August
Washington Park Historic Photography Display
Aug 23-Sep 2, 12-4pm Mon-Fri, 12-5pm Sat-Sun. Annual photo display features images of Washington Park dating back to the park’s creation in 1902. Free. springfieldparks.org. Washington Park Botanical Garden Exhibit Hall, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 546-4116.
Illinois Products Farmers Market
Aug 23, 30, Sep 6, 13, 20, 27, Oct 4, 11, 4-7pm Thu. Shopping, health and wellness information, live entertainment and more in a street party atmosphere. Free. agr.state.il.us/nightmarket. Illinois State Fairgrounds, The Shed, 801 Sangamon Ave., 524-3297.
Lincoln as Commander in Chief
Aug 23, 6:30-8pm Thu. Twelfth in a series of 12 programs about Illinois and the Civil War. Sponsored by the Civil War Roundtables of Macoupin County and Springfield. Free. booksonthesquare.com. Books on the Square Springfield, 427 E. Washington St., 965-5443.
Jan Sorenson Hill Art Exhibition
Aug 23-31, Thu-Fri. Theme is “Journey through space.” On display through Aug 31. sangamoclub.net. Sangamo Club, 227 E. Adams St., 544-1793.
Citizens Club Policy Breakfast
Aug 24, 8-9am Fri. Program features Chief Kenny Winslow of the Springfield Police Department. Coffee reception at 7:30am. Free. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.
Crafter’s Treasure Sale
Aug 24-25, 8am-8pm Fri, 8am-12pm Sat. Featuring craft supplies. $10 per bag. springfieldceramicsandcraftsclub.org. Springfield Ceramics and Crafts Club, 2626 S. Pasfield St., 793-2178.
Dog Jumping Competition
Aug 24-26, 10am Fri, 9am Sat-Sun. Watch the dogs fly or bring your dog and have them show off their jumping skills. Hosted by DockDogs. Free admission. Registration: $27 in advance; $30 on site. dockdogs.com. Scheels, 3801 S. MacArthur Blvd., 726-6330.
Walk and Talk: Bicentennial and Beyond!
Aug 24, 31, 10am and 2pm Fri. Journey through 200 years of Illinois history on this curator-led gallery walk through “Bicentennial and Beyond: The Illinois Legacy Collection” exhibition. Free with museum admission. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 558-6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.
Old Capitol Blues and BBQ
Aug 24-25, 5pm-12am Fri, 12pm-12am Sat. Two days of live music, BBQ, domestic and craft beers, a wine garden and more. An official bicentennial event. $5 Friday; $10 Saturday. Old State Capitol Plaza, between Sixth and Fifth streets at Adams, Springfield.
STC’s Boat and Season Launch Party
Aug 24, 6:30pm Fri. Featuring musical entertainment, a dessert bar, boat rides and more. Hosted by Springfield Theatre Centre. $20. springfieldtheatrecentre.com. Island Bay Yacht Club, 76 Yacht Club Road, 529-5418.
Big River
Aug 24-25, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sat. Mark Twain’s timeless classic sweeps us down the mighty Mississippi as the irrepressible Huck Finn helps his friend Jim, a slave, escape to freedom. $18, $20. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.
Spoon River Anthology
Aug 24-26, 30-31, Sep 1, 8pm Fri-Sun, 8pm Thu-Sat. A stage adaptation of Edgar Lee Masters’ classic book of poems. Directed by Phil Funkenbusch. $15 adults, $13 seniors, $10 children under 12. theatreinthepark.net. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 632-5440.
Softball Tournament
Aug 24-26, Fri-Sun. Aqua Sports Club, 1 Club Area, 529-2431.
Fall Meeting and Coffee
Aug 25, 9am-12pm Sat. Hosted by the American Association of University Women. Fall meeting with light refreshments. Free. aauwspringfieldil.com. LLCC Trutter Center, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786-2200.
Music at the Market
Aug 25, Sep 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Oct 6, 13, 20, 27, 10am-12pm Sat. Entertainment provided by local performers. Free. springfieldartsco.org. 753-3519. Old Capitol Farmers Market, Fourth and Adams streets, 544-1723.
Springfield Micro Con
Aug 25, 10am-4pm Sat. Comic book show featuring comics, comic creators, comic vendors, and those that love to collect them. $5 admission; free to ages 10 and under. Presented by STL Comics. stlcomics.net. Crowne Plaza Springfield, 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy, 529-7777.
Donnie Baker
Aug 25, 7pm Sat. Firefighters-Postal Lake Club, 940 W. Lake Shore Dr., 622-0099.
Party
Aug 25, Sat. Springfield Ski and Boat Club, 268 Maple Grove Lane, 529-9090.
Summerfest Cookout
Aug 25, Sat. DAV Club, 25 Club Area, 529-9725.
Bike and Hike Days
Aug 26, Sep 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 8am-4pm Sun. Enjoy safe recreation and minimized vehicular traffic. Hosted by the Springfield Park District. Free. springfieldparks.org. Washington Park, 1501 S. Grand Ave. W., 544-1751.
Loss of a Spouse GriefShare Seminar
Aug 26, 1-3pm Sun. Grief support session features DVD presentations, special handouts and plenty of time for discussion and sharing. Pre-registration. Free. trinity-lutheran.com. 899-9418. Trinity Lutheran School, 515 S. MacArthur Blvd., 787-2323.
Ice Cream Social
Aug 26, 2-4pm Sun. Featuring baked treats with ice cream and toppings. Free-will donation of non-perishable food item. peacelutheranspringfield.org. 494-2658. Peace Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St., 546-7646.
Vineyard and Winery with Susan Danenberger
Aug 26, 2-5pm Sun. Part of the Women Who Farm Field Day Series. Enjoy a farm tour complete with refreshments and a beautiful day of grapes, wine and (possibly) stomping. Registration. $15. thelandconnection.org. 840-2128. Danenberger Family Vineyards, 12341 Irish Road, New Berlin, 488-6321.
Bicentennial Plaza Dedication
Aug 26, 3:15-5pm Sun. The Illinois Bicentennial, the city of Springfield and the Illinois REALTORS will officially dedicate Bicentennial Plaza, a REALTOR community partnership. illinoisrealtors.org. Bicentennial Plaza, 428 S. Fifth St., 529-2600.
Brian Free and Assurance
Aug 26, 6-7:30pm Sun. Concert by Dove Award Winners. Free-will offering. 825-3817. First Christian Church of Petersburg, 210 S. Eighth St., Petersburg, 632-2533.
Labyrinth Nights with
Sister Moon
Aug 26, 8-9:30pm Sun. Walk the labyrinth in silence by candlelight and share reflections afterwards. Limited to 12 participants. $10. chiaracenter.org. Chiara Center, 4875 Laverna Road, 523-0901.
Modified Bike and Hike Days
Aug 27-29, Sep 3-5, 10-12, 17-19, 24-26, 4-6pm Mon-Wed. Enjoy safe recreation and minimized vehicular traffic around a modified loop. Hosted by the Springfield Park District. Free. springfieldparks.org. Washington Park, 1501 S. Grand Ave. W., 544-1751.
Abe and Mary Quite Contrary Walking Tour
Aug 28, 10-11am Tue. A 1.5-mile, 60-minute walking tour that takes you on a journey through historic downtown Springfield. Registration. aarp.cvent.com. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 558-8844.
Android for Beginners
Aug 28, 2-4pm Tue. Join AARP Springfield for a beginner’s class on your Android device. Registration. aarp.cvent.com. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 753-4900.
Adult Children of Alcoholics and other Dysfunctional Families
Aug 28, Sep 4, 11, 18, 25, Oct 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Nov 6, 13, 20, 27, Dec 4, 11, 18, 25, Jan 1, 5:30pm Tue. Weekly meetings every Tuesday. New attendees welcome. [email protected]. Discovery Club, 313 W. Cook St., 544-9049.
Yoga
Aug 28, Sep 4, 11, 5:30pm Tue. Sessions led by Megan Cox. $10 per session. tricity.lib.il.us. 364-8181. Tri-City Public Library, 600 S. Main St., Buffalo.
Mary Bryant Home Singers
Aug 29, 12-1pm Wed. Part of Artist on the Plaza, a family-friendly outdoor performance series featuring local talent. Hosted by the Springfield Area Arts Council. Free. springfieldartsco.org. 753-3519. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 785-7960.
Pickleball for Beginners
Aug 29, Sep 5, 12, 19, 26, Oct 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 5:30-10pm Wed. Learn the basics of pickleball from the Springfield Pickleball Club. Paddles and balls provided. For ages 12+. Free. springfieldparks.org. 544-1751 ext. 1012. Iles Park, Sixth and Ash streets.
Effective Communication Strategies
Aug 29, 6-7:30pm Wed. Explore how communication takes place when someone has Alzheimer’s, learn to decode verbal and behavioral messages delivered by someone with dementia, and identify strategies to help you connect and communicate at each stage of the disease. alz.org. 726-5184. Lincoln Public Library, 725 Pekin St., Lincoln, 732-8878.
Enos Park Community Garden Night
Aug 29, Sep 5, 12, 19, 26, Oct 3, 10, 6-8pm Wed. Every Wednesday. Help garden and share the vegetable harvest. Free. Enos Park Community Garden, 1022 N. Fifth St., 847-341-0591.
Handmade Trivia
Aug 29, 7-9pm Wed. Seven rounds of five questions each, emceed by Donna Smargiassi. Free. buzzbombbrewingco.com. Buzz Bomb Brewing Co, 406 E. Adams, 679-4157.
It was a Crime to be a German
Aug 30, 6-7:30pm Thu. Presentation by Illinois Humanities Road Scholar Barbara Kay. Free. chathamlib.org. Chatham Area Public Library, 600 E. Spruce, Chatham, 483-2713.
Night Gallery - In Black and White
Aug 30, 7-9pm Thu. Gallery tour led by Corrin McWhirter features an in-depth discussion of some of the pieces on display, plus readings of prose inspired by artworks on display and music by Eric Rogers. Free. springfieldart.org. SAA Collective Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St., 544-2787.
A Spirituality of Dogs
Aug 30, Thu. First in a series of four “Food and Faith” evenings offering guests dinner and a discussion to consider how joy is manifest in ordinary ways. chiaracenter.org. Chiara Center, 4875 Laverna Road, 523-0901.
Elkhart Historical Society Dinner Lecture
Aug 31, 5:30pm Fri. Presentation by Dean Williams titled “The Making of a Historical Film, Abraham Lincoln in Logan County.” Reservations. $40. elkharthistoricalsociety.org. 947-2238. The Wild Hare Cafe, 104 Governor Oglesby St., Elkhart, 947-2100.
The Enchanted Bookshop
Aug 31, Sep 1-2, 7pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sat-Sun. Sensory-friendly performance Sep 1 at 2pm. A charming, comedic play that celebrates the joy of reading in a fresh, fun-filled way. Presented by M.A.S.S. Media. $12, $15. hcfta.com. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.
Brandt Season Championship
Aug 31, Fri. $5. lincolnspeedwayil.com. Lincoln Speedway, 1408 Short 11th St., Lincoln, 735-1833.
SEPTEMBER
Bicentennial and Beyond! The Illinois Legacy Collection
Sep 1-30, 9am-4:30pm Mon-Sat, 12-4:30pm Sun. Exhibition features rare and rarely-seen artifacts from the museum’s 13.5-million-object Illinois Legacy Collection. $5 adults ages 19-64; free to members, youth, seniors, military and veterans. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 558-6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.
Sangamon Valley Woodcarvers Annual Show
Sep 1-2, 10am-5pm Sat, 10am-4pm Sun. Wood art on display plus vendors, show activities, drawings, seminars and more. svwoodcarvers.org. 546-8792. Illinois Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 S. Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.
Springfield Oyster and Beer Festival
Sep 1, 12-5pm Sat. Featuring more than 30 brands of craft beer, gourmet oyster dishes, food trucks, live music and more. $25-$65. sobfestival.com. The Inn at 835, 835 S. Second St., 523-4466.
Prairieland Chautauqua
Sep 1-3, 4-9pm Sat-Mon. Featuring 12 independent, hour-long performances spread out over three days. Organized by the Morgan County Historical Society. Free. jacksonvilleil.org. Jacksonville High School, 1211 N. Diamond St., Jacksonville, 243-4384.
Bicentennial Pageant
Sep 1-2, Sat-Sun. Pageant features reenactments of Lincoln’s New Salem years with patriotic imagery and fanfare. lincolnsnewsalem.com. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 632-4000.
End of Summer Party
Sep 1, Sat. elks158.com. Springfield Elks Lodge #158, 409 E. Lake Shore Dr., 529-0158.
First Sunday Midwest Bazaar
Sep 2, Oct 7, 8am-4pm Sun. Rain-or-shine event featuring arts, crafts, decor, jewelry, food, furniture, antiques, vintage and more. $4 per person, free to ages 12 and under. Menard County Fairgrounds, 18450 Fairgrounds, Petersburg.
Labor Day Party
Sep 2, Sun. Firefighters-Postal Lake Club, 940 W. Lake Shore Dr., 622-0099.
Springfield Mile Race 2
Sep 2, Sun. Motorcycles race a 1-mile oval track. springfieldmile.org. Illinois State Fair Grandstand, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.
Labor Day Ducky Derby
Sep 3, 10-11:30am Mon. In support of the families of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois. $5 per ducky. Free admission. rmhc-centralillinois.org. 528-3314. Knights Action Park, 1700 Knights Recreation Dr., 546-8881.
Labor Day Parade
Sep 3, 10-11am Mon. A celebration of the achievements of working people throughout the year. downtownspringfield.org. 544-1723. Downtown Springfield.
Our Land Between the Rivers
Sep 4, 6-7pm Tue. Program by Barry Cloyd, a Midwestern-based, full-time touring singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Free. chathamlib.org. Chatham Area Public Library, 600 E. Spruce, Chatham, 483-2713.
Moonlight Market
Sep 5, 19, 6-9pm Wed. Event features central Illinois artists and artisans on the first and third Wednesday of each month. Free. obedandisaacs.com. 522-3123. Obed and Isaacs, 500 S. Sixth St., 670-0627.
Financial Peace University
Sep 5, 12, 19, 26, Oct 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, Nov 7, 14, 6:30-8pm Wed. Nine-week study by Dave Ramsey teaches participants the basics of budgeting, dumping debt, planning for the future and more. $109. athenschristian.net. Athens Christian Church, 1411 E. Route 29, Athens, 636-8463.
GriefShare
Sep 5, 12, 19, 26, Oct 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, Nov 7, 14, 21, 28, 6:30-8pm Wed. A 14-week, Christ-centered, Bible-based support group seminar open to those who have lost a spouse, child, family member or friend through death. Cost of book. griefshare.org. Athens Christian Church, 1411 E. Route 29, Athens, 636-8463.
Atlanta Fall Festival
Sep 6-8, Thu-Sat. Downtown Atlanta.
Prairie Defender: The Murder Trials of Abraham Lincoln
Sep 6, 12pm Thu. Illinois History Forum session moderated by author George R. Dekle. Free. presidentlincoln.illinois.gov. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 558-8844.
Hamilton and History VIP Dinner
Sep 6, 6:30pm Thu. A VIP event featuring New York Times bestselling author Jeremy McCarter, who co-authored Hamilton: The Revolution along with Lin Manuel-Miranda. $35, $45. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.
Redefining Opening Reception
Sep 7, 5-7pm Fri. Exhibition features art by Dick Folse, Bob Dixon and Sheri Ramsey, plus new work by the membership of the SAA Collective. On display through Nov 1. Free. springfieldart.org. SAA Collective Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St., 544-2787.
Vachel Lindsay: Poet, Artist, Visionary Opening Reception
Sep 7, 5:30-7:30pm Fri. Exhibition features rarely-seen examples of Vachel Lindsay’s artwork and poetry along with related photos and artifacts. Free. springfieldart.org. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.
Bluegrass Concerts
Sep 7-8, 6-10pm Fri-Sat. Featuring performers from all over the Midwest. lincolnsnewsalem.com. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 632-4000.
Decatur Craft Beer Festival VIP Event
Sep 7, 7-10pm Fri. Sample hors d’oeuvres plus rare and hard-to-find beers and ciders not available at the festival. Also receive entrance into the festival plus other complimentary goodies. VIP tickets: $100 each. decaturcraftbeerfestival.com. Decatur Area Arts Council, 125 N. Water St., Decatur, 423-3189.
Run thru the Prairie
Sep 8, 8am Sat. Four-mile trail and fun run through the Centennial Park prairie. In support of the Friends of the Sangamon Valley’s stewardship activities throughout the lower Sangamon River watershed. getmeregistered.com. 585-1818. Centennial Park, Bunker Hill Road and Lenhart Road, 753-0700.
2018 Prarie Star 5K
Sep 8, 8:30-11:30am Sat. Family-friendly 5K race winds through the beautiful UIS campus. Yard games, music and balloon animals at finish line. In support of Girls on the Run of Central Illinois. Registration. $8 UIS students; $13 community members. uis.edu. The Recreation and Athletic Center (TRAC), 2171 University Dr., 206-7103.
Alpha Kappa Alpha 5K Walk/Run
Sep 8, 9am Sat. In support of the local Alzheimer’s Association’s efforts and Alpha Kappa Alpha’s scholarships to high school students. $25 adults; $5 children ages 12 and under. getmeregistered.com. Illinois State Fairgrounds Commodities Pavilion, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.
2nd Saturday Workshop
Sep 8, 10-11am Sat. Create your own unique terrarium. $25. greenview.com. 309-243-7761. GreenView Nursery, 3000 W. Jefferson, 787-4700.
Second Annual Oktoberfest
Sep 8, 12-10:30pm Sat. Featuring German bands, food, crafts and games. Hosted by Knights of Columbus Council 364. $5 per person. 691-1506. Knights of Columbus 364, 2200 S. Meadowbrook Road, 787-2360.
Sierra Club Allerton Forest Hike
Sep 8, 10am-12pm Sat. A 2.5-mile hike on the Green Trail, one of the most diverse trails in the park. Hosted by the SVG Sierra Club. Limited to 20 participants. RSVP. 899-9996. Robert Allerton Park & Retreat Center, 515 Old Timber Road, Monticello, 762-7011.
Art Spectacular
Sep 8-9, 10am-5pm Sat, 10am-4pm Sun. A multi-experience festival consisting of art, music and children’s programs. Featuring 50 regional and national artists. Free admission; kids’ place costs $2 per child. carillon-rees.org. 787-3532. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 546-4116.
Downtown Springfield Family FunFest
Sep 8, 10am-5pm Sat. Featuring inflatable obstacle courses and bounce houses, games and activities, food trucks, character appearances and main-stage entertainment. $10 per person, free to ages 2 and under. Hosted by Prevent Child Abuse Illinois. springfieldfunfest.org. 522-1129. Washington Street between Fifth and Sixth streets, 1 Old Capitol Plaza N.
Metric Century Bicycle Ride
Sep 8, 10am Sat. Join Springfield Bicycle Club on a metric (62 mile) or half-metric (31 mile) bicycle ride. Food stop in Athens. cccweekend.org. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.
Prairie Days
Sep 8-9, 10am-3pm Sat-Sun. Featuring period demonstrators, artisans, vendors, live music, tours of the historical buildings, butter churning, candle dipping, food, fun, games and more. Admission by donation. christiancountyhistorical.com. Christian County Historical Museum, near Routes 29 and 48 on Morrison Dr., Taylorville, 824-6922.
Traditional Music Festival
Sep 8-9, 10am-4pm Sat-Sun. Midwest performers entertain on instruments such as mountain dulcimers, bones, autoharps, fiddles, banjos and guitars. lincolnsnewsalem.com. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 632-4000.
Youth Art Showcase
Sep 8-9, 10am-5pm Sat, 10am-4pm Sun. Featuring artworks by 10 high school artists from Sangamon and Menard counties. Free. 787-3532. Washington Park Botanical Garden Exhibit Hall, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 546-4116.
Decatur Craft Beer Festival
Sep 8, 1-7pm Sat. Featuring more than 100 unique craft beers and ciders, live music and food trucks. Hosted by MRI and the Decatur Area Arts Council. $30 per drinker; $10 per designated driver. decaturcraftbeerfestival.com. Decatur Area Arts Council, 125 N. Water St., Decatur, 423-3189.
Historic Bicycle Ride
Sep 8, 1-3pm Sat. An easy-paced 8-mile tour by bicycle of historic sites in the capital city. Featuring tour guides and ride marshals. Hosted by the Springfield Bicycle Club. Free. cccweekend.org. 720-1568. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.
Informational Fair and Prairie Days Celebration
Sep 8, 1-4pm Sat. Local agencies will be onsite to answer questions about Alzheimer’s and dementia, plus a small festival featuring field games ($0.25 per game) and face painting and snacks ($1). Proceeds support the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Free admission. Mill Creek Alzheimer’s Special Care Center, 3319 Ginger Creek Dr., 717-2075.
Oak Ridge Tree Tour
Sep 8, 1-4pm Sat. Tour honors graves and monuments. Free. oakridgecemeterytrees.wordpress.com. Oak Ridge Cemetery, 1441 Monument Ave., 789-2340.
Loops-A-Palooza Festival
Sep 8, 5-9pm Sat. Live music, food trucks, beer and wine, bicycle-themed exhibitors and activities, and recognition of the City of Springfield’s recent designation by the League of American Bicyclists as a bronze-level bicycle friendly community. Free. cccweekend.org. 899-9175. The Shed, Gate 3, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 2341 N. Peoria Road, 782-6661.
Logan County Fall Pickers Market
Sep 8-9, Sat-Sun. logancountyfairil.com. Logan County Fairgrounds, 1408 Short 11th St., Lincoln, 732-3311.
Trivia Night
Sep 8, Sat. Hosted by the Springfield Theatre Centre. Reservations. 741-3605. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.
46th Annual Capital City Century
Sep 9, 7am-5pm Sun. Join the Springfield Bicycle Club on a metric (62 mile) or half-metric (31 mile) bicycle ride with a food stop in Athens. Registration. cccweekend.org. 899-9175. Illinois Building, Gate 1 (Main Gate), Illinois State Fairgrounds, 1101 E. Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.
Cruise 11 to Remember 9-11
Sep 9, 8am Sun. Car and bike show judged by veterans and first responders, 9-11 memorial service and awards ceremony, live entertainment as well as an 11-mile memorial cruise at 3pm. Proceeds support the Macon County Help for Heroes fund. $11 vehicle entry fee. Decatur Central Park, Decatur, 791-1385.
Litchfield Pickers Market
Sep 9, Oct 14, 9am-3pm Sun. Open-air market specializing in vendors featuring items prior to 1980, plus live music, food and more. Free admission. visitlitchfield.com. Downtown Litchfield, 400 N. State St., Litchfield, 866-733-5833.
Jerry Garcia Tribute
Sep 9, 12-9pm Sun. 24th annual Penny Lane Jerry Garcia tribute featuring Perfunctory, Pimpin Henry and Sunshine Daydream. Free. Douglas Park, 400 N. MacArthur Blvd.
Springfield Civic Garden Club
Sep 10, 9am Mon. Monthly meeting. Presentation titled “A Brief Overview of Bonsai” by Mike Sudholt. Free. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut St., 522-4415.
Author Colson Whitehead
Sep 12, 5-6:30pm Wed. Meet and greet reception for Colson Whitehead, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Underground Railroad, winner of the 2017 Pulitzer Prize in fiction and the 2016 National Book Award, and an official selection of Oprah’s Book Club. Free. ic.edu. Jacksonville Public Library, 201 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 243-5435.
Listen, Lead, Share Community Dialogue
Sep 12, 6:30-8pm Wed. Join the Sangamon Valley Group of the Illinois Sierra Club for a community conversation on clean energy policy. Free. lincolnlibrary.info. 899-9996. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 753-4900.
Author Colson Whitehead
Sep 12, 7pm Wed. Presentation by Colson Whitehead, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Underground Railroad, winner of the 2017 Pulitzer Prize in fiction and the 2016 National Book Award, and an official selection of Oprah’s Book Club. Free. ic.edu. Illinois College Rammelkamp Chapel, 1101 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 245-3000.
Public Art, Public Spaces
Sep 12, 7pm Wed. Featuring John McClarey, Troy Freeman, Allison Lacher and Corrin McWhirter. Moderated by Betsy Dollar. springfieldart.org. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.
Oral History Blagojevich
Sep 12, Wed. Moderated by Mark DePue. Part of the ALPLM and ISM’s “Tales from the Vault” program series. presidentlincoln.illinois.gov. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 558-8844.
When Character was King: A Story of Ronald Reagan
Sep 13, 12pm Thu. Illinois History Forum session moderated by ALPLM Executive Director Alan Lowe. Free. presidentlincoln.illinois.gov. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 558-8844.
Mt. Pulaski Fall Festival
Sep 14-15, Fri-Sat. Featuring a parade, food, crafts at the courthouse, and other fun. mtpulaskiil.com. Downtown Mt. Pulaski.
Navy Club Auxiliary Fall Bazaar
Sep 15, 8am-5pm Sat. Bazaar featuring craft vendors. Free admission. Navy Club of Sangamon Ship 32, 3100 Stanton Ave., 585-9132.
Center for Transplant Services 5K Run/Walk
Sep 15, 9am-12pm Sat. Alan G. Birtch, MD, Center for Transplant Services. Registration. Adv: $25 adults, $15 youth. MemorialTransplantServices.com. 588-2417. Hope Pavilion at Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 788-2310.
Clayville Fall Festival
Sep 15-16, 9am-5pm Sat, 10am-4pm Sun. Featuring vendors, artisans, reenactments and more. $5 adults, $3 ages 6-12, free to ages 5 and under. clayville.org. Clayville, Route 125, Pleasant Plains, 572-4984.
Conference for Caregivers
Sep 15, 9am-1pm Sat. Area Agency on Aging for Lincolnland presents their 17th Annual Conference for Caregivers and Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. Registration. $18. illinoistimestix.com. 787-9234. Crowne Plaza Springfield, 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy, 529-7777.
Cruise Nite and Car Show
Sep 15, 9am-9pm Sat. Car show featuring classic and unique automobiles from 9am-3pm. Cruise down Morton Avenue from 5-9pm. jacksonvilleil.org. Jacksonville Community Park, 1201 S. Main, Jacksonville, 243-5678.
Edwards Place Fine Art Fair
Sep 15-16, 10am-5pm Sat, 10am-4pm Sun. 30th annual arts fair featuring more than 60 booths, artist demos, a used book sale, scavenger hunt and more. A dog-friendly event. springfieldart.org. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.
Jacksonville Rotary Oktoberfest
Sep 15, 12pm Sat. Featuring German beer and wine, authentic German food, German music and Oompa bands, wiener dog races, keg toss contest, bags tournament, German dancing, human foosball tournament and more. jacksonvillerotary.org. 243-5678. Morgan County Fairgrounds, 110 N. Westgate, Jacksonville, 245-6800.
Enos Park Home Tour
Sep 15, 1-5pm Sat. Self-guided tour features fully-renovated properties, works in progress, and houses needing someone to love them back to life. Reception immediately following tour in the Sculpture Garden. $10. epnia.com. Tickets and tour book available at the EPNIA booth at Edwards Place Fine Arts Fair, 700 N. Fourth St., 553-4629.
Tribute to Marilyn Campbell
Sep 15, 3-5pm Sat. A celebration of Marilyn Campbell’s legacy to the natural world. Featuring stories and memories of Marilyn, plus light refreshments. RSVP. illinoisaudubon.org. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 E. Clear Lake Ave., 544-2473.
Angela Ingersoll Sings Julie Garland
Sep 15, 8pm Sat. Concert by award-winning vocalist Angela Ingersoll. $30 advance, $35 day of. atthelegacy.com. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.
Abraham Lincoln National Railsplitting Festival
Sep 15-16, Sat-Sun. Postville Park, 301 Fifth St., Lincoln.
Fall Farm Day
Sep 16, 12-5pm Sun. Complimentary popcorn wagon rides plus pumpkin painting, face painting and farm tours. Free admission. gailspumpkinpatch.com. 737-0074. Gail’s Pumpkin Patch, 1709 2000th Ave., Beason, 447-3409.
Color Me Radd Run/Walk
Sep 16, 12:30-2:30pm Sun. An 80s-themed color run. Choose from 5K, 1-mile or virtual race options. Presented by Fun DMC. Registration. Adv: $9.99-$34.99. colormeradd.com. 412-1503. Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 753-0702.
Illinois in Art and Literature, 1818 to 2017
Sep 16, 2-3pm Sun. A wide-ranging slide-illustrated presentation by art historian and educator Laura Mueller. Free. 782-0979. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.
Music in the Park: Celtic Fest
Sep 16, 4-7pm Sun. Featuring the Emerald Underground, Elks Pipes and Skibbereen. BYO chairs, blankets, food and drinks (no alcohol). Free. springfieldparks.org. Washington Park Picnic Shelter, 1501 S. Grand Ave. W., 544-1751.
Healthy Kids Running Series
Sep 16, 23, 30, Oct 7, 14, 4:30pm Sun. A positive, educational and fun introduction to running for ages 2-14. 50-yard dash, 75-yard dash, 1/4-mile, 1/2-mile and 1-mile options available by age. $35 for five Sundays. Registration. runsignup.com. 725-5968. Williamsville Park, Williamsville.
Jay Leno
Sep 16, 8pm Sun. Featuring Jay Leno, widely-known as “the hardest working man in show business.” sangamonauditorium.org. Admission. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160.
Annual Card Party
Sep 18, 6:30pm-9am Tue. Hosted by the Cachet Club. Play cards or any game for $5. Includes a drink, desserts and door prizes. 494-1571. Little Flower Parish Center, 800 Stevenson Dr., 529-1606.
Sangamon River: A Sense of Place
Sep 18, 6:30pm Tue. Presentation by Professor Charles Schweighauser. pspld.com. Prairie Skies Public Library Pleasant Plains, 555 Buckeye Road, Pleasant Plains, 626-1553.
MQX Quilt Festival
Sep 19-22, 7-9pm Wed, 10am-6pm Thu-Fri, 10am-5pm Sat. Quilt show and conference featuring 100+ classes in all aspects of quilting, plus fun evening events, guest speakers, quilt exhibitions, vendors and more. $10 admission per day; $15 for a multi-day pass. mqxshow.com. 603-778-6994. Crowne Plaza Springfield, 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy, 529-7777.
Cookies and Cocktails
Sep 20, 5:30pm Thu. Featuring dinner stations and culinary competitions with local chefs creating desserts inspired by Girl Scout cookies. $100 for singles, $175 couples. getyourgirlpower.org. LRS Hangar, 1200 Capital Airport Dr., 523-8159.
Springfield Audubon 3rd Thursday Program
Sep 20, 6-8pm Thu. LLCC professor Tony Rothering leads a migratory bird hike and gives a presentation on MAPS bird banding, migration and bird identification. Free. springfieldaudubon.org. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 E. Clear Lake Ave., 544-2473.
International Route 66 Mother Road Festival
Sep 21-23, 6-10pm Fri, 9am-10pm Sat, 11am-2pm Sun. Featuring more than 1,000 cool cars plus live music and entertainment, performance marketplace, family fun area, food and more. Free. route66fest.com. Downtown Springfield, 866-783-6645.
Document Shredding Event
Sep 22, 9am-12pm Sat. Hosted by the Laketown Neighborhood Association. Shredding by Shred-It Onsite. Must donate two non-perishable food items per container to have items shredded. laketownassn.com. 960-0348. Magro’s Meat and Produce, 3150 Stanton St., 679-3161.
Saved by the 90s Dueling Piano
Sep 22, 8-10pm Sat. A 90s-themed dueling pianos event featuring boy bands, R&B and dance-pop music. $30 per person; $250 per table of 8. gotrcentralillinois.org. Firefighters-Postal Lake Club, 940 W. Lake Shore Dr., 622-0099.
Rockballet
Sep 22, Sat. Presented by the Springfield Ballet Company. springfieldballetco.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160.
City Wide Hymn Fest
Sep 23, 12pm Sun. Interdenominational hymn sing open to all who enjoy singing along with or listening to traditional hymns. Held in cooperation with several local churches. Free. carillon-rees.org. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 546-3853.
Today, Tomorrow and Forever: A Tribute to Patsy Cline
Sep 23, 7pm Sun. One-woman tribute show by Katie Deal features a live band, tight harmonies and a powerhouse singer. $28-$32. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.
Full Moon Trail Run
Sep 24, 7:30pm Mon. 2.5-mile nighttime trail run. Free. GetMeRegistered.com. Lewis Memorial Acres, 399 S. Koke Mill Road, 341-1785.
Artful Readers Book Club
Sep 25, Oct 30, Nov 27, 7-8:30pm Tue. Join fellow art and book lovers for casual, engaging literary discussion about an art-related book. springfieldart.org. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.
LLCC Art Exhibit Progressive Reception
Sep 27, 4:30-6:30pm Thu. Exhibition titled “Art, Asia and Antiquities: People, places and things that inspired Phil Trutter” by current LLCC art faculty, plus hors d’oeuvres, desserts and coffee by LLCC Epicurean Club members. Free. llcc.edu. LLCC James S. Murray Gallery, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786-4967. LLCC Trutter Center, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786-2200.
Citizens Club Policy Breakfast
Sep 28, 8-9am Fri. Program features Jennifer Gill, superintendent of Springfield School District 186. Coffee reception at 7:30am. Free. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.
Violet - The Broadway Musical
Sep 28-30, Oct 4-7, 7pm Thu, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. Featuring music ranging from bluegrass to gospel to rockabilly. $25 advance, $30 day of. atthelegacy.com. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.
1776
Sep 28-30, Oct 5-7, 7:30pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. A historically-accurate musical that brings John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and the rest of the Second Continental Congress to life. $20, $25, $30. hcfta.org. 523-2787. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 785-7960.
100 Years of Broadway
Sep 28, Fri. A concert and dinner event. theatreinthepark.net. 632-5440. New Salem Roots, 14305 IL-97, Petersburg, 710-1900.
Fall Festival and Steam Show
Sep 28-30, Fri-Sun. See an antique tractor pull, gas and steam engines, demonstrations, children’s activities, train rides, flea market, food and more. prairielandheritage.com. 243-5678. Prairie Land Heritage Museum, 1005 W. Michigan Ave., 243-7262.
Apple ‘n Pork Festival
Sep 29-30, 9am-5pm Sat-Sun. Featuring more than 25 booths featuring numerous types of old-fashioned, harvest-time apple and pork foods. Free admission. chmoorehomestead.org. C.H. Moore Homestead DeWitt County Museum, 219 E. Woodlawn St., Clinton, 935-6066.
Fall Festival
Sep 29, 10am-4pm Sat. Featuring pumpkin painting, a craft and vendor fair, pet adoptions, complimentary kids’ activities, food trucks and more. Free. greenview.com. GreenView Nursery, 3000 W. Jefferson St., 787-4700.
Oktoberfest Celebration
Sep 29, 12-10pm Sat. engrainedbrewing.com. Engrained Brewing Company, 1120 Lincolnshire Blvd., 546-3054.
Harmony on the Air
Sep 29, 2-4pm Sat. Concert by the Sound Celebration Chorus features recent radio hits sung a cappella style. Adv: $18 adults, $16 seniors and children ages 12 and under. Door: $20 adults, $18 seniors and children and 12 under. soundcelebrationchorus.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.
Gordon Lightfoot
Sep 29, 8pm Sat. Concert by singer, songwriter and musician Gordon Lightfoot. $34-$79. sangamonauditorium.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160.
Annual Car Show with Music
Sep 30, 1pm Sun. trails.turaskyscatering.com. Trails End Saloon, 6445 Old Route 54, Curran, 483-7078.
Outrageous Etiquette Tea Party
Sep 30, 1-4pm Sun. Enjoy a three-tier stand of sweets and savories followed by a presentation by The Tea Ladies on outlandish etiquette rules from the 1890s. $30. illinoistimestix.com. Village Tea Room, 3301 Robbins Road, 787-3308.
OCTOBER
Springfield Civic Garden Club
Oct 1, 9am Mon. Monthly meeting. Presentation titled “Ikebana Demonstration” by Jeanne Holy. Free. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut St., 522-4415.
Mahatma Gandhi Birthday Celebration
Oct 2, 6:30pm Tue. 149th birthday celebration for Mahatma Gandhi featuring speakers and refreshments. Free. India Association of Greater Springfield, 2940 N Peoria Road, Springfield, 744-2260.
15th Annual Multicultural Fest
Oct 3, 10am-2pm Wed. Annual showcase of various cultures via entertainment and exhibits. Free. llcc.edu. 786-2241. A. Lincoln Commons, Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786-2200.
Youth Charity Horse Show
Oct 5-7, 8am-10pm Fri-Sat, 8am-6pm Sun. Annual horse show features competitive showmanship and comradery from riders ages 18 and under. Free. youthcharityhorseshow.com. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.
Holiday Craft Sale
Oct 5-6, 9am-6pm Fri, 9am-4pm Sat. Featuring a vast array of fall, winter and Christmas decorations and home-crafted santas, snowmen, angels, hand painted gourds, slates and signs by local artisans. Free. Craft Studio - Salisbury, 5889 Grigsby Lane, Pleasant Plains, 626-1738.
Candlelight Tour
Oct 5-7, 7-9pm Fri-Sun. See Lincoln’s New Salem at night as staff and volunteers in period clothing discuss life in 19th century Illinois. lincolnsnewsalem.com. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 632-4000.
Extreme Haunted Hayrides and Zombie Paintball
Oct 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 26-27, 7pm Fri-Sat. riversidestable.com. Riverside Park, two blocks north of Dirksen Parkway on Peoria Road, then turn west.
As Far as the Bastards are Going
Oct 6, 9:30am Sat. A 6-mile ruck march followed by an after-party at 11am. BYO pack with 40 lbs of weight. $25-$65. GetMeRegistered.com. 381-2831. Chatham VFW, 501 W. Mulberry St., Chatham, 483-4613.
Morgan Horse Demonstration
Oct 6, 1pm-12am Sat. Mississippi Valley Morgan Horse Club presents demonstrations and horse activities, educational materials for adults and kids and time to visit with MVMHC members and horses. lincolnsnewsalem.com. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 632-4000.
History Happy Hour: Rum
Oct 6, 7pm Sat. Featuring premium rums from Central/South America and the Caribbean. $30 SAA members, $35 non; includes tasting and desserts. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.
Whose Live Anyway?
Oct 6, 8pm Sat. 90 minutes of hilarious improvised comedy and song, all based on audience suggestions. sangamonauditorium.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160.
Fall Festival
Oct 7, 10am-3pm Sun. Featuring craft and vendor booths, face painting, hula hoop contest, 50/50 drawing, raffles, silent auction and more. Hosted by Operation Hometown Santa. Free admission. operationhometownsanta.com. Rochester Illinois Masonic Lodge 635, 121 E. Main St., Rochester, 299-7913.
Book Exchange and Chili Day
Oct 7, 11am-4pm Sun. Hosted by the LLCC Academy of Lifelong Learning. $8 per person; free to ages 8 and under. templebrithsholom.net. 786-2432. Temple B’rith Sholom, 1004 S. Fourth St., 525-1360.
Campus Visit Day
Oct 8, 10am-12pm and 5-7pm Mon. For prospective students and their families. Free. llcc.edu. 786-2577. A. Lincoln Commons, Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786-2200.
Civil War Music
Oct 10, 12pm Wed. Moderated by Christian McWhirter. Part of the ALPLM and ISM’s “Tales from the Vault” program series. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 558-8844.
100+ Who Care in Springfield
Oct 11, 5-6:30pm Thu. Three names will be drawn at random for the opportunity to advocate for their charity of choice in front of the group for 3-5 minutes. All proceeds will go to one charity, to be determined by a vote of participants. $100 individuals; $150 couples. Illinois Association of Realtors, 522 S. Fifth St, 206-7103.
Sangamon Watercolor Society Exhibition Opening Reception
Oct 12, 5:30-7:30pm Fri. Annual exhibition by the Sangamon Watercolor Society. On display through Oct 27. Free. springfieldart.org. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.
Terror in the Graveyard
Oct 12-13, 19-20, 26-28, 31, 7-11pm Fri-Sat, 7-10pm Sun and Tue. A unique haunting experience featuring terrifying scares, elaborate graveyard sets, ghost illusions, realistic special effects and creepy details. Brought to you by the crew that has had a top haunt in Illinois for 25 years. terrorontheweb.com. Menard County Fairgrounds, 18450 N. Fairgrounds Street, Petersburg.
Young Frankenstein: The Musical
Oct 12-14, 19-21, 7:30pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. A Broadway adaptation of the Mel Brooks film. $15, $10 students. theatre7.net. 422-6161. Decatur Civic Center, 1 Gary K Anderson Plaza, Decatur, 422-7300.
Bonnie & Clyde
Oct 12-14, 19-21, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. A thrilling and sexy Tony-nominated musical featuring a non-traditional score combining blues, gospel and rockabilly music. Admission. springfieldtheatrecentre.com. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.
Be Aware Women’s Fair
Oct 13, 9am-2pm Sat. A day devoted to women’s physical, financial and emotional health. Presented by Memorial Medical Center Foundation. $5 admission; free to children 12 and under. BeAwareWomensFair.com. 788-4700. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 725-8047.
Foddershock Festival
Oct 13, 11am-7pm Sat. End-of-harvest celebration featuring wine, sangria and beer plus live music, food and a bags tournament. $5 per person. westofwise.com. West of Wise Winery, 14096 State Highway 97, Petersburg, 632-6003.
Hope-a-palooza
Oct 13, 3-7pm Sat. Family activities such as live music by The Brat Pack, a gaming truck, inflatables, obstacle course, a bubble bus, food trucks and more. Hope Pavilion, 5220 S. Sixth St., 585-5437.
Fall FEASTival
Oct 13-14, 5-8pm Sat, 12-4pm Sun. Featuring games, raffles, silent auction, food and homemade desserts. St. Katharine Drexel Parish, 722 S. 12th St., 523-5963.
Glo Bingo
Oct 13, 7pm Sat. Hosted by the Chatham Jaycees. Sangamon Prairie Reception Center, 8855 State Route 4, Chatham, 483-7999.
Carve for the Carillon
Oct 13-14, Sat-Sun. Help carve, scoop and move pumpkins for the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. Pumpkins supplied. All ages and abilities welcome. Rain or shine. Free. springfieldparks.org. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 546-3853.
Springfield Marathon, 3/4 Marathon, Half Marathon and Quarter Marathon
Oct 13-14, Sat-Sun. All routes feature beautiful scenery and begin and end on the UIS campus. 5K on Saturday after packet pickup. Registration. springfieldmarathon.com. University of Illinois at Springfield, 206-6073.
Echoes of Yesteryear
Oct 14, 12-4pm Sun. Walking tour features seven actors dressed in period costumes telling their personal stories at their respective grave sites. Sponsored by the Sangamon County Historical Society. Rain date is Oct 21. Free. sangamonhistory.org. 525-1961. Oak Ridge Cemetery, 1441 Monument Ave., 789-2340.
Healthy Living for the Brain and Body
Oct 15, 11am-12:30pm Mon. Learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity, social engagement and hands-on tools to help you create a plan for healthy aging. Complimentary lunch included. morningstar-cafe.com. 726-5184. Morning Star Mercantile and Cafe, Route 97, Salisbury, Salisbury, 626-2022.
Death Cafe
Oct 16, Nov 13, Dec 11, 10:30am and 7:30pm Tue. Drink tea, have cake and talk about death with others in a safe space. chiaracenter.org. Chiara Center, 4875 Laverna Road, 523-0901.
Route 66: History of Transportation in Springfield
Oct 16, 5:30pm Tue. Speakers TBA. Part of the Yesterday, Tomorrow and Today: Illinois Realtors Town Hall Speaker Series. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 753-4900.
Pilgrimage to Tomb Lafore Lock
Oct 18, 4-5:30pm Thu. Brief remembrance honoring Private Farley Lafore Lock. Bring poppies or violas. Free. sangamoncountyhistory.org. 891-8719. Oak Ridge Cemetery, 1441 Monument Ave., 789-2340.
6x6 Art Raffle
Oct 18, 6-8pm Thu. Explore a wall filled with stunning miniature artworks created by local artists, plus fun, games and local music. On display through Oct 18. Free. springfieldart.org. SAA Collective Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St., 544-2787.
Illinois Prairies: A Sense of Place
Oct 18, 6:30pm Thu. Presentation by Professor Charles Schweighauser. pspld.com. Prairie Skies Public Library District Ashland, 125 W. Editor St., Ashland, 476-3417.
Lincoln vs Douglas: Slavery and Race in Illinois History
Oct 18, 7-9pm Thu. 2018 Lincoln Legacy Lecture Series moderated by Dr. Michael Burlingame with lectures by Dr. Graham Peck and Dr. Roger Bridges. Free. uis.edu. 206-7163. UIS Student Union, One William Maxwell Lane, 206-4782.
Citizens Club Policy Breakfast
Oct 19, 8am-9pm Fri. Program highlights Illinois Election Cyber-Security. Coffee reception at 7:30am. Free. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.
Edwards Place Murder Mystery
Oct 19-20, 26-27, 6:30pm Fri-Sat. Dinner and entertainment. $40 SAA members, $45 non. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.
Diana Krall
Oct 19, 8pm Fri. “Turn up the Quiet World Tour” by multiple Grammy Award-winning jazz pianist and world-renowned singer Diana Krall. Admission. sangamonauditorium.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160.
Edwards Place Murder Mystery Dinner
Oct 19-20, 26, 6:30pm Fri-Sat. Dinner and entertainment. $40 SAA members, $45 non. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.
Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular
Oct 19-20, Fri-Sat. See illuminated jack-o-lanterns carved by community members and local artists. Food vendors on site. Rain or shine. springfieldparks.org. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 546-3853.
The Great Pumpkin Grab
Oct 21, 10am-3pm Sun. A child-friendly trick-or-treating experience with fun activities. Carved pumpkins available to take home while supplies last. carillon-rees.org. 546-4116. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 546-3853.
Music to Commemorate the Illinois Bicentennial
Oct 21, 2-3pm Sun. “From Prairie to Farm to City: Music to Commemorate the Illinois Bicentennial” by Chicago-based hammered dulcimer player Phil Passen. Free. 782-0979. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.
Hair Wreaths and Mourning Items
Oct 24, 12pm Wed. Moderated by Erika Holst, curator of decorative arts and history. Part of the ALPLM and ISM’s “Tales from the Vault” program series. Illinois State Museum Research and Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St., 785-0037.
Best of Springfield Party
Oct 25, 5-9pm Thu. Featuring Springfield’s best live music, food and drinks as showcased by 2018 “Best of Springfield” nominees and other local businesses. Hosted by Illinois Times. $15 adv; $20 at door. illinoistimestix.com. Bank of Springfield Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745-3000.
20th Anniversary Harvest Celebration
Oct 25, 5:30-8:30pm Thu. $100. centralilfoodbank.org. 522-4022. Horace Mann, 1 Horace Mann Plaza, (800) 999-1030.
Disney Junior Dance Party! On Tour
Oct 25, 6-8pm Thu. Sing along to Disney Junior’s greatest hits and dance and play games with your favorite Disney Junior characters. $29-$59.sangamonauditorium.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160.
Honoring Our Heritage
Oct 25, 6-9pm Thu. Featuring a reception, dinner and silent auction. Hosted by the Springfield and Central Illinois African-American History Museum. $25-$50. illinoistimestix.com. Crowne Plaza Springfield, 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy, 529-7777.
Owl Prowl
Oct 26, 6:30-9pm Fri. Indoor owl presentation by the Illinois Raptor Center followed by a night hike on the trails of Adams Wildlife Sanctuary. $10 adults, $5 children 6-12. springfieldaudubon.org. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 E. Clear Lake Ave., 544-2473.
New Salem Fall Festival
Oct 27-28, 10am-4pm Sat-Sun. Period-clothed interpreters demonstrate daily tasks such as candle dipping, fruit and vegetable preservation, soap making, basket making, spinning wool and more. lincolnsnewsalem.com. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 632-4000.
Spitler Woods Natural Area Hike
Oct 27, 10am-12pm Sat. Enjoy fall colors during a 2.6-mile hike through grove of old-growth upland forest. Hosted by the SVG Sierra Club. Limited to 20 participants. RSVP. 899-9996. Spitler Park State Natural Area, 705 Spitler Park Dr., Mount Zion, 864-3121.
Main Street Pumpkin Festival
Oct 27, 11am-3pm Sat. Pumpkin decorating, hay rides, costume contest, pet costume contest, pumpkin playland, pumpkin drop, carnival rides, food, vendors, petting zoo and more. jacksonvillemainstreet.com. 243-5678. Downtown Jacksonville, Central Park, Jacksonville.
Straight No Chaser
Oct 28, 7-9pm Sun. Concert by Atlantic Records recording artists and world famous a capella group Straight No Chaser. $36.50+. sangamonauditorium.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160.
Comic-Con
Oct 28, Sun. firefighterspostal.com. Firefighters-Postal Lake Club, 940 W. Lake Shore Dr., 622-0099.
NOVEMBER
Beneath Scandals - Beyond Policies
Nov 1, Thu. One-day seminar considers the implications of the Me Too and Time’s Up movements and what facilitated them in the workplace. chiaracenter.org. Chiara Center, 4875 Laverna Road, 523-0901.
Fragmented Remains Opening Reception
Nov 2, 5:30-7:30pm Fri. Local artist Corrin Smithson McWhirter and Michigan-based artist Nicole Maury team up for a fragmented examination of public and private memory. On display through Nov 24. Free. springfieldart.org. 523-2631. SAA Collective Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St., 544-2787.
Lincoln and Shakespeare
Nov 2, 7pm Fri. Starring Fritz Klein as Abraham Lincoln. Directed by Kevin Purcell. hcfta.org. 523-2787. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 785-7960.
Murder Mystery Dinner
Nov 3, 7pm Sat. Firefighters-Postal Lake Club, 940 W. Lake Shore Dr., 622-0099.
Springfield Civic Garden Club
Nov 5, 9am Mon. Monthly meeting and community fair. Free. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut St., 522-4415.
Tomb Robbers
Nov 7, Wed. Moderated by James Cornelius. Part of the ALPLM and ISM’s “Tales from the Vault” program series. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 558-8844.
South Side Girls: Growing Up in the Great Migration
Nov 8, 12pm Thu. Illinois History Forum session moderated by historian Holly Kent, University of Illinois Springfield. Free. presidentlincoln.illinois.gov. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 558-8844.
Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
Nov 8, 6-7:30pm Thu. Learn about the impact of Alzheimer’s disease, the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, Alzheimer’s stages and risk factors, current research and treatments, resources and more. Includes complimentary dinner. Registration. rivertonvillagelibrary.org. 726-5184. Riverton Village Library Central Library, 6500 Dawson Lane, Riverton, 629-6353.
Monty Python’s Spamalot
Nov 8, 7:30pm Thu. Tony Award-winning musical is a loving rip-off from the film classic titled Monty Python and the Holy Grail. $29+. sangamonauditorium.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160.
13, The Musical
Nov 9-11, 16-18, 7pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. Admission. springfieldtheatrecentre.com. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.
Hearts and Hammers Raise the Roof
Nov 9, 7:15pm Fri. A fun game where participants compete against each other to “build a house.” Evening also features a raffle, silent auction and cash bar. $20 per ticket. HabitatSangamon.com. 523-2710. Firefighters-Postal Lake Club, 940 W. Lake Shore Dr., 622-0099.
Edwards Place Fall Play
Nov 9-10, 7:30pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. Play incorporates letters and stories from Civil War-era writers with music performances from the period, packaged into short vignettes. $15 SAA members, $20 non. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.
Girls on the Run Fall 5K
Nov 10, 8:30am Sat. A non-competitive, non-timed family-friendly 5K race at 10am, plus family-friendly activities beginning at 8:30am. Registration. raceplanner.com. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786-2200.
CINA Coin Show
Nov 11, 9am-4pm Sun. Featuring 72 tables and more than 50 Midwest dealers featuring US and foreign coins and currency, gold and silver bullion, medals and ancient coins. Hosted by Central Illinois Numismatic Association. $1 admission, free to CINA members and children 16 and under. 528-7634. Northfield Inn, Suites and Conference Center, 3280 Northfield Dr., 523-7900.
CINA Youth Coin Auction
Nov 11, 1-3pm Sun. Youth coin auction held in conjunction with CINA Fall Coin Show. Registration by 1pm day of. Free. 899-9996. Northfield Inn, Suites and Conference Center, 3280 Northfield Dr., 523-7900.
Veterans Day Parade
Nov 11, 10-11am Sun. A celebration of the brave men and women of the armed forces. downtownspringfield.org. 544-1723. Downtown Springfield.
Veterans Day Ceremony and Reception
Nov 12, 1pm Mon. Reception to follow ceremony. Free. llcc.edu. 786-2241. A. Lincoln Commons, Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786-2200.
Springfield through the Wars
Nov 13, 6pm Tue. Featuring speaker Laura Reyman on Springfield’s Soldiers’ Aid Society during the Civil War and FBI speaker Craig King on his time serving at Guantanamo. Part of the “Yesterday, Tomorrow and Today: Illinois Realtors Town Hall Speaker Series.” The State Journal Register, 1 Copley Plaza, 788-1326.
Local Environmental Restoration Efforts
Nov 14, 6:30-8pm Wed. Monthly Sangamon Valley Group of the Sierra Club meeting. Featuring a presentation by representatives of the Friends of the Sangamon Valley on their work in our local watershed. Free. lincolnlibrary.info. 899-9996. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 753-4900.
ICON Holiday Party and Meeting
Nov 15, 5:30-8:30pm Thu. Location TBD. Tickets. springfieldicon.org. First Church of the Brethren, 2115 Yale Boulevard, 523-5212.
Christmas in the Park
Nov 16-17, 4-8pm Fri, 9am-3pm Sat. Holiday craft sale featuring Christmas decorations, ornaments, hand-pieced pillows, small themed trees, and plenty of Santas, snowmen and angels. Free. Country Place Condo Clubhouse, 1/2 mile east of Toronto Road and 1/2 mile north of North Cotton Hill Road, 626-1738.
Abe’s Trail Trek
Nov 17, 8:30am Sat. New courses for 5K, 10K and half-marathon distances through a historic venue with hills, scenic river views, and an 1800s pioneer village. Registration. triharderpromotions.com. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 632-4000.
Memorial’s Festival of Trees
Nov 17-25, 10am-8pm Sat-Sun. Nine-day holiday event featuring more than 200 creatively-decorated trees and wreaths plus more. $5 adults, $3 ages 3-12, free to ages 2 and under. memorialmedical.com. 788-4700. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 725-8047.
Christmas on Vinegar Hill
Nov 17, Sat. mtpulaskiil.com. Mt. Pulaski.
Polar Express Pajama Party
Nov 23-25, 5:30pm Fri-Sat, 1pm Sat, 3pm Sun. Enjoy crafting, hot cocoa, a screening of The Polar Express, and a visit with a special North Pole guest. Pajamas are encouraged. $15 advance, $20 day of. atthelegacy.com. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.
SAA Collective Members Exhibition Reception
Nov 30, 5-7pm Fri. Featuring new works by the SAA Collective artists. On display through Dec 22. Free. springfieldart.org. SAA Collective Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St., 544-2787.
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Nov 30, Dec 1, 7pm Fri-Sat. Second annual Christmas show by the Land of Lincoln Barbershop Chorus. Tickets. hcfta.org. 553-3324. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.
A Christmas Carol: The Musical
Nov 30, Dec 1-2, 7-9, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. Admission. springfieldtheatrecentre.com. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.
DECEMBER
Holiday Home Walk and Tea
Dec 2, 1-5pm Sun. Visit beautifully-decorated homes. Sponsored by the International Pilot Club of Jacksonville. $15 in advance. jacksonvilleil.org. Jacksonville Downtown, Central Park Plaza, Jacksonville, 243-5678.
Springfield Civic Garden Club
Dec 3, 9am Mon. Monthly meeting. Presentation titled “Is it Holiday Time Already?” by Rae Roberts-Griffith. Free. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut St., 522-4415.
An Unforgettable Nat King Cole Christmas
Dec 3, 7pm Mon. Evan Tyrone Martin performs standards from the American Songbook and Christmas classics made famous by Nat King Cole. $30 adv, $35 day of. atthelegacy.com. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.
The Nutcracker
Dec 8-9, Sat-Sun. Presented by the Springfield Ballet Company. springfieldballetco.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160.
Tour of Homes
Dec 8, Sat. Call 792-5117 for information. mtpulaskiil.com. Mt. Pulaski.
Caroling at the Carillon
Dec 9, Sun. Sing carols accompanied by the carillon bells, visit with Santa, and enjoy cocoa and cookies. Free. carillon-rees.org. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 546-3853.
A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage
Dec 12, 7:30pm Wed. A new, touring production of Charles Schulz’s timeless story about the spirit of Christmas. sangamonauditorium.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160.
Mary Todd Lincoln
Dec 13, Thu. Moderated by Samuel Wheeler. Part of the ALPLM and ISM’s “Tales from the Vault” program series. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 558-8844.
Mr. Lincoln’s 200th Birthday
Dec 13, 7pm Thu. Starring Pam Brown. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.
Marshall Field’s Christmas
Dec 20, 12pm Thu. Moderated by Betsy Dollar of the Springfield Art Association. Part of the ALPLM and ISM’s “Tales from the Vault” program series. Illinois State Museum Research and Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St., 785-0037.
Celtic Woman: Best of Christmas Symphony Tour
Dec 20, 7:30pm Thu. Captivating concert by multi-platinum international music sensation Celtic Woman. $49-$99. sangamonauditorium.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160.
It’s a Wonderful Life
Dec 21, 7pm Fri. Film screening. $10 at door, $5 with Kumler Food Pantry donation. atthelegacy.com. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.
White Christmas
Dec 22, 7pm Sat. Film screening. $10 at door, $5 with Kumler Food Pantry donation. atthelegacy.com. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.
Love, Actually
Dec 23, 7pm Sun. Film screening. $10 at door, $5 with Kumler Food Pantry donation. atthelegacy.com. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.
Service of Remembrance
Dec 31, 7pm Mon. mtpulaskiil.com. Mt. Pulaski Courthouse State Historic Site, 113 S. Washington St., Mt. Pulaski.