a.m.

Senior Services of Central Illinois

701 W. Mason St., Springfield Springfield Area

Bulletin Board, Health & Fitness

Join us for a unique edition of Bingo with a chance to win prizes! This activity provides fitness, bingo and social engagement. 217-503-4643
Keep It Simple Al-Anon

Fridays, 12 p.m.

St. Paul's Episcopal Church

815 S. Second St., Springfield Springfield Area

Lectures & Meetings

Meets in-person in the library through the south side glass doors and via Zoom. Call for more information or find other meetings on the website. 217-553-7284
Al-Anon District 19 of Greater Springfield

Mondays-Saturdays

Various locations

Springfield, Springfield Springfield Area

Lectures & Meetings, Health & Fitness, Bulletin Board

Ten meetings are held in the local area each week. Five are in-person and four are hybrid of in-person and via Zoom. One meeting is Zoom only. Visit the website or call for more information. 217-891-2981
Experience, Strength and Hope Al-Anon

Fridays, 5:15 p.m.

St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church

700 E. Spruce St., Chatham Chatham

Lectures & Meetings

Enter through the northeast door. Visit the website or call for more information. 217-494-7444
Jacksonville Speedway Races

Fridays, 5:30-10:30 p.m.

Jacksonville Speedway

110 N. Westgate Ave., Jacksonville Jacksonville

Sports

Classes include 360 Sprints, Modifieds, Street Stock and Micros. Check the Speedway’s website or Facebook for start times. 217-371-3653
Illinois Native Plant Society Sale

Sat., May 11, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Illinois State Fairgrounds Reisch Pavilion

801 Sangamon Ave., Springfield North Side

Nature, Science & Environment

The area's largest native plant sale in both diversity and quantity. Native trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants and multiple milkweed species to help you create a habitat at home, plus many other great species that benefit native wildlife. The plants are grown from local seed sources when available. 217-243-6055
Feathers, Bills, and Beaks

Sat., May 11, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Jubilee Farm

6760 Old Jacksonville Road, Springfield West Side

Free

Nature, Science & Environment

Feathers, bills, and beaks, oh my! Spend the day with the birds at Jubilee Farm to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day 2024. Lincoln Land Association of Bird Banders (LLABB) will be banding birds and sharing information about local species including those stopping here on their way north. Find out if you have what it takes to migrate north for the summer, discover if you are as fast as a hummingbird, and explore more with games and activities. 217-782-6044
Open House, Community Resource Fair and Milkweed Giveaway

Sat., May 11, 9-11 a.m.

Enos Park Neighborhood Garden

1022 N. Fifth St., Springfield Springfield Area

Free

Bulletin Board, Health & Fitness

Tour the garden and engage with a variety of community partners. Event includes free lead soil testing by IDPH, a produce giveaway by BCBSIL, free trees and shrubs from the UFC, a pop-up Lincoln Library, wellness checks by SIU, children's games and more. Also, milkweed will be given away on behalf of the Springfield Park District as well as seeds collected by the garden for redistribution. 217-610-0720
Parks for Pollinators - Milkweed Giveaway

Sat., May 11, 9-11 a.m.

Enos Park

Seventh and Enterprise streets, Springfield Springfield Area

Free

Nature, Science & Environment

Celebrate Your Neighborhood Park Pollinator Garden with a Milkweed Giveaway coming this May!!You'll be able to...- Meet your neighborhood pollinator garden & Parks Foundation volunteers- Learn all about planting milkweed & importance of pollinator gardens- Take home your free milkweed!- Learn how you can help with your neighborhood park pollinator garden *****Saturday, May 11thPark Pollinator Garden Supporters:Meet us at - 9:00am-11:00am | Enos Park*with the Enos Park Neighborhood Association
Snap Into A Fly Trap

Sat., May 11, 9-10:30 a.m.

Washington Park Botanical Garden

1740 W. Fayette Ave., Springfield Leland Grove

Get Tickets
Residents $35, non-residents $40

Children's Corner

Want a low-maintenance pet? Come pot up a venus flytrap and enjoy creating flytrap-themed crafts while learning all about these carnivorous plants. For children ages 10-12. Register at bit.ly/SPD_Flytrap-Workshop Activity# 261113. 217-546-4116 ext.2906
Chess Tournament

Sat., May 11, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Lincoln Library

326 S. Seventh St., Springfield Downtown

Free

Bulletin Board

Mini chess tournament with three games - 30 minutes playing time per person per game. Additional games possible if time permits. Rated games and playing experience for existing Springfield Chess Club members, and a free introduction to competitive play for non-members and beginners. All ages and skill levels welcome. In the Multipurpose room on the second floor. Bring your chess set. 217-726-2584
Mother's Day Remembrance Tribute

Sat., May 11, 10 a.m.

Roselawn Memorial Park

1735 S. Camp Butler Road, Springfield Springfield Area

Holiday Observances

Honoring all mothers and the important roles they have played in our lives. 525-1661
Pleasant Plains Fire Department Open House

Sat., May 11, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Pleasant Plains Fire Department

8001 W. State Route 125, Pleasant Plains Springfield Area

Free

Bulletin Board

Patient vehicle extrication; children fire safety smoke house (compliments of Jacksonville Fire Department); operate a fire hose; Sangamon Co., Rescue Squad & State Fire Marshall K-9 dog demonstrations; Air Evac Life Team & Saints Flight helicopter landings; kitchen fire and other emergencies; Sangamon Co., Health Department and IL Department of Aging; order rural address signs; learn more about serving as a firefighter or EMT; hot dogs, hamburgers and more. See Pleasant Plains Fire Department web and Facebook pages for details. 626-1131
Explorer Post Program

Sat., May 11, 10 a.m.

Williamsville Volunteer Fire Department

9850 S. Williamsville Road, Williamsville Central Illinois

Free

Bulletin Board

The Williamsville Fire Protection District (WFPD) is thrilled to announce the launch of its inaugural Explorer Post program, providing an exciting opportunity for young adults to explore the world of firefighting and emergency services. The Explorer Post program is designed for individuals between the ages of 14 and 20 who have a passion for serving their community and are interested in pursuing a career in firefighting or related fields. Through hands-on training, mentorship from experienced firefighters, and opportunities for community engagement, participants will gain valuable skills and experience to prepare them for future roles in emergency services… 217-652-2527
Family Resource Fair

Sat., May 11, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Third Presbyterian Church

1030 N. Seventh St., Springfield Springfield Area

Free

Children's Corner

Learn about local resources for families and children this summer. The fair will include free snacks and drinks, face painting and crafts for the kids, and tables of information for summer activities. 528-0457
Creative sewing demonstration

Sat., May 11, 12-5 p.m.

HodgePodge Heaven, White Oaks Mall

2501 Wabash Ave., Springfield White Oaks Mall

Bulletin Board

Marissa Williams of Mrs. Workshop will display and demonstrate how she creates exclusive aprons, dog bandanas, headbands, bags, wallets, and any variation of items that can be sewn, 217-801-1598
PBS Kids Down Under

Sat., May 11, 1-3 p.m.

Henson Robinson Zoo

1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., Springfield Lake Springfield Area

Free admission

Children's Corner

Celebrating creatures and culture in the Southern Hemisphere along with PBS KIDS Work It Wombats. Expect some interactioins with costumed characters and pose for selfies. Free age-appropriate children’s books will be distributed. STEAM activities from PBS Learning Media. 217-585-1821
Great Puzzle Race

Sat., May 11, 1-3 p.m.

Chatham Area Public Library

600 E. Spruce St., Chatham Chatham

Free

Bulletin Board

Join a thrilling puzzle competition! Form a team of up to 4 members, tackle a 550-piece puzzle, and race against others to finish within two hours. Individual participants are also welcome and can be grouped with fellow enthusiasts. Prizes await the most adept puzzlers! Click the link, send an email or call for more information. 217-483-2713
Dinner on the Diamond

Sat., May 11, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Robin Roberts Stadium

1415 N. Grand Ave. E., Springfield North Side

Get Tickets
$135

Fundraisers and Galas, Food & Drink, Bulletin Board, Sports

Join the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes for a spectacular evening under the stars at this event, where history meets the baseball diamond. Chicago Cubs legend and Hall of Famer Ferguson "Fergie" Jenkins will be the distinguished guest of honor. Tables include eight tickets with each purchase. Individual tickets also are available with each ticket including dinner, a VIP Meet & Greet with Ferguson Jenkins and an autograph. Dinner on the Diamond is a charitable event with proceeds benefiting the Friends of Robin Roberts Stadium Foundation. 217-381-3858