ONGOING
Kidzeum Sensory-Friendly Visit Times
First Sunday of every month through Dec. 1, 9-11am. 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 available for loan at the admissions desk. kidzeum.org. Admission. Kidzeum of Health and Science Children's Museum, 412 E. Adams St., 217-971-4435.
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.
Illinois Products Farmers Market
Thursdays through Sept. 26, 3:30-7pm. Local meats, produce, dairy products, baked goods, honey and jams, craft beers, woodworking, jewelry and more. Plus live entertainment and a food truck. Illinois State Fairgrounds, The Shed, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-524-9129.
Old Capitol Farmers Market
Wednesdays and Saturdays, 8am-12:30pm. Through Oct. 26. Shop for fresh local produce, baked goods and products. Sponsored by HSHS St. John's Hospital. Old Capitol Farmers Market, Fourth and Adams streets, 217-544-1723.
Moonlight Market
First and third Wednesdays through Sep. 18, 6-9pm. A wonderful way to enjoy an evening downtown. Find the works of local artists and artisans, plus dine and sip while you shop. Downtown Springfield, Jackson Street, between Sixth and Seventh streets. 217-670-0627.
5-Mile History Bike Tour
Thursdays, 1pm, from May 31 to Nov. 9. Ride your own bicycle following a guide on a casual, neighborhood-style bicycle tour of historic sites, including the Black Fire House, Dana-Thomas House, Lincoln Home, Old State Capitol, Lincoln Tomb and others. Helmets are required and a water bottle is recommended. The 5-mile tour begins at 1pm at the Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence Ave. 217-782-6302.
1908 Race Riot Walking Tour
Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9:30 a.m., from May 31 through Nov. 9. This 60-minute tour will examine the devastating 1908 Race Riot that destroyed and affected the lives of many of Abraham Lincoln's African American friends and their descendants. Good walking shoes and water recommended. Donations welcome. Fifth and Adams streets, 217-782-6302.
Black History Walk
Saturdays, 2pm. From June 1 through Nov. 9. This 90-minute walk through Oak Ridge Cemetery focuses on the history of Springfield's African American community, discussing great tragedies, as well as stories of success in the face of adversity and prejudice. Water and good hiking shoes recommended. Donations welcome. Meet at Lincoln Tomb parking lot, 217-782-6302.
Friends of Lincoln Hike
Thursdays, 1:30pm, from May 31 through Nov. 9. This 90-minute hike through Oak Ridge Cemetery visits the graves of Abraham Lincoln's friends, neighbors and political associates. Guides will discuss their lives and highlight their interactions with the 16th president. Comfortable shoes and water recommended. Donations welcome. Meet at Lincoln Tomb parking lot, 217-782-6302.
Underground Railroad Walk
Fridays, 1:30pm, from May 31 to Nov. 9. This 45-minute, 1-mile walk explores locations in Springfield that hold a special significance to the railroad. Includes visits to the Old State Capitol and Lincoln Home National Historic Site. Good shoes and water recommended. Meet outside Lincoln Home Visitor Center, 217-782-6302.
A Stroll with Old Bob
Sundays, 1:30pm, through Nov. 9. Experience the life of Abraham Lincoln through the eyes of his horse, Old Bob. This walk traces Lincoln's route to work each day and includes stories from Old Bob about Lincoln, his family and Springfield. Best suited for families with children through age 10. Meet at the Lincoln Home Visitor Center, 217-782-6302.
20th Century Black History Walk
Fridays, 1:30pm, from May 31 to Nov. 9. After the 1908 Race Riot, Springfield's Black community persevered, establishing businesses, participating in politics and organizing. Early Black leaders created opportunities for future generations. This walk will feature stories of the men and women who uplifted their families and communities and dedicated their lives to make the city a better place for all. Meet in the Lincoln Tomb Parking Lot, 217-782-6302.
Parents WILD Night Out
Get out on the third Friday of every month, 6-9pm, through Aug. 16. Drop off the kids to play, create and learn about the wild world around them while you spend a couple hours doing grownup things. Pizza and snacks provided or send a packed dinner. Registration is $30-$35, then $25-$30 for each additional child. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 East Lake Shore Drive, 217-585-1821.
Artist in the Park
Fridays, noon to 1p.m., through Aug. 30. Local musicians perform in Union Square Park, 500 E. Madison St. Sponsored by the Springfield Area Arts Council. Springfieldartsco.org. Free. 217-753-3519.
Masters' Back Porch Chautauqua Series
Third Sunday of every month, 2-4pm. Through Sep. 15. Listen to experts lecture on topics of local interest in literature, art and history followed by original performances by area songwriters. The Masters' Memorial Museum will be open for tours the hour preceding the event. Free. 1st and 3rd Boutique and Wine Bar, Petersburg, 105 S. Seventh St.
August
Illinois State Fair
Aug. 8-18. Every kind of food imaginable, the sounds of music and con certgoers' cheers at the Grandstand shows, a midway with all the bells and whistles, harness-racing horses kicking up the dust on the track, tons of agricultural shows and lots of 10-gallon hats and cowboy boots. Visit the Facebook page for Grandstand shows updates and admission info. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-782-6661.
Illinois State Fair Rodeo
Aug. 10, 7:30pm. See competitions in nine edge-of-your-seat events including bareback riding, saddle bronc, bull riding, tie down roping, steer wrestling and barrel racing. Presented by Wooten Rodeo Co. Adults $10, children 12 and younger $5. Gate 11 (campgrounds), Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-899-9175.
Fairytales On Ice - The Adventures of Peter Pan & Wendy
Aug. 17, 11am, 3pm and Aug. 18, 11am, 3pm. $25. Award-winning skaters bring this favorite fairy tale characters to life through ice skating, singing and music. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-899-9175.
YART Sale
Sat., Aug. 17, 9am-3pm. Donated supplies and equipment from forgotten hobbies available at low prices for your new art-making passion. Supplies and equipment in metals, ceramics, painting, photography and so much more. springfieldart.org. Free. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.
USAC Silver Crown Series
Sat., Aug. 17, 2pm. See the always exciting Bettenhausen 100. Adults $25, children $10. Illinois State Fair Grandstand, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., 217-782-6661.
Demolition Derby
Sat., Aug. 17, 5pm. Adults $25, children $5. Watch the metal-twisting action as these skilled drivers smash and crash into one other until only one vehicle remains. Multi-Purpose Arena, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., 217-899-9175.
Arca Super Series
Sun., Aug. 18, 1pm. Adults $25, children $10. Illinois State Fair Grandstand, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., 217-782-6661.
Abe's Amble
Aug. 18, 7:30am. On the last day of the Illinois State Fair, hundreds of runners from Illinois and surrounding states take to the streets covering the fairgrounds, Lincoln Park, Oak Ridge Cemetery and back. This challenging 10K course is USATF-certified and a lot of fun. Certified 5K course option available. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-782-6661.
Powerlight Fest
Aug. 18. Featuring Dove Award-nominated Jordan St. Cyr, The Afters and Adelaide at the Lincoln Stage. Free with paid fair admission. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-553-5271.
Disney and Cameron McKintosh's Mary Poppins
Aug. 23-25, Aug. 30-Sep. 1.
One of the most popular Disney movies of all time is capturing more hearts as a musical. The tale of nanny Mary Poppins delighted Broadway audiences for more than 2,500 performances and received nominations for nine Olivier and seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Hcfta.org. $22. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Jubilee Morgan Horse Show
Aug. 28-31, 9am-9pm. The stamina and spirit of the Morgan, combined with its build and way of traveling, contributed greatly to the formation of the other American breeds. Coliseum, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 248-207-4956.
Decatur Music Festival
Aug. 30-31. Two days, more than 20 bands and much, much more. Central Park, 151 N. Water St., 217-423-7000.
Springfield Mile
Aug. 31-Sept. 1, 9am-4pm. The annual Labor Day weekend doubleheader of the world's premier flat track motorcycle racing series. You just now imagined the sound of all those motorcycles roaring past the grandstand, didn't you? $20-$150. Children 12 and under $5-$25. Illinois State Fair Grandstand, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-632-0277.
SEPTEMBER
Bluegrass Concerts and Traditional Music Festival
Sep. 6-7. Bluegrass performers from all over the Midwest will be playing in the Kelso Hollow outdoor theater both Friday and Saturday from 6-10pm. At the Traditional Music Festival on Saturday, traditional, folk and bluegrass musicians are invited to participate in impromptu jam sessions from 10am-4pm throughout the village. lincolnsnewsalem.com. Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 217-632-4000.
Jiu Jitsu Tournament
Sep. 7, 9:30am. Presented by FUJI BJJ Championship Series. Competitors range in age from 4 years old to 60+. fujibjj.com. $20 at the door. Age 12 and under are free. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-725-8047.
Rock and Run for Mental Health
Sep. 8, 8-11am. Event combines a 5K run, live music, vendors and food event to benefit mental health non-profit organizations. See the web site for more info and to sign up. rock4mentalhealth.com. Rochester Community Park, Rochester, 90 Wild Rose Lane.
Art Spectacular
Sep. 14, 10am-5pm, and Sep. 15, 10am-4pm. A juried fine art and craft fair, ranked by Sunshine Artist Magazine as one of the best 200 art fairs in the United States. carillon-rees.org. Free. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-3853.
Capital City Century Ride
Sep. 14. One of the oldest and most popular recreational bicycle rides in Illinois. A scenic, one-day ride on low-traffic roads. Multiple route options. Hosted by the Springfield Bicycle Club. Capcitycentury.com. 217-801-2873.
200th Birthday Celebration and Open House
Sep. 14, 10am-4pm. Artisan demonstrations of 1800s homestead industries, wagon rides, farm animals and activities for children to experience some of the games and work performed in that period. Concessions will be available. jacksonvilleil.org. Adults $5, children $3. Woodlawn Farm, Jacksonville, 1463 Geirke Lane, 309-678-7716.
Fall Festival
Sun., Sep 15. Fun-filled day for the whole family. Includes children's games, health fair, food truck, raffles, country store and live music by the Jonnie Concaroo Band. St. Frances Cabrini Parish 1020 N. Milton Ave., 217-522-8555.
Community Park Car Show and Cruise Night
Sep. 21, 9am-9pm. 40th annual event. Car show 9am-3pm. Specialty awards, doors prizes, vendors, swap meet. Cruise 5-9pm. Community Park, Jacksonville, South Main Street, 217-245-6884.
Capital City Clash
Sep. 21, 7pm. Are you ready to rumble? See professional wrestlers from around the world do battle in this "base-brawl." Fans can meet the wrestlers, take photos and get autographs during at 5pm during a special VIP session. Presented by the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes, Global Force Wrestling and Pro Wrestling Entertainment. shoebaseball.com. Robin Roberts Stadium, 1415 N. Grand Ave. E., 217-381-3858.
Edwards Place Fine Art Fair
Sep. 21, 10am-5pm and Sep. 22, 10am-4pm. Shop over 70 different vendors, take tours of Edwards Place Historic Home and join in other fun family activities. This fair is popular with locals and is in its 35th year. Free. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-544-2787. springfieldart.org.
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, Route 125, 217-481-4430. clayville.org.
Chatham Octoberfest
Sept. 21, 10am-9pm. Traditional(ish) celebration with food, fun and German and American music. See the Chatham Jaycees Facebook page for more info. Chatham Memorial Square.
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 downtown Springfield 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. Don't miss the Burnout Competition. Free for spectators. Downtown, 217-553-5271.
