Arts & Culture Events

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This Weekend

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First Friday Open Studio

First Friday of every month, 6-8 p.m.

The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space

623 E. Adams St., Springfield Downtown

Free

Art & Architecture

Visit the current exhibit and visit artists at work. Ask about their work, what inspires them, and why they chose their particular medium to learn more about why artists do what they do despite the odds. 801-810-9278
The Struggle for Public Transit Accessibility in 1980s Springfield

Mon., July 15, 6-7:30 p.m.

Lincoln Library

326 S. Seventh St., Springfield Downtown

Free

History, Lectures & Meetings

A presentation and panel discussing the efforts to advocate for and implement wheelchair lifts on SMTD buses in the 1980s. It will include a timeline of actions, advocates and opponents, demonstrations, hearings, lawsuits, state and national political figure input and experiences of participants. Part of the Sangamon Experience’s "The Struggle for Change" exhibit and project. 217-753-4900
Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella

Through July 20

The Muni

815 E. Lake Dr., Springfield Lake Springfield Area

Get Tickets
$12-$22. Ages 5 and under free

Theater & Comedy, Children's Corner

Cinderella is mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters because they fear the power of her fine character and beauty. But with the help of her fairy godmother, she learns her own worth and attracts the attention of the prince. 217-793-MUNI
Monday Movie Matinee

Mondays, 2-4 p.m. Continues through July 22

Lincoln Library

326 S. Seventh St., Springfield Downtown

Free

Film & Television

Escape the heat. All ages are welcome. Popcorn provided. 217-753-4900
The Illinois Freedom Project

Tuesdays-Saturdays, 12-4 p.m.

Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum

1440 Monument Ave., Springfield North Side

History, Bulletin Board

This exhibit tells the story of Illinois' long fight for freedom from slavery. It is on loan from the National Park Service. 217-391-6323
"EUPHORIA"

Tuesdays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Continues through July 31

SAA Collective Gallery

105 N. Fifth St., Springfield Downtown

Free

Art & Architecture

A collection of pastel paintings by juried artist Kristen Houtch in the Collective's newest exhibition space, the Underground Gallery. 217-523-2631
Edwards Place Guided Tours

Tuesdays-Saturdays, 1 & 2 p.m. Continues through Dec. 21

Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association

700 N. Fourth St., Springfield Springfield Area

Adults $5, children 10 and younger free

History

A guided tour through the newly-restored first and second floors. The home is interpreted to 1857 and furnished with wonderful examples of Victorian furniture, including many pieces that belonged to the Edwards family. 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. Closed on national holidays 217-523-2631
GriefShare 13-week Support/Recovery Program

Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m. Continues through Aug. 27

Trinity Lutheran School

515 S. MacArthur Blvd., Springfield Springfield Area

Free

Bulletin Board, Faith & Philosophy

Grief support group for people dealing with the death of a family member or friend. Over 13 weeks, participants find relief and comfort as they learn what to expect in the days ahead and how to navigate their personal grief process. Pre-registration is requested but there is no charge to attend. Call or email for more information. 217-899-9418
Drawing studio

Tuesdays, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space

623 E. Adams St., Springfield Downtown

Art & Architecture

An opportunity to improve drawing skills, hand-eye coordination and analytical skills in a studio setting. Work in the medium of your choice. All skill levels are welcome. Donations are welcome. 801-810-9278
History Happy Hour

Wed., July 17, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

The Gin Mill

235 S. 5th St., Springfield Downtown

Free

History

"The most important man you've probably never heard of." Jeff Nevins of the ALPLM will share the story of Shuji Nakamura, whose blue LED enabled the creation of everything from LED TVs to the smart phone. Because of his dogged determination our world will never be the same. Presented by the ISM and the ALPLM. 217-558-8844
Despicable Me 4, Inside Out 2

Through July 18, 9:05 & 10:55 p.m.

Route 66 Twin Drive-In

1700 Recreation Dr., Springfield Springfield Area

$9, children 4-12 $6

Film & Television, Bulletin Board, Children's Corner

On Screen 1. Despicable Me 4 and Inside Out 2 are both rated PG. 217-698-0066
MaXXXine, A Quiet Place: Day One

Through July 18, 9:20 & 11:15 p.m.

Route 66 Twin Drive-In

1700 Recreation Dr., Springfield Springfield Area

$9, children 4-12 $6

Film & Television

On Screen 2. MaXXXine is rated R and A Quiet Place: Day One is rated PG-13. 217-698-0066
Springfield Poets and Writers open mic

Free

Spoken Word

Third Wednesday of every month, 6-8pm. Read some poetry, prose or nonfiction, whether your original or the work of a favorite author. You can also just relax and listen. Online every third Wednesday of the month. Get the Zoom link on the website. 217-725-9058
Open mic comedy night

First and Third Wednesday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m.

Pizza Records

59 E. Central Park Plaza, Jacksonville Jacksonville

Free

Theater & Comedy

Have you ever wanted to try stand-up comedy? Have you been doing it for awhile and want to screen some elements to your comedy routine? Do you just want to rant and rave about the banal, sometimes idiotic things we deal with in our day-to-day lives? 217-200-0896
Old Capitol Farmers Market

Wednesdays, Saturdays, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Continues through Oct. 26

Old Capitol Farmers Market

Fourth and Adams streets, Springfield Downtown

Food & Drink

Shop for fresh local produce, baked goods and products. Please note health guidelines will be followed. Sponsored by HSHS St. John's Hospital. 217-544-1723
1908 Race Riot Walking Tour

Wednesdays, Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. Continues through Nov. 9

Fifth & Adams street

Intersection of 5th & Adams, Springfield Downtown

Donations welcome

History

This 60-minute tour examines 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. 217-782-6302
"Portracts"

Wednesdays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Continues through July 31

SAA Collective Gallery

105 N. Fifth St., Springfield Downtown

Free

Art & Architecture

Delinda Chapman creates large-scale artwork that combines portraits and abstracts using mixed media. 217-544-2787
Hello, Dolly

Through July 21 and Through July 28

The Legacy Theatre

101 E. Lawrence, Springfield Downtown

Theater & Comedy

"Isn't the world full of wonderful things?" Mrs. Dolly Levi is a matchmaker extraordinaire who decides that the next match she needs to make is for herself. Visit the website or call for tickets prices. 800-838-3006
Downtown Trivia League Season 2

Wednesdays, 6:30-8 p.m. Continues through July 24

Downtown Jacksonville

Central Park, Jacksonville Jacksonville

$5 entry fee per day

Food & Drink

It’s Back! The Jacksonville Downtown Trivia League still has spots open for teams. As of today, 4 spots remain in the league. League organizer Ryne Turke says that the format of the weekly competitions will remain consistent while the venue will rotate to different places in Downtown Jacksonville. The weekly match ups will run approximately an hour and a half. There also may be weekly prizes. 217-320-1762
Line dancing lessons

Thursdays, 7-10 p.m. Continues through July 25

Pole Barn Chic

4491 Old Chatham Road, Springfield Springfield Area

Free

Dance, Bulletin Board

Learn how to line dance and have a boot-stompin' good time. Presented by Boots on the Line. Cash bar will be open and food truck will be on site. 217-685-7389
Drumming Circle

Third Thursday of every month, 6-8 p.m.

Unity of Springfield

417 Cordelia, Springfield Southern View

Love offering

Bulletin Board, Faith & Philosophy

Bring your instruments and zeal and join in. 217-523-5897
5-Mile History Bike Tours

Thursdays, 1 p.m. Continues through Nov. 9

Dana-Thomas House

301 E. Lawrence Ave., Springfield Springfield Area

Donations welcome

History

Ride your own bicycle following a guide on an 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. 217-782-6302
Friends of Lincoln Hike

Thursdays, 1:30 p.m. Continues through Nov. 9

Lincoln's Tomb State Historic Site

1500 Monument Ave., Springfield North Side

Donations welcome

History

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. 217-782-6302
History Cooks: The Horseshoe

Fri., July 19, 12 p.m.

Lincoln Home National Historic Site

413 S. Eighth St., Springfield Downtown

Free

Food & Drink, History, Bulletin Board

Chef Augie Mrozowski will prepare a classic Springfield horseshoe. Mrozowski father is credited with being one of the originators of the horseshoe at the Leland Hotel. 217-786-2200
Poetry/Spoken Word

Fri., July 19, 6-8 p.m.

The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space

623 E. Adams St., Springfield Downtown

$10 suggested donation at door

Spoken Word

Poets and writers, this is for you. Have your written words spoken and heard. New poets and writers who've never read their work in public before are welcome. Sign in on arrival. Names will be drawn at random and participants then have seven minutes max at the mic. 217-381-8910
"Spirituality"

Fridays, 12-8 p.m. and Saturdays, 12-6 p.m. Continues through July 27

The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space

623 E. Adams St., Springfield Downtown

Free

Art & Architecture

Spirituality, what does that mean to you? Artists have visually tried to interpret that in various media since the beginning of time. This is the current theme that Pharmacy artists were asked to use as inspiration for their work in the current exhibit. Typically with themed exhibits, some found the idea/term easy to interpret visually, others did not. Come in during these early to mid summer months to the cool and beautiful Pharmacy gallery space. Visit, enjoy and challenge yourself as you view this facinating exhibit on spirituality. 217-622-7903
Friday Night Open Dancing

Fridays, 7-10 p.m.

Prairie Land Dance Club

650 Matilda St., Illiopolis Central Illinois

$5

Dance

An evening of open dancing to a mix of music by the DJ. You can also bring your own music. Two step, West Coast Swing, East Coast Swing, cha-cha-cha, line dancing, ballroom styles, flow dancing. 217-413-8646
12th Night

Sat., July 20, 6-8:30 p.m.

Enos Park

1000 N. Seventh St., Springfield Downtown

Get Tickets
Free, $25 for VIP seating

Theater & Comedy, Bulletin Board

One-night only Shakespeare in the Park event featuring the acclaimed Starling Shakespeare Company. Bring lawn chairs. In case of bad weather, the show will be held in the Peggy Ryder Theatre of the Hoogland Center for the Arts. Show presented by Springfield Area Arts Council and Downtown Springfield Inc. 217-753-3519
Black History Walk

Saturdays, 2 p.m. Continues through Nov. 9

Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site

1500 Monument Ave., Springfield North Side

Donations welcome

History

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. 217-782-6302
Masters' Back Porch Chautauqua Series

Third Sunday of every month, 2-4 p.m. Continues through Sept. 15

Free

History, Live Music

The Edgar Lee Masters Memorial Museum is hosting its Masters’ Back Porch Chautauqua series. On the 3rd Sunday of each month, May through September, experts will lecture on topics of local interest in literature, art, and history followed by original performances by area songwriters. The series will be held from 2-4 p.m. at 1st & 3rd Boutique & Wine Bar, 105 S 7th St, Petersburg, IL. The Masters’ Memorial Museum, at the corner of 8th & Jackson, within walking distance of the venue, will be open for tours the hour preceding the event. The event is free to the… n/a