As events may be canceled or rescheduled at the last moment, please first check with the host or venue when making plans to attend an event.
MARCH
Friday Night Jazz
March 18 and every Friday, 5:30-7:30pm. Sponsored by the Springfield Area Arts Council. No cover charge. Family friendly, free parking and accessible. Boone's, 301 Edwards St. 217-679-3752
Rainbows after the storm
March 18-19. Fri.,10am-6pm and Sat.,10am-4pm. Over 400 quilts and quilted items on display. Bed turning, quilts of valor, make and take, and a kids' scavenger hunt. Raffle, quilt appraisals (by appointment), charity sale, door prizes and many vendors. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-725-0994.
Pump Boys and Dinettes
March 18-20. Fri. and Sat., 8pm. Sun., 2pm. A celebration of life‚ love‚ Dolly Parton and catfish with the fellas from the gas station and the sisters next door at the Double Cupp Diner. $20. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Hopeful Futures Gala
March 19, 6-9pm. An evening of great food, drinks, friends and inspiring stories. Reception at 6pm and dinner at 7pm. All proceeds support the children and families of Hope. hope.us. $125.00. Wyndham at Springfield City Centre, 700 E. Adams St., 217-525-9536.
Spotlight on Ice 2022
March 19, 2-4pm and 7-9pm. Presented by the Springfield Figure Skating Club. On-ice versions of Seussical, Beauty and the Beast, Under the Sea and Chicago, and other musical numbers. Featuring 70 local skaters. Check the Facebook page for ticket information. Adults $12, children 12 and under $7. Nelson Center Ice Arena, Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St., 217-753-2800.
WWE Road to WrestleMania
March 19, 7:30pm. WWE Champion, Big E vs Kevin Owens vs Seth Rollins vs Bobby Lashley - Fatal Four-way Match for the WWE Championship. RAW Women's Champion Becky Lynch vs. Bianco Belair. Many more including RAW tag team champions, RK-BRO. $20-$115. BoS Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745-3000.
Springfield Flea Market
March 20, 8:30am-3:30pm. Antiques, vintage, collectibles, crafts, new and used. Illinois State Fairgrounds Illinois Building, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.
PrideLinc Senior LBGT Connections
March 22 and every Thursday, 11:30am. Check out this new program. Weekly congregate meals open to LBGTQ seniors and an ally or caregiver. Includes time for education and socialization. Meals provided by Senior Services of Central Illinois. Call by Tuesday for a Thursday meal. Visit the Facebook page for more information. AgeLinc, 2731 S. MacArthur Blvd., 217-787-9234.
Fasters meeting
March 22 and the fourth Tuesday of every month, 6-7pm. A group discussion and support for a healthy lifestyle through intermittent fasting and eating real food. Springfield Clinic 1st, 900 N. First St., Room 1105A. Text or call with any questions. 217-725-6715.
Fiddler on the Roof
March 24, 7:30pm. A wonderful cast and a lavish orchestra tell this heartwarming story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives, and the timeless traditions that define faith and family. $24-$89. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Joseph Hall: Elvis Rock 'n' Remember
March 25. An award-winning tribute show. $25 in advance, $30 day of and $35 VIP. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.
Open House and Grand Reopening
March 25-26, Fri., 5:30-8pm and Sat., 12-4pm. Stop by and check out DIM's new digs, chat with the art house artists and peruse their recent work. DIM art house, 319 Chatham Road, 773-235-5600.
Springfield Jr. Blues vs. Minnesota Magicians
March 25-26, Fri., 7pm and Sat. 6pm. Adults $10-$12. Children 12 and under $6-$8. Nelson Center, 1601 N. Fifth St., 217-525-2589.
Springfield RV & Camping Show
March 25-March 27. Featuring the very latest makes and models of recreational vehicles. Industry vendors, campgrounds, tow vehicles and everything you may need for your next RV vacation. $8. Children 12 and under are free. BoS Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 217-788-8800.
Sherman Gospel Concert
Sat., March 26, 6pm. A wonderful evening of singing and fellowship with The Lesters, The Redemptions and The Wanda Mountain Boys. Freewill offering. Sherman Church of the Nazarene, Sherman, 7085 Village Center Road, 217-496-3255.
The Ritz
March 26, 5:30pm. A three-course dinner, an evening of dancing and a celebration of the progress made by the LGBT community during the past two years. The Coalition of Rainbow Alliances is puttin' it on. springfieldcoral.org. Crowne Plaza Springfield, 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy., 217-741-4603.
Spring Floral Show
March 26-April 17. Just in time for the flowers to push themselves up through the dirt and shake their petals free. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-4116.
Brown Bag Concert
March 30, 12:15-12:45pm. Featuring pianist Pei-I Wang and Dr. Troy Castle, baritone. Bring your lunch or purchase a brown bag lunch for $5. Free. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 217-528-4311.
APRIL
Friday Nights at DIM
Every Friday, 6-8pm, beginning April 1. First Friday receive professional art critiques, on the second Friday try live model drawing, hang out with the artists on the third Friday, and the fourth and fifth Fridays are for projects on which you want to work. DIM art house, 319 Chatham Road, 773-235-5600.
Carillon concerts
April through 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. Enjoy the beauty of the park and gardens with the unique accompaniment of carillon music. Visit the website or call for performance times. Free. carillon-rees.org. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, Washington Park, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-306-1838.
A Doll's House, Part 2
April 1, 7:30pm. Written by Lucas Hnath. Visit the website or call to learn about COVID requirements. Ages 17 and under $6, 18-64 $14, 65 and older $12. Discounts available for UIS staff and students. uis.edu. $6-$14. UIS Studio Theatre, One University Plaza, 217-206-7529.
Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon
April 2, 7:30am. Run through history in Abraham Lincoln's hometown, including past his law office, his tomb and the only home he over owned. USATF certified course. Go Abe! Downtown, Old State Capitol Plaza. srrc.net.
A Matter of Balance
April 5, 2-4pm. A structured program of eight two-hour sessions including group discussion and light exercise designed to benefit any older adults who want to be more active or have a history of falls. $30. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.
Second Saturday Open Studio
April 9 and the second Saturday of every month, 12-4pm. Watch Pharmacy member artists at work and ask questions to learn about their methods and mediums. Masks and social distancing are required. Free. pharmacygallery.com. The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space, 623 E. Adams St., 801-810-9278.
USA Boxing
April 16, 7:30pm. Springfield Cobras Boxing presents USA Olympic-style amateur boxing. theboscenter.com. $20-$60. BoS Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745-3000.
Spring Seedling Sale
April 18, 9am-2pm. Vegetable, herb and flower seedlings grown from organic seeds and no chemicals. Sale continues through the weeks while seedlings last. Jubilee Farm, 6760 Old Jacksonville Road, 217-787-6927.
Club LaCage Drag Show
April 22-23, 7pm. Presented by the Phoenix Center. Two evenings of song, dance and comedy. The queens and personalities that grace the stage will keep you wildly entertained. The theme is the 70s, so dress the part and enjoy the fun. Admission includes snacks and swag. Tickets available at hcfta.org. $25-$35. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-528-5253.
Lady Windermere's Fan
April 22-23, 7pm and April 24, 2pm. Affairs, confrontation, denial, retribution. An examination of the gender politics within marriage and society, and the ambiguous idea of morality among the upper classes. springfieldart.org. $15. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.
AIWO Color Me Holi 5K Run/Walk
April 23, 9am-2pm. Holi is India's festival of colors that celebrates spring. Even if you don't want to run or walk, you can still join the fun with color play, high-energy dance moves to Bollywood music and delicious Indian treats. This Asian Indian Women's Organization (AIWO) event will benefit local Girls on the Run. $30. Washington Park, 1501 S. Grand Ave. W., 217-544-1751.
Billy Gilman
April 23, 8pm. Gilman made the Guinness Book of World Records as the youngest singer to reach #1 on the Billboard Top Country Album charts. $35 in advance, $40 day of and $50 VIP. $50 add on for meet and greet. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.
Family Pops: Jeans & Classics
April 23, 7:30pm. The music of Queen and Journey by the Illinois Symphony Orchestra. ilsymphony.org. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Spring Lawn and Garden Sale
April 23-24. Find flowers, plants, mowers, garden art and more. Visit the wine and beer garden, Butterfly Encounter and Let's Talk Lawn & Garden educational series and over 30 vendors. Free parking in the ramp. BoS Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745-3000.
Earth Awareness Fair
April 23, 10am-4pm. A family friendly event with exhibitors, animals, hands-on activities, art, music, workshops, games, contests and food. Tree huggers welcome. Hosted by the City of Springfield. Free. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-789-2255.
Ron White
April 28, 7:30pm. Tater Salad in person. $39-$95. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
UIS Chorus Concert
April 29, 7pm. Tsai Chan, director. Also viewable online. uis.edu/music. UIS Studio Theatre, One University Plaza, 217-206-7529.
MAY
National Inventors Month
May 1 through May 31, Tue.-Fri., 12-4pm and Sat., 10am-5pm. An exhibit of some of the many inventions of African Americans. spiaahm.org. Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum, 1440 Monument Ave., 217-391-6323.
The British Invasion
May 1. Featuring songs from The Rolling Stones, Dave Clark 5, The Animals, The Kinks and Dusty Springfield. A great opportunity to sport your Union Jack T-shirt. uispac.com. $20-$69.50. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Styx
May 5, 7:30pm. $54-$149. uispac.com. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Illinois Quarter Horse Show
May 5-8. One of the oldest recognized horse breeds in the U.S. that originated ca. 1660 as a cross between native horses of Spanish origin and English horses imported to Virginia. They excel at sprinting short, quarter-mile distances. Free. Coliseum, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 E. Sangamon Ave.
Fat Ass 5K and Street Party for Charity
May 7, 10am. This race has generated over $1.5 million for charity since 2008. Includes stops for beer, corn dogs, donuts and ice cream, because why not? Live music and entertainment throughout the race route, followed by a street party that includes drinks, barbecue and more live music. fatass5k.com. Downtown Springfield, Sixth and Adams streets, 217-525-1111.
UIS Chamber Music Concert
May 7, 7pm. University of Illinois Springfield and Illinois Symphony Orchestra musicians. Also viewable online. uis.edu/music. UIS Studio Theatre, One University Plaza, 217-206-7529.
Abe's Mini Triathlon
May 7, 8:30am. 100-yard swim, 5-mile bike ride and 1-mile run. triharderpromotions.com. Porta High School, Petersburg, 17651 Bluejay Road, 217-341-1309.
Mother's Day Remembrance Tribute
May 7, 10-11am. Honoring all mothers and the important roles they have played in our lives. The brief ceremony will be led by a certified celebrant. CDC guidelines will be followed. Roselawn Memorial Park, 1735 S. Camp Butler Road, 217-525-1661.
Color and Light/Reading Light
May 9, 6-8pm. Sacred art and architecture lecture by Anthony Rubano. Part of the biennial Liturgical Arts Festival of Springfield. lafspringfield.org. Free. Sacred Heart Convent Chapel, 1237 W. Monroe. 217-523-5212.
To Love and to Cherish
May 10, 6-8pm. A concert of wedding music, and a wedding arts and apparel display. Part of the biennial Liturgical Arts Festival of Springfield. lafspringfield.org. Cathedral Church of St. Paul, 815 S. Second St., 217-544-5135.
In the Blink of an Eye
May 13, 6pm. Celebrating life's journey through the spoken word and music. An original performance work by Leigh Steiner and Phil Funkenbusch. Part of the Liturgical Arts Festival of Springfield. lafspringfield.org. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 217-528-4311.
Miscast Cabaret
May 13-14, 8pm and May 15, 2pm. What happens when things get mixed up a bit and some of your favorite musical theater songs are gender swapped? The result is certain to be humorous, breathtaking and spectacular. $20. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Wrought Iron Hammer-In
May 14, 9am-4pm. A bunch of blacksmiths sharing stories and making metal parts the old-fashioned way. The historic buildings will be open for small, socially distanced tours. Beverage service and popcorn available. clayville.org. Clayville Historic Site, 12828 State Route 125, Pleasant Plains, 217-481-4430.
Native plant sale
May 14, 9am-1pm. Native trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants, multiple milkweed species and a great selection of plants for pollinators and wildlife. Hosted by the Illinois Native Plant Society. Illinois State Fairgrounds Commodities Pavilion, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., 217-243-6055.
American Journey
May 14, 7:30pm. $21-$63. Be sure to catch this exciting musical journey across America presented by the Illinois Symphony Orchestra and featuring violinist William Hagen. ilsymphony.org. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Springfield Area Highland Games and Celtic Festival
May 14, 9am-10pm. If you want to prove that you have what it takes to be a soldier or courier in Scotland, you can try to toss a 20-foot-tall caber, throw a 56 lb. weight over a raised bar or show that you can play well with others by participating in a tug-of-war. Conversely, you can watch others do those things while you also enjoy bagpipe bands, food, storytelling and Scottish goods. $8-$15. Children under 5 are free. Tickets are available online only. centralillinoiscelts.com. Sangamon County Fairgrounds, 318 W. Birch. 217-488-2685.
When Night Falls
May 14, 7-9pm. Celebrations of life and death. Part of the biennial Liturgical Arts Festival of Springfield. lafspringfield.org. Free. Staab Funeral Home, 1109 S. Fifth St., 217-528-6461.
Mardi Gras Masquerade Gala
Sat., May 14, 6pm. Silent auction, wine pull, seated Cajun dinner and live entertainment by Sojourn Rocs. Seating is limited. Pandemic protocols observed. Hosted by AgeLinc. Call for tickets. $50. Crowne Plaza Springfield, 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy., 217-787-9234.
Nothing to Be Afraid Of
May 15, 6pm. Jazz funeral, brass band parade and concert. Part of the biennial Liturgical Arts Festival of Springfield. lafspringfield.org. Free. First Christian Church Springfield, 700 S. Sixth St., 528-3407.
Central Illinois Senior Celebration
May 18, 9am-2pm. Hang with other seniors age 50+ for free health screenings, informational displays, refreshments, entertainment and door prizes. Free parking and shuttle service is available. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-725-8047.
King Richard
May 20. A look at how tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams became who they are after getting coached by their father, Richard Williams. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Part of the Movies in the Park series. Begins at sunset. Free. Velasco Tennis Center, 2500 S. Grand Ave. W., 217-753-6225.
Springfield PrideFest
May 21, 12-10pm. The gayest of days embracing diversity and celebrating the local LGBTQ community. Kids' area, live entertainment, great vendors and food and drinks. Organized by the Phoenix Center. phoenixcenterspringfield.org. Downtown Springfield, Fifth and Capitol streets, 217-528-5253.
Springfield Old Capitol Art Fair
May 21-22. Sat.,10am-5pm. Sun.,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 flocking to downtown Springfield for 60 years. socaf.org.
Weird Al Yankovic
May 22, 7-9pm. $39-$329. The Unfortunate Return of the Ridiculously Self-Indulgent, Ill-Advised Vanity Tour. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Memorial Day Celebration
May 27, 11:30am. Patriotic performance by the Tip Top Tappers. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.
"NOIR: The Migration"
May 27-Sep. 3. A showcase of art depicting the migration of Black Americans. Co-curated by national artists Michelle Smith and Kas King. illinoisstatemuseum.org. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.
First Sunday Midwest Bazaar
May 29, 8am-4pm. Everything you could ever need, all in one place. Illinois State Fairgrounds Exposition Building, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-782-6661.
Region XI Arabian and Half Arabian Championship Show
June 1-5. A showcase for the horse breed preferred by so many distance riders. Region XI is comprised of sixteen clubs in Illinois, Iowa and Missouri. aha11.com. Free. Coliseum, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 E. Sangamon Ave.
International Carillon Festival
June 2-5. One of the world's most important and prestigious carillon events, the festival has an unsurpassed tradition of presenting the finest carillonneurs from around the world. carillon-rees.org. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-3853.
Levitt AMP Music Series
June 2, 6-8:30pm. Featuring dynamic artists from across the country, get ready for a sonic feast of music brought to you by the 2022 Levitt AMP winners that's sure to get you movin' and groovin' all summer long and all free. Y Block, Fourth and Jackson streets, 217-544-1723.
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June 3. The inspirational true story of Jackie Robinson and how he became the first African American baseball player allowed to play in the major league. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Part of the Movies in the Park series. Begins at sunset. Free. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-585-1821. Free. Robin Roberts Stadium, 1415 N. Grand Ave. E., 217-753-0700.
Legacy of Giving Music Festival
June 3-4. Over 60 music acts on five stages. Two days of music, arts, crafts, kid's entertainment, food trucks and sporting events. All proceeds benefit local charities. logmusicfest.org. Old State Capitol Plaza, between Sixth and Fifth streets at Adams, 217-361-5678.
8K Trail Race
June 4, 7:30am. Race over the scenic trails and pathways of the historic garden, along the trails next to Lake Springfield and throughout the Ostermeier Prairie Center grounds. Kids can participate in a Fun Run for $5. No race-day registration. $30 or $35 after April 15. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-529-1111.
Riverdance 25th Anniversary Show
June 8, 7:30-9:30pm. A powerful and stirring reinvention of this favorite, celebrated the world over for its award-winning score and thrilling energy. $45-$65. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
National Convention and Truck Show
June 9-11. Presented by the American Truck Historical Society. Three full days of shows, presentations, vendor expos, trucking stories (bet you'll hear some doozies) and truck history. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-782-6661.
