OCTOBER
October 4-25
Jerry Lee Ingram photography exhibit
David Strawn Art Gallery, 331 W. College Ave., Jacksonville. 4-6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, 1-3 p.m. on Sundays. Free. www.strawnartgallery.org
October 8
Civil War movies
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum Union Theater, 212 N. Sixth St. at 6:30 p.m. Discussion will examine how Hollywood’s portrayal of the Civil War has evolved over the last 100 years. www.presidentlincoln.illinois.gov
October 9-10
Shaheen’s Super Weekend
Jacksonville Speedway. Gates open 5 p.m. Visit www.JacksonvilleSpeedway.com for details.
October 9,10,17, 24 and 30
Haunted Jacksonville Tour
7 p.m. departure, from The Soap Co. Coffee House, 66 E. Park, Jacksonville. Participants will discover the history and hauntings of the Illinois prairie. Tours last about 3 hours. $25 for adults, $20 for ages 12 and younger, $20 for current MacMurray and Illinois College students. www.hauntedjacksonville.com
October 9-10, 16-17, 23-25 and 30-31
Terror in the Graveyard
Menard County Fairgrounds, 18450 N. Fairgrounds St., Petersburg. 7-11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays or 7-10 p.m. on Sundays and Thursdays. Outdoor event presented by Terror of the Square. $10 adults, $8 children. www.terrorontheweb.com
October 9-11, 16-17, 23-24, and 30-31
Boo Crew Haunted House
11083 Buckhart Road, Mechanicsburg. 6:30-10 p.m. $12 general admission, $20 speed pass for shorter wait times. www.boocrew.com
October 10-11
50 Year Golden Jubilee
Jacksonville Church of Christ, 2365 W. Morton, Jacksonville. Reunion starts at 5 p.m. on October 10. Celebrations all morning, starting at 9 a.m., on October 11. All welcome. Join us in the fellowship hall. A light meal with be provided.
October 10
Log Cabin Days
Annual Frontier Celebration held at Rexroat Prairie, Rt. 78 south of Virginia, Illinois. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Vendors, demonstrations, music and children’s’ games. Free admission.
October 10
Boo Bark, Party at the Park
Stuart Park. 11a.m. to 2p.m. The city’s only Halloween party for dogs. Vendors, special activities for dogs, costume contests and more. The first 100 attendees will receive a special treat bag. $3 for one dog, $5 for two dogs to attend (no more than two dogs per person). All proceeds benefit APL’s homeless cats and dogs. www.apl-shelter.org
October 10
Downtown Shop Hop and Art Walk
Meet at Studio on 6th, 215 S. Sixth St. and walk to 12 specialty shops. 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Reservations appreciated, not required. Call 217-494-4134.
October 10-11
Indian Summer Festival
Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Drive. 10 a.m. to 4p.m. Food, crafts, children’s activities and more. $5 for adults. $3 for ages 6-12. Ages 5 and younger are free. Call 217-529-1111. www.lincolnmemorialgarden.org
October 10-11, 17-19, 24-26 and Oct. 30-Nov. 1
Terror on the Square
Downtown Petersburg’s entry into the spooky; this is a very scary haunted house and not recommended for small children. www.terrorontheweb.com
October 11
Fall Bus Tour
Tour starts at Illinois College and ends at Woodlawn Farm. 1-5 p.m. Travel the sites of the Underground Railroad and learn of the stories and history. Call 217-476-4144. Must RSVP.
October 11
Oak Ridge Cemetery Walk
Oak Ridge Cemetery, 1441 Monument Ave. Noon to 4 p.m. Walking tour sponsored by the Sangamon County Historical Society. Costumed actors will tell the stories of several interesting people at their respective gravesites. Last tour begins at 3:15 p.m. Call 217-525-1961. www.sangamonhistory.org
October 12
Soup and Salad Luncheon
Faith Lutheran Church, 1385 West Walnut, Jacksonville. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets available at the door.
October 15
Lincoln and the Jews
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St. at 6:30 p.m. Discussion will focus on Lincoln’s relationship with the Jewish community. Free. RSVP at 217-558-8934. www.presidentlincoln.illinois.gov
October 16-17
Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular
Washington Park, Springfield. Over 2,000 hand carved, illuminated Jack-O-Lanterns. Call 217-546-3853.
October 17
Foddershock Festival
West of Wise Winery, 14096 State Highway 97, Petersburg. 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wine and craft beers, food and music. Free admission. Call 217-632-6003.
October 17
Dave Rudolf Family Halloween Party
Trutter Center, Lincoln Land Community College. For more details, visit www.llcc.edu, email info@llcc.com or call 217-786-2200.
October 18
Heart of Jacksonville — Pork Days & Applefest
Celebrate two very different foods at this annual festival where you shouldn’t leave hungry. Jacksonville. www.jacksonvilleil.org
October 18
White Satin Extravaganza
Girls in White Satin’s 6th annual event held at Hamilton’s, 110 N. East, Jacksonville. 1-4 p.m. Call 217-245-5400. www.girlsinwhitesatin.com
October 18-19
Pike County Fall Color Drive
Take the scenic route through the leafy roads of Pike County and visit the towns along the way for crafts and demonstrations among other activities. For more details, visit www.pikeil.org, email info@pikeil.org or call 217-285-2971.
October 23
Trick or Treat event
Lincoln Home National Historic Site, 426 S. Seventh Street. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Candy, children’s programs, games and more presented by the Lincoln Home Employee Association. Canned food donations will be accepted for a local food pantry. Call 217-391-3227. www.nps.gov/liho
October 24
Jacksonville Main Street Pumpkin Festival
Jacksonville Main Street, Downtown Jacksonville. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Pumpkins, food, fall vendors, kids’ activities, pie eating contest, spooky stories, costume contest, Haunted Jacksonville Tours and more. www.jacksonvillemainstreet.com
October 24
Steak Fry Fundraiser
Western Illinois Youth Camp, 2224 4H Club Road on Lake Jacksonville. Happy Hour, 5 p.m. Steak dinner, 6 p.m. Auction, 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased for this third annual fundraiser by calling 217-473-8674.
October 24-25
Fall Festival at New Salem
15588 History Lane, Petersburg. For details, call 217-632-4000.
October 25
Kids Costume Contest by SpringfieldMoms.org
Dress your little ghouls and ghosts up and parade them around the Old Capitol Farmer’s Market. Adams Street between Fourth and Fifth streets. www.springfieldmoms.org
October 25
Taylorville Sertoma
Taylorville Post Office, Taylorville. Halloween Spooktacular event that features a parade and costume contest. Call 217-824-2026.
October 29
Open House
A Touch of Class Salon & Spa, 314 E. State, Jacksonville. 6-8 p.m. Drawings, giveaways, food, drink and the Itty Bitty Fashion Truck. Call 217-271-1029.
October 30
Monster Mash
The Halloween costume party for people with developmental disabilities featuring a DJ, dancing, and a costume contest. Nelson Center, Lincoln Park (www.springfieldparks.org)
October 31
Mall-o-ween
White Oaks Mall. 6-8 p.m. Come to the mall dressed in your ghoulish best to trick or treat. Call 217-787-8560.
NOVEMBER
November 4
Ladies Night Out
All Occasions Flowers and Gifts, Times Square Sewing and Woodyard’s in Jacksonville. 4-8 p.m.
November 6
Illinois Prairie Pastel Society
Opening reception held at the Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth Street, Springfield. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Illinois Prairie Pastel Society will be showing an exhibition in the M.G. Nelson Family Gallery. This exhibition will run through Nov. 13. Free admission.
November 6-7
Open House
All Occasions Flowers and Gifts, 229 S. Main, Jacksonville. November 6, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. November 7, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
November 7
Opening reception and gallery talk
David Strawn Art Gallery, 331 W. College Ave., Jacksonville. 6-8 p.m. Featuring artist Thomas Stuer and Barry Reithmeier. Call 217-243-9390.
November 7
American Jewish history with Hasia Diner
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth Street, Springfield. 6:30 p.m. Discussion of American Jewish history. Free. RSVP at 217-558-8934. www.presidentlincoln.illinois.gov.
November 8-29
Jewelry and new art media exhibit
David Strawn Art Gallery, 331 W. College Ave., Jacksonville. Open 4-6 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays, and 1-3 p.m. on Sundays. Featuring Thomas Suter and Barry Reithmeier. Free. www.strawnartgallery.org
November 14
Civil War Ball
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum Plaza, 212 N. Sixth St., Springfield at 6:30 p.m. Featuring live authentic music, dances and refreshments. Free. RSVP at 217-558-8934. www.presidentlincoln.illinois.gov
November 14
Festival of Trees Gala
Illinois State Fairgrounds Orr Building, 801 Sangamon Ave., Springfield. 7 p.m. Formal event featuring a collection of holiday decorations, refreshments and live entertainment. Proceeds benefit community health related projects, programs and research. Tickets are $100 each. Call 217-788-4700. www.memorialsfestivaloftrees.com/gala
November 14
Our Place sale
Our Place, 1850 S. Main, Jacksonville. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Holiday Sale. Antiques, collectibles, vintage holiday items and unique décor, as well as a wide variety of furniture.
November 20-21
Festival of Trees & Wreaths
Masonic Center, 345 W. College, Jacksonville. Friday, 5-8 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Sunday, noon – 2:30 p.m. Features designer trees, wreaths, musical entertainment, kids’ crafts corner, food & drink, bakery items and auction. Presented by the Woodhaven Volunteer Hospice and Special Support Services.
November 21
Doctor Who Party
Rochester Public Library, 1 Community Drive, Rochester. 1-2:30 p.m. Guests will build a Dalek, make bowties, create a River Song’s journal, play games and enjoy snacks. Free; registration required. Call 217-498-8454. www.rochesterlibrary.org
November 27-28
Santa visits his house
Downtown Jacksonville. Santa will arrive to visit with children and hear their holiday wishes and dreams.
November 27-29
Old-Fashioned Christmas
Old City Hall, 210 Main Street, Meredosia. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday, noon – 5 p.m. One of a kind crafts, gifts and decorations. From Our Family to Yours.
November 28
Small Business Saturday
Jacksonville. 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Prizes, shopping, food and great deals on unique gifts. Join Santa downtown for a day of shopping and fun. Area dancers performing in storefront window and a true holiday atmosphere. Shop local!
DECEMBER
December 1
Governor Duncan Association Holiday Gala
Hamilton’s 110 North East, Jacksonville. 5:30 p.m. start. Tickets are $40 per person, $320 for a table of 8. Special Performance by Dr. E. C. Bone. For reservations and ticket information, call 314-607-5293.
December 4-6
Old-Fashioned Christmas
Old City Hall, 210 Main Street, Meredosia. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday, noon – 5 p.m. One of a kind crafts, gifts and decorations. From Our Family to Yours.
December 5
Opening reception and gallery talk
David Strawn Art Gallery, 331 W. College Ave., Jacksonville. 6-8 p.m. Featuring artists Hugh Henderson and Colleen Ferratier. Call 217-243-9390.
December 6
32nd Annual Pilot Club Holiday Home Tour and Tea
1-5 p.m. Tour the homes of Brad and Sarah Cors, #1 Cardinal Drive; Larry and Becky Werries, #1 Laura Place; Dick and Donna Cody, 26 Sunset; Governor Duncan Mansion, 4 Duncan Place (in Duncan Park off State Street); and Tom and Sherry Hopkin, 1009 W. State. Tickets are $15 in advance and may be purchased at County Market, Family Gardens or from any Pilot Club member. Tea is being held at Knollwood Retirement Village.
December 6-23
Pottery and watercolors/acrylics/pastel exhibit
David Strawn Art Gallery, 331 W. College Ave., Jacksonville. 4-6 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays. Featuring artists Colleen Ferratier and Hugh Henderson. Free. www.strawnartgallery.org
December 12
Our Place sale
Our Place, 1850 S. Main, Jacksonville. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Holiday Sale. Antiques, collectibles, vintage holiday items and unique décor, as well as a wide variety of furniture.