If you're looking to find the end of the rainbow this weekend, head to downtown Springfield where four vibrant community events converge into a kaleidoscope of family-friendly fun. There's a little something for everyone with live music, shows, art, books, vendors, and of course, delicious food. So, pack a bag (an empty one so you can fill it with stuff) and get on down to downtown.
Old Capitol Farmers Market
Saturday, May 18
8 a.m.-12 p.m.
The Old Capitol Farmers Market on Fourth and Adams streets, presented by HSHS St. John's Hospital, is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Following a grand opening this Saturday, it continues every Wednesday and Saturday through Oct. 26. The market supports small farms and local growers by providing an open-air venue to sell their produce and goods throughout the season.
Carlos Ortega, executive director of Downtown Springfield, Inc., said, "The Old Capitol Farmers Market has participated in the active development of the downtown ecosystem. It's an exciting time in downtown right now with a lot of growth."
New this year is an online, interactive market map for customers. The map links to the social media sites of vendors and creates a short bio so customers can see which vendors will be at the market each week.
Lincoln Library Alliance book sale
Saturday, May 18
9 a.m.-3 p.m.
On the sidewalks surrounding the downtown Lincoln Library, bookworms of all ages will enjoy shopping more than 15,000 books, audiobooks, CDs, DVDs and library-branded merchandise. Pricing starts at two for $1, and all proceeds go to support the Lincoln Library. Cash, credit and debit cards are all accepted forms of payment.
Tiffany Roe, president of the Lincoln Library Alliance, said, "We'll have two food truck vendors so everybody can keep their strength up. Hy-Vee is grilling out and Johnny O's is selling seven different flavors of mini-doughnuts, which is a dangerous thing."
The city of Springfield's Department of Waste and Recycling will be in attendance giving away flower seeds as part of the Mayor's Monarch Pledge. The Library Alliance has also partnered with Land of Lincoln Goodwill Industries for the second year in a row, which will have representatives available to talk about the programs offered. Customers will be able to drop off any Goodwill donations at the book sale.
"Admission is free and there is plenty of parking available," said Roe. "Hopefully it will be a beautiful day; we're super excited about it."
Old Capitol Art Fair
Saturday, May 18
10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday, May 19
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Springfield's 63rd Old Capitol Art Fair is located on the grounds and surrounding sidewalks of the Old State Capitol. Admission is free to view the 115 art vendors (a third of which are brand new to the fair) selling and showcasing all mediums of art. There's also a children's tent, 10 food truck vendors and a brand-new live music stage with local acts such as Kapital Sound, Ben Bedford, Avery Kern and The Springfield Municipal Band.
Entertainment chair Micah Walk said, "it has been a goal of mine for many years to upgrade the live entertainment stage, and this year we've finally been able to make it happen."
With a new live performance space and a 15% increase in vendors and food, the Old Capitol Art Fair is growing exponentially. "Numbers are increasing again post-pandemic, which is hopefully a trend that will continue for many years," said David Hennessey, chair of the board of directors.
Springfield PrideFest
Saturday, May 18
11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
Springfield's 14th annual PrideFest kicks off with a parade at 11:30 a.m., beginning on the corner of Fifth and Allen streets. At noon, Mayor Misty Buscher, Secretary Dulce Quintero from the Department of Human Services and other local leaders will hold a ribbon-cutting to kick off the festivities.
Jonna Cooley, Phoenix Center's executive director and the event chair, noted, "We have more than 100 vendors this year – many of them new to PrideFest – and great live music like The Rock 'n Roll Sisters and The Brat Pack, eight food truck vendors and a fun-filled family area."
Cooley said this year there will also be a free teen event called Race to the Runway. Starting at noon, the first 10 teens to register will receive a kit to create costumes and then perform a lip-synched song onstage at 2:15 p.m. PrideFest activities and performances culminate with a drag show on the main stage from 7:30-10:30 p.m.
Attendance is free to this day of celebrating the central Illinois LGBTQIA+ community.
Courtney Wick is a freelance writer from Springfield who plans to attend all four downtown events this weekend.
