MARCH
Friday Night Jazz
March 18 and every Friday, 5:30-7:30pm. Sponsored by the Springfield Area Arts Council. No cover charge. Family friendly, free parking and accessible. Boone's, 301 Edwards St. 217-679-3752.
"Color Symphony" reception
March 18, 5:30-7:30pm. A reception of the Illinois Prairie Pastel Society's judged member show. Open to the public. Free. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.
Pump Boys and Dinettes March 18-20. Fri. and Sat., 8pm. Sun., 2pm. A celebration of life‚ love‚ Dolly Parton and catfish with the fellas from the gas station and the sisters next door at the Double Cupp Diner. $20. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Rainbows after the storm March 18-19. Fri.,10am-6pm and Sat., 10am-4pm. Over 400 quilts and quilted items on display. Bed turning, quilts of valor, make and take, and a kid's scavenger hunt. Raffle, quilt appraisals (by appointment), charity sale, door prizes and many vendors. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-725-0994.
Hopeful Futures Gala March 19, 6-9pm. Celebrating 65 years of Hope. An evening of great food, drinks, friends and inspiring stories. Reception at 6pm and dinner at 7pm. Amazing auction items. All proceeds support the children and families of Hope. hope.us. $125.00. Wyndham at Springfield City Centre, 700 E. Adams St., 217-525-9536.
Spotlight on Ice 2022 March 19, 2-4pm and 7-9pm. "Getting Out of Town," presented by the Springfield Figure Skating Club. On-ice condensed versions of Seussical, Beauty and the Beast, Under the Sea and Chicago, and other musical numbers. Featuring 70 local skaters. Check the Facebook page for ticket information. Adults $12, children 12 and under $7. Nelson Center Ice Arena, Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St., 217-753-2800.
Winter Farmers Market March 19. Third Saturday of every month, 8am-12pm. Find fresh, local produce, meats, cheeses and baked goods. EBT accepted and SNAP recipients can receive a Health Ways card that spends like SNAP benefits. Union Station, 500 E. Madison, 217-557-4588.
WWE Road to WrestleMania March 19, 7:30pm. WWE Champion, Big E vs Kevin Owens vs Seth Rollins vs Bobby Lashley - Fatal Four Way Match for the WWE Championship. RAW Women's Champion Becky Lynch vs. Bianco Belair. Many more including RAW tag team champions, RK-BRO. $20-$115. BoS Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745-3000.
Springfield Flea Market March 20, 8:30am-3:30pm. Antiques, vintage, collectibles, crafts, new and used. Illinois State Fairgrounds Illinois Building, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.
Do I know you?
Tue., March 22, 6:30-7:30pm. Women have been an integral part of Illinois' history as activists, artists, scientists and aviators and have excelled both in and outside traditional gender roles. Learn about some of these women including Bessie Coleman, Francis Glessner Lee and Laura Slobe. Via Zoom. illinoisstatemuseum.org. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-6044.
History Happy Hour
Wed., March 23, 5:30-6:30pm. Invasion of the body snatchers. It was a comedy of errors when incompetent robbers tried to steal Abraham Lincoln's body and bumbling officials almost let them get away with it. In person at Anvil & Forge or virtual via the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Facebook page. Free. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.
It's a disaster!
Wed., March 23, 11am-3pm. Tornadoes, earthquakes and floods, oh my! Learn how a tornado is formed or what straight-line winds feel like, what causes a river to flood or a house can withstand an earthquake. An exciting come-and-go event with hands-on science experiments and more. illinoisstaetmuseum.org. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.
Fiddler on the Roof March 24, 7:30pm. A wonderful cast and a lavish orchestra tell this heartwarming story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives, and the timeless traditions that define faith and family. $24-$89. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Joseph Hall: Elvis Rock 'n' Remember March 25. An award-winning tribute show. $25 in advance, $30 day of and $35 VIP. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.
Open house and grand reopening March 25-26, Fri., 5:30-8pm and Sat., 12-4pm. Stop by and check out DIM's new digs, chat with the art house artists and peruse their recent work. DIM Art House, 319 Chatham Road, 773-235-5600.
Springfield Jr. Blues vs. Minnesota Magicians March 25-26,Fri., 7pm and Sat. 6pm. Adults $10-$12. Children 12 and under $6-$8. Nelson Center, 1601 N. Fifth St., 217-525-2589.
Springfield RV & Camping Show March 25-March 27. Featuring the very latest makes and models of recreational vehicles. Industry vendors, campgrounds, tow vehicles and everything you may need for your next RV vacation. $8.00. Children 12 and under are free. BoS Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 217-788-8800.
The Ritz March 26, 5:30pm. A three-course dinner, an evening of dancing and a celebration of the progress made by the LGBT community during the past two years. The Coalition of Rainbow Alliances is puttin' it on. springfieldcoral.org. Crowne Plaza Springfield, 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy., 217-741-4603.
Spring Floral Show March 26-April 17. Just in time for the flowers to push themselves up through the dirt and shake their petals free. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-4116.
Brown Bag Concert March 30, 12:15-12:45pm. Featuring pianist Pei-I Wang and Dr. Troy Castle, baritone. Bring your lunch or purchase a brown bag lunch for $5. Free. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 217-528-4311.
APRIL
Friday Nights at DIM
Every Friday, 6-8pm, beginning April 1. First Friday receive professional art critiques, on the second Friday try live model drawing, hang out with the artists on the third Friday, and the fourth and fifth Fridays are for projects on which you want to work. DIM Art House, 319 Chatham Road, 773-235-5600.
Carillon concerts
April through December. Master carillonneur Carlo van Ulft and local assistant carillonneurs play a variety of music from original carillon compositions to arrangements of popular classics and pop music. Enjoy the beauty of the park and gardens with the unique accompaniment of carillon music. Visit the website or call for performance times. Free. carillon-rees.org. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, Washington Park, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-306-1838.
A Doll's House, Part 2 April 1 and 2, 7:30pm, April 3, 2pm and April 7, 8 and 9, 7:30pm.. Written by Lucas Hnath. Visit the website or call to learn about COVID requirements. Ages 17 and under $6, 18-64 $14, 65 and older $12. Discounts available for UIS staff and students. uis.edu. $6-$14. UIS Studio Theatre, One University Plaza, 217-206-7529.
Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella April 1-2, 7pm, April 3, 2pm, April 8-9, 7pm and April 10, 2pm. The pumpkin! The glass slipper! This Tony Award-winning family fun musical delights audiences with its contemporary take on the classic tale. Jaw-dropping transformations, stunning costumes and a bit of magic. $18. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon
April 2, 7:30am. Run through history in Abraham Lincoln's hometown, including past his law office, his tomb and the only home he over owned. USATF certified course. Go Abe! Downtown, Old State Capitol Plaza. srrc.net.
Abe for all: Sensory-free night
April 2, 4-7pm. A series of learning experiences supporting and promoting diversity and inclusion. Intentional activities to engage guests and make Lincoln's legacy accessible to all. Modifications to lights and sounds, quiet places and new activities will be offered. Free. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.
Upscale Collectible Sale
April 8, 12-8pm and April 9, 8am-12pm and 12:30-2:30pm. Proceeds benefit the Animal Protective League. Furniture, antiques, jewelry, tools, books, home goods, and décor. Lots of children's items, including clothes and toys. Mobile Adoption Unit will be on site (call for hours). $8. White Oaks Mall, 2501 W. Wabash Ave., in the upper level of the former Bergner's. apl-shelter.org. 217-544-7387.
Second Saturday Open Studio April 9 and the second Saturday of every month, 12-4pm. Watch Pharmacy member artists at work and ask questions to learn about their methods and mediums. Masks and social distancing are required. Free. pharmacygallery.com. The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space, 623 E. Adams St., 801-810-9278.
Spring Seedling Sale
Mondays-Saturdays, 9am-2pm, beginning April 18. Vegetable, herb and flower seedlings grown from organic seeds and no chemicals. Sale continues while seedlings last. Jubilee Farm, 6760 Old Jacksonville Road, 217-787-6927.
USA Boxing
April 16, 7:30pm. Springfield Cobras Boxing presents USA Olympic-style amateur boxing. theboscenter.com. $20-$60. BoS Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745-3000.
Club LaCage Drag Show April 22-23, 7pm. Presented by the Phoenix Center. Two evenings of song, dance and comedy. The queens and personalities that grace the stage will keep you wildly entertained. The theme is the 70s, so dress the part and enjoy the fun. Admission includes snacks and swag. Tickets available at hcfta.org. $25-$35. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-528-5253.
Lady Windermere's Fan April 22-23, 7pm and April 24, 2pm. Affairs, confrontation, denial, retribution. An examination of the gender politics within marriage and society, and the ambiguous idea of morality among the upper classes. springfieldart.org. $15. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.
Moana Jr.
April 22-23, 7pm. April 24, 2pm.This thrilling and heartwarming coming-of-age story follows the strong-willed Moana as she sets sail across the Pacific to save her village and discover the truth about her heritage. Presented by the Springfield Theatre Centre. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
AIWO Color Me Holi 5K Run/Walk
April 23, 9am-2pm. Holi is India's festival of colors that celebrates spring. Even if you don't want to run or walk, you can still join the fun with color play, high-energy dance moves to Bollywood music and delicious Indian treats. This Asian Indian Women's Organization (AIWO) event will benefit local Girls on the Run. $30. Washington Park, 1501 S. Grand Ave. W., 217-544-1751.
Billy Gilman
April 23, 8pm. Gilman made the Guinness Book of World Records as the youngest singer to reach #1 on the Billboard Top Country Album charts. $35 in advance, $40 day of and $50 VIP. $50 add on for meet and greet. The Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.
Family Pops: Jeans & Classics
April 23, 7:30pm. The music of Queen and Journey by the Illinois Symphony Orchestra. ilsymphony.org. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Spring Lawn and Garden Sale April 23-24. Find flowers, plants, mowers, garden art and more. Visit the wine and beer garden, Butterfly Encounter and Let's Talk Lawn & Garden educational series and over 30 vendors. Free parking in the ramp. BoS Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745-3000.
Earth Awareness Fair April 23, 10am-4pm. A family friendly event with exhibitors, animals, hands-on activities, art, music, workshops, games, contests and food. Tree huggers welcome. Hosted by the City of Springfield. Free. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-789-2255.
Ron White
April 28, 7:30pm. Tater Salad in person. $39-$95. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
UIS Chorus Concert
April 29, 7pm. Tsai Chan, director. Also viewable online. uis.edu/music. UIS Studio Theatre, One University Plaza, 217-206-7529.
Jubilee Farm Spring Fling
April 30, 2-6pm. Enjoy the music of local songwriter and storyteller Tom Irwin, children's crafts, seedling sale for gardeners, gift shop and the beautiful atmosphere of the Farm. jubileefarm.info. Suggested $5.00 and $20.00 per family. Jubilee Farm, 6760 Old Jacksonville Road, 217-787-6927.
MAY
National Inventors Month
May 1 through May 31, Tue.-Fri., 12-4pm and Sat., 10am-5pm. An exhibit of some of the many inventions of African Americans. spiaahm.org. Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum, 1440 Monument Ave., 217-391-6323.
Moonlight Market
May through September, first and third Wednesdays of every month, 6-9pm. Highlighting local crafters, farmers, artists and artisans from around the central Illinois area, plus live music. On Jackson Street between Fifth and Sixth streets. 217-670-0627.
The British Invasion
May 1. Featuring songs from The Rolling Stones, Dave Clark 5, The Animals, The Kinks and Dusty Springfield, this immersive multimedia show will place the audience front and center of pop culture history. uispac.com. $20-$69.50. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Dr. Dolittle Day May 1. Learn even more about the zoo residents, watch animal care demonstrations and join in lots of fun activities. $7 adults, $5 ages 3-12. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-585-1821.
Artsy: An Art Fair for Kids in Care May 1, 1-4pm. Amazing art, hands-on experiences, balloon animals and arm painting. Fancy Nancy activities. Benefits The James Project, a nonprofit foster care and adoption ministry. The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space, 623 E. Adams St., 801-810-9278.
3, 2, 1 Blastoff
May 4, 10am. A concert for kids by the Illinois Symphony Orchestra. ilsymphony.org. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Styx
May 5, 7:30pm. The band draws from over four decades of barn-burning chart hits, joyous singalongs and hard-driving deep cuts. $54-$149. uispac.com. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Illinois Quarter Horse Show May 5-8. One of the oldest recognized horse breeds in the U.S. that originated ca. 1660 as a cross between native horses of Spanish origin and English horses imported to Virginia. They excel at sprinting short, quarter-mile distances. Free. Coliseum, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 E. Sangamon Ave.
Make Our Garden Grow
May 6, 7pm. UIS and Illinois Symphony Youth Orchestras. Directed by Logan Campbell. Viewing also available online. uis.edu/music. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Fat Ass 5K and Street Party for Charity
May 7, 10am. This race has generated over $1.5 million for charity since 2008. Includes stops for beer, corn dogs, donuts and ice cream, because why not? Live music and entertainment throughout the race route, followed by a street party that includes drinks, barbecue and more live music. fatass5k.com. Downtown Springfield, Sixth and Adams streets, 217-525-1111.
UIS Chamber Music Concert
May 7, 7pm. University of Illinois Springfield and Illinois Symphony Orchestra musicians. Also, viewable online. uis.edu/music. UIS Studio Theatre, One University Plaza, 217-206-7529.
Abe's Mini Triathlon May 7, 8:30am. 100-yard swim, 5-mile bike ride and 1-mile run. triharderpromotions.com. Porta High School, Petersburg, 17651 Bluejay Road, 217-341-1309.
Mother's Day Remembrance Tribute May 7, 10-11am. Honoring all mothers and the important roles they have played in our lives. The brief ceremony will be led by a certified celebrant. CDC guidelines will be followed. Roselawn Memorial Park, 1735 S. Camp Butler Road, 217-525-1661.
Color and Light/Reading Light
May 9, 6-8pm. Sacred art and architecture lecture by Anthony Rubano. Part of the biennial Liturgical Arts Festival of Springfield. lafspringfield.org. Free. Sacred Heart Convent Chapel, 1237 W. Monroe. 217-523-5212.
To Love and to Cherish
May 10, 6-8pm. A concert of wedding music, and a wedding arts and apparel display. Part of the biennial Liturgical Arts Festival of Springfield. lafspringfield.org. Cathedral Church of St. Paul, 815 S. Second St., 217-544-5135.
Spring Trivia Fundraiser
May 13, 7pm. Proceeds benefit the Animal Protective League of Springfield and Sangamon County. VIP tables $250, regular tables $150 or $20 at the door. Decorate Your Own Table contest, raffle prizes and silent auction prizes. Reserve a table by emailing [email protected]. apl-shelter.org. 217-544-7387.
In the Blink of an Eye
May 13, 6pm. Celebrating life's journey through the spoken word and music. An original performance work by Leigh Steiner and Phil Funkenbusch. Part of the Liturgical Arts Festival of Springfield. lafspringfield.org. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 217-528-4311.
Miscast Cabaret
May 13-14, 8pm and May 15, 2pm. What happens when things get mixed up a bit and some of your favorite musical theater songs are gender swapped? The result is certain to be humorous, breathtaking and spectacular. $20. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Wrought Iron Hammer-In May 14, 9am-4pm. A bunch of blacksmiths sharing stories and making metal parts the old-fashioned way. The historic buildings will be open for small, socially distanced tours. Beverage service and popcorn available. clayville.org. Clayville Historic Site, 12828 State Route 125, Pleasant Plains, 217-481-4430.
Bird banding May 14, 8am-2pm. A family friendly event with Lincoln Land Community College and the Illinois State Museum. Learn how and why birds are banded with licensed bander Tony Rothering. Experience the variety and beauty of the diverse bird population in this area. Children's activities provided by the Illinois State Museum. Donations welcome. Jubilee Farm, 6760 Old Jacksonville Road, 217-787-6927.
Native plant sale May 14, 9am-1pm. Native trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants, multiple milkweed species and a great selection of plants for pollinators and wildlife. Hosted by the Illinois Native Plant society. Illinois State Fairgrounds Commodities Pavilion, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., 217-243-6055.
American Journey
May 14, 7:30pm. $21-$63. Be sure to catch this exciting musical journey across America presented by the Illinois Symphony Orchestra and featuring violinist William Hagen. ilsymphony.org. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Springfield Area Highland Games and Celtic Festival
May 14, 9am-10pm. Caber toss, stone put and tug o'war. Bagpipe bands, food, storytelling and Scottish goods. $8-$15. Children under 5 are free. Tickets are available online only. centralillinoiscelts.com. Sangamon County Fairgrounds, 318 W. Birch. 217-488-2685.
When Night Falls
May 14, 7-9pm. Celebrations of life and death. Part of the biennial Liturgical Arts Festival of Springfield. lafspringfield.org. Free. Staab Funeral Home, 1109 S. Fifth St., 217-528-6461.
Nothing to Be Afraid Of
May 15, 6pm. Jazz funeral, brass band parade and concert. Part of the biennial Liturgical Arts Festival of Springfield. lafspringfield.org. Free. First Christian Church Springfield, 700 S. Sixth St., 528-3407.
King Richard
May 20. A look at how tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams became who they are after getting coached by their father, Richard Williams. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Part of the Movies in the Park series. Begins at sunset. Free. Velasco Tennis Center, 2500 S. Grand Ave. W., 217-753-6225.
Springfield PrideFest
May 21, 12-10pm. Bringing it "Back to the Streets" on the gayest of days. A day of embracing diversity and celebrating the local LGBTQ community. Kid's area, live entertainment, great vendors and food and drinks. Organized by the Phoenix Center. phoenixcenterspringfield.org. Downtown Springfield, Fifth and Capitol streets, 217-528-5253.
Springfield Old Capitol Art Fair
May 21-22. Sat., 10am-5pm. Sun., 10am-4pm. Set against the backdrop of the Old State Capitol, the art fair is the jewel of the Midwest. This tradition of fine art has brought artists and shoppers from across the country flocking to downtown Springfield's two-day outdoor art gallery for 60 years. socaf.org.
Old Capitol Farmers Market
May 21-Oct. 30. Wednesdays and Saturdays, 8am-1pm. Local cheese, produce, meats, art and more. downtownspringfield.org. Downtown Springfield. Adams Street between Fifth and Second streets, 217-544-1723.
Weird Al Yankovic
May 22, 7-9pm. $39-$329. The Unfortunate Return of the Ridiculously Self-Indulgent, Ill-Advised Vanity Tour. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
