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
"Dreaming"
Fridays, Saturdays, 12-6pm. Through April 29. The Pharmacy's first 2023 quarterly exhibit, "Dreaming", continues with works including pieces by emerging artist Elijah Miller. View a wide range of media including blown glass, glass mosaic, graphite, metal work, mixed media paintings in both acrylic and oil, pastels, photography and sculpture. Free. The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space, 623 E. Adams St., 217-899-9786.
"Lasting Impressions"
March 3 through April 1. Presented by the Illinois Prairie Pastel Society. Open during regular gallery hours. Free. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-544-2787.
Luck of the Irish Green Garb Contest
Fri., March 17, 11:30am-1pm. Join in the fun of the Green Garb contest, complete with Shamrock Punch and Irish tunes. Prizes awarded for first-place and second-place winners. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.
Jeff Dunham: Still Not Canceled
Fri., March 17, 7pm. $5-$49.50. BOS Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745-3000.
"Martin Luther King Jr.: A Commemoration"
Tuesdays-Saturdays, 12-4pm. Through April 15. "Martin Luther King Jr.: A Commemoration," Celebrate King's life and legacy. Learn details about his childhood and his efforts to fight for racial and social equity 217-391-6323. Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum, 1440 Monument Ave.
"Art for the Ages"
Tuesdays-Saturdays, 12-4pm. Through March 31. An exhibit of art from Springfield District 186 students. Art being exhibited celebrates Black history and includes drawings, paintings in tempera, oil, watercolor and three-dimensional figures. AAHM has framed the pieces for the display. Free. African-American History Museum Springfield, 1440 Monument Ave., 217-391-6323.
"Growing Up X"
Jan. 28-May 13. Gen X, the often-overlooked Forgotten Generation lies between Boomers and Millennials. Learn about the cultural touchstones that shaped this generation's youth, the last generation to have had an analog childhood. illinoisstatemuseum.org. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.
"Here I Have Lived: Home in Illinois"
Feb. 23-Jan. 21, 2024. New exhibit invites visitors to explore stories of home. Visitors can connect through artifacts, videos and interactive features about how people have imagined, created and found home in Illinois. Free with admission. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.
"Back Home"
Sundays, 1-3pm and Tuesdays-Saturdays, 4-6pm. Through March 26. Canvas painting exhibit by Jamie Woodward. Free. David Bourland Gallery, 939-C S. Durkin Dr., 217-381-4735.
Let's Get Fit
Mondays-Fridays. A chair-based group exercise program designed to meet the needs of older adults who are looking to incorporate more physical activity into their lives. Classes consist of aerobic, strengthening, balance and flexibility exercises. Meets in person and via Zoom. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.
Spotlight on Ice Show
Sat., March 18, 2, 7pm and Sun., March 19, 2pm. The Springfield Figure Skating Club presents "They're Playing Our Song!" This theater on ice features popular productions such as Mary Poppins, Shrek, Showstoppers and 42nd Street. springfieldparks.org. $7-$12. Nelson Center Ice Arena, Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St., 217-753-2800.
Maple syrup time demonstrations
March 18-19, 8am-12pm and March 25-26, 8am-12pm. Join a garden naturalist for maple tree tapping. See the entire syrup-making process from tree tapping to boiling the sap down into syrup. Dress for the weather. Adults $10, kids 4-12 $5, kids 3 and younger free. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-836-5400.
Wooden It Be Lovely furniture sale
Sat., March 18, 9am-1pm and Sun., March 19, 11:30am-3pm. Sale of more than 200 pieces of hand-painted furniture benefits Wooden It Be Lovely, a nonprofit that hires women healing from lives of poverty, addiction and abuse. Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church, 501 S. Douglas Ave., 217-546-4631.
Shiitake Mushroom Workshop
Sat., March 18, 10am-12pm, 1-3pm. Learn techniques used to grow shiitake mushrooms on logs and using mushrooms to make a double-extract tincture. Includes walking tour of the logs and a foraging tour to identify turkey tail mushrooms. $35. Shiitake Mushroom Workshop at Black Oak Woods, Petersburg, 21472 Indian Point Ave., 217-652-4566.
Winter Old Capitol Farmers Market
Sat., March 18, 8am-12pm and Saturdays, 8am-12pm. Through April 15. Union Station, 500 E. Madison, 217-544-1723.
Spring Floral Display
March 18-April 9. Noon to 5pm Saturday-Sunday, Noon to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday. Easter lilies and lush foliage fill the exhibit hall and conservatory for the 50th annual floral display. Washington Park Botanical Garden Exhibit Hall, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-4116.
Abate Swap Meet
Sun., March 19, 10am-3:30pm. $5- $10. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-725-8047.
Springfield Flea Market
Sun., March 19, 8am-3pm. Antiques, vintage, collectibles, crafts, new and used. Illinois State Fairgrounds Illinois Building, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-6661. Admission $1.50. Children younger than 12 free with an adult. $1.50. Illinois Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., 217-782-6661.
"In the Shadow"
Mondays-Thursdays, 11am-6pm and Thu., April 6, 5:30-8pm. Through April 13. "In the Shadow" is an exhibit of ceramic works by Decatur-based artist Jennifer Holt. Holt's mixed media sculpture and installation art revolve around concepts of time, place and memory. UIS Visual Arts Gallery, HSB 201, One University Plaza, 217-206-6506.
Chair aerobics for seniors
Mondays, Wednesdays, 9-10am. Chair aerobics is suitable for everyone, with gentle exercises that develop flexibility, strength, balance, coordination and fitness. Call for more information. athenschristian.net. Free. Athens Christian Church, Athens, 1411 E. Route 29, 217-636-8463.
Drawing studio
Tuesdays, 6:30-9:30pm. An opportunity to improve drawing skills, hand-eye coordination and analytical skills in a studio setting. Work in the medium of your choice. All skill levels are welcome. Donations are welcome. The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space, 623 E. Adams St., 801-810-9278.
Glucose and blood pressure screens
Fourth Wednesday of every month, 9:30-11:30am. Provided by SIU School of Medicine. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.
Happiness Is Al-Anon
Wednesdays, 12pm. Meets in person and via Zoom. For in person, go through south glass doors. For Zoom, call for link info. St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 815 S. Second St., 217-899-6041.
Springfield Chess Club
Wednesdays, 5-7pm. Casual games for the public and club members of all ages and skill levels. Meets weekly at the White Oaks Mall food court. Free. White Oaks Mall, 2501 Wabash Ave., 217-726-2584.
Backgammon Club
Wednesdays, 6-9pm. Live backgammon. Lessons available for beginners. First time entry is free. Harvest Market, 3001 Veterans Pkwy., 217-622-9447.
St. John's Nursing Students Spring Visits
Thursdays, 10am-12pm. Through April 20. Join great conversation, education and a lot of fun as the St. John's College students return for activities and games. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.
Staying Connected Al-Anon
Thursdays, 5:15pm. Zoom only. Call for link. Via Zoom, Springfield, 217-415-3489, 217-652-8131.
The Christians
March 24-25, 7:30pm, Sun., March 26, 2pm, March 31-April 1, 7:30pm and Sun., April 2, 2pm. hcfta.org. $18-$20. Hoogland Center for the Arts Peggy Ryder Theatre, 420 S. Sixth St.
Once
March 24-25, 8pm, Sun., March 26, 2pm, March 31-April 1, 8pm and Sun., April 2, 2pm. This is the regional premier of this musical about how an Irish musician and Czech immigrant are drawn together on the streets of Dublin over a shared love of music. Their collaboration evolves into a love story. Show features songs from the critically-acclaimed movie. $18-20. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Seasons of History Fashion Show
Sat., March 25, 1pm. Experience a classic fashion show like the earliest fashion parades that took place in Paris salons in the 19th century! Show takes guests on a journey spanning about 500 years. Guests will not only get to see fashions of all kinds from those periods, but also how those fashions changed during the seasons. Models will parade through the parlors of Edwards Place wearing summer gowns, winter coats and more. $15. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.
The Ritz
Sat., March 25, 5:30-11pm. One of the largest events held annually for the central Illinois lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. In its seventh year, The Ritz is a casually elegant affair that features a three-course dinner, an evening of dancing and a celebration of the progress made by the LGBT community during the past year. Deadline for tickets is March 17. Crowne Plaza Springfield, 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy., 217-741-4603.
All Ages Improv
Sat., March 25, 7-9pm. Presented by Capital City Improv. Join members of CCI's Teen Improv troupe for an evening of comedy for the whole family. Watch as they team up CCI members for scenes and games made up on the spot. $15. Hoogland Center for the Arts Club Room, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Cat adoptions
Fourth Saturday of every month, 12-3pm and first Saturday of every month, 12-3pm. Through Dec. 2. Forever Home Feline Ranch will have cats available for adoption. Opportunities are also available for fostering and volunteering. Donations welcome. Ace Hardware, 1600 Wabash Ave., 217-787-5100.
Pancake and sausage breakfast and silent auction
Sun., March 26, 8am-12pm. Reservations are now being accepted. Call or visit the website. lincolnmemorialgarden.org. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-529-1111.
IC Fine Arts Series: Momenta Quartet
Sun., March 26, 3pm. The ensemble's eclectic vision encompasses contemporary music of all aesthetic backgrounds alongside great music from the recent and distant past. Adults $15, students free. Illinois College Rammelkamp Chapel, Jacksonville, 1101 W. College Ave., 217-245-3192.
Coin Show
Sun., March 26, 9am-3pm. 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 Dr., 217-523-7900.
Financial literacy training
Tue., March 28, 5-7, 6-8pm. Create a better financial future for yourself. This bi-monthly financial literacy training will help you to create your financial dream . The connected services will help you navigate every aspect of budgeting, planning and enhancing your finances. Hosted by the Springfield Urban League. Call for more information. Springfield Urban League, 100 N. 11th St., 217-528-0895.
Festival de Mujeres 1979
Wed., March 29, 6-7:30pm. How did Latinas empower themselves, their families and communities in 1970s Chicago? Learn how through the 1979 Festival de Mujeres, a street fair in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood, the cultural and activist heart of the Mexican Midwest. Free. UIS Brookens Auditorium, One University Plaza, 217-206-6245.
Soirée for the Bob Freesen YMCA
Fri., March 31, 6-11pm. Entertainment by 90's Daughter. Reserve tickets at the Bob Freesen YMCA front desk or call 217-245-2141 by March 1. $30 in advance or $35 at the door. $300 for reserved table. Hamilton's, Jacksonville, 110 N. East St., 217-675-2720.
Sunshine 66: A Hotel Music Festival
March 31-April 2. Check out the lineup on the Facebook event. Route 66 Hotel and Conference Center, 625 E. Saint Joseph St., 217-529-6626.
APRIL
Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon
Sat., April 1, 7:30am. Run through history in Abraham Lincoln's hometown, including past his law office, his tomb and the only home he ever owned. USATF certified course. Go Abe!. Downtown Springfield, Downtown.
Spring Lawn & Garden Sale
Sat., April 1, 8am-5pm and Sun., April 2, 9am-4pm. The Spring Lawn & Garden Sale is back at the Orr Building for 2023. Show features flowers and plants, garden art, decks and patio, hot tubs and more. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., (217) 528-3033.
Breaking Boundaries
Sat., April 1, 2, 7pm. An innovative performance by the Springfield Ballet Company that brings the beauty of classical ballet contrasted with neo-classical dance works. Children $17, adults $23-$30. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Zoo opening weekend
April 1-2, 10am-5pm and Sun., April 2, 10am-5pm. The Henson Robinson Zoo opens. On the first weekend in April, guests at the zoo can enjoy a day with warmer temperatures to kick off the season. The zoo will take this weekend to introduce you to the new animal friends that have been added since the closure. $5.50-$7.50. Children 2 and under are free. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-544-1751.
Ethical Artificial Intelligence: An Industry Perspective
Wed., April 5, 6:30-7:30pm. Artificial Intelligence (AI) represents an enormous opportunity to advance human well-being. This topic is being tackled by an odd mixture of ethicists, attorneys, statisticians, computer scientists and regulators. Talk will discuss different conceptions of Ethical AI from the perspective of these parties. Free. UIS Student Union Ballroom, 2251 Richard Wright Dr., 217-602-6245.
Having Our Say
April 7-8, 7pm. "The Delaney Sisters' First 100 Years." Starring Kathryn Harris and Patricia Davis as Sadie and Bessie Delaney, who take the audience on a remarkable journey through the last hundred years, recounting fascinating events and anecdotes drawn from their family history and their careers as pioneering African American professionals. hcfta.org. $18-$20. Hoogland Center for the Arts Peggy Ryder Theatre, 420 S. Sixth St.
Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group
Second Tuesday of every month, 1-2:30pm. The best thing you can do for the person you are caring for is stay physically and emotionally strong. Support groups offer comfort and reassurance, and can be good sources of practical advice and even humor. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.
U of I Lunch and Learn Series
Thu., April 13, 11am and Tue., May 9, 11am. Mark Flotow, anthropologist and author, will discuss his book In Their Letters, In Their Words: Illinois Civil War Soldiers Write Home, a collection of quotes from letters written by Illinois Civil War soldiers to loved ones. Future dates will have other topics. $38 includes lunch. Illini Country Club, 1601 S. Illini Road, 217-206-6058.
IC Fine Arts Series: Hub New Music
Fri., April 14, 7:30pm. The Boston-based ensemble has commissioned dozens of new works and continues to usher in a fresh and culturally relevant body of work for its distinct combination of flute, clarinet, violin and cello. Adults $15, students free. Illinois College Rammelkamp Chapel, Jacksonville, 1101 W. College Ave., 217-245-3192.
Exhausted Paint: The Death of Van Gogh
Fri., April 14, 8pm. This 70-minute, one-act play is built around ideas of disorientation and struggle, often based on van Gogh's extensive collected letters. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts Peggy Ryder Theatre, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Newsies Jr.
April 14-15, 7:30pm, Sun., April 16, 2pm, April 21-22, 7:30pm and Sun., April 23, 2pm. Inspired by the rousing true story of newsboys in turn-of-the-century New York City, Newsies Jr. features a Tony Award-winning score. $15. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
The Linda Ronstadt Songbook
Fri., April 14, 8pm, Sat., April 15, 8pm and Sun., April 16, 2pm. A concert evening highlighting the songs of Linda Ronstadt and featuring Springfield singer Lori Ann McCabe and a rocking band. $25 in advance, $30 day of show. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 217-528-9760.
Madagascar the Musical
Mon., April 17, 7-9pm. Based on the DreamWorks' hit animated motion picture and filled with outlandish characters, adventures galore and an upbeat score, this musical is the perfect family outing for audiences of all ages. $19-$59. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
The Book of Mormon
April 18-20, 7:30pm. The nine-time Tony Award®-winning musical. Simply brilliant. uispac.com. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Capital City Improv Spring Workshops
Thu., April 20, 7-9pm and Thu., May 18, 7-9pm. Want to try improvisational theater? Join Capital City Improv for spring workshops and learn to improv basics and play a variety of improv games. Anyone 12+ is welcome. Space is limited. Please RSVP via the Capital City Improv Facebook Messenger to reserve a spot. Free. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Ninth Street Women: Focusing on Lee Krasner & Joan Mitchell
Thu., April 20, 6-7:30pm. Sheri Ramsey will present an hour-long talk about Lee Krasner & Joan Mitchell, two of the women featured in the book, Ninth Street Women by Mary Gabriel. American Sign Language interpreters will be present during our spring presentations, thanks to a grant from the Springfield Area Arts Council. Free. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.
Orchid info and repotting workshop
Sat., April 22, 10am-2pm. Members of the Prairie State Orchid Society will teach basic orchid care and repotting techniques. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-4116.
Logan County Spring Pickers Market
April 22-23. Art, craft, vintage, antiques and specialty booths. Visit with some of the original actors from The Waltons TV show and check out the vintage camper rally. Logan County Fairgrounds, Lincoln, 1408 Short 11th St., 217-732-3311.
Underground Railroad Spring Bus Tour
Sun., April 23, 1-4pm. Join our tour guides outfitted in 19th century period attire on a tour of sites of the Underground Railroad. Learn the fascinating stories of the brave men and women of our history while riding on comfortable modern buses. The tour starts at Illinois College and ends at Woodlawn Farm. Adult: $20 children under 10: $10. Woodlawn Farm, Jacksonville, 1463 Geirke Lane, 217-479-4144.
Venice
Fri., April 28, 7pm. This band is described as quintessentially Californian, with a unique sound that mixes the rock of 70s Aerosmith with the storytelling of James Taylor, and harmonies reminiscent of The Eagles. $40 or $45. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 217-528-9760.
Our Town
Fri., April 28, 7pm, Sat., April 29, 2, 7pm and Sun., April 30, 2pm. Thornton Wilder's timeless drama of life in the mythical village of Grover's Corners, New Hampshire, is an American classic. $18-$26. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Abe's Mini Triathlon
Sun., April 30, 12pm. 100-yard swim, 5-mile bike ride and 1-mile run. Petersburg Square, Petersburg, N. Seventh St. at W. Douglas Ave., 217-341-1309.
UIS Music - UIS/ISYO Peace Concert
Sun., April 30, 3pm. One of several free concerts offered by UIS. Don't miss it!. Free. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
MAY
Moonlight Market
First Wednesday of every month, 6-9pm and Third Wednesday of every month, 6-9pm. Through Sep. 20. A wonderful way to enjoy an evening downtown. Find the works of local artists and artisans, plus dine and sip while you shop. Jackson Street, between Sixth and Seventh streets.
Backyard composting
Thu., May 4, 6-7pm. Learn how to create compost by using the best and most effective methods and materials. Plus, learn about vermicomposting which is composting with worms to create even better compost. Free. Chatham Area Public Library, Chatham, 600 E. Spruce St., 217-483-2713.
Central Park Market
First Thursday of every month, 4-8pm. Through Oct. 5. The Central Park Market features 25-plus local makers and small businesses including food trucks, growers and live music. Downtown Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Central Park, 217-473-7287.
Epic Ending
Fri., May 5. With the Illinois Symphony Orchestra conducted by Joon Andrew Choi. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
UIS Chorus Concert
Fri., May 5, 7pm. UIS musicians in concert. See website for details. Free. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Annual Illinois Vietnam Veterans Vigil
May 5-7. To honor all veterans and active duty military with a focus on Vietnam War veterans. Visit the Vietnam Veterans Annual Vigil Facebook page for more information. Veterans Memorial Complex, Oak Ridge Cemetery, 1500 Monument Ave.
Hammer-In
Sat., May 6, 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 Historic Site, Pleasant Plains, Route 125, 217-481-4430.
Maifest 2023
Sat., May 6, 12-4pm. Enjoy adult beverages from many micro-breweries, home brewers, wineries and distributers suppling popular local and national craft beers. Live music and food trucks will be available. Admission is $25 which includes a commemorative tasting glass and 20 drink samples. $20. Downtown Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Central Park, 217-473-5081.
An Evening with Barbra Streisand, Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga
Sat., May 6, 7pm. Renowned tribute artists Steve Leeds and Sharon Owens recreate the music and on-stage magic of Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga, with a little Barbra Streisand, too. $30- $32. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-ARTS.
UIS Music - Solo Recital
Sat., May 6, 7pm. One of several free concerts put on by UIS. Free. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
First Sunday Midwest Bazaar Spring Fever
Sun., May 7, 8am-4pm. $5. You never know what you're going to find at this bazaar. Top-notch vendors, food, pet adoption mobile site. You can even visit some alpacas. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-725-8047.
Fat Ass 5K and Street Party for Charity
Fri., May 12, 5-10pm and Sat., May 13, 7:30am-3pm. This race has generated more than $1.7 million for charity since 2008. Includes stops for beer, corn dogs, doughnuts 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. $40-$60. Downtown Springfield, Downtown, 217-525-1111.
Iron Chef Gala
Fri., May 12, 6pm. Sample the culinary delights of Springfield's finest chefs as they battle it out to win the People's Choice Award for their culinary creations. Monies raised benefit the students of the Ball-Chatham School District. Crowne Plaza Springfield, 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy., 217-529-7777.
The Color Purple
Fri., May 12, 7:30pm, Sat., May 13, 7:30pm, Sun., May 14, 2pm, Fri., May 19, 7:30pm, Sat., May 20, 7:30pm and Sun., May 21, 2pm. This is a musical adaptation of Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel (and the popular 1985 Steven Spielberg film). The Color Purple is a story of hope, a testament to the healing power of love, and a celebration of life. $20.00. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Native Plant Sale
Sat., May 13, 9am-12pm. Native trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants, multiple milkweed species will be offered, along with many other great species that benefit native wildlife. Hosted by the Illinois Native Plant Society. Illinois State Fairgrounds Reisch Pavilion, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-243-6055.
Mother's Day Remembrance Tribute
Sat., May 13, 10am. Honoring all mothers and the important roles they have played in our lives. The brief ceremony will be led by on-staff certified celebrant Judy Woerner. Roselawn Memorial Park, 1735 S. Camp Butler Road, 217-525-1661.
Foreigner: The Greatest Hits
Tue., May 16, 7:30pm. $5-$95. BOS Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745-3000.
Illinois Product Farmers Market
Thursdays, 3:30-7pm. Through Sep. 28. Local meats, produce, dairy products, baked goods, honey and jams, craft beers, woodworking, jewelry and more. Plus live entertainment and a food truck. Illinois State Fairgrounds, The Shed, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-524-9129.
Old Capitol Farmers Market
8am-12:30pm. Wednesdays and Saturdays from May 20 to Oct. 28. Local cheese, produce, meats, art and more. Downtown Springfield.
Springfield Area Highland Games and Celtic Festival
Sat., May 20, 9am-10pm. Want to prove you have what it takes to be a soldier in historic Scotland? You can try to toss a 20-foot-long caber, throw a 56-pound weight over a raised bar or show you play well with others during a tug-of-war. Event includes bagpipe bands, food, storytelling and Scottish goods. $8-$15. Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin, 316 W. Birch St., 217-488-2685.
Old Capitol Art Fair
Sat., May 20, 10am-5pm and Sun., May 21, 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's two-day outdoor art gallery for 60 years. Free. Old State Capitol, 217-785-7960.
Springfield Pridefest 2023
Sat., May 20, 11-12am. Bringing it "Back to the Streets" on the gayest of days. A day of embracing diversity and celebrating the local LGBTQ community. Kid's area, live entertainment, great vendors and food and drinks. Organized by the Phoenix Center. phoenixcenterspringfield.org. Downtown Springfield, Fifth Street and Capitol Avenue. Free. Downtown, 217-528-5253.
Springfield Sliders vs. Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp
Wed., May 31 and Mon., June 5. Robin Roberts Stadium, 1415 N. Grand Ave. E., 217-753-0700.
JUNE
Nate Bargatze: The Be Funny Tour
Thu., June 1, 7-9pm. Hailing from Old Hickory, Tennessee, stand-up comedian Nate Bargatze is selling out shows around the world. $39.75-$69.75. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series
Thursdays, 6pm. Through Aug. 3. A variety of musical acts perform Thursdays from June 1 through Aug 3, 6-8:30pm. Free. downtownspringfield.org. Y Block, Main Stage, Fourth and Jackson streets, 217-544-1723.
Legacy of Giving
Fri., June 2, 5pm-12am and Sat., June 3, 12pm-12am. Over 60 music acts on five stages. Two days of music, arts, crafts, kids' entertainment, food trucks and sporting events. All proceeds benefit local charities. logmusicfest.org. Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-361-5678.
Show TBD
June 2-4, 8:30pm and June 7-10, 8:30pm. The Muni is holding off until May 1 to announce the first show of the season because of contractual obligations. However, it says the show is an all-time classic musical drama that has graced the stage multiple times. Reserved seating $22. Lawn seating $15. Children 5 and younger are free on the lawn. The Muni, 815 E. Lake Dr., 217-793-6864.
8K Trail Race
Sat., June 3, 7:30-9:30am. 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 $6. $30 or $40 after April 15. No on-site registration on race day. $30-$40, $6 for children. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-529-1111.
Sangamon County Fair
June 14-18, 7-12am. This is a classic Midwestern county fair featuring livestock shows, a queen contest, midway, music and top-notch entertainment. $5- $10. Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin, 316 W. Birch St., 217-488-2685.
Juneteenth Celebration Weekend
June 15-19. A communitywide celebration with a variety of family-friendly events, music and special displays at area museums. Find more information on the Juneteenth Inc. Springfield, IL Facebook page. 217-572-0234.
