Fairs & Festivals

4th of July Jul 04, 7pm, Decatur Park Singers and Young Park Singers. Spectacular fireworks. (Car show 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.), Nelson Park, Decatur.
4th of July Celebration Jul 03-04, Kids events, entertainment, parade, fireworks at dusk in Nichols Park. Free. 217-243-5678. Jacksonville Community Park, 1201 S. Main, Jacksonville.

Capital City Celebration Jul 03-04, 3pm, Bands, free kids inflatables and activities. Fireworks on the 4th. Second and Capitol. 553-2082. springfieldjaycees.org.

Clara Irwin’s Strawberry Party Jul 04, 5-8pm, Enjoy period activities and entertainment. Food and drinks at nominal charge. Free. Elijah Iles House, 628 S. Seventh St, 217-492-5929.

Fireworks Extravaganza Jul 04, 9:30pm, One of the area’s most popular fireworks displays. Free. Knight’s Action Park and Caribbean Water Adventure, 1700 Knights Recreation Dr, 217-546-8881.

Macoupin County Fair Jun 27, 29, Gracia Harrison from “The Voice,” tractor pulls, demolition derby, mud drags and more. Macoupin County Fairgrounds, 21368 Rte. 4, Carlinville, 217-854-9422.

Raymond 4th of July Homecoming Jun 27-29, Downtown Raymond, Raymond.

Rock the Dock Jun 28, 6pm-12am, Large fireworks display launched from barges over Lake Springfield. Music, food, refreshments. $10. Sunsetter’s Bar and Grill, 17 Waters Edge Blvd, 217-483-3625.

Spoken Word

Pharmacy Open Jun 27, 7:30pm, Fourth Thursday of month, poetry, prose, song, stand-up and more. 7 p.m. sign-up. The Pharmacy, 401 South Grand Avenue West, 217-652- 3273.

Theater & Comedy

Comedian Denise Ramsden Jun 28-29, 8pm Fri, 7:30pm Sat, voted Chicagoland’s Funniest New Talent. $12.50. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482-5233.

Les Miserables Jun 27-29, 8:30pm, 19th century French story with beautiful music. $8- $14. The Muni, 815 East Lake Dr, 793- MUNI.

Sunset Boulevard the Musical Jun 28-30, Jul 05-07, 8pm, 2pm Sun, The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 1-800-838-3006.

The Crucible Jun 28-30, Jul 04-06, 8pm, Arthur Miller classic in the outdoor theater. $13. Free preshow at 7 p.m. indoor. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 217-632-5440.

Music: General Events

Artist on the Plaza Jun 27, Jul 02, 04, 09, 12-1pm, Through Aug. 29, Tuesday and Thursday free outdoor performances. 753-3519. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-785-9363.

Carillon Concerts Jun 27, Jul 02-04, 09-10, 7pm Tue-Thu, Sun and 3pm Sun, Carillonneur Robin Austin plays wide variety of classical, folk and popular songs. Free. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, 1740 W. Fayette Ave. 217-546-3853.

Concerts in the Park Jun 30, Jul 07, 6-7pm, Jacksonville Pilot Club sponsors free music at bandstand Sundays, June-Aug. Bring a lawn chair. 478-2015. Jacksonville Community Park, 1201 S. Main, Jacksonville.

Eddy Flute Choir Jun 30, Jul 07, 1pm, Classical, folk and sacred selections. 726- 6667. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence, 217-782-6776.

Eddy Flute Choir Jul 01, 08, 12pm, 1pm and 2pm, Free Monday concerts throughout summer of classical, folk and sacred selections. 726-6667. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-785-9363.

Made for Music Concert Jul 06, 10-10:45am, Enjoy the sounds of a clarinet ensemble. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence, 782-6776.

Molly Hatchet Live, Captain Geech & The Shrimp Shack Shooters Jun 27, 5pm, Quaker Steak & Lube, 1121 West Lincolnshire Blvd, 217-787-5823.

Sing-a-long-a Grease Jul 05-06, 7pm, www.hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St, 217-523-2787.

Springfield Municipal Band Jun 30, Jul 09, 7pm, Free concert. Bring a chair or blanket. (Also, July 9, 14, 21.), Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St, 217- 753-0702.

Springfield Municipal Band Concert Jun 27, 7:30pm, Free concert. Bring a chair or blanket. Lincoln Park, Fifth St and Sangamon Ave, 217-544-1751.

Summer Concert Extravaganza Jun 29, 7-10:30pm, 6pm doors open, Brooke Thomas, Luke Turasky, Chris Warren, Dion Doss, Mike Burnett, Bonnie Ettinger. $20. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Rd, 217-585-9550.

Dance A Country Dance Jun 28, 7-11pm, Free half hour flow lesson. $5. Prairie Land Dance Club, 650 Matilda St, Illiopolis, 428-1560.

All About Dance Jul 03, 10, 6:30-10pm, Every Wed. dance lessons before dance at 8 p.m. $5. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 836-1438.

Dance Jun 28, 8-11pm, $10. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 217-546-9515.

Salsa Nights Jun 29, 9pm-12:45am, Last Sat. of each month. $3. Abe’s Southside Cafe & Pub, 3751 S. Sixth St. 217-529-1862.

Art & Architecture

Charles Houska Jun 29, Jul 01-06, 08-10, 10am-5pm Mon-Fri, 10m-3pm Sat. St. Louis artist originally from Springfield. Reception June 29, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Springfield Art Association Gallery of Art, 700 N. Fourth St, 217-523-2631.

Artrageous First Friday Jul 05, 5:30-8pm, Artist in Action, Pam Martin, working with resin. Drinks and appetizers. The Blue Door Gallery, 214 S. Sixth St, 217- 753-0262.

Norway: Marilynn and Dean Madden Collection Jun 27-29, Jul 01-06, 08-10, Through July 31, exhibit highlights the art of rosemaling, Norway’s national folk painting. Anne Lloyd Gallery of the Madden Arts Center, 125 N. Water, Decatur, 217-423- 3189.

Pied Piper Architectural Tour Jul 03, 5:30pm, Free professionally-guided architectural tour. Meets outside. 544-1723. Lincoln-Herndon Law Office, 112 North Sixth St.

Film & Television

Free: Two Notable Short Films Jun 27, 7pm, Route 66 Film Festival. “Spaghetti Fur Zwei,” “Thinking Inside the Box” and surprise film. The Pub at Vinegar Hill, 107 W. Cook Street, 725- 9058.

Children’s Corner

Bob Steffan Summer Film Fest Jul 02-03, 10am and 2pm, “The Magic School Bus Goes to Mussel Beach.” Free, recommended for ages 3-8. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 782-5993.

Jewelry Making Art Class Jun 27, 10am, Ages 6-9 child only class. $40. Urban Sassafras, 200 Broadway, 670-2391.

Kids’ Night Out Jun 28, 6:30-9:30pm, “Kids Unplugged: 1800s Fun and Games.” Ages 6-10. $20-$35. Registration required. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 782- 5993.

Nature

Earth Beneath Us: Local Geology Study Jun 29, 10-11:30am, Call to register. Input and field trip around the farm. $5, $3. Jubilee Farm, 6760 Old Jacksonville Rd, 217- 787-6927.

Land of Lincoln Water Gardening Society Meeting Jun 27, 6:30pm, Ric Thompson, Japan trip. 217-793-2307. www.llwgs.org. Douglas United Methodist Church, 501 S. Douglas Avenue.

Mystery Family Campout Jun 28, Pitch your tent in camping area, dinner, activities, night hike, breakfast. $15-$18. Register by phone. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr, 217-585- 1821.

Springfield Civic Garden Club Jul 01, 9:15-11:30am, Cucurbits Coast to Coast with Mac Condill, The Great Pumpkin Patch. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut Street, 217-522- 4415.

Wed. Morning Pickup Party Jul 03, 10, 9-10am, Weather permitting, help pick up trash. Bags, long-handled trash grabbers, gloves available. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 East Clear Lake Ave, 217-544-2473.

Lectures & Meetings

Citizens Club of Springfield Policy Breakfast Jun 28, 7:30am coffee, 8-9am program, Dr. Ashley Kirzinger, UIS. Community Survey for Sangamon County. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St, 217-523- 2787.

Marriage Equality Now - Forum Jun 27, 7pm, ACLU attorney Karen Sheley and local Plaintiffs fighting in court for freedom to marry join Jason Pierceson, UIS Professor of Legal Studies and author of “Gay Marriage: The Road To The Supreme Court.” Free. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Rd, 217-652-2639.

Public Hearing Jul 01, 4-6pm, View displays of proposed Stanford Ave. extension and improvements. Hanson on hand to answer questions. 788-2450. Route 66 Hotel & Conference Center, 625 E. Saint Joseph St.

Springfield Parental Alienation Advocacy Group Meeting Jul 01, 6-8pm, First Monday of month. Mezzanine level, conference room 3. Hilton Springfield, 700 E. Adams, 217- 793-3586.

Bulletin Board

A Midsummer Night’s Dream Jun 29, 7-9pm, Cocktail buffet and silent auction benefiting Parent Help Line at St. John’s Children’s Hospital. $50. Christ the King Parish Center, 1930 Barberry, 757-6555.

Backgammon Club Jul 03, 10, 6pm, Every Wed. with Sangamon Valley Backgammon Association. 622-9447. Capital Teletrack, 1766 Wabash Ave, 217- 546-2111.

Carillon Tours Jun 29-30, Jul 03, 06-07, 10, 2-8pm Sat-Sun, 6:30pm Wed, Every tour includes live carillon performance. $3.25, $2.50 kids. Thomas Rees Memorial, 1740 W. Fayette Ave, 217-546-3853.

Cruise-In Jun 28, 6-9pm, Cool Cruisers Car Club. Watch fireworks, food and door prizes. $5. 217-529-1590. Lakeside Christian Church, 225 Toronto Road, 217-529-2513.

Fly In for Autism Charity Event Jun 29, 9am-4pm, R/C airplane and helicopter flying and demos. Hands on flight of R/C airplane with instructor. SVRCFlyers.com. Holmes Airstrip, 8113 N. Pawnee Rd, Pawnee, 438-9858.

Jazz in Bloom Jul 06, 6-9pm, Cocktail Party. Admission and reservations required. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence, 217-788-9452.

LLCC MotorSports Show Jun 28-29, 5-10pm Fri, 8am- 3:30pm Sat, Friday cruise-in. Saturday judged show. No admission. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Rd, 786-2417.

Quilt Show Jun 27-30, 10am-5pm Tue-Sat, 1-5pm Sun, Tour the Victorian C. H. Moore Homestead Mansion and see quilts spotlighting Abraham Lincoln displayed throughout. $3. DeWitt County Museum, 219 E. Woodlawn, Clinton, 217-935- 6066.

Scrabble Springfield Jul 04, 6:30-9:30pm, Scrabble enthusiasts - get your game on. First and third Thursdays each month. Doors open 6 p.m. Mansion View Inn, 529 S. Fourth Street, 217-652-5017.

Triple B Fest Jun 30, 1-8pm, Bocce ball tournament, blues music and delicious brats from the grill. $10 includes wine glass. Walnut Street Winery, 309 S. Walnut St, Rochester, 498-9800.

Food 

llinois Products Farmers Market Jun 27, Jul 04, 4-7pm, Thursdays through Oct 19, local food, entertainment. Commodity Pavilion. 785-4873. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave, 217-782-1698.

Old Capitol Farmers Market Jun 29, Jul 03, 06, 10, 8am- 12:30pm Wed and Sat, May 15- Oct 26. Cheese, produce, meats, art and more. Third Saturdays include entertainment, cooking demos and more. Adams between Fifth and Second. Downtown Springfield, Inc. 3 W. Old State Capitol Plaza, 544-1723.

History

10-Year Anniversary Open House Jun 29, 10am-4pm, Take the family to a “historic castle.” Living historians, displays. Free and free parking. Illinois State Military Museum, 1301 N. MacArthur Blvd, 217-761-3910.

Lincoln’s Funeral and Flag Lowering Jul 02, 09, 5:30pm and 7pm, One lucky visitor in attendance will receive the flag. Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site, 1500 Monument Ave, 782-2717.

Attention to Detail Tour Jun 29, 10:15am, Two Saturdays a month, April-July, led by veteran tour guide Frank Marchant. $20 suggested donation. Reservations encouraged. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence, 217-782-6776.

Black United States Marshals in America Reception Jun 27, 6pm, National traveling exhibit with lecture/book signing by Robert Moore. Children’s choir performs. $10-$5. Springfield and Central Illinois African- American History Museum, 521 E. Washington Street, 217-528- 2725.

Civil War Medical Aid Jun 29, 1-3:30pm, Assist members of Ladies’ Soldiers’ Aid Society preparing medical boxes to be shipped down river. Senate Chamber. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-785- 9363.

Gettysburg Lecture Jul 02, 7pm, Dr. Mark DePue explains battle that was turning point. Free. Register presidentlincoln.illinois.gov. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St, 217- 782-5764.

Home Tours Jun 30, Jul 03, 07, 10, 10am-4pm Sat, 12-4 Wed, Tour Springfield’s oldest home. Artisans demos (Lincoln impersonator 1-3 p.m.) Elijah Iles House, 628 S. Seventh St, 217-492-5929.

Literary Clubs of Early Springfield Jul 06, 2-4pm, Learn about these interesting organizations. Free. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St, 217- 524-0901.

Meet John James Audubon Jun 28, July 05, 11am-2pm, Brian “Fox” Ellis brings John James Audubon alive, 11 a.m. auditorium then guided tour 1-2 p.m. “Birding in the Museum with Audubon.” Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 782-5993.

Of Glass and Wood Tour Jun 29, 1:15pm, With veteran tour guide Frank Marchant. $15 suggested donation. Reservations encouraged. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence, 217-782-6776.

Quilting in Red, White, and Blue Jul 04-06, 9am-5pm, Quilts interpreting the Civil War history of Illinois will be on display in several areas of the historic site. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 785-9363.

Health

GROW in Illinois Mental Health Jun 27, Jul 04, 6:30pm, 12-step support program for emotional, mental health issues, coping or addictions. Thursdays. 816-1083. Laurel United Methodist Church, 631 South Grand Ave W.

Living Longer, Stronger and Happier Jun 27, 10am, Author Peter Spiers, Road Scholar, Elderhostel, tells stories, benefits of active lifestyle and tips. LLCC Trutter Center, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-786-2200.

Memory Video Conference Jun 27, 12:30pm, Free each Thursday in June. SIUE School of Nursing, 409 W. Calhoun, Room 110, 545-7181. Road to Recovery 3K/5K Walk-Run Jun 29, 10am-12pm, Raising mental health awareness. Face painting, clown, balloon twister and live music. MHCCI.org. Washington Park, South Grand and MacArthur, 525-1064.

Faith & Philosophy

Anticipation in Concert Jun 29, 6:30pm, Love offering. Fairview Baptist Church, 2001 N. 21st Street, 217-544-8380.

Civil Rights for Same-Sex Marriages Jun 30, 10:30am, U.S. Supreme Court Decisions with guest speaker Peggy Patty. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Rd, 585-9550.

Glen Gobal of The Wanda Mountain Boys Jun 30, 6:30pm, In concert. Love offering. Fairview Baptist Church, 2001 N. 21st Street, 217-544-8380.

Ultimate Mighty Strong Girls Experience Jun 29, 9am-4pm, Speaker Jill Savage, workshops, lunch and more for girls and their mentors or mothers. mightystronggirls. com. Calvary Temple, 1730 W. Jefferson St, 546-9700.

Sports & Fitness

Pro Wrestling Epic - Lincoln, IL Jun 29, 7pm, 6:30pm doors open, Brandon Espinosa vs Blake Steel in a Ladder Match for the PWE title. $10. Logan County Fairgrounds, 1408 Short 11th St, Lincoln, 217-314-0428 tickets.

Rochester Youth Fishing Derby Jun 29, 9am, Kids pre-K through 8th grade, bring own fi shing tackle; bait provided. Prizes, demos and more. 492- 7192. Rochester Community Park, Rochester.

More events, more details in our online calendar at illinoistimes.com.

Searchable by date, venue, genre, name and more.