Ongoing
Old Capitol Farmers Market
May 23 – Oct 31, 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Wed & Sat. Cheese, produce, meat, art, more. Third Saturdays feature entertainment, cooking, demos, more. Adams between Fifth and Second. Free admission. Downtownspringfield.org. Downtown Springfield, Inc., 3 W. Old State Capitol Plaza,
544 – 1723
Varied Visions Opening Reception
On display through Aug. 13, noon – 7 p.m., Tue – Sat. Featuring watercolors by Barbra Stevens, drawings by Michelle Smith and ceramics by Jerry Josserand. Free to public. Prairieart.org. Prairie Art Alliance Gallery in the Hoogland, 420 S. Sixth St., 544 – 2787
Summer Passport Program
May 26 – Aug 16, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Summer scavenger hunt series for children. New search available every two weeks. Six search activities in total. Free to public. Illinois State Museum, 502 S Spring, 782 – 7386
Special Needs Summer Day Camp
Jun 1 – Aug 14, 7:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Mon – Fri. Week – long inclusive programs geared towards individuals with disabilities. Eleven weeks total. Hosted by Springfield Park District. Ages 5 – 12 at Nelson Center in Lincoln Park. Ages 19 – 25 at Erin’s Pavilion in Southwind Park. Per week rate: $70 residents, $80 non. Registration, 585 – 2941
Concerts in the Park
June 7 – Aug 30, 6 p.m. Every Sunday, except June 21. Sponsored by Jacksonville Pilot Club. Free to public. 370 – 0141. Bandstand, Jacksonville Community Park, 1201 S. Main Jacksonville.
Riverside Stables Horse Camp
Jun 8 – Aug 10, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Mon – Fri. Week – long sessions offered June 8 to Aug 10. Ages 5 – 16. $425 per week. Reserve your week at riversidestable.com. Riverside Stables Horse Camp, 2310 Chinchilla Lane, 522 – 7702
Y.N.O.T Outdoors Summer Camp
Jun 8 – Aug 14, 7:30 a.m. – 5 or 5:30 p.m., Mon – Fri. Day trips, soccer, basketball, gyms, swimming, hiking, movie rooms, shady trees and more. For children entering grades 1 – 12. Hosted by Youth Needing Other Things Outdoors. $1,500 for full summer, $145 per week. Two locations: Sacred Heart – Griffin West Campus, 1600 W. Washington St., 787 – 1595 or Y.N.O.T Outdoors, 301 North Breckenridge, Chatham, 416 – 0549
The Wall That Heals
June 25 – 28, 12 a.m. – 12 p.m., Thurs – Sun. Traveling 250 – foot replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial plus mobile education center. Free and open to public. Thewallthatheals.org, 866 – 990 – WALL. Downtown Square, Jacksonville.
Zoo camp: Extreme Animals
Jun 25 – 27, 12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Wed – Fri. A wild time at the zoo for ages 7 – 9. Hosted by Springfield Park District and Henson Robinson Zoo. $50 residents, $60 nonresidents. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 East Lake Drive, 585 – 1821
James and the Giant Peach
Jun 25 – 28, 10 a.m. on Thurs; 7 p.m. on Fri; 2 p.m. on Sat. New Musical version of the classic children’s book presented by the Hoogland Teens. $16 adults, $14 seniors, $10 ages 12 and under. Hcfta.org Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523 – 2787
Springfield Municipal Band in Concert
Jun 25, 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. Annual concert in Lincoln Park, just south of Nelson Center. Free to public. 789 – 2974. Lincoln Park, Fifth St. and Sangamon Ave., 544 – 1751
8th Annual Bluegrass Music Festival
June 26 – 28. 7 p.m. Friday, 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. Sunday. Three-day bluegrass music festival, single tickets available. $5 – $25. Family entertainment featuring local and regional artists. Hiking, canoeing and fishing. Crazy Horse Campground, 2113 Crazy Horse Road, Ashland, 886 – 2089. Crazyhorsecamp.com
Korean War Veterans Association State Convention
Jun 26 – 27. Meet Korean War veterans, learn about their experiences. Registration info, 320 – 8331. $5 both days, $25 for Saturday evening dinner. Kwva.org. Route 66 Hotel & conference center, 625 E. St. Joseph St., 414 – 2955
Central Illinois Daylily Society Daylily Show
Jun 27, noon – 3 p.m. Free. Washington Park Botanical Garden Exhibit Hall, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 546 – 4116
Run For Prevention 5K
Jun 27, 9 a.m. – noon. Hosted by Align Life of Springfield. $35 per individual, $60 per couple. $40 per person day of. More information, 787 – 7500. Washington Park Gazebo, South Grand Ave, entrance.
Satur-Play! – DIY Lava Lamps
Jun 27, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Make your own lava lamp with no electricity, just chemistry. Recommended for ages 3 – 10 and families. Free to public. Saturplay.blogspot.com. 782 – 5955. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782 – 7386
Neil Berg and Rita Harvey on Broadway
Jun 27, 8 p.m. Award – winning Broadway composer and his singer – actress wife. $25 – 39. sangamonauditorium.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206 – 6160
Music in the Park
Jun 28, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Free outdoor concert. Americana and bluegrass music by The Deep Hollow and The Blue G’s. Concessions for purchase. 544 – 1751. Iles Park, Sixth St. and Ash St.
Art in the USA Camp
Jun 29 – Jul 3, 9 a.m. – noon, Mon – Fri. Celebrate America’s birthday with USA-born artists. Music, painting, sculpture, and more. Ages 5 – 12 years. Sorted by age. $68 members, $88 nonmembers. Springfieldymca.org. Springfield YMCA Gus & Flora Kerasotes Branch, 4550 West Iles Ave., 679 – 1625
Box Office Blast Camp
Jun 29 – Jul 3, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., Mon – Fri. Activities based on current and past movie blockbusters, such as trivia, games, arts, crafts, treats and more. Ages 8 – 12. $68 members, $88 non-members. Springfieldymca.org. YMCA, 701 S. Fourth St., 544 – 9846
Fashion Camp
Jun 29 – Jul 3, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., Mon – Fri. Using alternative materials, campers will construct an avant-garde piece by building from a dress form. For high school students. $100 members, $130 nonmembers. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523 – 2631
Bob Steffan Summer Film Fest
Jun 30, 10 a.m. – 10:30am. Growing Up Wild: Puppy Dog Tales. Films shown Tuesdays and Wednesdays in June and July at 10am and 2 p.m. Free, open to public. Museum.state.il.us. 782 – 5993. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782 – 7386
JULY
Horse Riding Summer Day Camp
July 1, 3, 6 – 10, 13, 15, 17. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Mon – Fri. Open to disables, non-disabled riders ages 8 and up. Camp is 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. daily in June and July. Register for one or all sessions. $375 per week (5 days) for non – disabled riders, $275 per week (3 days) for disabled riders. BrightStarEquestrianCentre.com Bright Star Equestrian Centre, 13922 State Highway 97, Petersburg, 502 – 2737
Pave Summer Camp
Jul 6 – 18, Jul 20 – Aug 1, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Mon – Fri. Children in grades 3 – 9 stage a live theater production, start to finish, in two weeks. Session 1: Kings & Queens, Session 2: Let It Go!, Session 3: Grab Bag City. $330 per session. Springfieldtheatrecentre.com. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 Sixth St., 523 – 2787
Riverton Community FiveCrackin’ Festival
July 2, 3 – 11 p.m. Riverton knights of Columbus, 335 South Fourth St. Food and refreshments, live bands, kids’ activities and fireworks. Free admission. Kofc3914.com. 629 – 7202
Zoo Camp: Prairie Pioneers
Jul 2 – 4, 12:30 p.m.- 4:30 p.m., Wed – Fri. A wild time at the zoo for ages 7 9. – Hosted by Springfield Park District and Henson Robinson Zoo. $50 residents, $60 non-residents. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 East Lake Drive, 585 – 1821
Capital City Celebration
Jul 3 – 4. Bands, free kids’ inflatables and activities and more. Fireworks July 4th. Fourth/Fifth and Capitol. Springfieldjaycees.org. Downtown Springfield, 553 – 2082
Fourth of July Celebration and Parade
Jul 3 – 4, 6 p.m. Fri, 10am. Parade, concessions, children’s activities, live entertainment, fireworks, more. Free to public. Jacksonvilleil.org. Nichols Park, 319 Holken Brink Dr., Jacksonville, 243 – 5678
The Fourth of July
July 3 – 6. Celebrate our great nation at Crazy Horse! Decorate your golf cart, bicycle, family, and pets for a camp – wide parade. Live music, 3 night minimum this weekend, stay 3 nights get the 4th free.
Satur-Play! – Ice Cream Day
Jul 4, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Make homemade ice cream at the museum. Recommended for ages 3 – 10 and families. Free and open to public. Saturplay.blogspot.com. 782 – 5955. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782 – 7386
Powerlight Christian Movie Night
July 5, 7:30 p.m. Double Feature TBD. $7, $4 ages 12 – 3, 3 and under free. 416 – 5042. Route 66 Twin Drive – In, 1700 Recreation Dr., 698 – 0066
Teen Summer Writing Camp
Jul 6 – 9, 13 – 16, 9 a.m. – noon. Mon – Thur. Two – week poetry and fiction writing camp for ages 13 – 18. $120 for both weeks, $100 VLA family members. Vachellindsay.org. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St., 524 – 0901
Jedi Training Academy
Jul 6 – 10, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., Mon – Fri. Perfect light saber techniques, design space ships, droids and more. Ages 5 – 8. $68 members, $88 nonmembers. Springfieldymca.org. YMCA, 701 S. Fourth St., 544 – 9846
Back to basics Camp
Jul 6 – 10, 9 a.m. – noon. Mon – Fri. Traditional day camp activities. Arts and crafts, music, camp songs, group games, friendship bracelets, sack races and more. Ages 5 – 12 years. Sorted by age. $68 members, $88 nonmembers. Springfieldymca.org. Springfield YMCA Gus & Flora Kerasotes Branch, 4550 West Iles Ave., 679 – 1625
Hunger Games Camp
Jul 6 – 10, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Mon – Fri. Learn survival skills, archery tournaments, boating relays, camp trivia games and more. Open to girls entering grades 1 – 5. $135 per camper. Camp Widjiwagan, 71 Wienold Lane, 529 – 2212
Alternative Jewelry Camp
Jul 6 – 10, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., Mon – Fri. Accessorize your outfits using alternative materials. Traditional jewelry techniques will be taught, such as fasting or fish hook drops. For grades 9 – 12. $100 members, $130 nonmembers. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523 – 2613
Nelson Center Summer Camp Session #3
Jul 7 – 18, 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Mon – Fri. Day Camp for ages 5 – 12 featuring arts/crafts, theme weeks, field trips, ice skating, guest speakers, educational groups, plus swimming every day. Hosted by Springfield Park district. $230 residents, $290 non. Nelson Center, Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St., 753 – 7386.
Bob Steffan Summer Film Fest
Jul 8. The Magic School Bus In a Bee Hive. Films Shown Tuesdays and Wednesdays in June and July at 10am and 2 p.m. Free, open to public. Museum.state.il.us. 782 – 5993. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782 – 7386
Morgan County Fair
Jul 8 – 12. Carnival, talent show, pageant, livestock, tractor pulls, live entertainment and more. Mcfair.org. Morgan County Fairgrounds, 110 N. Westgate, Jacksonville, 243 – 5678
Family Day at the Abraham Lincoln Museum Presidential Library and Museum
July 10, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. A family event/activity/recognition planned for the 10th of each month throughout the 10th anniversary celebration. Museum admission required
CJ Niehaus and Rob Boryk Ceramics Opening Reception
July 10, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Ceramic work by two Illinois artists. Light refreshments and drinks. Exhibition runs through July 31 and may be visited during SAA open hours. Free to public. Springfieldart.org. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523 – 2631
Disney’s Mary Poppins
Jul 10 – 12, 15 – 19, 22 – 26, 8 p.m. Wed – Sat, 2 p.m. Based on the stories by P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film. Spectacular flying and dazzling special effects. Advance: $25 adults, $22 seniors and children. Atthelegacy.com. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800 – 838 – 3006
Seussical
Jul 10 – 11, 16 – 18, 8:30 p.m. Musical for all ages featuring Dr. Seuss’ most loved character, led by The Cat in the Hat. $12 – 14 reserved, $6 – 10 lawn. Themuni.org. The Muni, 815 East Lake Dr., 793 – MUNI
Downtown Bacon Throwdown
July 10 – 11. New festival showcasing the popular, delicious food item. Downtownspringfield.org. Downtown Springfield, 544 – 1723
Summertime Showdown
July 11 at the Morgan County Fair. This 1 day team competition is sponsored by Carriage Crossfit House. 2 person team: RX male, RX women, Intermediate women, intermediate men. Teams will be guaranteed 4 events. Prizes will be awarded to the Top 3 teams in each division.
Satur-Play! – Worm Races
Jul 11, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Slide headfirst into a sleeping bag and squirm your way to the finish. Recommended for ages 3 – 10 and families. Free to public. Saturplay.blogspot.com. 782 – 5955. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782 – 8047
Corndog Kickoff
Jul 11, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Fair food grazing, drinks, music entertainment, live and silent auctions. Advance tickets, $25 each or $175 for table of 8; $30 at door. Kids 12 and under free with paying adult. Illinoisstatefairmuseum.org. 414 – 0727. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 725 – 8047
17th Annual Tour de Corn Metric Century Bicycle Ride
July 12, 8 a.m. Choose from 62-, 40- and 20-mile distance options. Rest stops with food and drink during ride. Registration from 7:30 – 9 a.m. Start at 8 a.m., lunch 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Preregister by July 1. Wheelfast.com. Wheel Fast Bicycle Co., 17 Cottonwood Dr., Chatham, 483 – 7807
Springfield Bicycle Club Cycling Challenge #3
Jul 12, 8am. Test your fitness before the Capital City Century. Choose from 25-, 50- and 100-mile routes. Maps at spfldcycling.org. Free. Rochester Station, Walnut Street, Rochester, 624 – 2016
Springfield Municipal Band Concert
Jul 12, 7 p.m. One of four free outdoor, summer concerts. 414 – 4003. Selvaggio Arches, Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 753 – 0702
Amazing Race Camp
Jul 13 – 17, 9 a.m. – noon, Mon – Fri. Let the race begin! Campers complete challenges daily as a team. Ages 5 – 12 years. Sorted by age. $68 members, $88 nonmembers. springfieldymca.org, Springfield YMCA Gus & Flora Kerasotes Branch, 4550 West Iles Ave., 679 – 1625
Paws, Claws, and Fossils Camp
Jul 13 – 17, 9 a.m. – noon. Mon – Fri. Study dinosaurs, pets and farm, jungle and forest animals via games, art and science. Features non – human guests. Ages 5 – 7. $68 members, $88 nonmembers. springfieldymca.org. YMCA, 701 S. Fourth St., 544 – 9846
CSI Investigation Camp
Jul 13 – 17, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., Mon – Fri. A summer camp for science – minded investigators and detectives. Step into the mind of a CSI expert and look at forensics, fingerprinting and DNA to solve crimes. Ages 8 – 12. $68 members, $88 nonmembers. springfieldymca.org. YMCA, 701 S. Fourth St., 544 – 9846
Splish Splash Science Camp
Jul 13 – 17, 1 – 4 p.m., Mon – Fri. Boat races, buoyancy tests, hands on aquatic, science experiments outdoors and indoors. Ages 5 – 7. $68 members, $88nonmembers. springfieldymca.org. YMCA Gus & Flora Kerasotes Branch, 4550 West Iles Ave., 679 – 1625
Summer Science Camp
Jul 13 – 17, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Mon – Fri. Learn about exciting careers in the world of science. A healthy mix of science projects and more traditional camp activites. Open to girls entering grades 1 – 5. $135 per camper. Camp Widjiwagan, 71 Wienold Lane, 529 – 2212
Bob Steffan Summer Film Fest
Jul 15, 10 – a.m. Back Yard Safari: Butterflies. Films shown Tuesdays and Wednesdays in June and July at 10am and 2 p.m. Free, open to public. Museum.state.il.us. 782 – 5993. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782 – 7386
Zoo Camp: Beastly Behavior
Jul 16 – 18, 12:30 – 4:30 p.m., Wed – Fri. A wild time at the zoo for ages 7 – 9. Hosted by Springfield Park District and Henson Robinson Zoo. $50 residents, $60 non-resident. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 East Lake Drive, 585 – 1821
Christmas in July
July 17 – 19 at Crazy Horse Campground. Enter the site decorating contest. Judging will take place Saturday evening after dark. Have a ball on our “snowy” slip n slide. Live music.
Children of Eden
Jul 17 – 19, 23 – 25, 8 p.m. A joyous inspirational musical about parent, children and faith. Theatreinthepark.net. $8 – 13. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 632 – 5440
Chatham Sweet Corn Festival
Jul 17, 4:30 p.m. – 12am Fri, 10 a.m. – 12am. Features world – famous sweet corn and cow chip throw, plus live entertainment and more. Chathamjaycees.net. Chatham Community Park, 731 S. Main St., Chatham.
Mystery Family Camp Out
Jul 17 – 18. Fun family activities, cook – out style dinner, pancake breakfast. Bring tent and sleeping bags. Residents: $18 adult, $13 child; non-resident: 20.50 adult, $15.50 child. Hensonrobinsonzoo.org. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 585 – 1821
Bugs! Family Event
Jul 18, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Celebrate all things creepy and crawly with crafts, games, live insects. Live butterfly releases at 11am and 1 p.m. Free, open to public. Museum.state.il.us. 782 – 5993.Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782 – 7386
Third Annual Paint the Street Festival
Jul 18, 2 p.m. – 10 p.m. Paint a square of Washington Street. Live music, food vendors, kids’ activities. Over 300 6×6 foot squares will be painted to create a gallery under the stars. Free admission. $30, $35 per square, supplies provided. Springfieldart.org. 523 – 2631. Downtown Springfield
Music in the Park
Jul 19, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Free outdoor concert. Enjoy rhythm and grooves by Kapitol Sound. Concessions for purchase. 544 – 1751. Comer Cox Park, Capitol Ave. and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
Engineering Camp
Jul 20 – 24, 9 a.m. – noon, Mon – Fri. Science and math enthusiasts build all kinds of cool structures using a variety of materials. Ages 5 – 12, sorted by age. $68 members, $88 nonmembers. springfieldymca.org. Springfield YMCA Gus & Flora Kerasotes Branch, 4550 West Iles Ave., 679 – 1625
Believe and More camp
Jul 20 – 24, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., Mon – Fri. Explore fairies, dragons and magical kingdoms via storytelling, art, games, dress up, crafts, more. Ages 5 – 7. $68 members, $88 nonmembers. springfieldymca.org. YMCA, 701 S. Fourth St., 544 – 9846
Gossology Camp
Jul 20 – 24, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., Mon – Fri. Discover the messy, icky, stinky side of science, from slime and snot to germs and smell concoctions. Ages 8 – 12. $68 members, $88 nonmembers. springfieldymca.org . YMCA, 701 S. Fourth St., 544 – 9846
Camp H2O
Jul 20 – 24, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Mon – Fri. Learn about water as a habit, explore water cycle, swim, boat and make crafts using water, field trip to Knights Action Park. Open to girls entering grades 1 – 5. $135 per camper. Camp Widjiwagan, 71 Wienold Lane, 529 – 2212
Ceramics Camp
Jul 20 – 24, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., Mon – Fri. Develop more advanced ceramics techniques through hand – built and wheel – thrown projects. For grades 9 – 12. $130 members, $160 nonmembers. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523 – 2631
Nelson Center Summer Camp Session #3
Jul 21 – Aug1, 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Mon – Fri. Day camp for ages 5 – 12 featuring arts/crafts, theme weeks, field trips, ice skating, guest speakers, educational groups, plus swimming every day. Hosted by Springfield Park District. $230 residents, $290 non-residents. Nelson Center, Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St., 753 – 2800
Zoo Camp: Itsy Bitsy Animals
July 23 – 25, 12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Wed – Fri. A wild time at the zoo for ages 7 – 9. Hosted by Springfield Park District and Henson Robinson Zoo. $50 residents, $60 non-residents. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 East Lake Drive, 585 – 1821
Springfield Municipal Band in Concert
Jul 23, 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. Annual trip to the Louis Lehmann Band Shell (Washington Park Gazebo). Free to public. Springfieldparks.org. Washington Park Gazebo, South Grand Avenue entrance, 789 – 2974
River Country Quilt Show
Jul 24 – 25, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Fri, 10 – 4 p.m. Beautiful quilts on display by central Illinois quilters. Jacksonvilleil.org. Jacksonville High School, Jacksonville, 243 – 5678
Camo Weekend at Crazy Horse
July 24 – 26 at Crazy Horse Campground. Wear your favorite camo on Saturday and be ready for some face painting. Get ready for the marshmallow war! (For a small fee you can build your own shooter)
Genesis, The Musical
Jul 24 – 26, 8 p.m. Fri – Sat, 4 p.m. Musical retelling of the book of Genesis by local playwright Ken Bradbury and composer Roger Wainwright. $18 adults, $16 seniors and students. Hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 s. Sixth St., 523 – 2787
Capcon Gaming Convention
Jul 25, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Historical, fantasy, card and board gaming convention open to the public to raise money for the Springfield High School World War II Memorial Scholarship Fund. $5. sps186.org/capcon. Springfield High School, 101 S. Lewis St., 525 – 3100
Dog Gone Fun-Raiser
July 25, Noon. PAWS. 400 W. Walnut, Jacksonville. Food, beer garden, soda, live DJ, vendors, 50/50 drawing, auction, and activities for children. All proceeds go for the car of the animals.
Sangamon Valley Iris Society Plant Sale
Jul 25, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Iris plants for sale in all colors of the rainbow. Join local iris society and/or American Iris Society. Washington Park Botanical Garden Exhibit Hall, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 546 – 4116
Racial Integration and the Korean War
Jul 25, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Speaker Barth Bookhout. Free. Kwnm.org. Korean War National Museum Denis J. Healy Freedom Center, 9 South Old State Capitol Plaza, 523 – 7230
Cheeseburgers in Paradise festival
Jul 26, noon. With wine, margaritas and Jimmy Buffet cover band. Hillprairiewinery.com. Hill Prairie Winery, 23753 Lounsberry Road, Oakford, 635 – 9900
Springfield Municipal Band Concert
Jul 26, 7 p.m. One of four free outdoor, summer concerts. 414 – 4003. Selvaggio Arches, Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 753 – 0702
Zen Camp
Jul 27 – 31, 9 a.m. – noon. Mon – Fri. Learn the benefits of yoga and a positive mind. Also Journaling, service projects, self – expression art projects. Ages 5 – 12, sorted by age. $68 members, $88 nonmembers. springfieldymca.org. Springfield YMCA Gus & Flora Kerasotes Branch, 4550 West Iles Ave., 679 – 1625
Mud Pie Camp
Jul 27 – 31, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Mon – Fri. A camp dedicated to getting dirty. Craft homemade slip and slide, crate sand art, clay sculptures, stomp around in mud, make dessert creations. Open to girls entering grades 1 – 5. $135 per camper. Camp Widjiwagan, 71 Wienold Lane, 529 – 2212
Metals camp
Jul 27 – 31, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., Mon – Fri. learn metal casting and fabrication techniques, including Cuddle Bone, Broom, Sand and Lost Wax Casts. For high school students. $100 members, $130 nonmembers. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523 – 2631
Bob Steffan Summer Film Fest
Jul 28, 10 a.m. Growing Up Wild: Fish Fiesta. Films Shown Tuesdays and Wednesdays in June and July at 10am and 2 p.m. Free, open to public. Museum.state.il.us. 782 – 5993. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782 – 7386
36th Annual Robbie McEvers Memorial Golf Tournament
July 30 – 31 at the Links – Nichols Park 319 Holkenbrink Drive, Jacksonville. Tournament is free for junior golfers. Jacksonvilleil.org
Abe Lincoln Super Cruise
Jul 31, 7 p.m. Lineup 5 p.m. at Ace Hardware on Wabash. Cruise at 7 p.m. from Ace Hardware to Scheels parking lot. On-site Pinto Stampeders, Delorean hover demo, Fordzilla monster truck, Transformer movie cars, guest appearance and more. Free. Scheels, 3801 South MacArthur, 726 – 6330
Blues and BBQ Weekend
July 31 – Aug2 at Crazy Horse Campground. Cook up your favorite BBQ and enter it into the competition! Live blues music Saturday night!
AUGUST
United Warriors Extreme Race
Aug 1, 8am. 5K run with tire swinging, fire – jumping and heart – pumping obstacles. Jacksonvilleil.org. Morgan County Fairgrounds, 110 N. Westgate, Jacksonville, 243 – 5678
Abe Lincoln Car Show Spectacular
Aug 1, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. More than 200 vehicles. Replica Lincoln funeral carriage, air demos, hot air balloon demo, 30 – 50 Ford Pintos, Fordzilla monster truck, Justin Allgaier show car, movie/TV cars, more. Spectators free. $15 judged, $10 display. 553 – 5271. Knights Action Park, 1700 Knights Recreation Dr., 546 – 8881
Central Illinois Daylily Society Daylily Sale
Aug 1, 12 – 3 p.m. Free admission. Washington Park Botanical Garden Exhibit Hall, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 546 – 4116
Lights, Camera, Action Camp
Aug 3 – 7, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Mon – Fri. Write, cast and perform your own movie with your camp unit. Open to girls entering grades 1 – 5. $135 per camper. Camp Widjiwagan, 71 Wienold Lane, 529 – 2212
Hogwarts Adventure Camp
Aug 3 – 7, 1 – 4 p.m., Mon – Fri. Mix potions, study magical creatures and perfect wizardry skills. Earn points for your house via games, trivia, and more. Costumes encourages. Ages 8 – 12. $68 members, $88 nonmembers. springfieldymca.org. YMCA, 701 S. Fourth St., 544 – 9846
Water World Camp
Aug 3 – 7, 1 p.m – 4 p.m., Mon – Fri. Swim in the pool for games and water sports and enjoy water fun outdoors. Ages 5 – 12. Ages 5 – 7. $68 members, $88 nonmembers. springfieldymca.org. Springfield YMCA Gus & Flora Kerasotes Branch, 4550 West Iles Ave., 679 – 1625
DAR Annual Ice Cream Social
Aug 6 on the lawn of Governor Duncan Mansion.
6th Annual “Dancing with the Stars”
Aug 7, 7 – 10 p.m. Hamilton’s Banquet facility, 110 North East St., Jacksonville. Local “stars” will compete in a dancing competition.
Decatur Celebration
Aug 6 – 9, 5 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., Thu – Sun. Family street festival with carnival, live music, parade, food, kids block and more. Free entry, decaturecelebration.com. Downtown Decatur, 160 E. Main St., Decatur, 423 – 4222
Jacksonville Main Street’s Art Fair on the Square
Aug 7 – 8. Fine art by regional artists. Children’s tents, more. Jacksonvilleil.org. 243 – 5678. Jacksonville square, 200 E. State, Jacksonville.
Chapin Big Country Days
Aug 7 – 9. Games, vendors, food, live entertainment. Free or small charge. Jacksonvilleil.org. Chapin, 243 – 5678
Downtown Music, Beer and Art Festival
Aug 7 – 8, 5:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.. Fri, 2 p.m. – 12am. Live, local bands playing original songs on multiple stages, 100 craft beers, local food vendors, and kids’ area. Admission. Downhomemusicfest.com. Downtown Springfield.
Family Day at the Abraham Lincoln Museum Presidential Library and Museum
Aug 10, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. A family event/activity/recognition planned for the 10th of each month throughout the 10th anniversary celebration. Museum admission required.
No – Bake Chef Express Camp
Aug 10 – 14, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., Mon – Fri. Learn about nutrition, healthy eating and make and eat delicious, no – bake recipes. Ages 5 – 7. $68 members, $88 nonmembers. springfiledymca.org. YMCA, 701 S. Fourth St., 544 – 9846
Story Time at the Museum
Aug 10, 0 – 10:30am. “Barnyard Fun” stories and songs about life on the farm. Ages 3 – 5 and their caregivers. Free, open to public. Museum.state.il.us. 782 – 5993. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782 – 7386
Illinois State Fair
Aug 13 – 23. So much to we can’t list everything. Food, entertainment, exhibits and more. Agrstate.il.us/isf. 782 – 6661. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782 – 1698
Jane Eyre: The Musical
Aug 14 – 16, 20 – 22, 8 p.m. Fri – Sun, 8 p.m. Thu – Sat. theatreinthepark.net. $8 – 13. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 632 – 5440
Sammy Hagar and The Circle, Collective Soul
Aug 14, 7:30 p.m. $26 – 48. Agr.state.il.us/isf/grandstand. Illinois State Fair Grandstand, 801 Sangamon Ave.
Hummingbird Festival
Aug 15, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Adopt banded hummingbirds, learn about hummingbird banding and migration from Sangamon River Audubon Society volunteers. Lincolnsnewsalem.com. Lincoln’s New Salem Sate Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 632 – 4000
Korean War and Aviation Advancements
Aug 15, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Free to public. Kwnm.org. Korean War National Museum Denis J. Healy Freedom Center, 9South Old State Capitol Plaza, 523 – 7230
Washington Park Historic Photography Display
Aug 15 – Sept 3, noon – 4 p.m. Mon – Fri, noon – 5 p.m. Sat – Sun. Exhibit chronicles changes in Washington Park from its creation in 1902 to present. Washington Park Botanical Garden Exhibit Hall, 1700 W. Fayette Ave, 546 – 4116
Justin Moore, Josh Thompson, Jon Pardi
Aug 16, 7:30 p.m. Part of Country Concert Blowout series. $21 – 46. Agr.state.il.us/isf/grandstand. Illinois State Fair Grandstand, 801 Sangamon Ave.
Rascal Flatts, Scotty McCreery, Raelynn
Aug 18, 7:30 p.m. Part of Country Concert Blowout series. $40 – 65. Agr.state.il.us/isf/grandstand. Illinois State Fair Grandstand, 801 Sangamon Ave.
The Fray, Andy Grammer
Aug 20, 8 p.m. Rock – pop group The Fray and Top 10 pop star Andy Grammer. $15 – 37. Agr.state.il.us/isf/grandstand. Illinois State Fair Grandstand, 801 Sangamon Ave.
Hank Williams, Jr., .38 Special
Aug 21, 7:30 p.m. Part of Country Concert Blowout series. $25 – 47. Agr.state.il.us/isf/grandstand. Illinois State Fair Grandstand, 801 Sangamon Ave.
Crazy Horse Family Challenge Weekend
Aug 21 – 23 at Crazy Horse Campground. Wear your swimsuit or old clothes and have fun in our family challenge games. Get ready to get messy!!!
Austin Mahone, Kalin & Myles, Laura Marano
Aug 22, 7:30 p.m. $26 – 48. Agr.state.il.us/isf/grandstand. Illinois State Fair Grandstand, 801 Sangamon Ave.
Brantley Gilbert, Colt Ford, Michael Ray
Aug 23, 7:30 p.m. $29 – 54. Agr.state.il.us/isf/grandstand. Illinois State Fair Grandstand, 801 Sangamon Ave.
Movie in the Park: Guardians of the Galaxy
Aug 21, Dusk – 10 p.m. Bring lawn chair or blanket. Concessions for purchase. Hosted by Springfield Park district. Free. 544 – 1751. Rotary Park, Iles Ave. and Archer Elevator Road.
The Summertime Snow Party
Aug 22 – 23, 9am, 1 p.m., 6 p.m. Sat; 1 p.m., 4 p.m. Make snow cones and enjoy Frozen – inspired activities plus a screening of the Disney film. Sing-alongs, meet friends from Arendelle, more. Autism – friendly screening Sunday at 1 p.m. $15. AtTheLegacy.com. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800 – 838 – 3006
24th Annual Power light Christian Music Festival
Aug 23, noon. All-day music event featuring local bands and singers, plus national artists. Featured headliners Family Force 5, Hawk Nelson, Rapture Ruckus and more. $3 state fair admission. 416 – 5042. Illinois State Fairgrounds Lincoln Stage.
Abe’s Amble 10K
Aug 23, 7:30 a.m. 6.2 mile course takes runners through Lincoln Park, Oak Ridge Cemetery and back to Fairgrounds. Registration, srrc.net. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782 – 1698
Best of Season Activities
Aug 28 – 30 at Crazy Horse Campground. Campers vote for activities for the weekend! We will have ballots out in July and must be turned in by August 16th! Live music.
Broadway and Chocolate
Aug 28 – 29, 8 p.m. Theatre in the Park fundraiser concert. $8 – 13. Theatreinthepark.net. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 632 – 5440
The Great Midwest Mashup
Aug. 29 – 30, 9 a.m. Two days of roller derby. Eight women’s mash-up teams’ tournament plus two MRDA sanctioned men’s bouts. Vendors, halftime shows, more. Championship bout at 3:30 p.m. $5 – 50. Thegreatmidwestmashup.com. Prairie Capital Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800 – 745 – 3000
SEPTEMBER
Arenzville Burgoo
Sept 4 – 5 in Arenzville, IL.
Labor Day Weekend
Sept 4 – 7 at Crazy Horse Campground. Volleyball tournament, golf cart rodeo and other fun activities. Live music. 3 night minimum, stay 3 nights get the fourth one free!
17th Annual Prairieland Chautauqua
Sep 5 – 7. First Christian Church, Jacksonville. Musical shows, storytellers, communal suppers and evenings with re – enactors representing famous Americans. Free.
Carson & Barnes Circus
Sept 9 at Prairieland. Show times will 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Thanks to Our Heroes Weekend
Sept 11 – 13 at Crazy Horse campground. All Military, police, EMT’s, and fire fighters camp for one night and receive the next night free! Free breakfast Sunday morning. (ID required)!
Woodlawn’s Fall Festival
Sept 12 at Woodlawn Farm
Wild West Weekend
Sept 18 – 20 at Crazy Horse Campground. Take it back to the Wild West with some fun activities. Chili cook off, you bring the soup and we will provide bowls and spoons. Texas Hold Em’ Tourney.
31st Annual Cruise Nite & Car Show
Sept 19. Visit “Jacksonville Cruise Nite Association” on Facebook for more information.
Pancake and Sausage Breakfast
Sept 19 at the Jacksonville Municipal Airport, 1956 Baldwin Road from 7am to 11am. Hosted by EAA Chapter 137. 217 – 243 – 5824
46th Annual Prairie Land Heritage Museum Steam Show & Fall Festival Day
Sept 25 – 27. Prairielandheritage.wordpress.com or on Facebook.
Fall Festivities
Sept 25 – 27 at Crazy Horse Campground. Come out to enjoy a beautiful fall weekend. Activities will include Campfire Cooking.
