ONGOING

Artist on the Plaza Aug 26, 31, Sep 02, 12-1pm, Tuesday and Thursday outdoor instrumental, vocal, dance or musical theater performance. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza. 753-3519.

Illinois Products Farmers Market Through Oct 21, 4-7pm, Every Thursday, Fresh local food and entertainment. Commodity Pavilion. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave. 785-4873.

Jacksonville Farmers Market on the Square Through Oct 27, 3-7pm Wednesdays, Sponsored by Jacksonville Main Street. Old Viles lot, 100 block of W. Douglas, Jacksonville. 245- 6884.

Taylorville Farmers Market Aug 28, Sep 04, 11, 18, 25, Oct 02, 09, 16, 9am-1pm, Aug 28 lunch, country music, Agriculture displays/booths. Sponsored by Taylorville Main Street. Taylorville square.

Virden Farmers Market Through Oct 29, 4-7pm Fridays, Find produce, eggs, bakery items and more. Designer Landscapes, 1240 N. Springfield St, Virden.

Old Capitol Farmers Market Through Oct 30, 8am-12:30pm Wed and Sat, Features fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, plants, flowers and bakery items. Chef demonstrations, artisan area and live entertainment on Saturdays. Adams St between Fifth and Second. 544-1723.

Breaking the Rectangle Through Sep 16, 8am-4pm Mon-Fri, Free exhibit featuring the work of Adam Perschbacher. Reception Sep 2, 5 p.m. LLCC James S. Murry Gallery. 786- 2219.

Local Flavors Through Nov 04, Tuesday lunches and Thursday dinners wherein local restaurants create specialty menus highlighting Central Illinois products. Reservations encouraged. See details in calendar at illinoistimes.com.

Various locations. 528-1563.

Lincoln’s Ghost Walk: Legends & Lore Aug 26-28, 31, Sep 01-04, 07- 11, 14- 18, 21-25, 28-30, Oct 01-02, 05-09, 12-16, 19-23, 26- 30, 7:30pm, Twelve-block tour uses Lincoln sites as backdrop for ghostly and strange stories about Lincoln’s life and death. $12. Springfield Walks HQ, 113 N. Sixth St. 502-8687.

PULP: Fact, Fiction & Fantasy Aug 27-Oct. 2, 10am-5pm Mon- Fri, 10am-3pm Sat, Forty works of handmade paper by thirty-six artists from across the United States. Opening reception Aug 27 from 5-7 p.m. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St. 217-523-2631.

Pied Piper Architectural Tour Sep 01, Oct 06, 5:30pm, Free one-half hour professionallyguided architectural tour highlighting Illinois Building, Hilton Springfield, Lincoln Hotel, Lincoln Library and Elijah Iles House and others. Meets at Lincoln- Herndon Law Office. 544-1723.

First Fridays Downtown Sep 03, Oct 01, 5-8pm, Features unique shopping, dining, arts and entertainment. Many establishments have music or interesting activities such as Gallery II’s backward Pictionary where artists paint inspired by a word. 544-1723. Downtown Springfield.

Farm To Fork Dinners Sep 9, 16 and Oct 7, 5:30- 8:30pm, LLCC Community Learning sponsors these dinners at Caitie Girl's (Sep 9), Dr. Ugs (Sep 16), and Jubilee Farm (Oct 7). $45 each. llcc.edu. 786- 2432.

Third Thursdays Art Show Sept 16, Oct 21, Nov 18, 4pm- 12am, Local artists exhibit at the historic Virgil Hickox House. Norb Andy’s, 518 E. Capitol Ave. 670- 1024.

Bird Walks Sep 18, 25, Oct 02, 09, 8am, Four Saturdays this fall, join bird expert Kevin Veara as he leads birders of all skill levels in scanning the skies and treetops during a time when various migrating species are expected to be passing through the area. Bring your own binoculars. Free. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr. 217-529-1111.

Team Of Rivals: Lincoln’s Cabinet at the Crossroads of War Oct 14 through Aug 15, 2011, 9am-5pm daily, One-of-a-kind temporary Civil War Sesquicentennial exhibition. Museum admission. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St, 558-8934.

The Urge to Embellish Through Jan 9, 2011, 8:30am- 5pm Mon-Sat, 12-5pm Sun, Exhibition of eclectic new acquisitions and rarely-seen works made by non-professional artists. 782-7386. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St.

L. Brent Kington: Mythic Metalsmith Through Jan 30, 2011, Exhibit of southern Illinois artist whose artistic footprint on the world of metalsmithing and blacksmithing is profound with objects borrowed from private and museum collections. Free. 524-5744. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St.

AUGUST

Living History Program Aug 26, 5:30-7pm, Cold Stone Creamery ice cream for purchase in back yard. Meet Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln as they visit Anne Smith. Lincoln Troubadours perform at 6 p.m. Home tours. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St. 217-524-0901.

Water Gardening Society Aug 26, 6:30 -8:30pm, The dos and don’ts of water gardening. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave, 726-8216.

Impressions Aug 26-27, 10am-5pm Tue-Fri, 10am-3pm Sat, Lynn Hotes (acrylic paintings/collage), Cyd LaBonte (mixed media/jewelry), Sheri Ramsey (pastel). H.D. Smith Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St. 217-544-2787.

New Juried Artists Exhibit Aug 26-28, 30-31, 10am-5pm Mon-Sat, Twelve new juried members work on display. Prairie Art Alliance Gallery II, 221-223 S. Sixth St. 217-544- 2727.

Splashes of Color Aug 26-28, 30, 9am-4pm Mon- Fri, 10am-2pm Sat, Paintings of Springfield Artist John Hayes. Anne Lloyd Gallery, Madden Arts Center, 125 N. Water, Decatur. 217-423-3189.

Botanical Prairie Show Art Exhibit Aug 26-31, 12-4pm Mon-Fri, 12-5 Sat- Sun, Jeff Garland, metal sculptor, shows all new pieces. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave. 217-753-6228.

Historic Photography Display Aug 26-31, Sep 01-06, 12-4pm Mon-Fri, 12-5pm Sat-Sun, View photos of the park as far back as 1902. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave. 753-6228.

Marilyn Mikols Aug 26-27, 31, Sep 01-03, 10am-2pm Tue-Fri, Watercolor and oil still- life paintings. Robert Morris Gallery, 607 E. Adams, 217-522-8977.

Athens Fall Festival Aug 26-29, 7pm Thu, 5pm Fri, 10am- 12am Sat, Parade, carnival starts at noon, bands, car show, stunt show, rides, bingo, vendors and more. 636-8429 or 891-3623. Athens Community Park, W. Jackson and N. Main streets, Athens.

Ellsworth Triumphant Civil War Exhibit Aug 26-31, Sep 01-15, Original Civil War items pertaining to Colonel Ellsworth, a Lincoln friend and early casualty of war on exhibit until mid September. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-785-7960.

Dividing the Estate Aug 26-28, 8pm, Comedy about a wife and daughters coming to terms with dividing the estate of their dead husband and father. $12. Tickets 217-632- 5440 or 800-710-9290. Info 241-3241. New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg.

Lincoln Art and Balloon Festival Aug 27-29, 3pm Fri-3pm Sun, Hot air balloon launch and glow, tethered balloon rides, music, food, carnival games, fine art fair, the art of wine, children’s art activities, flea market, craft fair, car show and more. Logan County Airport, Lincoln, 217- 735-2385.

Prairie State Orchid Society - Annual Orchid Seminar Aug 28, 10am-3pm, This seminar presents a great opportunity to learn about orchids. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave, 753-6228.

Exploring the Versatility of Ornamental Grasses Aug 28, 10am, Learn how ornamental grasses can be companion plants, structures or focal points in your landscape. Free. Reservations required. GreenView Nursery, 3000 W. Jefferson, 787-4700.

Old Capitol Blues & BBQ Aug 28, 12pm-12am, Features 44 BBQ competitors and vendors, local and national Blues talent, Blues Club Challenge and children’s activities and entertainment. $5. Old State Capitol. 544-1723.

Corn Roast and Carnival Aug 28, 5-8pm, Features roasted corn and other foods, games for the kids and adults, face painting, a 50-50 raffle and more. Free admission. Springfield Church of Christ, 3253 S. Fourth St.

Annual Lawn Party Aug 28, 5:30-7:30pm, Art Association of Jacksonville invites public to unveiling and dedication of statues in Sculpture Garden. Springfield Bonsai Society exhibit, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. $25 donation. David Strawn Art Gallery, 331 W. College Ave, Jacksonville, 243- 9390.

Prairie Voices Aug 28, 6pm, Music and poetry of central Illinois compiled by Kevin Purcell, staring actors Purcell and Aasne Vigesaa. Piano music by Sonja Brady. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-785- 9363.

CenterLine Dressage Classic Horse Show Aug 28-29, 8am-5pm, Two-day free horse show at the Coliseum. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave. 544 -8441.

Chicago Aug 28-29, Sep 03-05, 8pm Fri- Sat, 2pm Sun, Musical set in Prohibition-era Chicago. $20. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St. 217-523-2787.

1840s Craft Fair Aug 29, 10am-4pm, Midwest craftspeople demonstrate a variety of 19th century trades. Live period music and entertainment, plus you can get your head read by a phrenologist. Free. Postville Courthouse State Historic Site, 914 Fifth St, Lincoln, 217-732- 8930.

Music in the Park Aug 29, 4-7pm, In Town Ho Down with River Ramblers and Tom Irwin. Iles Park, Sixth St and Ash St. 544-1751.

Summer Concert in the Park Aug 29, 6pm, Glen Gobel performs. Jacksonville Pilot Club sponsors free music at the bandstand. Jacksonville Community Park, 1201 S. Main, Jacksonville. 478-2015.

Flag Lowering and Retreat Ceremony Aug 31, 6:30-7:30pm, Free ceremony with Civil War soldier reenactors. Lincoln Troubadours sing at 7 p.m. Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site, 1500 Monument Ave.

SEPTEMBER

Jubilee Regional Championship Morgan Horse Show Sep 01-04, 8am, Free four-day horse show at the Coliseum. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave. 781-760-1270.

Pittsfield Fall Festival Sep 02-04, 6pm Thu-Fri, 9am Sat, Food vendors, crafts, carnival and many activities. Parade on Saturday beginning at 1 p.m. Pike County Courthouse, 100 E. Washington St, Pittsfield. 370- 9846.

Family Camp Out Sep 03, 5:15pm, Camp out at the zoo. Food and activities provided. Reservations required. $18 adult, $12 child. 753-6221. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr.

Dance Sep 03, 6-8pm, Grab your dancing shoes and get ready to boogie at a free dance for individuals of all abilities. Semi-formal dress attire. Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St, 217-753-0702.

New Salem Harmony Sep 03-04, 8pm, Story of New Salem as you’ve never heard it, featuring the words of Lincoln’s contemporaries, traditional era music and original songs. Tickets 217-632-5440 800- 710-9290. Info 241-3241. New Salem Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg.

IMDA Springfield Short Track Motorcycle Races Sep 03-04, TBA, Multi-purpose Arena. $30, $25 advance, $5 child. For info, call Tommra Kiesow at 753-8866. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave.

Ethnic Festival Sep 03-05, 5-11pm Friday, 12- 11pm Sat-Sun, Local ethnic groups provide ethnic foods, music and cultural activities. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave. 629-7871.

Prairieland Chautauqua Sep 03-06, 4:30pm, Historical re- enactments like Mark Twain and Walt Whitman, storytelling, lectures, music and dance. Jacksonville Community Park, 1201 S. Main, Jacksonville. 245- 1226.

Sangamon Valley Woodcarvers Show Sep 04-05, 10am-5pm Sat, 10am-4pm Sun, Carvers from across the country exhibit, howto seminars. $2, 12 and under free. 546-8792, e-mail [email protected] or visit svwoodcarvers.org. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave.

Casey Popcorn Festival Sep 04-06, 10am-10pm, All the free popcorn you can eat, plus three days of carnival, clowns, craft vendors, karaoke, food, music, car show and more. Fairview Park, SE 4th St. at E. Van Buren Ave. Casey. 217-232- CORN.

Arthur Amish Country Cheese Festival Sep 04-06, Free cheese giveaways, entertainment, contests, car show, craft, flea, food, booths, rides and free entertainment. 543- 2999. Downtown Arthur.

AKC Agility Trial Sep 05-06, 9am-4pm Sun, 8am-2pm Mon, Bring your chair and watch for free, dogs and owners competing in timed obstacle course. Outdoor in covered arena, south of Coliseum. Hosted by Capitol Canine Training Club and licensed by American Kennel Club. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave. 793-8352, 971- 9277.

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Morton Pumpkin Festival, Sep 15-18, Downtown Morton - Celebrate the festival’s 44th year celebration of the pumpkin canning season with live entertainment, carnival rides, a craft show and a large parade. The theme this year is Pumpkin Splash to celebrate the opening of the new Morton Family Aquatic Center.

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Greenview Labor Day Celebration Sep 05-06, 10:30am Sun, 8am-4pm Mon, Food, parade, New Salem Country Opry, flea market, petting zoo, car show, pie contest auction, bingo, Menard County Singers, Justin Van Cleve and more. Greenview.

Stone House Open House Sep 05, 12, 19, 26, 1-4pm, Sundays in September, Open house at 1830s stone house. Sponsored by Rochester Historical Preservation Society. Rochester Historical Village, W. Main St, Rochester. 498-7012.

Dave Sinclair Labor Day Celebration Sep 06, 4-6pm, Bring lawn chairs and enjoy the music of Burr Smith and Real Country. Virginia town square, 217 -452-7786.

USA Jet Masters Team Competition and Remote Control Jets Rally Sep 7-12, 12pm Tue-Wed, 9am-sunset Thu-Sat, 9am-1pm Sun, Bring your chair or tailgate and witness scale models of military jets as well as high performance sport jet aircraft flying over 200 mph.

Organizers say the most planes fly Sep 9-12 during the rally. $5. Concessions available or bring your own food. Litchfield Municipal Airport. Litchfieldil.com/airport.

Prairie Grapevine Concert Sep 07, 7:30pm, Seattle area artist Bryan Bowers “Master of the Autoharp.” $9-$5. prairiegrapevine.org. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Rd, (217) 454-0178.

Evening Science Series Lecture Sep 08, 7-8:30pm, Dr. John Halsey, state archaeologist of Michigan, presents “Hopewell in Michigan: What’s Up North?” Free. Illinois State Museum Research & Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St, 785- 0037.

Mt. Pulaski Fall Festival Sep 09-11, Plenty of food, carnival rides, 3-on-3 tourney, car show, beer tent with live bands, kiddy tractor pull, 5K run and lots of free entertainment and family fun. Free. Mt. Pulaski Courthouse, 113 S Washington St, Mount Pulaski.

Atlanta Fall Festival Sep 09-11, Carnival rides, petting zoo, car show, pie and cake baking contest/auction, bingo, bands nightly. Once upon a Nursery Rhyme parade 2 p.m. Saturday. Atlanta.

International Festival Sep 10, 4-8:30pm, Fun and games from around the globe, cultural performances and exhibits, plus a variety of ethnic foods. Free. UHB Quad Area. University of Illinois at Springfield, 206-6665.

Movie in the Park Sep 10, dusk, Free big screen movie, “Willy Wonka.” Bring a lawn chair or blanket. 217-544-1751. Rotary Park, Iles Ave. and Archer Elevator Rd.

Arenzville Burgoo Festival Sep 10-11, 8am-9:30pm, Get your burgoo. T.G. Sheppard headlines on Saturday. Adam James on Friday, both at 8 p.m. burgoo.org. 300 W. Main, Arenzville.

Milk Glass Collectors Convention Sep 10-11, 8am, Register at the convention to become a member of the National Milk Glass Collectors Society and you can attend this two-day convention and bid on rare auction items. $18, $28 family. nmgcs.org. Crowne Plaza, 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy.

Havana Oktoberfest Sep 10-11, 4pm-12am Fri, 10am- 12am Sat, Parade Sept. 10 at 5 p.m. music, food, craft booths, art show and much more. 227 W Main St, Havana. 309-543-3528.

Arcola Broom Corn Festival Sep 10-12, Find out how brooms are made and why they are a big part of Arcola’s past. National Broom Sweeping Contest and parade known for its length, plus all the regular festival activities, drink and unique food. Free admission. Arcola. 268 -4530.

Pekin Marigold Festival Sep 10-12, Lots of unique contests and events. Music, art and so much more. 309- 346-2106. Pekin.

A Long Way Home Sep 10-12, 7pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun, A stage adaptation of “Lost Survivor,” by Thomas R. Jones. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St. 217-523- 2787.

Reflections Sep 10-Oct 29, 10am-5pm Tue-Fri, 10am-3pm Sat, David Cain, digital/DVD, and Jeff Garland, painting/sculpture. Artist reception Sept. 11, 5-7 p.m. H.D. Smith Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St. 217-544-2787.

Women In The Outdoors Sep 11, New Salem Longbeards Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation hosts all day outdoor activities including mock turkey hunt, fishing, boating, gardening, crafting, outdoor photography and more. $55. Registration required. 498- 0283 or js [email protected]. Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish & Wildlife Area.

WorldFest 2010 Sep 11, 10am-4pm, Celebration of Central Illinois ethnic groups with live entertainment, ethnic food, cultural displays and unique items for sale at World Market booths. Peoria Civic Center, 201 SW Jefferson Ave, Peoria.

Spectacular Fall Container Gardens Sep 11, 10am, Learn how to add splashes of color to your fall containers. Free and open to public. Reservations required. GreenView Nursery, 3000 W. Jefferson. 787-4700.

Walk with the Trees Sep 11, 10am-12pm, Learn different types of trees and why they are important. Jubilee Farm, 6760 Old Jacksonville Rd, 787- 6927.

Super Saturdays at the Museum: Autumn Art Sep 11, 10am-4pm, Learn why leaves change color or how trees stay strong through Illinois seasons. Hands-on ongoing children’s activities for ages 4-8. Free. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 782- 6044.

SOB (Springfield Oyster & Beer) Festival Sep 11, 12-4pm, Illinois and Midwestern craft beer celebration. Fresh oysters and food for purchase. Music. $20, $15 in advance. [email protected] or 652- 7607. SOBFestival.com. The Inn at 835, 835 S. Second St

Cruise 11 to Remember 911 Sep 11, 2pm, Car show, prizes, food vendors, memorial service, free concerts and eleven-mile memorial cruise on Eldorado to Fairview Park. 791-1385. Nelson Park, Decatur.

Art in the Park Sep 11, 3-7pm, All kinds of art for the kids, vendors, food and music. Lincoln Park. [email protected].

Ragin’ Cajun Bayou Bash Sep 11, 3-10pm, Live Cajun music and food. The real thing. $5. 824- 3555. Christian County Fairgrounds, 700 W. Spresser St, Taylorville.

Springfield Municipal Band Patriots Day Concert Sep 11, 7pm, Encore performance as the band ends its 74th season. Douglas Park, 400 N. MacArtur Blvd. 789-2964.

Warrior Concepts Fallen Heroes Sep 11, 8-11pm, Warrior Concepts mixed martial arts event featuring your favorite local fighters and special service worker matches (police, fire, paramedic-military). $30. 698-8040. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave.

Art Spectacular at the Carillon Sep 11-12, 10am-5pm Sat, 10am-4pm Sun, Best ranked fine art fair in Springfield in 2010 Art Fair SourceBook. Original artwork for sale by 45 artists. Also: kids art sale, silent auction, gift basket raffle, music, demonstrations, food and door prizes. Free, Kids Place $1. 787-3532. Washington Park Rees Memorial Carillon, Fayette Rd.

Traditional Music Festival Sep 11-12, 10am-5pm, 19th century music and dancing throughout the pioneer village. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg. 241-3241.

Artist in Residence Reception Sep 11, 2-4pm, An opening reception is planned for Photographer Ginny Lee, Artist in Residence at the Vachel Lindsay Home. Refreshments. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St, 217-524-0901.

Rockballet: The 1970s Sep 11-12, 8pm Sat, 2pm Sun, Experience Springfield Ballet’s production of Queen, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Electric Light Orchestra, Sly and the Family Stone, Heart, Wild Cherry and many more. $16-$26. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS. 206-6160, 800-207 -6960.

A- Maze-ing Corn Maze and Festival Sep 11-12, 18-19, 25-26, Oct 02-03, 09-10, 11am-6pm Sat, 12am-6pm Sun, Four-acre cornfield maze weekends and Oct 11 (10am-2pm). $5 for maze. Festival is Sept 18-19, 25-26 with 5k race/fun walk, free children’s area, straw maze, food, pumpkin painting, hayrides, dunk tank, silent auction, ice cream social, pumpkin chunking, pedal tractor pull, jungle bounce house and music. auburn- umc.org. Auburn United Methodist Church, 14100 State Route 4, Auburn.

38th Annual Capital City Century Sep 12, 7am-5pm, Join Springfield Bicycle Club on a recreational bicycle ride of 10, 25, 40, 62 and 100 miles over flat to slightly rolling terrain. Also, historical ride on Sept 11. spfldcycling.org. Lake Springfield Beach House, 100 Long Bay Dr, 217- 726-5560.

St. Cabrini Fall Festival Sep 12, 11am-5pm, Free fest with Music-Magician Luke Hayes, Band-Hat Trick, children’s games, white elephant, raffles (including handmade quilt), health fair, and food and beverages available to purchase. St. Cabrini, 1020 N. Milton, 217-522- 8555.

Fall Farm Day Sep 12, 1-5pm, Afternoon of pumpkin and face painting, farm and pumpkin patch tours, crafts, pumpkin barrel train ride, live bees, and a lot more on working farm. Free. 447- 3409 or gailspumpkinpatch.com. Gail’s Pumpkin Patch, 1709 2000th Ave, Beason.

Tree and Leaf Hike Sep 12, 19, 26, 2pm, Here’s help for students with their leaf collections. Naturalists will guide them on hikes to collect at least 25 different types of leaves. $4. 529- 1111. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr.

Sangamon Valley Community Orchestra Rehearsal Sep 15, 7-9pm, Under the direction of Richard Haglund, this orchestra meets for rehearsal. Non- professional musicians, all skill levels, invited to join - no auditions or fees. 753-8000. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St.

UIS Music Showcase Sep 15, 7:30pm, World premiere of a new musical work, Song and Spirit, by Dr. William Davis, commissioned for the 40th Anniversary. Free and open to public. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 206-6240.

The Great Pumpkin Patch Sep 15, 17-19, 24-26, Oct 01-03, 08- 10, 15-17, 22-24, 29-31, 9am-6pm, Visit live animals, haunted barn, broomcorn mazes. Weekend activities may include squash tasting, pumpkin chucking, live music and gourd artist vendors. $5. The Great Pumpkin Patch, 1749A CR 1900 N, Arthur. the200acres.com.

Morton Pumpkin Festival Sep 15-18, Features food, carnival, entertainment, craft show, parade and much more in the city where 80% of world’s canned pumpkin is processed. Downtown Morton. mortonchamber.org.

Swing Night Sep 17, 7-10pm, Decatur Park District presents a free night of dancing with the Sande Hackel Orchestra. Dance instruction 6- 6:45 p.m. Decatur Airport FBO Hanger, 790 S. Airport Rd, Decatur.

Country’s Family Reunion Road Show Sep 17, 8pm, Live theatre presentation with show host Bill Anderson, joined by Grand Ole Opry stars Jeannie Seely, Jim Ed Brown, Helen Cornelius and Mary Lou Turner. $47-$32. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS. 217-206-6160 or 800-207-6960.

Harvest Festival Sep 17-18, 5pm Fri, 8am Sat, Food, family activities, crafts and entertainment. Sept. 17 - pork chop dinner, entertainment. Sept. 18 - 5K race, parade, street vendors. 632-7363. Petersburg Square, N 7th St. at W. Douglas Ave. Petersburg.

Riverfest Sep 17-18, Royal Pain takes the stage Sept. 17 at 8 p.m. and Seeing Daylight plays on Sept. 18 at 8 p.m. Riverton Center Park, Fourth St. at Jackson St, Riverton.

Abraham Lincoln National Railsplitting Festival Sep 17-19, 10am-4pm, Something for everybody including old-fashioned rail-splitting, tomahawk throwing, antique cars and tractors, historical displays, flea market, Abraham Lincoln presentations and more. Logan County Fairgrounds, 1408 Short 11th St. Lincoln.

Native American Art Show Sep 17-19, 10am-6pm Fri-Sat, 11am-4pm Sun, Free admission. 505- 291-9719. ISF Illinois Building, 801 Sangamon Ave.

Griggsville Apple Festival Sep 17-19, Weekend full of pageants, contests, food stands, crafts, parade and musical entertainment. 833-2637. Griggsville.

Gazebo Art Festival Sep 18, 9am-5pm, Original Fine Arts displayed and sold, Al Sears Jazz Festival, Art for Kids, food. 309- 833-1315. Chandler Park, Macomb.

Sangamon River Cleanup Sep 18, 9am, Walk the shoreline or ride your boat/canoe to clean Hurie Park or the Sangamon River with The Friends of the Sangamon Valley and the Sangamon Valley Group of the Sierra Club. Free lunch. RSVP required. 494-3957. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg.

Worldwide Day of Play Sep 18, 10am-1pm, Springfield Park District, American Heart Association and Nickelodeon host a free fun day for families. Get your passport punched for a chance to win prizes. 753-2800. Lincoln Park, Fifth St and Sangamon Ave.

Celebrate Autumn Sep 18, 10am-3pm, Baked goods, crafts, children’s games and activities, tours, fiber demos, trails. Jubilee Farm, 6760 Old Jacksonville Rd, 787- 6927.

Let Us Be Bold With Our Songs Sep 18, 2pm, Free program featuring Pete Ellertson, former professor at Benedictine University, who will play the dulcimer and teach about Illinois music. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St, 217- 524-0901.

Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre Sep 18, 7:30pm, Unique fusing of contemporary dance, live music and visual art. 245-3048. Illinois College Sibert Theatre, McGaw Fine Arts Center, Jacksonville.

Macoupin County Fall Festival Sep 18-19, 9am-4pm, Enjoy live music, craft shows, antique car shows and daily demonstrations including bluegrass jams, rug weaving and much more. macsociety.org. Broom Orchard, Carlinville.

Route 66 International Film Festival Sep 18-19, 10am-11pm Sat, 10am- 8pm Sun, See films from 19 states and seven countries, meet filmmakers and vote for favorites. Features shorts including student films and an Academy Award nominee. Full weekend pass $60. $25 three- session pass. $10 per session. www.route66filmfestival.net . Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St. 220-0669.

Edwards Place Fine Art Fair Sep 18-19, 10am-5pm Sat, 10am- 4pm Sun, Over 85 national artists present and sell their works. Tours of Edwards Place Home where Lincoln entertained, hands-on activities for kids, food, music and book sale. 523- 2631. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St.

Juvae Jazz Society Mini Jazz Fest Indoor Picnic Sep 19, 2-7pm, Bob Draga, Jeff Barnhart, Danny Coots, Dave Tatrow, Steve Woerner, Cody Henry, plus Ed Clarks Party of Five. $35. Decatur Civic Center, 1 Gary K Anderson Plz, Decatur.

Harvest Dinner Sep 19, 5pm, Illinois Stewardship Alliance invites the public to celebrate local farmers and chefs at a dinner where you can even dine with the chef. $65-$90. ilstewards.org. The Inn at 835, 835 S. Second St.

A Conversation on Nonviolence Sep 20, 6:30-8pm, Panelists Kathy Kelly, Robert Blackwell and Professor Emeritus Proshanta Nandi. Carnegie North. Sponsored by Pax Christi Springfield and Springfield Society of Friends. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St, 753-4900.

Clayville Tour and Talk Sep 21, 6pm tour, 7pm program, Sangamon County Historical Society presents Historical Archeologist Annie Reiken, who discusses how to preserve and protect our historic past in a talk “Stewardship,” 522-2500. Clayville, Route 125, Pleasant Plains.

Fireside Chats Sep 22, 5:30-7pm, Richard E. Hart tells stories - names and biographies - of the white and African American conductors on the Underground Railroad. Reservation required. Donations encouraged. 652-7302. Elijah Iles House, 628 S. Seventh St.

Thomas W. Ewing Lecture Sep 22, 7:30pm, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., visionary environmental business leader and advocate, is the featured speaker. His lecture is titled: ‘Green Gold Rush: A Vision for Energy Independence, Jobs and National Wealth.’ Free and open to public. Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1184 W. Main St, Decatur, 424-6318.

National Show Horse Finals Sep 22-25, 8am-11pm, Free. Artisans Building Coliseum, IL State Fairgrounds. For info call Brenda Jett at 502-266-5100. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave.

Captain James Lovell Book Signing Sep 23, 9:30-11am, Apollo 13 astronaut. Museum store. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St, 217-558-8934.

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Carve for the Carillon, Oct 9-10, 11am-5pm, Washington Park - Bring your carving tools and stencils and help carve 2,010 pumpkins that will light the way for Jack-O- Lantern Spectacular. Pumpkins and tools supplied.

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Water Gardening Society Sep 23, 6:30-8:30pm, Fish, turtles and other pond life topic of meeting. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave, 726-8216.

Champaign Urbana Folk and Roots Festival Sep 23-25, All over downtown Urbana, music, storytelling, dancing, workshops and folk arts. cufolkandroots.org. Downtown Urbana, S Race St & W Main St, Urbana.

Dinner Lecture Series Sep 24, 5:30pm, Elkhart Historical Society features ‘What’s in a Name,” with Mike Starasta, director of the McKinstry Library at Lincoln College talking on genealogy. Reservations required by Sept 20. elkharthistoricalsociety.org. Wild Hare Cafe, 104 Governor Oglesby St, Elkhart, 947-2100.

Gary Allen Sep 24, 7-11pm, Country singer makes an appearance in Springfield. $30-$40. 800-745-3000. Prairie Capital Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza.

Twist & Shout: Beatles Tribute Sep 24, 7:30pm, Look and sound of the Beatles colored with film clips from the 60s. Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1184 W. Main St, Decatur, 424-6318.

Big Sandy & His Fly Rite Boys with Two Tons of Steel

Sep 24, 8pm, American roots music, western swing, rockabilly and traditional country. WUIS Bedrock Series.

$20. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St, 217 -523-2787.

International Route 66 Mother Road Festival Sep 24-26, 6-11pm Fri, 11am-10pm Sat, 11am-? Sun, Over 1,000 cool cars on display along with free entertainment, festival of cars parade, swap meet and manufacturers midway for the restoration enthusiast.

route66fest.com. Downtown Springfield.

Prairie Land Heritage Museum Steam Show & Fall Festival Days Sep 24-26, Admission $5 for the whole weekend, food, old time demonstrations, huge flea market, lots of family fun! 245-4905. Prairie Land Heritage Museum, 1005 West Michigan, South Jacksonville.

Elkhart Hill Tour Sep 25, 9:30am and 1:30pm, Two guided tours of historic Elkhart Hill. Register at elkharthistoricalsociety.org.

River Canoe/Wolf Preserve Tour Sep 25, 9:30am or 10am, Join Friends of the Sangamon Valley on either a 4-mile canoe trip down the Sangamon at 9:30 a.m. or walking tour of Wolf Preserve at 10 a.m. both with lunch at New Salem. $35, $60 couples. Reservations required. Mail payment to Friends of the Sangamon Valley, PO Box 13352, Springfield, IL 62791. New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg.

Fall into Biodiversity Sep 25, 11am-3pm, Free family event with activities and games to learn how plants and animals prepare for winter. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 782- 5993.

Harvest of Miracles Sep 25, 2-6pm, Music by 4 1/2 Men, food and refreshments, balloon tether rides, face painting, kid’s art wall, balloon art, kid’s bounce house, juggler, pumpkin decorating contest and more for entire family. $10 adults, $5 kids, $25 family. GreenView Nursery, 3000 W. Jefferson, (217) 787-4700.

Illinois Symphony Orchestra Sep 25, 8pm, The “Boldly Beautiful” sounds of Tchaikovsky open the season with his lyrical Swan Lake Suite, glorious Violin Concerto with award-winning violinist Soovin Kim, and his explosive 1812 Overture. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS. 206- 6160.

Alpaca Farm Days Sep 25-26, 9am-5pm Sat, 11am-5pm Sun, Free family event to meet alpacas face to face. Fiber demonstrations and end products made from alpaca fleece. 632-2590. alpacasofindianpointhills.com. Indian Point Hills, 17229 Vaneman St, Petersburg.

Apple and Pork Festival Sep 25-26, 7am-5pm, Crafting, entertainment, face painting, huge flea market, food, such as smoked ham, apple butter, ham and beans, brats, pork chop and river rat potatoes and more. 935- 6066. C.H. Moore Homstead, 219 E. Woodlawn, Clinton.

Apple Festival Sep 25-26, 9am-6pm, Pick-yourown apples from the 123 acre orchard or buy some from the market, then browse the craft fair. Broom Orchard, Carlinville.

Beardstown Fall Festival Sep 25-26, Autumn celebration features music, parade, carnival rides, craft and flea market, car show and more. 491-3771. Art Zeeck Park, Second St. at State St, Beardstown.

Music in the Park Sep 26, 4-7pm, Free Celtic music with Exorna, Elks Pipes and Drums and The Emerald Underground. 217-544- 1751. Washington Park Playground, 1021 South Grand Ave.

Multicultural Fest Sep 29, 11am-6:30pm, Celebration of diversity at LCCC Trutter Center. Food samples, cultural activities and exhibits. Free and open to public. 786-2789. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Rd.

Fireside Chats Sep 29, 5:30-7pm, Don Springer, a Donner family descendant, will tell the story of the Donner family’s epic westward venture, its highlights and pitfalls. Reservation required. Donations encouraged. 652-7302. Elijah Iles House, 628 S. Seventh St.

Ghosts – True Tales From The Spirit World Sept 29, 7-9pm, Stories of real investigations into the world of strange, unusual and possibly paranormal hosted by Carl Jones. Trutter Center. $12. Advance tickets recommended. LLCC Trutter Center. 786-2292, llcc.edu/commed.

12th Annual Conference On Illinois History Sep 30, Oct 01, 8am-5pm, Over 30 sessions include scholarly papers, panel discussions and workshops. Exhibitors include university press publishers, new and used book dealers, Illinois State Archives. 557-6251. presidentlincoln.org. Prairie Capital Convention Center.

Barry Apple Festival Sep 30, Oct 01-03, Apple pie contest, parade, talent contests, pet show, car show and so much more. 217-335 -2215. Complete schedule at barryapplefestival.weebly.com. Barry City Hall, 1005 Bainbridge St, Barry.

OCTOBER

Candlelight Tour Oct 01-02, 7-9pm, Bring the family and experience New Salem after dark. Interpreters will welcome you into the reconstructed log homes. New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg. 241- 3241.

Discovery After Dark Oct 01, 15, 7-9pm, See the zoo in a new light at this guided tour. $6 adult, $4 child. Pre-registration required. 753-6217. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr.

The Haunted Dead Walk Oct 01-02, 08-09, 15-16, 22-23, 29- 30, 7-10pm, Walking tour of Springfield sites that many believe are haunted. 2 1/2 hours, for mature audiences only. Reservations and admission required. 502-8687. Springfield Walks HQ, 113 N. Sixth St.

Shotgun Manor Oct 01-02, 08-09, 15-16, 22-23, 29- 30, 7:30-11:30 Fri-Sat, A haunted house sponsored by Sullivan Ambuc. $10. Tickets available online. shotgunmanor.com. Shotgun Manor, 14 S. Washington, Sullivan.

Fall Into Pansies: Make & Take Oct 02, 10am, Kids plant a beautiful pansy perfect for fall in a 4- inch pot. Reservations required. $5. 787-4700. GreenView Nursery, 3000 W. Jefferson.

Fur, Feather, Fin Fall Fling Oct 02, 10am-6pm, Final free admission day of the season. Activity packed day includes animal programs. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr, 217- 753-6217.

Victorian Tea Party Oct 02, 3:30pm, Register by Sept. 24 for this historically accurate light tea as The Tea Ladies present a program on ‘Outrageous Etiquette of the 1890s.” $25. 523-2631. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St.

Murder in the Wings - A Musical Murder Mystery Oct 02, 6:30pm, Sound Celebration Chorus’ annual show setting a murder mystery to music with special guest Quartet Main Attraction and others. $15. 483-4129 or 523-2787. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St.

Enos Park Historic Home Tour Oct 02, 12-5pm, Six featured homes all potentially eligible for the National Register. Includes the Edwards Place. 494-6668. Enos Park, Seventh and Enterprise.

Clayville Fall Festival Oct 02-03, 9am-5pm, Step back in time Saturday and Sunday as vendors, crafters, artisans, music, food, kid’s activities and much more descend on this historical old stage coach stop. $3, $1 kids. 691-4533. Clayville, Route 125, Pleasant Plains.

Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show Oct 02-03, 10am-6pm Sat, 10am- 5pm Sun, “Sea Treasures and Ancient Wonders” features Spanish pieces of eight, gold doubloons, silver and gold bars and other artifacts from shipwrecks, including the Atocha. Exhibits, demonstrations, rock identification, kids activities. $2, $1. 498- 7713, ISF Illinois Building, 801 Sangamon Ave.

Harvest Festival Oct 02-03, 1-5pm, Doors open at noon for music under the pavilion. Fish sandwiches and dinners available. No coolers, food, drinks or pets. 635-9900. Hill Prairie Winery, 23753 Lounsberry Rd, Oakford.

Corn Maze Oct 02-03, 08-10, 15-17, 22-24, 29- 31, 10am-5pm, 6:30-11pm Fri-Sat, 1 -5 Sun, Find your way through this seven-acre maze. It’s friendly during the daytime and scary at night. Sat-Sun free hayrides. $7 adults day, $8 adults night. Buxtons Garden Farm and Flower Shop, Route 121, Sullivan.

Abe’s Corn Maze Oct 02-03, 09-10, 16-17, 23-24, 10am-dusk, First four weekends in October walk the ten-acre corn maze, over three miles of twists and turns. Special days such as balloon day, pumpkin day and fireworks on last night. $5-$3. 522- 5632. abescornmaze.org. iWorship Center, 3200 Shaler Road.

Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive Fall Festival Oct 02-04, 9-10, 140 miles, 15 villages, arts and crafts, antiques and collectibles, food, and historic sites and buildings in beautiful Fulton County. 309-647-8980. Spoon River Valley, Canton. spoonriverdrive.org.

Discover Llamas Free Family Fun Oct 03, 11am-4pm, Walk a llama through an obstacle course, take a llama trek through the woods, shop for primitive pottery or llama wool products. Two miles off I72 Exit 46. llamafun.net. 473-7283 or 754- 3767. K & T Llama Farm, 533 Phillips Ferry Rd, Bluffs.

Pumpkin Fun Day Oct 4, 1-5pm, Free pony rides, hayrack rides, straw mazes, face painting and old fashioned cooked apples over an open fire. Concession stand. 736-2470. Wagon Wheel Pumpkin Farm, 16578 Airport Road, Clinton.

Kelly Miller Circus Oct 04, 4:30pm and 7:30pm, Two shows under big top with trapeze artists, elephants, lions and more. $14 adults, $7 kids. Advance tickets at Athens City Hall, Boar’s Nest, Athens State Bank, $10 adults, $6 children under 12. 636-8429 or 891 -3623. Athens Community Park, W Jackson St. at N Main St, Athens.

Fireside Chats Oct 06, 5:30-7pm, “The Illinois Watch Company” with speaker Farrell Gay who recounts the beginnings of Springfield‘s own Illinois Watch Company, evolution of time pieces and watches and show examples from his personal collection. Reservation required. Donations encouraged. 652- 7302. Elijah Iles House, 628 S. Seventh St.

Freeman-Hughes House Tea and Tour Oct 07, 3:30pm, and Oct 10, 4- 5:30pm, Sangamon County Historical Society invites you to have tea and cookies and take a rare tour of privately-owned historic 19th century Italianate-style home famed for its intricate Carpenter-Gothic trim and period furnishings and antiques. 704 W. Monroe. Reservations, 522 -2500.

Downtown Art Walks Oct 07, 5-8pm, Free self-guided tour of downtown art galleries plus unique dining and shopping. 544- 1723. Downtown Springfield.

Poets and Painters Oct 7, 6pm, Inspiring evening of poetry and art as Springfield Poets and Writers members read poems created from the inspiration of Prairie Art Alliance Juried Artists’ fine art. Painting and poems on display and for sale. Artist introductions, wine and hors d’oeuvres. Gallery II, 221- 223 S. Sixth St. 544-2727. pwlf.com. prairieart.org.

Lincoln Legacy Lecture Series Oct 07, 7-9pm, “Lincoln and Race” with Professors Michael Burlingame and Matthew Holden. UIS Brookens Auditorium. 206- 6160. Sponsored by UIS Center for State Policy and Leadership.

Boo Crew Haunted House Oct 08-09, 15-17, 22-24, 29-30, 6:30pm, Gigantic high-tech theatrical haunted house with three levels of scare. $8. Kids open house Oct. 23, 4-6 p.m. boocrew.com. Cooper Township Facitlity, 6500 Jett Rd, Rochester.

Terror on the Square Oct 08-09, 15-17, 22-24, 29-31, 7pm, Weekends through October (excluding Oct. 10), Unique professional haunted house with Disney-style ghost illusions and ghost holograms set in 1930s funeral home. Ranked 3rd best haunt in Illinois. $8 adults, $7 kids. Petersburg Square, N 7th St. at W. Douglas Ave. Petersburg. terrorontheweb.com.

Youth Charity Horse Show Oct 08-10, 8am-10pm, Riders aged 18 and under together for a fun-filled weekend of competitive showmanship and comradery. Free and open to public. Coliseum. youthcharityhorseshow.com. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave.

Our Savior’s Craft Fest Oct 9, 9am-4pm, Free with canned good accepted for Food Pantry, 2645 Old Jacksonville Rd. 546-4531.

The Secrets of Winterizing Your Garden Oct 09, 10am, Learn the steps you need to take to put your garden to bed for the winter. Free. Reservations required. GreenView Nursery, 3000 W. Jefferson, 217-787-4700.

UIS Homecoming Parade/Basketball Game Oct 09, 5pm, Various clubs and organizations parade around campus before the Student vs. Faculty game at 7 p.m. Sponsored by Student Activities Committee. University of Illinois at Springfield, 206-6665.

Indian Summer Festival Oct 09-10, 10am-4pm, Terrific family fun in autumn’s outdoor playground. First-ever birdhouse building contest and PAA minifairway of art. Also: food, music, crafts, pumpkin decorating, vendors, walks in the woods and so much more. $4 adult-age 12, $3 age 11-2. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr. 529-1111.

Carve for the Carillon Oct 09-10, 11am-5pm, Fun family event. Bring your carving tools and stencils, and help carve 2,010 pumpkins that will light the way for Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. Pumpkins and tools supplied. Washington Park Rees Memorial Carillon, Fayette Rd, 753-6219.

Sangamon Watercolor Society Exhibition Oct 09, 11-16, 18-23, 25-30, 10