FESTIVAL | LGBT celebration

Downtown Springfield is the setting for three festivals this weekend. Make sure to visit Springfield PrideFest on Capitol Avenue between Fourth and Sixth streets on Saturday, May 18, between noon and 9 p.m. Hosted by the Phoenix Center and with something for everyone, this soirée is partying up its third year. Besides vendors and exhibitors, there’s a kids’ area, food and drinks and two stages of live music. Organizers are thrilled to welcome the incredible musical group Jayne Bond and the Pink Martinis and a slew of other splendid musicians such as Carla Sloan, Jen Norman, Ben Bedford, Summer Osborne, plus, magic, Zumba and belly dancers. An expanded kids’ area, open until 6:30 p.m., will feature games, a maze, demos, activities and entertainment. The festival will also celebrate the recent marriage equality victories in several states. Make sure to visit the Equality Illinois booth to learn how to voice your support or gratitude to legislators based on whether Illinois votes it into law or not.