As events may be canceled or rescheduled at the last moment, please first check with the host or venue when making plans to attend an event.
ONGOING
Friday Night Jazz Every Friday, 5:30-7:30pm. Listen to some of Springfield's finest jazz musicians with a different act every week. Sponsored by the Springfield Area Arts Council. Free, family friendly and accessible. springfieldartsco.org. Boone's, 301 Edwards St., 217-679-3752.
Kidzeum Sensory-Friendly Visit Times First Sunday of every month, 9-11am. Through Dec. 1. Lights and noises are turned down to make the museum more comfortable for visitors with sensory differences so they can explore and discover the galleries at their own pace. Headphones are available for loan. kidzeum.org. Admission. Kidzeum of Health and Science Children's Museum, 412 E. Adams St., 217-971-4435.
The Art of Jazz Second Thursday of every month, 7-9pm. Jazz guitarists and educators Jose Gobbo and Mark Tonelli perform together or curate an evening, booking a guest musician, a group or occasionally the UIS Jazz Band. $10 at door. Pharmacygallery.com. Pharmacy Gallery & Art Space, 623 E. Adams St.
"Person(Re)alities: Paintings & Drawings by Art Silver" Wednesdays-Saturdays, 11am-5pm. Through Oct. 5. The Underground Gallery, inside of the SAA Collective, presents figurative and other paintings by juried artist Art Silver. Silver is inspired by how body language tells complex stories about who we are, what we are doing, and how we relate to our environment and each other. springfieldart.org. Free. SAA Collective Gallery, 105 N. Fifth St., 217-544-2787.
Old Capitol Farmers Market Wednesdays, Saturdays, 8am-12:30pm. Through Oct. 26. Shop for fresh local produce, baked goods and products. Please note health guidelines will be followed. Sponsored by HSHS St. John's Hospital. Old Capitol Farmers Market, Fourth and Adams streets, 217-544-1723.
Open mic comedy night First and Third Wednesday of every month, 6:30-8pm. Got jokes? Sign up for a five-minute comedy set at Pizza Records the first and third Wednesday of every month. Sign up starts at 6, and the show starts at 6:30. Come out and support local funny people. You'll never know who you'll see. Free. Pizza Records, Jacksonville, 59 E. Central Park Plaza, 217-200-0896.
Edwards Place Guided Tours Tuesdays-Saturdays, 1, 2pm. Through Dec. 21. A guided tour through the newly restored first and second floors. See the authentic Lincoln courting couch from the parlor of the Ninian Edwards home where Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd were married, and a piano that was likely played at their wedding. springfieldart.org. Adults $5, children 10 and younger free. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.
Comedy Open Mic Second and Fourth Wednesday of every month, 6-9pm. Hosted by Lance Cain. Signup is at 6pm with show at 7pm. See the Facebook page for more info. Anvil and Forge Brewing and Distilling Company, 619 E. Washington St., 217-494-6200.
"Vibrancy Realized" Wednesdays-Saturdays, 11am-5pm. Through Oct. 5. See the pastel paintings and glass sculptures of artists Sheri Ramsey and Michelle Ryan. The artworks are unified by their reflections on nature and the moody resonance of emotion, creating an experience full of energy and life. springfieldart.org. Free. SAA Collective Gallery, 105 N. Fifth St., 217-544-2787.
Comedy Open Mic Second Sunday of every month, 6:30-8:30pm. Sign up at 6pm for comedians. Show starts at 6:30pm. Free. The Wakery, 5 W. Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-670-2354.
Comedy open mic hosted by Larry Smith Sep. 26; 8-10pm, Oct. 24; 8-10pm and Nov. 21, 8-10pm. No pre-signup. Performers will do five-minute sets. Signups start at 7:30pm. Pre-mic meeting at 7:55pm. Those not in room when called forfeit their spot. Free. Buzz Bomb Brewing Co., 406 E. Adams St.
Carillon concerts 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. carillon-rees.org. Free. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, Washington Park, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-3853.
SEPTEMBER
Fall Festival Sep. 21-22, 9am-4pm. A local favorite with music, food, crafts, children's activities and historic buildings to tour. Clayville Historic Site, Pleasant Plains, Illinois 125, 217-481-4430. clayville.org.
Roundtable to discuss aging issues, priorities Sep. 23, 1-2:30pm. One of a series of discussions open to service providers, older adults, family caregivers and the public—to help shape the future of policymaking, service delivery and investment priorities to meet the needs of a growing older adult population. Hosted by Illinois Department on Aging. ilaging.illinois.gov/. RSVP requested. Free. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-782-5057.
Illinois Women in Leadership Women's Symposium Sep. 25, 8am-5pm. A day of inspiration, motivation and actionable tips for professional and personal fulfillment. The event features two dynamic, inspirational keynote speakers - April Simpkins and Kim Becking. The day includes lunch, breakout sessions and a networking cocktail hour at the end of the event. $149. iwil.biz. Crowne Plaza Springfield - 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy.
Friends of the Farmers Market Street Dinner Sep. 25, 6-9pm. Celebrate the immense bounty of the Old Capitol Farmers Market with DSI's ninth annual Friends of the Market Street Dinner. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-785-7960.
Nash Sep. 25, 1pm, and Oct. 23, 1pm. The pet therapy team, Nash and Christie, will stop by to visit with the seniors. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.
The Lifespan of a Fact Sep. 26-29. This critically acclaimed Broadway play is a fast-paced comedy with timely relevance, where facts and fiction are twisted in the high-stakes publishing world. uispac.com. $25 in advance; $29 week of the show. UIS Studio Theatre, One University Plaza, 217-206-7529.
Car-O-Practic Extravaganza Sep. 27, 5-7pm. Bring your chairs and enjoy front-row seats here for the Route 66 Mother Road parade. Event includes family-friendly activities, food trucks, a raffle and more. Proceeds will benefit Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County. Presented by Living Well Chiropractic. Event happens rain or shine. Free. Habitat for Humanity ReStore, 2744 S. Sixth St., 217-679-1185.
Boots & Bowties Sep. 28, 6pm. Annual fundraiser benefiting Senior Services of Central Illinois. Live music by Sushi Roll starts at 7pm. Admission $10 or $25 for dinner and entertainment. Advance tickets can be purchased online at centralILseniors.org . Order dinner tickets by Sep. 20. Route 66 MotorHeads Bar & Grill, Museum & Entertainment Complex, 600 Toronto Road.
International Route 66 Mother Road Festival Sep. 27, 6-10pm, Sep. 28, 9am-10pm and Sep. 29, 9am-2pm. Hundreds of street machines, muscle cars and hot rods will rumble into the heart of Springfield's historic downtown followed by thousands of spectators for a weekend of family fun, live music and entertainment. Cruise at 6pm Friday with car show Saturday and Sunday. miss the Burnout Competition. Free for spectators. Downtown, 217-553-5271.
56th annual Apple 'n Pork Festival Sep. 28, 9am-5pm and Sep. 29, 9am-5pm. One of downstate Illinois' most popular festivals offering more than 25 booths featuring numerous types of old-fashioned, apple and pork foods, tours of the home of Abraham Lincoln's law partner and personal friend C.H. Moore, an art show; and large flea market. chmoorehomestead.org. Free. C.H. Moore Homestead DeWitt County Museum, Clinton, 219 E. Woodlawn St., 217-935-6066.
Crafters Treasure Sale Sat., Sep. 28, 9am-3pm. Crafters, artists, paper crafters, up-cyclers, DIYers, fiber artists, needleworkers and quilters will have their choice of a vast array of reusable materials for arts, crafts, education and beyond. All items are donated by Springfield Ceramics and Crafts Club members.See the Facebook page for more info. $20 for a bag. Springfield Ceramics and Crafts Club, 2626 S. Pasfield St., 217-381-4550.
Walk to End Alzheimer's - Greater Springfield Sep. 28, 830-1030am. Held annually in more than 600 U.S. communities, this Alzheimer's Association event is the world's largest fundraiser for Alzheimer's care, support and research. Register your Walk team at Act.ALZ.org/Springfield. Erin's Pavilion, Southwind Park,4965 S. Second St, 309-696-0911
Echoes of Yesteryear Sep. 29, 12-3:30pm. "A Walk Through Oak Ridge Cemetery." Seven actors dressed in period costumes tell the personal stories of individuals buried at Oak Ridge Cemetery who made significant contributions to our community's early history. Allow about two hours. Last tour begins at 3pm. Presented by the Sangamon County Historical Society. 217-525-1961.
Remembering Red Sep. 29. "A Tribute to Red Skelton," the only tribute show endorsed by the Skelton Estate. Brian Hoffman's expert portrayal of the late comedian will have you in stitches with some of Red's most well-known characters. hcfta.org. $30. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
OCTOBER
Boo Crew Haunted House Fridays, Saturdays. First weekend of October through Nov. 2. "The 25th Nightmare." boocrew.com. $35-$55. Boo Crew Haunted House, Mechanicsburg, 11083 Buckhart Road, 217-551-6969.
Terror on the Square Fridays, Saturdays, 7-11:59pm. Through Oct. 31. Terror on the Square in Petersburg has been entertaining guests for over three decades. A unique professional haunted tour with Disney-style illusions set in an actual 1930s funeral home. terroronthesquare.com. $23. Terror on the Square, Petersburg, 119 S. Seventh St., 217-632-2731.
Musical Selections from the "Great American Songbook" Oct. 2, 1-2pm. With song and narrative, singer-songwriters Dorothy Paige Turner and Joel Ross will explore the roots of jazz among enslaved Africans who brought their field hollers, work songs and spirituals to this uniquely American art form. Ross will also demonstrate the evolution of Ragtime and stride piano. Part of Arts for All. Registration required. Free. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-786-2432.
'Shoes, Brews & Biz Oct. 3, 5-9 p.m. $20. LRS Hangar, 820 S. Capital Airport Drive, 217-525-1173. Event showcases the Springfield area's restaurants, breweries and wineries. Enjoy samples while talking to businesses in the Biz Expo, bidding on silent auction items, taking a chance at winning $1,000 and touring the car and motorcycle collection owned by Dick Levi of LRS. Tickets on sale now at www.gscc.org. Must be 21 or older to attend. Presented by The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce and presenting sponsor, Bank and Trust Company. gscc.org.
CatVideoFest 2024 Oct. 4, 7-8pm. Oscilloscope Laboratories presents a compilation of the latest and best cat videos culled from countless hours of unique submissions and sourced animations, music videos, and classic internet powerhouses. A portion of ticket proceeds will benefit local cats through the Menard Animal Protection. broadgauge.com. $10 -$15. Broadgauge, Petersburg, 101 North 7th St., 217-386-5669.
Candlelight Walk Oct. 4-5, 7pm. A wonderful opportunity to experience village life at night. Period-clothed interpreters will be inside many of the log homes and shops to talk about life in 19th century Illinois. Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site, Petersburg, 15588 History Lane, 217-632-4000.
Artisan and Antique Market Oct. 5, 9am-4pm. Shop this market set against the picturesque backdrop of the Brinkerhoff Mansion, the Dream Center, and the Ursuline Music Conservatory. Event features over 150 local vendors, food trucks, refreshing drinks, and live music. Brinkerhoff Mansion, 1500 N. Fifth St., 217-361-5555.
PLANETS with David Becker Oct. 5. Experience a captivating auditory and visual expedition where captivating projections of the cosmos merge seamlessly with Becker's masterfully composed and improvised melodies. Join a post-concert gathering at the Campus Observatory. uispac.com. $49. UIS Studio Theatre, One University Plaza, 217-206-7529.
Mineral, Fossil, and Jewelry Show Oct. 5, 10am-6pm and Oct. 6, 10am-5pm. "Chillin in the Ice Age." Features mineral, fossil and jewelry dealers, exhibits, silent auction, concessions, escape room and kids' activities. Presented by Lincoln Orbit Earth Science Society. loess.org. Adults $2, seniors $1, children 12 and younger and Scouts in uniform free. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-414-0033.
Being Imperfect with Erika Sánchez Oct. 9, 7-8 pm. Erika L. Sánchez, a celebrated novelist, poet, feminist and passionate advocate for young women, will present an inspiring live webinar. Discover her journey, insights and powerful voice. Presented by Illinois Libraries Present (ILP). See the webinar registration link on the Chatham Library's events calendar. chathamlib.org. Chatham Public Library, 217-483-2713.
One Hundred Strings Oct. 10. Performance with traditional Indian string instruments, the veena (7 strings) and the santoor (93 strings), played by the world renowned Indian-American Nirmala Rajasekar and Indian, Sandeep Chaterjee, an accomplished santoor player. The musicians will share the stories of their instruments and of their musical and cultural traditions. uispac.com. $45. UIS Studio Theatre, One University Plaza, 217-206-7529.
Waitress Oct. 11. "The New Broadway Musical." Everyone deserves a slice of happiness and Jenna, a waitress, has found a tempting recipe for it. atthelegacy.com. $28-$35. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.
CORAL Barn Dance Oct. 11, 8-11pm. First barn dance presented by Coalition of Rainbow Alliances. Includes DJ, cash bar, s'mores, firepits and a special treat. springfieldcoral.org. $30. Pole Barn Chic, 4491 Old Chatham Road, 217-685-7389.
Baskerville Oct. 11-13. A Sherlock Holmes mystery presented by Spencer Theatre Company. hcfta.org. $20-$22. Hoogland Center for the Arts Peggy Ryder Theatre, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Youth Charity Horse Show Oct. 11-13, 8am-10pm. Class sessions all three days. The organization donates its annual proceeds to area charities. youthcharityhorseshow.com. Coliseum, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-413-1026.
Fall Harvest Festival Oct. 12, 9am-4pm, and Oct. 13, 10am-4pm. The garden's highly popular Fall Harvest Festival returns to Cawley Meadow. Event features children's activities, music, artisan demonstrations, exhibits, photo contest and food. Lincolnmemorialgarden.org. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 East Lake Shore Drive, 217-529-1111.
Date Night with It Takes Four to Tango Oct. 12. The UIS Music Faculty String Quartet will share and discuss dance traditions from around the world, with emphasis on the tango. Featured composers include Carlos Gardel, Astor Piazzolla, Dmitri Shostakovich and Goran Bregovic, and others. Part of the Date Night series. uispac.com. $17 in advance; $21 week of event. UIS Studio Theatre, One University Plaza, 217-206-7529.
Bee Gees Now! Oct. 12, 7:30-9:30 pm. The New York Bee Gees delivers songs from every decade of the Bee Gees catalog from Stayin' Alive and Night Fever to To Love Somebody and Massachusetts with stunning production, powerful vocals and professional stage presence. uis.edu. $25-$74. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
2024 Oak Ridge Tree Tour Oct. 13, 1-4pm. Enjoy a fall day by walking a designated route, stopping to hear guides identify trees and talk about their special place in the environment and history of the cemetery. Event includes headstone cleaning demonstrations. Suitable for all ages. Sponsored by the Oak Ridge Cemetery Foundation. oakridgecemeterytrees.com. Free. Oak Ridge Cemetery, 1441 Monument Ave., 217-741-9184.
Chili and beef vegetable soup supper Oct. 14, 10am-6:30pm. Taking pre-paid orders now for chili and/or beef vegetable soup. Orders must be received by Oct. 9. Drive up only. Call for more info. $15 per quart. Hot dogs $2 or six for $10. Mary Bryant Home for the Blind, 2960 Stanton St., 217-529-1614.
Mid America Mane Event Horse Show Oct. 16-19. Great horses, great people, great competition and great fun. Features full array of performance, pleasure, equitation, hackney and road horse classes. Coliseum, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 815-347-4395.
Annual Chili/Soup Fundraiser Oct. 14-18, 10am-6:30pm. Annual Chili/Soup Fundraiser to support Mary Bryant Home for the Blind & Visually Impaired. Pre-paid orders for chili or vegetable beef soup $15 per quart; Hot dogs at $2 or 6 for $10. Pickup starting Oct. 14 through Oct. 18 at 2960 Stanton St. $15 per quart. Mary Bryant Home for the Blind, 2960 Stanton St., 217-529-1614.
Election Security Oct. 17, 6-7pm. Sangamon County Clerk Don Gray will present insights into voter registration options, how to cast a ballot and the vital role of election judges.Talk will include the security of vote tabulation equipment, the types of cyberthreats facing elections and strategies in place to safeguard against cybercriminals. Free. Chatham Area Public Library, Chatham, 600 E. Spruce St., 217-483-2713.
All Breed Dog Show Oct. 17-20. Features hundreds of dogs from clubs around the region. Free. Illinois State Fairgrounds Exposition Building, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-621-5169.
Stand Up for Sojourn Comedy Event Oct. 18, 7pm. Laugh with comedian Ryan Neimuller while helping out a good cause during domestic violence awareness month. This event, in its fifth year, includes a silent auction. Proceeds benefit Sojourn Shelter & Services. Columbian Grand Hall Knights of Columbus 364, 2200 Meadowbrook Road, 217-726-5100, Ext. 222.
The Healing Plate: Nourish Minds, Elevate Awareness with chef Alex Belew Oct. 18, 5:30 p.m. Enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience led by celebrity chef Alex Belew in this fundraiser for the Jared's Keepers Foundation. Event includes live music and silent auction. The foundation combats mental illness. Tickets available at jaredskeepers.com. $150. Harvest Market, 3001 S. Veterans Pkwy., 217-553-8025.
Pumpkin Festival Oct. 19, 10am-2pm. A weekend of free family fun and activities on the historic downtown square. Activities have included a petting zoo, kids' corner, apple and pumpkin activities, smallest and biggest pumpkin contest, pie eating contest, pumpkin drop and so more. jacksonvillemainstreet.org. Free. Downtown Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Central Park, 217-243-5678.
Springfield Area Highland Games and Celtic Festival Oct. 19. Try your hand at tossing a 20-foot caber or throw a 56-pound weight over a raised bar. Conversely, you can watch others do those things while enjoying bagpipe bands, food, storytelling, Scottish goods and even British cars. Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin, 316 W. Birch St.,217-488-2685.
The Vampire's Ball Oct. 19, 7-10 pm. Pasfield House, Calling all creatures of the night! Step into a world of darkness, mystery, and elegance in formal vampire attire at the haunting atmosphere of the mansion while enjoying delicacies from Chef Chris, sinful concoctions from our bar, music and dancing to keep the blood pumping. Event is 21-plus. [email protected]. 525 S. Pasfield St. $36.66.
National Fossil Exposition Oct. 18-20. Hosted by the Mid-American Paleontology Society, this is the largest show in the world that exhibits fossils exclusively. A show for both novices and experts alike. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-725-8047.
Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular Oct. 18-19, 6:30-9:30pm. Nothing quite compares to this Halloween tradition. Carillon music, lighting and sound effects and food vendors. And hundreds of carved pumpkins on display, too, of course. Adults $10, Children 4-11 $7, children 3 and under: Free. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-3853. carillon-rees.org.
Christmas in the Village Sat., Oct. 19, 8-3am. A holiday craft and gift event with local vendors. Various locations. Free admission. Williamsville Community Center, Williamsville, 141 W. Main St., 217-652-7957.
Government Services Mini Showcase Oct. 19, 10am-12pm. Connecting residents to free resources. Learn about the Sangamon County Recorder's Mobile Unit, iCash and Department of Insurance and free services and support to the community. chathamlib.org. Free. Chatham Area Public Library, Chatham, 600 E. Spruce St., 217-483-2713.
Hadestown Oct. 23, 7:30-9:30pm. This story intertwines two mythic tales — that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone — as it invites you on a hell-raising journey to the underworld and back. uispac.com. $30-$159. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Driver's License Mobile Unit Oct. 24, 10am-2pm. Get help with new and renewal identification cards, renewal of driver's licenses, sticker purchases and Real ID from the secretary of state's mobile unit. ssoci.org. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.
A Taste of Ireland Fri., Oct. 25, 7:30-9:30pm. Hot off its Off-Broadway premiere, A Taste of Ireland - The Irish Music & Dance Sensation - hits stages across the U.S., performing the show that has entertained thousands around the globe. Laugh, cry and dance into the night with a production that is Celtic, for this generation. $38.50 and up. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Sweeney Todd Oct. 25-27 and Nov. 1-3. "The Demon Barber of Fleet Street." This award-winning play is a "tasty, thrilling, theatrical treat has simultaneously shocked, awed and delighted audiences across the world." hcfta.org. $20-$22. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Zoolie Ghoulie Oct. 25, 1-8 pm, and Sat., Oct. 26, 11 am-6 pm. Grab your little ghouls and goblins and have a wild time wandering through the zoo's spectacularly spooky Halloween scenes for some safe trick or treating. $5. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 East Lake Shore Drive, 217-585-1821
Fall Festival Oct. 26, 10am-4pm. Period-clothed interpreters will demonstrate daily tasks throughout the historic village such as candle dipping, soap making, blacksmithing, spinning wool, gardening, and natural dyeing. lincolnsnewsalem.com. Free. Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 217-632-4000.
Boo Crew Haunted House children's matinee Oct. 26, 3-5pm. "The 25th Nightmare" children's matinee. This lights-on, low-scare haunting is perfect for the little ghouls or ghosts. This is a continuous walk-through event. boocrew.com. $7. Boo Crew Haunted House, Mechanicsburg, 11083 Buckhart Road, 217-551-6969.
4th annual Best of Springfield Party Oct. 30, 5-9pm. Celebrate the 2024 Best of Springfield and Illinois Times' 50th anniversary at this party sponsored by Springfield Junk Away. Enjoy food samplings from the area's best restaurants along with beer, wine and spirit tastings from area distributors (You must be wearing a Lincoln Land Credit Union wristband to consume alcohol). Illinois Times is a small, locally owned business, and we encourage our readers to shop local. Stop by vendor booths featuring area retailers. Get free photos at the photo experience booth, sponsored by United Community Bank. Move and groove to the sounds of UNCHAiNED – voted Springfield's Best Band in 2023. Enter the costume contest and compete for $900 in prizes. Sign up by 7 p.m. to enter, contest begins at 7:30 p.m. $20-$25. BOS Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745-3000.
Let the Ghoul Times Roll Oct. 31, 11:30am. Dress in your favorite Ghoul Times Roll costume. Cash prizes for first-, second- and third-place winners. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.
NOVEMBER
Lung Cancer Awareness presentation Nov. 6, 12:15pm. Presented by Tia Rapps. Also, Kristin Perucho will give information on lung cancer screenings. centralILseniors.org,. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 2175034643.
Honoring our Heritage - From Chains to Change Nov. 8, 6-10 p.m. 13th annual fundraising gala for the Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum as community members and leaders will celebrate and support the preservation of African American history in the region. Includes inspiring speakers, live entertainment and dinner. spiaahm.org. Adults $65, students $32, tables $520.click to edit, Northfield Inn, Suites and Conference Center, 3280 Northfield Drive, 217-361-9942.
A Neil Diamond Tribute Nov. 9. Keith Allyn unveils the story of Diamond's life through his songs from the 60s through today. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Girls on the Run 5K Nov. 9, 10-11:30 am. Join this run/walk as nearly 300 girls complete this end of season celebratory 5K event. Fun family-friend activities begin at 9am with the run following at 10am. Register by Oct. 26 to be guaranteed a shirt and to save $5. Price increases Oct. 27. gotrcentralillinois.org. $30-$40 for adults and $20-$30 for Youth. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-726-9808.
Coin Show Nov. 10, 9am-3pm. U.S. and foreign coins, ancient and modern coins, gold and silver bullion, state quarters and paper money. Over 70 dealer tables. Hosted by the Central Illinois Numismatic Association. Free for members and children younger than 16. $1. Northfield Inn, Suites and Conference Center, 3280 Northfield Drive, 217-899-9996.
Making Sangamon County Dementia Friendly Nov. 14, 2-3:30pm. Program covers dementia basics and explores how we can create a more dementia-friendly community. Registration required at library page. chathamlib.org. Free. Chatham Area Public Library, Chatham, 600 E. Spruce St., 217-483-2713.
Date Night with Voice and Guitar: Love Songs Nov. 15. Singer-songwriter and guitarist Kevin Aldrich and vocalist Diane Dietz will share love songs across several genres and time periods. uispac.com. $17 in advance; $21 week of event. UIS Studio Theatre, One University Plaza, 217-206-7529.
This Is Our Culture Fundraising Event Nov. 15, 7-10 p.m. Experience West African-inspired appetizers, interact with Sierra Leonean culture and help orphans in this fundraiser for 20 children at Hope Orphan Home in Sierra Leone. Includes an interactive gallery showcasing each child's journey, a replica fishing boat exhibit and auction showcasing artisan-made pieces.hopeorphanhome.org. $50. Crowne Plaza Springfield, 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy.
Joe Bonamassa Nov. 26, 8-10pm. Joe Bonamassa is hailed internationally as one of the greatest guitar players of his generation and named by Guitar World Magazine as "the world's biggest blues guitarist," Bonamassa has almost single-handedly redefined the blues-rock genre and brought it into the mainstream. uis.edu. $49-$149. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Light up the Gables Nov. 29, 5pm. Join in singing some familiar Christmas carols as the tree is lit. Then enjoy some delicious hot chocolate or apple cider by the fire. The Gables, 2800 Plaza Drive. thegablesofspringfield.com.
