Fairs & Festivals

Chatham Sweet Corn Festival Jul 18-20, 4:30pm-12am Fri, 10am-12am Sat, Features world famous sweet corn and cow chip throw, plus entertainment and more. chathamjaycees.net. Chatham Community Park, S. Main St, Chatham. Christian County Fair Jul 11-14, Gate admission is free. Grandstand prices $8-$15. Christian County Fairgrounds, 700 W. Spresser St, Taylorville. Corndog Kickoff Jul 13, 5:30pm, Fair food and entertainment hosted by Illinois State Fair Museum Foundation. Orr Building. $40-$50. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave, 217-415-4408.

Divernon Homecoming Jul 11-13, 6pm Thu and Fri, 8am Sat, Carnival, food, bands, craft vendors, tournament games and more. Divernon square, Divernon, 725-9566. Menard County Fair Jul 16-21, www.menardcountyfair.com. Menard County Fairgrounds, 18450

Fairgrounds, Petersburg, 217-632-3848. Morgan County Fair Jul 11-15, Livestock shows, 4-H exhibits and grandstand entertainment. 245- 6800. Morgan County Fairgrounds, 110 N. Westgate, Jacksonville.

Paint The Street Fest Jul 20, 2-10pm , Springfield Art Association block party to paint downtown streets. Bands, food, kids’ area. $30 for 6’x6’ painting area. $5-$2 admission. Downtown Springfield, 217- 523-2631.

Taste of Downtown Jul 12-13, 5pm-12am Fri, 12pm- 12am Sat, Downtown restaurants present ethnic, classic and eclectic cuisine; music and children’s entertainment. Between Fifth and Washington. $5. Downtown Springfield.

Books & Authors Book Reading/Signing Jul 20, 2pm, Dan Guillory reads excerpts from his new book HousePoems. The Sly Fox Bookstore, 123 N. Springfield St (Route 4), Virden, 217-965-3641.

Book Signing Jul 13, 2pm, Chandler Klang Smith, New York author of Goldenland Past Dark. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St, 217- 753-4900. Book Signing and Talk Jul 16, 6pm, Thomas Mackey, ‘A Documentary History of the Civil War Era: Volume 1, Legislative Achievements.’ Reservations presidentlincoln.illinois.gov. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St, 217-782-5764. PondicherryLodge/Sherlock Holmes Society Jul 20, 9am, Discussion of “The Musgrave Ritual.” 546-8387. Barnes and Noble Booksellers, 3111 S. Veteran’s Pkwy, 546-8387.

Spoken Word Poetry Group Jul 17, 7pm, Informal gathering of poetry reading and appreciation. Our Town Books, 64 East Central Park Plaza, Jacksonville, 217-243-5435. Poetry Open Mic Jul 17, 6-8pm, Bring poetry to read, or just sit back and listen. Springfield Poets & Writers. 725-9058. Robbie’s, 4 S. Old State Capitol Plaza, 217- 528-1901.

Theater & Comedy

Dreamgirls Jul 12-14, 17-21, 8:30pm, Young Chicago trio rises to stardom. The Muni, 815 East Lake Dr, 793-MUNI. Leaving Iowa Jul 19-21, 8pm, Comedy about family and family vacations. $13- $8. Free pre-show 7 p.m. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 217-632-5440.

Sunset Boulevard the Musical Jul 11-13, 8pm, 2pm Sun, The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 1-800-838-3006.

Music: General Events A Night of Stars

Jul 13, 8pm, Broadway musical songs. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 217-632-5440. Anticipation with Danny Funderburk Jul 14, 7pm, www.hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St. 217-523-2787. Artist on the Plaza Jul 11, 16, 18, 23, 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 Jul 11, 16-18, 23-24, 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 Jul 14, 21, 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. Cowbop Jul 20, 8pm, Critically acclaimed western swing and jazz group. $8-$10. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St. 217-523- 2787.

Crazy Horse Bluegrass Festival Jul 19-21, Performances Friday and Saturday, Sunday morning Gospel Show. Crazy Horse Campground, 2113 Crazy Horse Rd, Ashland, 217-886-2089.

Don Pedi Workshop and Concert Jul 15, 6pm and 8pm, Nationally acclaimed mountain dulcimer artist from N.C. $20 workshop. $10 concert. Atonement Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St, 217-546-7646.

Eddy Flute Choir Jul 14, 21, 1pm, Classical, folk and sacred selections. 726-6667. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence, 217-782-6776. Eddy Flute Choir Jul 15, 22, 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.

Harbor Lights - Doo Wop Group Jul 20-21, 8pm Sat, 2pm Sun, Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St. 217-523-2787.

Open Mic with a Mission Jul 13, 6-8:30pm, Song, poetry, short stories. Sign up on arrival. Some instruments available. $3 cover donation. Hope Presbyterian Church, 2211 Wabash Ave, 546-6951. Sound Celebration and LLCC Chorus Jul 13, 7pm, Free concert. Ice cream social at 6:30 p.m. Douglas Park, 400 N. Macarthur Blvd.

Sounds of Summer Concert Jul 12, 11:30am-1pm, Decatur Park Singers, Young Park Singers, B.O.S.S. preview of upcoming shows. Decatur Central Park, Decatur.

Springfield Gospelfest/Back to School Bash Jul 20, 11am-7pm, Groups from Chicago, St. Louis and throughout central Illinois performing. Comer Cox Park, Capitol Ave and Martin Luther King Jr Dr, 217-638-1906. Springfield Municipal Band Jul 14, 21, 7pm, Free concert. Bring a chair or blanket. Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St, 217-753-0702. Springfield Municipal Band Concerts Jul 16, 23, 7:30pm, Playing every Tuesday, except July 2. Douglas Park, 400 N. Macarthur Blvd.

Dance Springfield Youth Performance Group Jul 13, 2pm and 6pm, Local young dance and music talent presents Fairytale Journey, featuring Peter and the Wolf. $12- $8. 217-494-8059. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St. 217-523-2787. All About Country Dance Jul 12, 7-10pm, Line dancing, two step, waltz, swing. Free lesson at start. $6. Decatur Moose Lodge, 3190 N Woodford Street, Decatur, 217-836-1438.

All About Dance Jul 17, 24, 6:30-10pm, Every Wed. dance lessons before dance at 8 p.m. $5. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 836-1438.

Dance Jul 12, 19, 8-11pm, July 12 - Angel Brown Ensemble; July 19 - Don Smith; July 26 - Kevin Turner. $10. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 217-546- 9515.

Art & Architecture Charles Houska Jul 11-13, 15-20, 10am-5pm Mon-Fri, 10m-3pm Sat. St. Louis artist originally from Springfield. Springfield Art Association Gallery of Art, 700 N. Fourth St, 217-523- 2631. First Friday Gallery Walk Jul 12, 5-8pm, Artist talks, music and hors d’oeuvres. Anne Lloyd Gallery, Blue Connection, Theatre 7 lobby and Gallery 510. Downtown Decatur, 160 E. Main St, Decatur, 423-4222. Illinois Prairie Pastel Society Jul 11-13, 15-20, 22-24, Through July 27, Pastel: Painting with Pure Pigment by local artists on display. Chatham Area Public Library, 600 E. Spruce, Chatham, 483-2713.

Laura Kay Coffey Art Show Closing Reception Jul 19, 6-8pm, New works, hors d’oeuvers, wine and live music by members of Frank Trompeter Quintet and Bossa Azul. Free. Prairie House Custom Frames, 2833 S. Sixth St, 523-4415.

Norway: Marilynn and Dean Madden Collection Jul 11-13, 15-20, 22-24, 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.

Pharmacy Art Exhibition Jul 13, 6-9pm, With guest Peoria artists Josh Cox and Sarah Nesbit. Free. The Pharmacy Warehouse, 1022 S. Pasfield, 217-652-3273.

Political Cartoons Exhibit Jul 11-12, 14, 18-19, 21, 10am-3pm Fri, 10am-1:30pm Sun, “How Israel and U.S. are portrayed in Arab Media.” Opening July 18, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Also on display July 22-25 by appointment. RSVP sjf@ shalomspringfield.org or 787- 7223 ext. 11.

Third Thursday Art Show Jul 18, 6pm-12am, Free, open, all ages art show with local acoustic music and one band at end of night. Donnie’s Homespun, 107 West Cook Road, 217-691-1301.

Film & Television Central Illinois Film Commission Meeting Jul 18, 7pm, Third Thursdays in Highland room. 725-1187. Hilton Springfield, 700 E. Adams.

Movies in the Park Jul 19, dusk, Free viewing of “The Hobbit.” Bring a chair or blanket. Lincoln Park, Fifth St and Sangamon Ave, 217-544-1751.

Children’s Corner Bob Steffan Summer Film Fest Jul 16-17, 10am and 2pm, “Kids Discover Bats.” For kids ages 3-8. Free. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 782-5993.

Children’s Program Jul 15, 22, 10am, Repeated at 1 p.m. at the Pleasant Plains location. Prairie Skies Public Library District, 125 W. Editor St, Ashland, 217-476-3417.

Holes - Movie Jul 15, 10am, Summer reading program. Free movie. Jacksonville Public Library, 201 West College Ave, Jacksonville, 217-243-5435.

Into the Wild 1 Art Class Jul 18, 10am, Preschool 2-5 years old and grownups. $40. Urban Sassafras, 200 Broadway, 670-2391. Jump Up Jul 16, 10am, Summer Reading Program special guests. Jacksonville Public Library, 201 West College Ave, Jacksonville, 217-243-5435.

Kids ‘N Control Triathlons Jul 20, Ages 5-13 swim, bike and run. 535-3875. springfieldtriclub. com. Lincoln Park, Fifth St and Sangamon Ave, 217-544-1751. Super Saturdays at the Museum Jul 13, 11am-3pm, “At Home in the 1860s.” Ongoing activities for ages 3-8. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 782-6044.

Science Stargazing Event Jul 15, 8pm, In partnership with Sangamon Astronomical Society. 483-2435. Chatham Area Public Library, 600 E. Spruce, Chatham, 483-2713.

Tree Trunk Exhibit Jul 11-24, 8:30am-5pm Mon- Sat, 12-5pm Sun, Through Aug. 25, remnants of the devastating 1925 Tri-State tornado. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 217-782-7386.

Nature Wed. Morning Pickup Party Jul 17, 24, 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 IWIL’s Monthly Luncheon Jul 18, 11:30am-1pm, Colleen Stone, American Red Cross Illinois Capital Area CEO. $18- $23. Register iwil.biz by July 12. Sangamo Club, 227 E. Adams St, 217-528-2323. The Rotary Club of Springfield Jul 15, 5:30-7pm, Complimentary to prospective Rotarians. Valeda and Frank England, Sangamon County Rescue Squad. Maldaner’s , 222 S. Sixth St, 793-1710.

Bulletin Board

3D Printing and Scanning Demo Jul 12, 9:30am-4:30pm, Dr. Joseph Deken, New Blankets, Inc. shows Makerbot ‘Replicator 2’ and Deezmaker ‘Bukobot’ 3D printers in Changes exhibit. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 217-782-7386. 3D Printing and Scanning Workshop Jul 18, 10am and 2pm, For teachers, students and other interested parties. Register 782-7475 or bdyer@museum. state.il.us. Illinois State Museum Research & Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St, 785-0037. Backgammon Club Jul 17, 24, 6pm, Every Wed. with Sangamon Valley Backgammon Association. 622-9447. Capital Teletrack, 1766 Wabash Ave, 217-546-2111.

Bike Collection Jul 21, 1-4pm, Drive-thru and drop-off your donation. North side of Visitor Center in bus parking lot. Lincoln Home National Historic Site, 413 S. Eighth St,

217-391-3221. Carillon Tours Jul 13-14, 17, 20-21, 24, 2-8pm Sat-Sun, 6:30pm Wed, Every tour includes live carillon performance. $3.25, $2.50 kids. Charity Quilt Show Jul 12-13, 10am-4pm, More than 100 quilts and quilt projects by local artists hosted by Peace & Applique quilt store. 498-6771. Donation at door. Masonic Hall, 121 E. Main St. Rochester. Crows Mill Pub Solider Mailing Fundraiser Jul 21, 2-6pm, Music, food, silent auction, 50/50 and much more. Crows Mill Pub, 1220 Toronto Road, 217-529-2769.

Cruise-in Jul 13, 6-9pm. Dash plaque, door prizes. www.coolcruiserscarclub. com. 528-1590. Steak ‘n Shake, 1580 Wabash Ave. Cruise-in the Park Jul 14, 1-4pm, Dash plaques to first 100, door prizes, trophies. Sponsored by Cantrall United Methodist Men. 652-7207. Cantrall.

Jazz in Bloom Jul 20, 6-9pm, Cocktail Party with Sam Crain Trio.

Admission and reservations required. $60. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence, 217- 788-9452.

Lanphier Class of 1983 Reunion Jul 19-21, 6pm Fri, 5pm Sat, 11:30am Sun, Lanphier83@ comcast.net. Various locations.

Morgan Horse Show Jul 20, 10am-4pm, Morgan Horse demonstrations in village throughout the day. Free. New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 632- 4000. Pet Adoptions Jul 13, 11am-2pm, Dogs and cats available. (Also, cats 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun. at PetSmart). Ace Hardware, 1600 Wabash Ave, 217-787-5100.

Red, White and Bruised Wrestling Jul 11, 7:30-10pm, Renegade Wrestling Organization presents your favorites in action. $8-$10. Nelson Center Ice Arena, Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St, 217-525- 2589.

Springfield Christian Women’s Connection Jul 17, 11am-12:45pm, “Won’t You Be My Friend?”

Register by July 12. $12. 787- 8246. Northfield Inn Suites & Conference Center, 3280 Northfield Dr, 787-8246.

Tin Man Regatta Jul 20, 1pm, 10am youth series, Register to set sail or be a virtual skipper. $75. Awards ceremony at 6 p.m. $25. cmnspringfield. org. Island Bay Yacht Club, 76 Yacht Club Road, 217-544-6464 ext. 45160.

Vendor and Craft Extravaganza Jul 13-14, 10am-4pm, Numerous vendors, pet adoptions, raffle, food available to benefit Illinois Humane. Illinois State Fair Twilight Ballroom, Illinios State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave. Young Hands, Furry Feet Jul 20, 6:30-9pm, Educate 8-11 year olds on dog ownership. $30, $50 for two kids. Limited spots, register early. illinoishumane.org. YMCA, 701 S. Fourth St.

Food Illinois Products Farmers Market Jul 11, 18, 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 Jul 13, 17, 20, 24, 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.

Taylorville Farmers Market Jul 13, 20, 9am-1pm, Saturdays through Oct. 27, Taylorville square, Taylorville.

History 114th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Flag Lowering Jul 16, 23, 7pm, One lucky visitor in attendance will receive the flag. Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site, 1500 Monument Ave, 782- 2717. 50 Shades of History Jul 17, 12pm, Free bi-monthly lunchtime book discussions. July 17, Sept. 17, Nov. 19. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 North Sixth St, 217-558-8844.

Civil War Ice Cream Social Jul 13, 2-4pm, Civil War dancing, tableaux vivant, tours of Edwards Place and free ice cream. Free, donations accepted. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St, 217-523-2631. Civil War Quilters: Loyal Hearts of Illinois Jul 11-24, 8:30am-5pm Mon- Sat, 12-5pm Sun, Through Sept.

8, exhibit featuring quilts and objects by Illinois women. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 217-782-7386.

Divided: Mary Lincoln and Emilie Todd Helm Jul 14, 2pm, In visitor center. Lincoln Home National Historic Site, 413 S. Eighth St, 217-391- 3221.

Home Tours Jul 14, 17, 21, 24, 10am-4pm Sat, 12-4 Wed, Tour Springfield’s oldest home. Artisans demos (Lincoln impersonator 1-3 p.m.) Saturdays through June. Elijah Iles House, 628 S. Seventh St, 217-492-5929.

Lincoln’s Funeral: Distant Memories Jul 16, 23, 5:30-6:15pm, Every Tuesday night at Receiving Vault. Free. www.lincolntomb.org. Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site, 1500 Monument Ave, 782-2717. Mary Lincoln Coterie Death Day Ceremony Jul 16, 10am, Free. Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site, 1500 Monument Ave, 782-2717.

Meet John James Audubon Jul 19, 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. Second Sunday at Marbold Farmstead Jul 14, 1-4pm, Dr. Charles Starling, “Education 1810- 1910.” Nature walks, mansion tours, vintage kids’s games, ongoing cartoons in kid’s tent, refreshments, homemade ice cream. $3 age 14 and older, $5 family. Marbold Farmstead, North Rt. 29, Greenview, 415-5975.

Health Connection Support Group Jul 17, 7-8:30pm, Third Wednesday. National Alliance on Mental Illness Support Group for persons who have a mental illness. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St, 891-5570. Fitness for You Jul 11, 18, 12:30-1:30pm, Various exercises and fitness routines for cancer patients. Register by phone. Free on Thursdays. Simmons Cancer Institute, 315 W. Carpenter, 217- 545-0798.

Free Testings Jul 11-12, 15-19, 22-24, 12-3pm Mon-Fri, Free HIV, hepatitis C, gonorrhea and chlamydia testing. Weekdays or by appointment. Phoenix Center, 109 E. Lawrence Ave, 217-528-5253. GROW in Illinois Mental Health Jul 11, 18, 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. NAMI Support Group Jul 17, 7-8:30pm, Third Wed. National Alliance on Mental Illness for family and friends of persons with mental illness. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St, 891-5570.

Faith & Philosophy Court Madonna Meeting Jul 18, 6:30pm, Monthly meeting. Potluck with Hawaiian theme. 528-4582. St. Joseph Parish, 1345 N. Sixth St. Fury and the Face of Fear Itself Jul 14, 10:30am, Rev. Tom Burdett “fleshes out” what he suggests are needed moves. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550. Sing to the King Jul 17, 7pm, Dessert bar to follow concert. Proceeds go to assist Susan Baird Family. Chatham Presbyterian Church, 1835 E. Walnut, Chatham, 483-4204.

The Peeks with The GloryRoad Jul 20, 6:30pm, In concert. Love offering. Fairview Baptist Church, 2001 N. 21st Street, 741-1817.

Sports & Fitness

Capital City Pickleball Classic Jul 13-14, 9am, Watch Springfield’s first competitive Pickleball tournament with players from all over the Midwest. Iles Park, Sixth St and Ash St, 787-4193.

Laugh Yoga Jul 14, 21, 4pm, First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St, 217-528- 3407.

P.G.P. Wrestling Presents Fighting Spirit Jul 20, 7:30pm, R.O.H. superstar Michael Elgin vs. P.G.P. Franchise Champion Prince Mustafa Ali. $10. Goals Indoor Sports, 3604 North Peoria Road, 217-502- 4015.

Springfield Sliders Faith and Family Night Jul 14, 5:05pm, Pregame show with Calvary Temple Reach band. Post-game show with Christian Comedian Taylor Mason. $7-$5. Robin Roberts Stadium, Lanphier Park, N. Grand Ave and Michigan Ave, 217-679-3511. Women’s Distance Festival and Kids’ Run Jul 13, 8am, Two-mile run/walk followed by kids’ run for Ronald McDonald House. $25, $5 kids run. Deadline July 11. Washington Park, South Grand and MacArthur, 217-737-9905.