Community Events

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This Weekend

188 results

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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
Unraveling Rule-based Order

Wed., May 1, 7-8:30 p.m.

Illini Country Club

1601 S. Illini Road, Springfield Springfield Area

Free

Bulletin Board, History, Politics

World Affairs Central IL presents insightful discussion with Dr. Roy Wehrle and Dr. Chris McDonald. The program will describe our changing world as we move out of the 75 years of peace among the major nations, ending colonialization and remarkable economic prosperity, into a new epoch of history where previous behavior of countries are breaking down, security is threatened and the future will be changed. Though the future is unknown, they will describe several possible scenarios. More information at https://mywacci.org/future-programs/Free and open to the public 217-502-6956
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.
Autism Support of Central Illinois UnGala

Sat., April 27, 7 p.m.

Get Tickets
$50 per family

Fundraisers and Galas

Autism Support of Central Illinois invites you to attend an un-Gala to celebrate Autism Awareness Month. An un-Gala is the exact opposite of a gala. You simply buy tickets to stay home and not attend an event - talk about sensory friendly! Each table receives a virtual un-Gala toolkit including:- family dinner recipes- movie and tv suggestions- family friendly activities- information and resources for local autism services Toolkit will be emailed about a week before the event! 217-803-0097
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
Junior Ranger Day

Sat., April 27, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Lincoln Home National Historic Site

413 S. Eighth St., Springfield Downtown

Children's Corner

Earn a Junior Ranger Badge and Junior Ranger Flat Hat. Enjoy a ranger themed photo booth, crafts, and a self-guided scavenger hunt. Plus, complete the Lincoln Home National Historic Site Junior Ranger book. 217-391-3221
Wooden It Be Lovely furniture sale

Sat., April 27, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and Sun., April 28, 12-2 p.m.

Wooden It Be Lovely

501 S. Douglas Ave., Springfield North Side

Fundraisers and Galas, Children's Corner

Shop for refurbished furniture at amazing prices while at the same time helping women survivors of poverty, addiction and abuse.
Elkhart Native Plant Sale

Sat., April 27, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Village of Elkhart

209 Governor Oglesby St., Elkhart Central Illinois

$4 donation per pot suggested

Nature, Science & Environment, Bulletin Board, Fundraisers and Galas

Fundraising sale features seven native plant species in 4-inch pots. In honor of Arbor Day, 50 pin and black oak seedlings in 15-inch seedling containers will be offered. All proceeds fund the Elkhart Pollinator Habitat and the young summer maintenance helpers.
Lucky Tom Cat Club CFA Cat Show

Sat., April 27, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sun., April 28, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Illinois Building, Gate 1 (Main Gate), Illinois State Fairgrounds

1101 E. Sangamon Ave., Springfield Springfield Area

Bulletin Board

Come see a lot of different breeds of registered cats competing for ribbons. Household pets also will compete against other household pets. Event includes vendors and also rescue cats available for adoption. Baked goods will be sold to benefit Forever Home Feline Ranch. 309-369-3683
Reading with Molina

Sat., April 27, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Jacksonville Public Library

201 W. College Ave., Jacksonville Jacksonville

Free

Children's Corner

Family reading event will feature story time, themed activities and crafts. Children in attendance will receive a free book and activity to take home. Presented by Molina Healthcare of Illinois, PBS Kids (WSIU) and Jacksonville Public Library. Molina representatives will be on hand to distribute resources and information. 217-243-5435
Laser Engraving Metal Demonstration

Sat., April 27, 1-4 p.m.

HodgePodge Heaven, White Oaks Mall

2501 Wabash Ave., Springfield White Oaks Mall

Free

Art & Architecture, Bulletin Board

Wallace Dandridge will demonstrate the unique, intricate art of laser engraving metal. Personalized engravings will be available. 217-801-1598
Kitten shower

Sat., April 27, 1-3 p.m.

Animal Protective League

1001 Taintor Road, Springfield North Side

Bulletin Board

Open house event features games and meeting the stars of the day - the kittens. Learn about the foster program. Donations of cat toys, canned food and more accepted. 217-361-6212
Starting your Business in Illinois

Sat., April 27, 1-3 p.m.

Fresh Visions Community Church

1551 J. David Jones Pkwy., Springfield Grandview

Get Tickets
Free

Bulletin Board

Starting and owning a business can be exciting and frightening. There are so many things to consider - location, size, number of employees, ownership structure and so on. Then there are anxieties and concerns: “Where do I start?” “Am I in over my head?” “Will I make it?” If you're thinking about starting your own business, the Small Business Development Center can help. Just because you are in business for yourself doesn’t mean you have to figure it all out by yourself. In this no-cost workshop, you will learn about legal entities, tax requirements, business planning and more. Registration… 217-522-2772
Starting Your Business in Illinois

Sat., April 27, 1-3 p.m.

Fresh Visions Community Church

1551 J. David Jones Pkwy., Springfield Grandview

Get Tickets
Free

Bulletin Board

Fresh Visions Community Church in partnership with the Illinois Small Business Development Center for Central Illinois (SBDC) is hosting Starting Your Business In Illinois, a no cost workshop, on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 1:00 - 3:00 PM. This workshop is open to the public and available for those 16 years and older. 217-522-2772
Friends of Genealogy

Sat., April 27, 2-3:30 p.m.

Chatham Area Public Library

600 E. Spruce St., Chatham Chatham

Free

Lectures & Meetings

Explore your family history with the Friends of Genealogy! Connect, share, and find support in our free, open monthly gatherings. Whether you're a regular or dropping in for casual research assistance, join our welcoming community of genealogy enthusiasts eager to support your journey. Registration not required. 217-483-2713
Skating fundraiser

Sat., April 27, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Skateland South

1500 Recreation Dr., Springfield Springfield Area

$20, $5 for adult spectators

Fundraisers and Galas, Children's Corner, Bulletin Board

Do some skating and help MERCY Communities at the same time. Event includes face-painting, magicians, free popcorn/cotton candy and more. Theme is blacklight so wear those neons and whites. Sponsored by Youth Leadership Development Program through Compass for Kids. 217-331-8828
Copenhagen Bandit

Sat., April 27, 8 p.m.

The Backroom Lounge

713 N. Seventh St., Riverton Riverton

Get Tickets

Theater & Comedy, Bulletin Board

The Copenhagen Bandit brings his unique brand of comedy to Riverton for two nights. 217-629-9493
Central Illinois Cluster Dog Shows

Through April 28, 8:30 a.m.

Illinois State Fairgrounds Exposition Building

801 Sangamon Ave., Springfield North Side

Free

Sports, Bulletin Board

American Kennel Club-approved judges will judge breeds in these shows. Dogs selected as best of breed will go on to compete in one of seven respective groups. The seven group winners will compete for Best in Show at the end of the competition. Dogs that are not entered are not allowed. See infodog.com for daily schedules. 217-621-5169
Wildflower Nature Walks

Saturdays. Continues through April 28

Village of Elkhart

209 Governor Oglesby St., Elkhart Central Illinois

$15 per adult, $10 for children ages 8-12

Nature, Science & Environment, Bulletin Board

Saturdays in April. Elkhart Historical Society plans walks through the Elkhart Hill woodlands to observe flowering species. Reservations required. Final day will be a combination wildflower and bird event. On April 27, birders Dr. Lara Borgerson, Joe Funk and Rhetta Jack will join the 2pm walk. Tony Rothering will demonstrate bird banding at 7:30am, 9am and 10:30am. Call to make reservations. 217-947-2238
Boy Scouts Abraham Lincoln Pilgrimage

Through April 28

Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site

15588 History Lane, Petersburg Central Illinois

Bulletin Board

Scouts will make their annual pilrimage on the Lincoln Trail. They begin at New Salem and hike to Springfield. The public is welcome to join them anytime. 217-632-4000
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
Overeaters Anonymous

Saturdays, 10 a.m.

Springfield First United Methodist Church

2941 S. Koke Mill Road, Springfield West Side

Bulletin Board

217-416-1648
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
Community Worship and Picnic in the Park

Sun., April 28, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Duncan Park

200 N. MacArthur Blvd., Springfield Springfield Area

Free

Faith & Philosophy, Fairs & Festivals, Children's Corner

Join with Douglas Avenue UMC as it celebrates one year as a reconciling church and the loving work being done in the community. Worship at 10:30 a.m. with picnic and children's activities to follow. 217-546-4631
Dia del Nino y la Familia (Children and Family Day)

Sun., April 28, 12:30-4 p.m.

Illinois State Museum

502 S. Spring St., Springfield Downtown

Free

Children's Corner

Celebrate children and family day with free admission, crafts, face painting, games and more. Co-sponsored by the Hispanic Women of Springfield, PHIMC and Community Reentry Program. 217-782-6044
Parking Lot Party

Sun., April 28, 1-5 p.m.

Gyros Stop

2907 S. MacArthur Blvd., Springfield Springfield Area

Fundraisers and Galas

Inaugural, fun-filled event to feature live music, vendors, kid zone, beer tent, Animal Protective League, raffles and a food truck serving up gyros, Greek pastries and more. Hosted by Gyro Stop and Spartan Valley Olive Oil. Part of proceeds benefit APL. 217-698-6463
Riffs and Ruffs WILD Canine Rescue Benefit

Sun., April 28, 1-6 p.m.

Curve Inn

3219 S. Sixth St. Road, Springfield Springfield Area

Donations

Fundraisers and Galas

Features celebrity bartenders, raffles and live music by Lick Creek (1-3pm) and Deja Voodoo (3-6pm). Part of proceeds go toward the WILD canine rescue. 217-529-5806
Sunday Bird Hikes

Sun., April 28, 8-9:30 a.m.

Adams Wildlife Sanctuary

2315 E. Clear Lake Ave., Springfield Springfield Area

Free

Nature, Science & Environment

Two Sunday bird hikes are now being offered at Adams Wildlife Sanctuary in response to requests for weekend outings. Join Springfield Audubon Society’s Joe Gardner to scan the sanctuary’s woodland and prairie for spring migrants and resident species. 217-544-2473
ICON Membership Meeting

Mon., April 29, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

South Side Christian Church

2600 S. MacArthur, Springfield Springfield Area

Free

Bulletin Board

This month's speaker, Michael Sinnet, is the Neighborhood Services Director for the City of Joliet. He oversees what is essentially their code enforcement team, with 10 inspectors. He is implementing Joliet’s newly-initiated single-family rental registration program. With a 2020 population of around 150,000, the City has had a multi-unit rental registration program for decades. Mr. Sinnet, prior to his role in Joliet, headed up a similar team in Bloomington, where he still resides. ICON previously discussed how Springfield’s process works – or fails to work. Sinnet’s talk on rental property registration and overall code enforcement should be enlightening… 217-218-9465
Chair aerobics for seniors

Mondays, Wednesdays, 9-10 a.m.

Athens Christian Church

1411 E. Route 29, Athens Central Illinois

Free

Health & Fitness

Chair aerobics at Athens Christian ChurchJoin senior citizen friends each Monday and Wednesday morning at 9:00 am for CHAIR AEROBICS at Athens Christian Church (1411 E State Route 29). Chair aerobics is suitable for everyone, with gentle exercises that develop flexibility, strength, balance, coordination and fitness. There is no charge for this activity For more information, please contact the church office at 217-636-8463. 217-636-8463