The jewel of the Midwest (plus a gay day)

By Stacie Lewis

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The jewel of the Midwest (plus a gay day)

Every booth is a gallery in itself; each one showcasing a different medium, a different form of expression and a different intent of artistic output. The artists within those individual galleries come together each year for the Old Capitol Art Fair, one of the most popular juried art shows in the country. Whether you are a serious collector or just have an appreciation for a certain style – be it in jewelry, sculpture, photography, glassware, pottery, wood, metalwork, oils or watercolors – you will find an artist at the fair whose work catches your eye and speaks to you. You will also find live music all weekend and food vendors with everything from fried green tomatoes to adult beverages. Be sure to let the kids check out the children's tent where those from age 2-15 can shop for works of art at nominal prices ($4-$6). But, wait. If you catch the show on Saturday, you know there will be more going on downtown, and there is – Springfield PrideFest 2023. Drag yourself over to the corner of Capitol Avenue and Fourth Street and join in one of the gayest of days. Enjoy more live music, more food trucks, a youth and teen talent show, and then shop over 100 vendors. Pick up some pride merchandise too, and let others know you support the LGBTQ+ community and diversity.

Old Capitol Art Fair
Saturday, May 20, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday, May 21, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Old State Capitol Plaza
socf.org

Springfield PrideFest
Saturday, May 20, 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
Capitol Avenue and Fifth Street
217-503-4104

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