AUGUST
Pittsfield Fall Festival Aug 28-31, 6pm Thu-Fri, 9am Sat, Food vendors, crafts, carnival and many activities. Parade on Saturday. Free. 217-617-2656. Pike County Courthouse, 100 E. Washington St., Pittsfield.
Budweiser Illinois Blues Festival Aug 29-30, 1pm-12am Fri-Sat, Internationally-known blues artists on three stages. Bring a lawn chair. Admission. Ticket prices to be announced soon. RiverFront Festival Park, Water Street, South of RiverPlex, Peoria. 309-689-3019. illinoisbluesfestival.com
Springfield Short Track Motorcycle Races Aug 29-30, 2:30-10:30pm, Two popular races in the multi-purpose arena. $20. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-782-1698.
Nauvoo Grape Festival Aug 29-31, 1pm-1am Fri, 7am-12am Sat-Sun, Parades, carnival, mud volleyball, 5K grape stomp, tractor pulls and more. Free admission. Nauvoo State Park, Route 96, Nauvoo. 217-453-2512. nauvoograpefestival.com
Manito Popcorn Festival Aug 29-31, 3-9pm Fri, 7:30am- 10pm Sat, 7am-5pm Sun, Three days of all the regular festival fare and popcorn! Manito, Illinois. manitopopcornfestival.com
Edinburg Labor Day Picnic Aug 29-31, Truck pulls, pageants, bands, carnival rides, children’s pedal pulls, parade at 10 a.m. on Labor Day and more. Veteran’s Memorial Park, W. Masonic St., Edinburg.
Prairieland Chautauqua Aug 29-Sep 1, 4-9pm Fri-Mon, Musical shows, storytellers, communal suppers, re-enactors representing famous Americans. Free. First Christian Church, 2106 S. Main, Jacksonville. jacksonvilleil.org
Kincaid Labor Day Picnic Aug 29-Sep 1, Parade on Sunday afternoon, bands each night, carnival with all day wristbands, talent contest Monday and more. Kincaid.
Abe’s River Race Aug 30, 8am Sat, 19-mile canoe/kayak race for serious competitors and gentle fl oat on 9-mile course. $20-$40. Awards ceremony with food, live music and drinks at Riverbank Lodge after. Racers: $40, non-racers: $25. Riverbank Lodge, 522 S. Sixth St., Petersburg. 632-0202. lincolnheritagewatertrail.org
Labor Day Picnic Aug 30, 8:30am-8:30pm Sat, Parade 9 a.m., children’s games 9-4:30 p.m. (fee), dunk tank, washer tournament 11 a.m., cake walk noon, 30 vendors, food and Gracia Harrison singing National Anthem at pageant 6 p.m. 217-414-9825. Auburn.
2nd Annual Car Show Aug 30, 9am-1pm Sat, Awards at 1 p.m. Free registration at 9 a.m. Free hot dogs and soda. Free. Meadow Manor Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 800 McAdam Dr., Taylorville. 217-824-2277.
Sangamon Valley Woodcarvers Show Aug 30-31, 10am-5pm Sat, 10am-4pm Sun, Carvers from across the country exhibit. Illinois Building. 546-8792. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-782-1698. svwoodcarvers.org
Arthur Amish Country Cheese Festival Also on Labor Day Aug 30-Sep 1, Three days of free cheese, entertainment,
contests, car show, craft and fl ea markets, food and more.
800-72A-MISH. Downtown Arthur, Arthur. arthurcheesefestival.com
16th Prairieland Chautauqua
Aug.
29-Sept. 1, 4-9 p.m. Friday-Monday, A free evening of music,
storytellers, re-enactors preceded by a communal supper (fee for food).
First Christian Church, 2106 S. Main, Jacksonville.
BBQ Rib Festival Aug 31, 12pm Sun, Live entertainment. Hill Prairie Winery, 23753 Lounsberry Road, Oakford. 217-635-9900. hillprairiewinery.com
One Grand Old Lady Readers Theater Aug
31, 1-4pm Sun, Life of the residents from 1800s. Written by playwright
Ken Bradbury. $5. Tours, wagon rides $2. 632-3144. Marbold Farmstead,
21722 State Hwy 29, Greenview. 217-968-5808.
historic-marbold-farmstead.org
Celtic Festival Aug
31, 2pm, Celtic music and dance, beer, kid’s area and more. $5, kids
under 12 free. Seventh Street between Washington and Adams.
central-illinoisstandrewsociety.com
SEPTEMBER
Greenview Labor Day Celebration Sep
1, 8am-3pm Mon, Flea market, craft sale, parade at 10 a.m., car show,
contests, food, music and more. 217-968- 7043. Greenview.
Springfield Labor Day Parade Sep
1, 10am, Jefferson Street to Fifth, Fifth to Capitol Street, Capitol to
Sixth, Sixth to Washington Street. Free to the public. Downtown
Springfi eld.
Labor Day Pops Sep 1, 6-7pm, Free concert on lakeshore by Millikin- Decatur Symphony Orchestra. Nelson Park, Decatur. decatur-parks.org
Farm Law/Legal Issues Workshop Sep
2, 8am-4pm Tue, Free, lunch included. Preregistration required online.
University of Illinois Extension, 700 S. Airport Drive, 217-782- 4617.
thelandconnection.org/ legalissues
Demonstration Garden Programs Sep
4, 11, 18, 25, 5:30pm Thu, Half hour free programs. Plants to Die For
(Sept. 4), What to Do With Leaves (Sept. 11), Creating a Prairie Garden
Demo (Sept. 18), Straw Bale Gardening (Sept. 25). University of Illinois
Extension Sangamon-Menard Unit, 2501 N. Eighth St., Illinois State
Fairgrounds, Bldg #30. 217- 782-4617.
Plane and Pilot Midwest LSA Expo Sep
4-6, See over 40 light sport aircraft and gyroplanes, shop for the
latest in aviation gadgets, attend seminars. Free admission and parking.
Mt. Vernon Outland Airport, Mount Vernon.
Pekin Marigold Festival Sep
4-7, Lots of unique contests and events. Music, art and so much more.
309- 346-2106. Mineral Springs Park, 1701 Court Street, Pekin.
pekinchamber.com/ marigoldschedule
Arenzville Burgoo Festival Sep
5-6, 7am-7pm, World’s best burgoo, craft market, parade, food court,
contests, evening entertainment. 300 W. Main, Arenzville. burgoo.org
Cedarhurst Art and Craft Fair Sep
5-7, 10am-5pm, Craftsmen, music and children’s area. $5. (Friday night
preview $10.) Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, 2600 Richview Road, Mt.
Vernon. 618-242-1236. cedarhurst.org
Galena Food and Wine Festival Sep
5, 6pm-8:30am Fri, Approximately 150 varieties of wine and local food
and live music. $50. Galena Convention Center, 900 Galena Square Drive,
Galena. 815-776-0399. galenafoodandwinefestival.com
American English: Beatles Tribute Band Sep
5, 7:30pm Fri, Voted No. 1 by Beatles fans. $20-$30, school age kids
$5. Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1184 W. Main St., Decatur. 424-6318.
millikin.edu/kirkland
Traditional Music Festival Sep
5-6, 10am-4pm Fri-Sat, Midwest performers entertain on such instruments
as mountain dulcimers, bones, autoharps, fi ddles, banjos and guitars.
Cloggers dance at noon Sunday. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site,
15588 History Lane, Petersburg. 217-632-4000. lincolnsnewsalem.com
Mt. Pulaski Fall Festival Sep
5-6, Carnival, parade, singer Tammy Renee Harris (Sept. 6, 3:30-5
p.m.), gospel variety performance, food, courthouse tours, contests,
craft show and more. Mt. Pulaski Courthouse, 113 S Washington St., Mount
Pulaski. mtpulaskiil.com
Williamsville Fall Festival Sep
5-6, 5-11pm Fri, 8am- 10:30pm Sat, Fishing derby, games, crafts, craft
and food vendors. Rewind band on Friday. Leaving Ashland on Saturday.
Williamsville Park, Williamsville.
Manito Popcorn Festival
Aug.
29-31, 3-9 p.m. Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. Saturday, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday, Three days of all the regular festival fare and popcorn held in
Manito, Illinois.
South Jacksonville Celebration Sep
5-6, 7pm Fri, 10-12am Sat, South Jacksonville celebrates with a concert
in the cornfi eld Friday, parade Saturday and much more. South
Jacksonville, 245-4803. southjacksonville.org
Blue Man Group Sep
5-6, 8pm Fri-Sat, Delightful performance group combining comedy, music
and technology. $55 and up. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS , 1 University
Plaza, 217-206-6160. uis.edu/ sangamonauditorium
Arcola Broom Corn Festival Sep
5-7, 10am Fri, 8am Sat, 7am-5pm Sun, Broom activities, arts/crafts,
free entertainment, great food, gigantic parade with the Famous Lawn
Rangers. Arcola. arcolachamber.com
White Buffalo Pow Wow Sep
5-7, Vendors open at 10 a.m., dancing starts at noon daily. Free,
parking $2 per car. Lake Lou Yaeger, 70 Marina Lane, Litchfi eld.
whitebuffalopowwow.org
Hamlet Sep
5-7, 12-14, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun, Shakespeare’s great work starring
Aasne Vigesaa. $18, $16 seniors and students. Hoogland Center for the
Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787. scfta.org
Secretary of State Vehicle Show Sep
6, 7am-3pm, Antique cars, trucks, motorcycles, tractors, tractors,
recreational vehicles and more. Free to public. Downtown Springfi eld.
cyberdriveillinois.com
Cooking for Earth Sep
6, 9am-2pm Sat, Learn how to make great vegetarian meals. $45 includes
lunch. Register by Aug. 27. Jubilee Farm, 6760 Old Jacksonville Road,
787-6927. jubileefarm. info
SOB Festival Sep
6, 12-5pm, Fresh oysters and craft brews from across U.S. Music and
food. Rain or shine. $25, $20 in advance. The Inn at 835, 835 S. Second
St., 217- 523-4466. sobfestival.com
Historic Bicycle Ride Sep
6, 1-3pm Sat, Join Springfi eld Bicycle Club on free, 10-mile bicycle
tour of Lincoln-related and other historic sites. Free. Noll Law Offi
ce, Lincoln Depot, 903 E. Monroe St., 217-414-8889. spfl
dcycling.org/ccc
Spirits of the Civil War Sep
6, 1-4pm Sat, Bring a lawn chair and listen to re-enactors perform
personal stories from Civil War. Free. Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site,
1500 Monument Ave., 782-2717. lincolntomb.org
Lawn Party Sep
6, 5-7pm Sat, Canapés by Chef Shaun Moore, wine, dazzling fl oral
designs, 19th century-style party-favors, Jazz saxophonist David Cain.
$100 or $150 couple. Tickets at gift store. 217-525-1825. Old State
Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-785-9363.
The Neverly Brothers, A Rock ’N’ Roll Evolution Sep
6, 7-9pm Sat, From Elvis to the Beatles. Benefi t for Taylorville
Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. $30. Taylorville Memorial Hospital
Auditorium, 201 E. Pleasant St., Taylorville. 217-824-3331.taylorvillememorial.org
The Jubilees Sep 6, 7-9pm Sat, Close harmony and dedication to their ministry. Free. The Barn, Rural route, Tower Hill. thebarnpana.com Green County Days Sep
6-7, 9am, Five towns host free music, arts and crafts, food, vendors,
kid’s games and contests, artisan demos and more. 217-638-2103. Various
locations in Green County.
James J Eldred House Fall Festival Sep
6-7, 9am-10pm Sat, 9am-4pm Sun, Tours, civil war re-enactment, quilt
show, ice cream social and more. Free. James Eldred House, Eldred.
eldredhouse.com
42nd Annual Capital City Century Sep
7, 7am-5pm Sun, Springfi eld Bicycle Club recreational 10-100-mile
bicycle ride over fl at to slightly rolling terrain, food stops, SAG
service, post-ride party at Knights of Columbus, Meadowbrook. Knights of
Columbus 364, 2200 S. Meadowbrook Road, 217-787- 2360. Register online
at www. spfl dcycling.org/ccc
9/11 Heroes Run Sep
7, 9am Sun, Never forgetting sacrifi ces of Sept. 11 heroes and in wars
since: veteran, fi rst responder, civilian and military. $25. All
runners registered by Aug. 31 get a T-shirt and race memorabilia.
Washington Park, South Grand and MacArthur, 217-753-6225.
travismanion.org
Cruise 11 to Remember 9-11 Sep
7, 10am-6pm, Car show ($11), food, craft vendors, 1 p.m. cruise, (1:30
p.m. free Blues Brothers Tribute concert. 2:30 p.m. free memorial
service.). Free entertainment, car/bike show entry $11. Decatur Central
Park, Decatur. aynproductions.com
Fall Leaf Hikes Sep
7 and 14, 1:30pm Sun, First two Sundays in September, naturalists lead
hikes. $5. Advance registration required. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301
E. Lake Shore Drive, 217-529-1111. lmgnc. org
Arenzville Burgoo Festival
Sept.
5-6, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., Burgoo kettle service begins at 7 a.m. each day
and is usually suspended mid-morning until lunch service around 10:30
a.m. 300 W. Main, Arenzville.
Old Stone House Open House Sep
7, 1-4pm Sun, First Sunday of month June- November, tour the 1830s-era
home, weather permitting. 498-7335. Admission free. Rochester Historical
Village, W. Main St, Rochester.
Four Seasons Fall Garden Programs Sep
9, 23, Oct 7, 1:30pm Tue, Three programs via computer with live
discussion: daylilies, rain gardens and hydroponics. $5 each. University
of Illinois Extension, 700 S. Airport Drive, 217-782-4617.
web.extension.illinois.edu/lms
Harvesting and Preserving Herbs Program Sep
9, 5:30pm Tue, Master Gardener volunteers provide info on various
methods of harvesting herbs, as well as suggestions for their use. Free.
University of Illinois Extension, 700 S. Airport Drive, 217-782- 4617.
web.extension.illinois. edu
Cachet Club Annual Card Party Sep
9, 6:30-9pm, Play cards or game of choice, $5 includes desserts.
Proceeds to Inner City Mission and Sojourn Women’s Shelter. Little
Flower School Activity Center (south of school), Stevenson Drive.
Morton Pumpkin Festival Sep
10-13, Carnival, food, entertainment. Sept. 12-14 is Craft Faire.
309-263-2491. Downtown Morton, Morton, Illinois. mortonpumpkinfestival.
org
On the Prairie Exhibition Opening recurring event Sep
12, 5:30-7:30pm Fri, Bronzes by late Springfield artist, Marshall
Mitchell. On display though Oct. 4, 9am- 5pm Mon-Fri, 10am-3pm.Free.
Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.
springfieldart.org
Bluegrass Music Sep
12-13, 6-10pm Fri-Sat, Bluegrass musicians play in outdoor theater.
Traditional, folk and bluegrass musicians invited to participate in
weekend impromptu jam session. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site,
15588 History Lane, Petersburg. 217-632- 4000. lincolnsnewsalem.com
Governor Duncan’s Neighborhood Walking Tour Sep
13, 11am Sat, Visit two or three interesting homes with lunch in Duncan
Mansion. $30. Tickets 217-245-5390. Governor Duncan Mansion, 4 Duncan
Place, Jacksonville. 245-2626. jacksonvilleil.org
Chatham Jaycees Oktoberfest Sep
13, 11am-11pm Sat, German music, food, beers. Dress in Lederhosen or
Dirndles to win Mr. or Mrs. Oktoberfest. Family friendly, kid’s games
till 5. Traditional Oktoberfest games 5-7, Leaving Ashland 7-11. Food
and drink prices vary. Tickets will be sold for $1 a piece and pricing
will be posted at the event. Chatham VFW, 501 W. Mulberry Street,
Chatham. 217-483-4613. chathamjaycees.net
Mad Mud Dash Sep
13, 1-5pm Sat, Hurdle your kids (and yourself) over walls, slither
through mud, leap through tires, and listen to music. Register online.
$20, adults free. Mud Farm, 5200 North Walnut (Route 29 just north of
the airport), 217-691- 0592. genhkids.org
Sinatra at Washington Park Gazebo Sep
13, 5pm Sat, Free one-hour performance by Springfi eld’s own Phil
Steinberg. Free. Washington Park, South Grand and MacArthur,
217-753-6225. springfi eldparks.org
The Fiery Trial: Civil War Stories by Candlelight Sep
13, 6-9pm Sat, Follow candle lit path to vault, listen to Lincoln
funeral procession story. Free. Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site, 1500
Monument Ave., 782-2717. lincolntomb.org
Celebrity Chef Dinner Sep
13, Internationally known chef and designer Jaime Laurita to benefit
The Hope Institute. $150-$250. Reservations by Sept. 8 online at
thehopeinstitute. us. 217-588-7546. Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park,
4965 S. Second St., 217-753-0702. southwindpark.org
The Hit Men Sep
13, 7:30pm Sat, Features former stars of Frankie Valli and The Four
Seasons. $25-$35, school age $5. Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1184 W. Main
St., Decatur. 424-6318. millikin. edu/kirkland
Art Spectacular Sep
13-14, 10am-5pm Sat, 10am-4pm Sun, Two-day juried art show with 50
artists. Kids’ place $1.25, demos, food, music and more. Free admission.
Washington Park, South Grand and MacArthur, 217-753-6225.
carillon-rees.org
Rockballet Sep
13-14, 8pm Sat, 2pm Sun, Springfi eld Ballet Company with live music by
band, Downstate. $16-$30. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza,
217-206-6160. springfi eldballetco.org
Fall Farm Day Sep
14, 1-5pm, Pumpkin and face painting, farm tours 1:30-3 p.m., crafts,
barrel train. Free admission. 447- 3409. Gail’s Pumpkin Patch, 1709
2000th Ave., Beason. gailspumpkinpatch.com
John O’Conor Sep
14, 4pm Sun, Irish pianist. $20, school age $5. Kirkland Fine Arts
Center, 1184 W. Main St., Decatur. 424-6318. millikin. edu/kirkland
Music in the Park Sep
14, 4-7pm, Free Celtic music with Skibbereen, Elk Pipes and Nat
Radwine. Bring a chair or blanket. Free. Washington Park Playground,
1021 South Grand Ave., 217-753-6225.
ISA Harvest Dinner Celebration
Sep
14, 5pm Sun, Features fabulous chefs, delicious locally produced food,
live music and more. $85. The Inn at 835, 835 S. Second St.,
217-523-4466. ilstewards.org
The Great Pumpkin Patch recurring event Sep
15-Oct 31, 9am-6pm. You pick, mazes and tons more to see and do every
day and included in admission. Open on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) is
the Great Maize Maze and wagon rides $2 each. $4-$7. The Great Pumpkin
Patch, 1749A County Road 1900 North, Arthur. 217-543-2394.
the200acres.com
HumpFest Sep
17, 4:30-10pm Sat, Live camel rides, kid’s carnival activities and
family-friendly fun until 6:30 p.m. Fashion show and live music by
Second Chance Band from 6:30-10 p.m. Rain or shine. District 23, 1413
South MacArthur Blvd. shoponmacarthur.com
Canton Friendship Festival Sep 17-20, Carnival, rides, food, games, exhibits. Parade.at 10 a.m. 309-635-0631. Canton.
Springfield Audubon Society Sep
18, 7pm Thu, Arvin Pierce, ACBees Apiaries, talks about joys and
challenges of keeping honeybees. View an observation hive with live
bees. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 East Clear Lake Ave., 217-544-2473.
illinoisaudubon.org
Allerton Music Barn Festival Sep
18-21, 7:30pm Thu-Sat and 2pm Sat and 10am Sun, Collaborative effort
between U of I School of Music and University’s Allerton Park and
Retreat Center. Allerton Music Barn, Allerton Road, Monticello. Info
217-333- 1594, Tickets 217-333-6280. allertonmusicbarn.com
Griggsville Apple Festival Sep
19-21, 5-10pm Fri, 8am- 10pm Sat, Weekend full of pageants, contests,
food stands, car show, crafts, musical entertainment and more. Free.
217-430-5901. Free. Griggsville.
Fall Bird Hikes recurring event Sep
20, 27, Oct 4, 11, 8am Saturdays, Led by Kevin Veara. Birders of all
skill levels welcome. Free. Meets at Nature Center. Lincoln Memorial
Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Drive, 217-529-1111.
lincolnmemorialgarden.org
Petersburg Harvest Fest Sep
20, 8am-12am Sat, Huge parade, street vendors, live music, a large
antique car show, games, contests, children’s attractions, fresh food
and barbecue and much more. Petersburg Square, N. Seventh St. at W.
Douglas Ave., Petersburg. petersburgilchamber.com
Monticellobration Sep
20, Stage coach rides, demos, 1860s crafters, kid’s activities, crafts,
food, bands and more. 217-762-9318. Free. Monticello Downtown Square,
Monticello.
Cedarhurst Art and Craft Fair
Sept.
5-7, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Huge, popular art fair with music and children’s
area, food and beer garden. Friday preview has an admission fee.
Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, 2600 Richview Road, Mt. Vernon.
Gazebo Art Festival Sep
20, 9am-5pm, Original artwork of local and regional artists, music,
book sale. Free admission. Chandler Park, Macomb. makeitmacomb.com
2014 Cruise Night Sep
20, 9am-10pm Sat, Car show till 3 p.m. then cruise at 5 p.m. from Main
Street to Lincoln Ave. Free. Jacksonville Community Park, 1201 S. Main,
Jacksonville. jacksonvilleil.org
2014 SJH Fall Fest Sep
20, 11am-4pm Sat, Free bounce house, free animal attractions, free face
painting, a pumpkin patch, live music, “fi remen training” games and
booths by dozens of local vendors. Free admission. St. Joseph’s Home,
3306 S. Sixth Street Road, 217-529-5596. saintjosephshome.org
Kilimanjaro Rumble Sep
20, 5-8pm, Pan-African drum and dance ensemble featuring master
drummers from Central African Republic, Liberia, Togo and Congo. Tickets
at Fashion Afrique, 414 E. Monroe St., 217-544-1289 or Brigitte African
Hair Braiding, 614 N. Grand Ave., 217-678- 0368. $18, $15 in advance.
Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St.
Cool 2 Duel Dueling Pianos Sep
20, 8-11pm Sat, Purchase online or at 907 Clocktower Drive in Springfi
eld. $30 online to benefi t Girls on the Run (or two for $50). Knights
of Columbus 364, 2200 S. Meadowbrook Road, 217-787- 2360.
gotrcentralillinois.org
Clayville Fall Festival Sep
20-21, 9am-6pm Sat, 10am Sun, Artisan demonstrations, historic tours,
crafts and games for kids, vendors, re-enactments, period music,
entertainment, food and refreshments. Clayville, Route 125, Pleasant
Plains. 217-572-4984. clayville.org
Edwards Place Fine Art Fair Sep
20-21, 10am-5pm Sat, 11am-4pm Sun, More than 70 artists, kids area,
live art demos, entertainment and food. Free. Edwards Place, Springfi
eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523- 2631. springfi
eldart.org
Railroad Days Sep
20-21, 10am-5pm, Ride a vintage passenger and freight train. Must have
ticket to access grounds. All-day tickets $18, $10 kids ages 2-12.
Monticello Railroad Museum, 992 Iron Horse Place, Monticello. 217-762-
9011. mrym.org
Indian Knoll Pumpkin Patch and Farm recurring event Sep
20-Oct. 26, 10am- 5pm Sat, 12-5pm Sun, Pick your own pumpkin, enjoy a
wagon ride to the patch, meet farm animals, play barnyard games, face
painting, pumpkin painting and special weekly events. Free. Indian Knoll
Farm and Pumpkin Patch, 2850 N. E Road, Mechanicsburg. 217- 827-0317.
indianknollcattle. net/pumpkin
Chatham Jaycees Oktoberfest
Sept.
13, 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Saturday, The Chatham Jaycees bring you another
great fest with costume winners, kids games till 5, traditional games
5-7, German music, food and beer. Chatham VFW, 501 W. Mulberry Street,
Chatham.
Junior and Senior Naturalists Sep
21, 9am-12pm Juniors (ages 6-9), 1-4pm Seniors (ages 9-12), Hiking,
crafts, games. $40-$45 three sessions including Sep 21, Oct 19 and Nov
23. Register online only, only 25 accepted. Lincoln Memorial Garden,
2301 E. Lake Shore Drive, 217-529-1111. lincolnmemorialgarden.org
This Joint is Jumpin’ Sep
21, 2-4:15pm Sun, Set in a 1920s speakeasy features an afternoon of
lively entertainment. $16- $13. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S.
Sixth St., 217-523-2787. soundcelebrationchorus.org
Four Seasons Fall Garden Programs Sep
23, Oct 7, 1:30pm Tue, Programs via computer with live discussion: Rain
gardens and hydroponics. $5 each. University of Illinois Extension, 700
S. Airport Drive, 217-782-4617. web. extension.illinois.edu/lms
Riders in the Sky Sep
25, 7:30pm Thu, Internationally known comedy western quartet famous for
song “Woody’s Roundup” from Toy Story 2. $30, $27 seniors, $23 kids.
Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523- 2787. scfta.org
Pygmalion Music Festival Sep
25-28, Featuring Indie-rock groups. $15- $100. Krannert Center for the
Performing Arts, Tryon Festival Theatre, 500 South Goodwin Avenue,
Urbana. pygmalionmusicfestival.com
Prairie Land Heritage Museum Steam Show Sep
26-28, 8am-5pm Fri-Sun, Horse powered equipment, antique tractors, gas
and steam engines, demos, train rides, fl ea market and food. $5.
Prairie Land Heritage Museum, 1005 West Michigan, South Jacksonville.
www. prairielandheritage.com
International Route 66 Mother Road Festival Sep
26-28, 6-10pm Fri, 11am- 10pm Sat, 11am-2pm Sun, Over 1,000 cool cars,
free entertainment, swap meet and so much more. Downtown Springfi eld,
route66fest.com
Rockin Nite Maze recurring event Sep
26-27, Oct 10-11, 7-10:30pm Fri-Sat, Walk the maze to 80s music.
Flashlights required (available for purchase) Weather dependent. $10.
Age 16 and under requires adult supervision. Bomke’s Patch, 605 Country
Lake Road, 217- 626-1806. bomkespatch.com
Our Savior’s Fall Craft Festival Sep
27, 9am-3pm Sat, Vendors featuring handmade items of all varieties and
homebased business. Free or bring nonperishable food item for local food
pantry. Our Savior’s Lutheran School, 2645 Old Jacksonville Road, 217-
546-4531. oslms.org
Annual Craft and Food Festival Sep
27, 9am-2pm Sat, Amish quilt and afghan raffle, holiday gifts and
crafts, books, and homemade soup, sandwiches and pies for lunch. Chatham
Community Center, 109 W. Mulberry St., Chatham. 217- 483-2488.
Jubilee Farm Fall Festival Sep
27, 10am-3pm Sat, Day of fun, food and interesting facts. Free. Jubilee
Farm, 6760 Old Jacksonville Road, 787-6927. jubileefarm.info
Effingham Music Fest Sep
27, 4-10pm, Matt Poss Band 4-5 p.m., Drew Baldridge 5:30-6:30 p.m.,
Phil Vassar 7-8:30 p.m. and Joe Nichols 9-10 p.m. Funfest Amphitheater,
17082 N. US Hwy 45, Effi ngham. 800-774- 8989. effi nghammusicfest.com
Light Up Wimmer Cemetery Walk Sep
27, 5-8pm, Cemetery walk, wiener roast. Free will donations. Wimmer
Cemetery, Dixon and Dickey-John Roads, Auburn. wimmerfriends.com
Apple and Pork Festival Sep
27-28, 7am-5pm, Entertainment, fl ea market, pony rides, museum tours,
craft area and over 25 food booths. Free admission festival and craft
show. (Trams to other locations in town.) DeWitt County Museum, 219 E.
Woodlawn, Clinton. 217-935- 6066. chmoorehomestead.org
Rochester Olde Towne Fall Festival Sep
27-28, 9am-5pm Sat, 10am-4pm Sun, Two days of arts and crafts, food,
live music, little miss pageant and more. Free. Rochester downtown, 129
S. John St., Rochester. 217-498-8882.
Beardstown Fall Fun Festival Sep
27-28, Autumn celebration features music, parade, carnival rides, Chase
Rice and more. Downtown and in park. Art Zeeck Park, Second Street at
State St., Beardstown.
Apple Festival Sep
27-28, 9am-6pm, Pickyour-own apples or buy some from the market. Broom
Orchard, 12803 Broom Road, Carlinville. 217-854-3514. broomorchard.com
Alpaca Farm Days Sep
27-28, 10am-5pm Sat, 11am-4pm Sun, Free family event with
demonstrations on use of alpaca fl eece, shopping and concessions. Free.
Alpacas of Indian Point Hills, 17229 VanEman St., Petersburg.
217-414-0266. alpacasofi ndianpointhills.com
Great River Grape Escape Sep
27-28, 12-9pm Sat, 12-5pm Sun, Twelve Illinois wineries, food tastings
with local chefs and music. Free admission. $10, fi ve tasting tickets
and commemorative wine glass. $1 for additional tickets. Clat Adams
Park, Quincy Riverfront, 1231 Bonansinga Drive, Quincy.
quincygrapeescape.com
Bird Fair Sep
28, 9am-4pm Sun, Pet birds for sale by professional and hobbyist
breeders, speakers, kids’ activities, food. $3. Illinois Building.
Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-782- 1698.
IlliniBirdFanciers.com
Dance Dash 5K Sep
28, 2-4pm Sun, Learn parts of a line dance at three stations along 5K
route. All ages. $45, $35 through Sept. 13. Southwind Park, 4965 S.
Second St., 217-753-0702. dancedash.org
An Evening with Sarah Jarosz Sep
28, 7pm Sun, Grammynominated singer, songwriter and
multi-instrumentalist. UIS Studio Theatre, One University Plaza,
217-206-6160.
OCTOBER
(Please see recurring events marked in red within the September listings that take place in October also.)
Multicultural Fest Oct
1, 10am-1pm and 4-6pm, Celebration of diversity with food samples,
dancing and music. Free. A Lincoln Commons. 786- 2241. Lincoln Land
Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-786-2200.
Pied Piper Architectural Tour Oct
1, 5:30pm, Free professionally-guided architectural tour. Meets
outside. 544-1723. Lincoln-Herndon Law Office, 112 North Sixth St.,
downstownspringfield.org
Barry Apple Festival Oct
2-5, 4pm Thu-Fri, 8am Sat-Sun, Apple pie contest, parade (Sat. at 1
p.m.), entertainment and more. Downtown Barry, Barry.
barryapplefestival.weebly.com
International Route 66 Mother Road Festival
Sept. 26-28, 6-10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Sunday. Over 1,000 cool cars, free entertainment, swap meet and so much more on the streets of downtown Springfi eld.
Candlelight Tour Oct
3-5, 7-9pm, Only opportunity to see the village at night. Period
clothing and talk about life in 19th century Illinois. Gingerbread,
cider at Rutledge Tavern. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588
History Lane, Petersburg. 217-632-4000. lincolnsnewsalem.com
Prairie Harvest Days Spooktacular Oct
3-4, Tons of contests, 3-on-3 basketball tournament, parade, food,
music, crafts, kiddie tractor pull and lots more. Free (some entry fees
apply for tournament play). Mason City. prairieharvestdays.com
Boo Crew Haunted House recurring event Oct
3-4, 10-12, 17-18, 24- 25, 31, Nov 1, 6:30-10:30pm, (Children’s lights
on matinee is Saturday, Oct. 25, 4:30- 6, $5 per person.) $10, $15 speed
pass. Boo Crew Haunted House, 6500 Jett Road, Rochester. 217-502- 9177.
boocrew.com
Terror on the Square recurring event Oct
3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 24-26, 30-31, Visit top 10-rated haunt in Illinois.
Admission. Petersburg Square, N. Seventh St. at W. Douglas Ave.,
Petersburg. terrorontheweb.com
Extreme Haunted Hayrides recurring event Oct
3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 24- 25, 7-11pm Fri-Sat, Travel along river, through
woods, pulled by hearse. Weather permitting. $9, $15 speed pass.
522-7702. Riverside Park, 4105 Sand Hill Road, riversidestable.com/
hauntedhayrack
Pete ’N’ Keely Oct
3-5, 10-12, 8pm Fri-Sat, 4pm Sun, Comedy musical about divorced couple
who are forced back together to revive their failing singing careers.
Stars Gus Gordon and Cynda Wrightsman. $18-$16. Hoogland Center for the
Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787. scfta.org
Touch A Truck Oct
4, 10am-12pm, See a fi re truck, helicopter, tractor and more.
753-0700. Lincoln Park, Fifth St. and Sangamon Ave., 217-544-1751.
Fur, Feather, Fin Fall Fling Oct
4, 10am-6pm, Final free admission day of the season. Activity packed
day includes animal programs. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore
Drive, 217-585-1821. hensonrobinsonzoo.org
Apple and Pork Festival
Sept.
27-28, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., Entertainment, fl ea market, pony rides, museum
tours, craft area and over 25 food booths. (Trams to other locations in
town.) DeWitt County Museum, 219 E. Woodlawn, Clinton.
Booking the Iles House Oct
4, 10am-3pm Sat, Local authors present recently released books.
Children’s book authors in morning and lunch. Authors in afternoon. Free
event with donations requested for lunch and snacks. Elijah Iles House,
628 S. Seventh St., 217-492-5929. ileshouse.org
Boo Bark Party at the Park Oct
4, 11am-2pm Sat, Costume contest for dogs, pet related vendors,
demonstrations, games for dogs, food for everyone and more. Proceeds
benefit animals in APL’s care. $3 per dog, $5 for two dogs. Stuart Park,
Winch Lane (north of Jefferson).
Jacksonville Oktoberfest Oct
4, Children and adult games, weenier dog race, wine and beer tasting,
washers tournament, The Waterloo German Band and The Heidelberg German
Band. Morgan County Fairgrounds, 110 N. Westgate, Jacksonville.
Mary Todd Lincoln: Taking Leave Oct
4, 4pm and 7pm, Springfi eld’s Pam Brown gives dramatic presentation.
$10. Tickets at elkharthistoricalsociety. org. 217-947-2238. Elkhart
Christian Church, 113 South Gillett Street, Elkhart.
American Legion Post 759 German Dinner Oct
4, 4-7pm Sat, Rouladen or Snitzel plus red cabbage, German potato
salad, spaetzle, sauerkraut/ dumplings, desert, tea and coffee. $15.
Chatham town square, 101 W. Mulberry, Chatham. chathamlegion.com
Springfield Classical Guitar Society Oct
4, 8pm, Matt Palmer, named 2010 Up and Coming Guitarist of the Year by
Guitar International Magazine. Admission. 217-816-8832. Faith
Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2313 Whittier Ave.
Taylorville Chillifest/175th Birthday Celebration Oct
4-5, 9am-6pm Sat, 10am- 5pm Sun, Pageants, Saturday parade,
entertainment, Civil War re-enactment, pumpkin races, vendors, kids
rides and activities and so much more. Free. Christian County Historical
Society grounds. Free. Taylorville square, Taylorville. chillifest.info
LOESS Rock, Fossil and Gem Show Oct
4-5, 10am-6pm Sat, 10am-5pm Sun, Demos, kids activities and more.
Illinois Building. $2-$1. 309-838-7782. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801
Sangamon Ave, 217-782-1698.
Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive Fall Festival recurring event Oct
4-5, 11-12, 9am-5pm, Travel through villages and historic sites with
crafts, fl ea markets, music and more. 309-647-8980. Fulton County.
spoonriverdrive.org
Fall Festival and Fish Fry Oct
5, 12pm Sun, Two great bands playing. Hill Prairie Winery, 23753
Lounsberry Roadd, Oakford. 217-635- 9900. hillprairiewinery.com
Sinatra at Washington Park Gazebo Oct
5, 1pm Sun, Free one-hour performance by Springfi eld’s own Phil
Steinberg. Bring a chair. Free. Washington Park, South Grand and
MacArthur, 217- 753-6225. springfi eldparks. org
Old Stone House Open House Oct
5, Nov 2, 1-4pm, First Sunday of month June-November, tour the
1830s-era home, weather permitting. 498-7335. Admission free. Rochester
Historical Village, W. Main St., Rochester.
Barry Apple Festival
Oct.
2-5, 4 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, Lots of fall
fun with contests, entertainment and a parade Saturday at 1 p.m. in the
town of Barry.
Four Seasons Fall Garden Programs Oct
7, 1:30pm Tue, Via computer with live discussion on hydroponics. $5
each. University of Illinois Extension, 700 S. Airport Drive, 217-
782-4617. web.extension. illinois.edu/lms
An Evening with Santana Oct 7, 8pm Tue, Ten time Grammy-award winner. Peoria Civic Center, 201 SW Jefferson Ave., Peoria.
Soup and Stories: Paranormal Activity Oct
8, 12-1pm Wed, Presenter Carl Jones, paranormal expert and light lunch.
786-2241. R.H. Stephens Room. Free for students; $3 for non-students.
Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-786-2200.
O Sole Trio - From Prima Donna to Post-Madonna Oct
10, 8pm Fri, Musical ensemble with exhilarating and unique show
capturing essence of Italian and Italian- American songbook. UIS Studio
Theatre, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Scarecrow Daze Festival Oct
10-12, Parade on Saturday, kids’ games, music, quilt show, food and
crafts, in conjunction with Touchstone Energy Balloon Fest. Shelbyville,
shelbyvilleillinois. net or lakeshelbyville.com
Youth Charity Horse Show Oct
10-12, 8am-10pm Fri- Sun, Fun-fi lled weekend of competitive
showmanship. Free. Coliseum. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon
Ave., 217-782-1698. youthcharityhorseshow.com
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers Oct 10-12, 17-19. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787. scfta.org
Haunted Decatur Halloween Tours recurring event Oct.
10-11, 17-18, 23- 23, 25-26, 29-31, Nov 1, 7pm, Haunted history and
ghost hunter tours (8 p.m.) available. Tickets online. $30, $45. Avon
Theater, 426 North Water St., Decatur. 217-422- 8151. haunteddecatur.com
Lincoln Memorial Garden Indian Festival Oct
11-12, 10am-4pm Sat- Sun, Two-day event for entire family. Fairy
garden, crafts, activities, entertainment, food and more to welcome in
fall. $5, $3 ages 12-2. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore
Drive, 217-529- 1111. lincolnmemorialgarden. org
Art in the Garden Oct
11-12, 10am-4pm Sat, Artists throughout garden at Indian Summer
Festival. Special children’s art-related activity with Springfi eld Art
Association. Free (festival is $5-$3). Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E.
Lake Shore Drive, 217-529-1111. lincolnmemorialgarden.org
Carve for the Carillon Oct
11-12, 11am-4pm, Free family event. Help carve, scoop and move pumpkins
for Jack- O-Lantern event. Pumpkins supplied. Washington Park Botanical
Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-4116. carillon-rees.org
Illinois Symphony Orchestra Oct
11, 8pm, Heroic night with Jacobsen’s “Ascending Bird” and Beethoven’s
“Symphony No. 3 Eroica.” Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza,
217-206-6160. uis.edu/ sangamonauditorium
Sierra Boggess Oct
11, 8pm Sat, Broadway sensation performs onewoman show featuring
members of the Millikin- Decatur Symphony Orchestra. $20-$30. Kirkland
Fine Arts Center, 1184 W. Main St., Decatur. 424-6318. millikin.
edu/kirkland
Clayville Haunted House recurring event Oct.
11-26, 7-10pm, Fri-Sat, Kids hours on Saturdays from 5-6:30 p.m.
Clayville, Route 125, Pleasant Plains. 217-572- 4984. clayville.org
Pumpkin Painting Party Oct
16, 10am Thu, Ages 2-5 and grown-up. With snack and games. $40.
Register online in advance. Urban Sassafras, 200 Broadway, 217-670-2391.
urbansassafras.com
Lincoln Legacy Lectures Oct
16, 7-9pm Thu, Dr. Michael Burlingame “Why Lincoln was Murdered.” James
L. Swanson: “The Death and Funeral of Abraham Lincoln.” Dr. Richard
Wightman Fox: “What We’ve Forgotten about Lincoln’s Funeral, and What
We’ve Never Known.” Free, no reservation or ticket required. UIS
Brookens Auditorium, One University Plaza, 217-206- 6073. cspl.uis.edu
Porcelain Art Show Oct
16-17, 12-8pm Thu, 8am-5pm Fri, Features Phyllis McElhinney, Jean Fehl,
artists, vendors, suppliers, daily demos, seminars, club displays,
prizes and raffl es. Free. Northfi eld Inn Suites and Conference Center,
3280 Northfi eld Dr., 217-523-7900. illinoiswocp.com
Full Spectrum recurring event Oct.
17-Dec. 6, 12-7pm Tue-Sat, Debbie Megginson (acrylic/watercolor
painting), Beth Summer (photography) and winners of My Backyard Juried
Sculpture exhibition. Reception, Oct. 18, 5:30- 7:30. Free. Prairie Art
Alliance Gallery in the Hoogland, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-544-2787.
prairieart.org
Fall GAYla Dinner and Auction Oct
17, 5:30pm, Phoenix Center soiree with cocktail hour and silent auction
followed by dinner and live auction. $50. 217-528-5253. Erin’s
Pavilion, Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St. phoenixcenterspringfi
eld.org
The Best of Jethro Tull by Ian Anderson Oct
17, 8pm Fri, Legendary band and front-man known for unique voice,
ethnic fl utes and whistles. More than 60-million albums sold. $64- $89.
Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217- 206-6160.
Oktoberfest and Chili Cookoff Oct
17-18, 6pm Fri to 11pm Sat, Live music, entertainment for all ages,
kids zone, fair food. 728-2684. Sullivan Square, Sullivan. www.
sullivanil.us
Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular Oct
17-18, 6:30-9:30 Fri-Sat, Display of 2013 illuminated hand-carved
pumpkins. Food, bonfi re, spooky music. Admission. Thomas Rees Memorial
Carillon, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-3853. carillon-rees.org
Prairieland Classic Dog Shows Oct
17-19, 8am-6pm, Competition and vendors. Expo Building. $3, $1 kids and
seniors. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-782-1698.
illinoiscapitolkennelclub.org
Storytelling Workshop Oct
18, 8:30am-3pm Sat, Brian “Fox” Ellis helps increase your skills to
provide inspirational environmental education to any age. $35 includes
nature walk, lunch, CD. Register online. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315
East Clear Lake Ave., 217-544- 2473. illinoisaudubon.org
Memorial’s Be Aware Women’s Fair Oct
18, 9am-2pm, Fun, informative day devoted to women’s physical,
emotional and fi nancial health and fi tness. Orr Building. $4. Illinois
State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-782- 1698.
beawarewomen’sfair. com
Horse’n Around Oct
18, 10am-5pm Sat, Pony rides $5, horse drawn wagon rides and horse
demos. Bomke’s Patch, 605 Country Lake Road, 217-626-1806.
bomkespatch.com
Ronny Cox Oct
18, 7pm Sat, Famous actor from Robocop, Deliverance and Total Recall
will present an evening of folk music. $22-$20. Hoogland Center for the
Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217- 523-2787. scfta.org
Illinois Feline Fanciers Cat Show Oct
18-19, 9am-5pm Sat, 9am-3pm Sun, Illinois Building Main Floor.
217-546-8370. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-782-
1698.
Autumn Historic Folklife Festival Oct
18-19, 10am-5pm Sat, 10am-4pm Sun, Two days of artisans and craftsmen
demos, handmade arts and crafts, musicians, food, drink, children’s
area, farmers market and more. Hannibal. 573-221-6545. hannibalarts. com
Pike County Fall Color Drive Oct 18-19, Weekend of food, history and color. 285-2971. Free. Various locations in Pike County. pikecolordrive.com
Zoolie Ghoulie recurring event Oct
18-19, 25-26, 2-6pm Sat-Sun, Bring little ones in costume for safe
trickor-treating. $4, $3 nontrick-or-treaters. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100
E. Lake Shore Drive, 217-585-1821. hensonrobinsonzoo.org
Mark Morris Dance Group - Excursions Tour Oct
19, 7pm Sun, Amazing technical expertise, unique artistry and its
signature use of live music. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University
Plaza, 217-206-6160. uis. edu/sangamonauditorium
Indian Knoll Pumpkin Patch and Farm
Sept.
20-Oct. 26, Pick your own pumpkin, enjoy a wagon ride to the patch,
meet farm animals, play barnyard games, face painting, pumpkin painting
and special weekly events. Indian Knoll Farm and Pumpkin Patch, 2850 N. E
Road, Mechanicsburg.
WJVO Safe Halloween for Kids Oct 23, 10-11am, For more information phone 217- 245-5119. Prairie Land Heritage Museum, 1005 West Michigan, South Jacksonville.
Mid-America Mane Event Horse Show Oct 23-26, Indoor show, Coliseum. Free. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-782-1698. midamericahorseshow.org
Labyrinth Walk Oct
24, 6:30pm-12am Fri, Walk the labyrinth and heighten your awareness of
your personal world and the world around you. $5. Register by phone.
Jubilee Farm, 6760 Old Jacksonville Road, 787- 6927. jubileefarm.info
The National Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China - Cirque Peking Oct
24, 7pm Fri, One of the world’s preeminent acrobatic companies.
Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160. uis.
edu/sangamonauditorium
Illinois Theatre Association Festival Oct
24-25, Community theatre groups from across Illinois will perform in a
competition. Open to public. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth
St., 217-523- 2787. scfta.org
Jacksonville Mainstreet’s Pumpkin Festival Oct
25, 8am Sat, Hayrack rides, fall craft vendors, kids activity area,
pumpkin decorating and carving, petting zoo, pony pals, trick or
treating, zombie run, contests and more. Free. Jacksonville Downtown,
Central Park Plaza, Jacksonville. 217-243-5678. jacksonvilleil.org
Halloween at the Market Oct
25, 8am-12:30pm, Children’s and canine costume contests. Adams between
Fifth and Second. 544-1723. Downtown Springfi eld, downtownspringfi
eld.org
Chatham Jaycees Haunted Hayride Oct
25, 4:30-6pm nonscary, 6-9 pm scary, Ghost stories by Chatham Library.
$4, $2 children. Chatham Community Park, 731 S. Main, Chatham.
WJVO Zombie 5K Oct 25, 6:30pm Sat, Registration 5 p.m. For more info, 217-245-5119. Jacksonville Community Park, 1201 S. Main, Jacksonville.
Bassekou Kouyate and Ngoni Blues Oct
25, 8pm Sat, Master of the ngoni, an ancient traditional lute found
throughout West Africa. Toured with Bela Fleck and Sir Paul McCartney.
UIS Studio Theatre, One University Plaza, 217-206- 6160.
Mud, River, Stone Oct
25, 30, Nov 1-2, A couple’s “off-the-beatenpath” adventure takes a
harrowing turn in this comedic drama by Pulitzer Prize-winning author of
Ruined. $7. Illinois College Sibert Theatre, McGaw Fine Arts Center, Jacksonville. 217-245-3000.
New Salem Fall Festival Oct
25-26, 10am-4pm Sat- Sun, Costumed interpreters demonstrate daily tasks
such as candle dipping, butter churning, soap making and more.
Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg.
217-632-4000. lincolnsnewsalem.com
Chili Supper and Paw Paw Patch Bazaar Oct 26, 11am-5:30pm, Benefi tting the APL. Knights of Columbus 364, 2200 S. Meadowbrook Road, 217- 787-2360.
Annual Chili Cook-off Oct
26, 12pm Sun, Sample some great chilies, vote for your favorite, and
enjoy live music and locally produced wines. Hill Prairie Winery, 23753
Lounsberry Road, Oakford. 217-635-9900. hillprairiewinery.com
Trick-or-Treat Street Oct
26, 3-5pm Sun, Safe free trick-or-treating around lake for kids 12 and
under. Fun family activities. Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park, 4965 S.
Second St., 217- 753-0702. southwindpark. org
Chili Tasting and Cookoff Oct
29, 5-7pm Wed, $8 choice of different chili to taste and judge, dessert
and drink. 217-787-0617. Springfi eld Ceramics and Crafts Club, 2626 S.
Pasfi eld St., springfi eldceramicsandcraftsclub.org
The Rocky Horror Show Oct
30-Nov 1, 8pm Thu- Sat, plus 12am Fri, Four performances of famous rock
’n’ roll musical about a “Sweet Transvestite from Transsexual
Transylvania.” Live on stage. $18-$16. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420
S. Sixth St., 217-523- 2787. scfta.org
Ghostbusters 30th Anniversary Halloween Celebration Oct
31, 8pm Fri, Ectoplasmsplattered celebration of 30th anniversary of
Ghostbusters, which promises retro fun “of biblical proportions.” $10.
The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006. roxytheatricals.com
Extreme Haunted Hayrides
Oct.
3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 24-25, 7-11 p.m., Travel along river, through woods,
pulled by hearse in Riverside Park, thanks to the folks at Riverside
Stables.
NOVEMBER
The Insanity Trial of Mary Lincoln Nov
1, 4pm and 7pm, Springfi eld’s Pam Brown portrays Mary Lincoln.
Forensic psychiatrist Terry Killian, MD, and attorney Larry Jeckel, JD,
provide modern-day professional perspectives of trial. $10. Elkhart
Christian Church, 113 South Gillett Street, Elkhart.
Golden Dragon Acrobats Nov
1, 7:30pm Sat, Premiere Chinese acrobatic touring company. $20-$30.
Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1184 W. Main St., Decatur. 424-6318.
millikin.edu/kirkland
Goosebumps Organ Concert /Electronic Light Show Nov
1, 7-8:15pm, Dress in black, white or as historical hero for free
dramatic and evocative music, dance and electronic lighting. Free. All
donations go to the Salvation Army Tree of Lights Campaign. First
Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 528-4311. lincolnschurch. org
Hope For The Holidays Fine Art/Craft Fair Nov
1-2, 10am-5pm Sat, 12-4pm Sun, Features artists from several
neighboring states and talented local artists. Hope Presbyterian Church,
2211 Wabash Ave., 546-6951. hope@ hopeforspringfi eld.org
Old Stone House Open House Nov
2, 1-4pm, First Sunday of month June-November, tour the 1830s-era home,
weather permitting. 498- 7335. Admission free. Rochester Historical
Village, W. Main St, Rochester.
Anything Goes Nov
2, 7pm Sun, Winner of three 2011 Tony Awards. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS,
1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160. uis.edu/ sangamonauditorium
Rural Life Antique Show Nov
7, 9am-4pm, More than 40 vendors. Also at Douglas County Museum.
Tuscola Community Center, 122 W. N. Central Ave., Tuscola.
rurallifeantiqueshow.com
Discovery After Dark Nov
7, 14, 7-9pm, After hours guided tour. Admission $6-$8.50
Pre-registration required by phone. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake
Shore Drive, 217-585-1821. hensonrobinsonzoo.org
Champaign Urbana Folk and Roots Festival Nov
7-8, Music, storytelling, dancing, workshops and folk arts. $25
wristbands. Downtown Urbana, S. Race and W. Main streets, Urbana.
folkandroots.org
Route 66 Film Fest Nov
7-8, 6-10pm Fri, 10am- 10pm Sat, Independent fi lms from around the
world. Capital City Bar and Grill, 3149 S. Dirksen Parkway, 529-8580.
route66fi lmfestival.net
Bluegrass Midwest Festival Nov
7-9, 2:30pm and 7pm Fri, 10:30am, 1pm and 7pm Sat, 10am.Six-stage shows
including multiple IBMA award winners, workshops, vendors and more.
Daily or weekend tickets available at the door; and there are discounted
rates for youth. Crowne Plaza Hotel, 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy., 217-
529-7777. bluegrassmidwest. com
Brighton Beach Memoirs Nov
7-9, 13-15, 7:30pm Thu- Sat, 2pm Sun, $14 adults, $12 senior citizens,
$8 students. UIS Studio Theatre, One University Plaza, 217-206- 6160.
Girls on the Run 5K Nov
8, 8:30am-12pm Sat, Run, jog, walk or skip to the fi nish line. Fun
activities such face painting, happy hair station and more! Lincoln Land
Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-786- 2200.
gotrcentralillinois.org/ community-5k
Autumn Morning Retreat Nov
8, 9am-12pm Sat, Prayer, input and quiet refl ection. $20, register by
Nov. 6. Jubilee Farm, 6760 Old Jacksonville Road, 787-6927. jubileefarm.
info
Korean War National Museum Veterans’ Day Speaker Nov
8, 3pm Sat, Floyd Cooper, Marines (retired) discusses his actions
during the Korean War. Free. Korean War National Museum Denis J. Healy
Freedom Center, 9 South Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-523- 7230. kwnm.org
Dancing with the Starz Nov
8, 6-11pm Sat, Local celebrities matched with professional dancers
compete while raising funds for Prairie Art Alliance. Dinner and
dancing. $60. Hilton Springfi eld, 700 E. Adams, 217-789-1530.
prairieart.org
Landmark Dinner Evening Nov
8, 6:30pm Sat, Dinner and musical entertainment in benefi t of Marbol
Farmstead. $50. Tickets at historicmarbold-farmstead.org or 632-3144.
The Oaks On Seventh, 115 S. Seventh St., Petersburg. 217-632-0177.
Yesterday - A Tribute to the Beatles Nov
8, 8pm Sat, Live From Las Vegas! Concert featuring music of the
Beatles. $30 adults, $27 seniors. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S.
Sixth St., 217- 523-2787. scfta.org
ALQMA Quarter Midget Racing Nov 8-9, 6am-5pm, Free. Coliseum. For info, call 414-9506. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-782-1698.
Veterans Day Ceremony Nov
11, 12pm Tue, Reception at noon, ceremony 12:30 p.m. A. Lincoln
Commons. 786-2241. Free. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd
Road, 217-786-2200.
Christmas in the Park Nov
14-15, 4-8pm Fri, 9am- 3pm Sat, Holiday bazaar with decorations and
more. Free. Country Place Condo Clubhouse, 1/2 mile east of Toronto Road
and 1/2 mile north of North Cotton Hill Road.
The Wizard of Oz and Art Exhibit Nov
14-16, 7pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun, Watch the 1939 MGM classic on the big
screen. The Pharmacy artists display art inspired by fi lm. Gallery
opens one hour prior to screening. $10. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E.
Lawrence, 800-838-3006. roxytheatricals.com
Harvey Nov
14-16, 21-23. Springfi eld Theatre Centre production. Hoogland Center
for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523- 2787. scfta.org
Abe’s Trail Trek Nov
15, 9:30am Sat, 5k is runner, walker and new-totrails friendly, 10k and
15k will test even seasoned trail runner. triharderpromotions. com.
Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg.
217- 632-4000. lincolnsnewsalem. com
Jingle Bell Run/Walk Nov
15, 10am-1pm Sat, Wear a costume or tie jingle bells to your shoelaces
and walk or run to fi ght arthritis. Registration fees vary, check
website. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road,
217-786-2200. arthritis.org/ programs-events/jingle-bellrun
Biodiversity Blitz! Family Event Nov
15, 11am-3pm Sat, Learn about Illinois’ threatened and endangered
species via games and activities. Live-bird program 11:30 a.m. and 1:30
p.m. Free. 217-782-5993. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St.,
217-782-7386. museum.state.il.us
Lincoln Memorial Garden Holiday Market Nov
15-16, 9am-5pm Sat, 1-4pm Sun, Split Rail
