HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

Clara Irwin’s Strawberry Party Jul 4, 5-8pm Sat. Reading of Declaration of Independence, live entertainment plus food for purchase, including strawberry daiquiris, shortcake and sundaes. ileshouse.org. Elijah Iles House, 628 S. Seventh St., 217-492-5929.

Dawson Fireworks Celebration Jul 3, 5-11pm Fri. Drinks, food, Vose’s Corndogs, games, clowns, face painting, playground equipment, music by Devin Clemons, National Anthem by Melanie Dennison, fi reworks at dusk. Dawson Park, Ledlie Street, Dawson, 364-5975.

Fourth of July Celebration and Parade Jul 3-4, 6pm Fri, 10am Sat. A two-day celebration for America’s birthday. Parade, concessions, childrens activities, live entertainment, fi reworks and more. Free to public. 217-243- 5678. Nichols Park, 319 Holken Brink Drive, Jacksonville. Fourth of July Concert Jul 4, 3pm, 6:30pm. Annual Fourth of July singalong concert with Mark Gifford, Damien Kaplan, Joe Kath, Debbie Ross and special guests. Free. 217-787-3445. Parkway Christian

Church, 2700 Lindbergh Blvd. It’s Not Your Same Old Patriotic Music! Jul 5, 10:30-11:30am Sun. Musical program on top ten pieces of Fourth of July music, led by Penny Wollan- Kriel. Free. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550.

FAIRS & FESTIVALS

Capital City Celebration Jul 3, 7pm Fri, 4pm Sat. Music by F5, Lick Creek and the Muni band; children’s pageant; free kids’ infl atables; activities and more. Fireworks Jul 4, 9:30pm. Fourth/Fifth and Capitol and Second and Capitol. springfi eldjaycees.org. 217-553-2082. Downtown Springfi eld.

Corndog Kickoff Jul 11, 6-9pm Sat. Fair food grazing, drinks, music, entertainment, live and silent auctions. Advance tickets, $25 each or $175 for table of 8; $30 at door. Kids 12 and under free with paying adult. illinoisstatefairmuseum.org. 217- 414-0727. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217- 725-8047.

Downtown Bacon Throwdown and Music Fest Jul 10-11, 5pm-12am Fri, 3pm-12am Sat. 20 food vendors, Bacon Battle Royale, live music, Kids’ Zone with Touch-A-Truck, petting zoo and more. $5 adults, children 12 and under free. $1 per food/beverage ticket. Advance tickets at downtownspringfi eld.org. Downtown Springfi eld, Inc., 3 W. Old State Capitol Plaza, 544-1723.

SPOKEN WORD SPW Poetry/Open Mic Jul 15, 6-8pm Wed. 217-725-9058. Robbie’s, 4 S. Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-528-1901.

THEATER & COMEDY Disney’s Mary Poppins Jul 10-12, 15, 8pm Wed-Sat, 2pm Sun. Based on the stories by P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney fi lm. Spectacular fl ying and dazzling special effects. Advance: $25 adults, $22 seniors and children. AtTheLegacy.com. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.

Selections from Mary Poppins Jul 7, 12-1pm Tue. Performed by the Legacy Theatre troupe as part of the Springfi eld Area Arts Council’s Artist on the Plaza summer performance series.

Free. springfi eldartsco.org. 217- 753-3519. Old State Capitol Plaza, Between Sixth and Fifth Streets at Adams.

Seussical Jul 10-11, 16-18, 8:30pm Thir-Sat. Musical for all ages featuring Dr. Seuss’ most loved character, led by The Cat in the Hat. Tickets: $12-14 reserved, $6-10 lawn. themuni.org. The Muni, 815 E. Lake Dr., 793- MUNI.

MUSIC: GENERAL EVENTS Frank Trompeter Gazebo Concert Jul 5, 5-6:30pm Sun. Solo performance, with custommade “karaoke” tracks. Bring lawn chair, refreshments. Free. frankjazz.com. 217-698-9367. Washington Park Gazebo, South Grand Avenue entrance. Keith Jones Jul 5, 6pm Sun. Part of the “Concerts in the Park” series hosted by Jacksonville Pilot Club. 370-0414. Jacksonville Community Park, 1201 S. Main, Jacksonville.

Messengers for Christ Jul 14, 12-1pm Tue. Contemporary Christian musicians presented as part of the Springfi eld Area Arts Council’s Artist on the Plaza summer performance series. Free. springfi eldartsco.org. 217- 753-3519. Old State Capitol Plaza, Between Sixth and Fifth Streets at Adams.

Phil Steinberg Jul 2, 12-1pm Thu. Part of Artist on the Plaza summer concert series. Free. springfi eldartsco. org. 217-753-3519. Old State Capitol Plaza, Between Sixth and Fifth Streets at Adams.

Saved By Grace, Jill Layne & Jonah Layne Jul 12, 6pm Sun. Part of the “Concerts in the Park” series hosted by Jacksonville Pilot Club. 370-0414. Jacksonville Community Park, 1201 S. Main, Jacksonville.

Springfield Municipal Band in Concert

Jul 7, 14, 7:30-9pm Tue. 217- 789-2974. Douglas Park, 400 N. Macarthur Blvd. Springfield Municipal Band Sunset Concert Jul 12, 7-8:30pm Sun. 1 of 4 free outdoor concerts. Bring lawn chair, blankets, refreshments (non-alcoholic). Free. 217-652-4371. Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 753- 0702.

DANCE BAM (Mike Lewis) Jul 10, 8pm Fri. Friday Night Dance. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 217- 546-9515.

ART & ARCHITECTURE

Allons-y Opening Reception Jul 10, 5:30-7:30pm Fri. Ceramic exhibition from Illinois artists and winners from winners from last year’s Shapes of Infl uence show, CJ Niehaus and Rob Boryk. Free. springfi eldart.org. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

CJ Niehaus and Rob Boryk Opening Reception Jul 10, 5:30-7:30pm Fri. Ceramic work by two Illinois artists. Light refreshments, drinks. On display through Jul 30. Free. springfi eldart.org. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Exhibit #18 Jul 5, 8pm-1am Sun. Pop-up art gallery compliments live music by Tom Irwin. Free to public. 904-3050. Brewhaus, 617 E. Washington St., 217-525-6399.

Exhibit #19 Jul 12, 8pm-1am Sun. Pop-up art gallery compliments live music by Tom Irwin. Free to public. 904-3050. Brewhaus, 617 E. Washington St., 217- 525-6399. Free Downtown Artisan Walk Jul 11, 11:30am-1pm Sat. Free artisan walk to 12 specialty stores featuring a taste of art. Free. studioon6thart.com. Studio on 6th, 215 S. Sixth St., 217- 522-8006. theGALLERY Jul 2, 6-10pm Thu. Open art gallery, spoken word and music. Free. 904-3050. Joe Gallina’s Pizza and Restaurant, 432 E. Monroe St., 217-522-5271.

Varied Visions Exhibit Through Aug. 13. 12-7pm Tue- Sat. Artwork by Jerry Josserand (ceramics), Barbara Stevens (watercolor) and Michelle Smith (drawing). Free. prairieart.org. Prairie Art Alliance Gallery in the Hoogland, 420 S. Sixth St., 217- 544-2787.

FILM & TELEVISION Free Films: Route 66’s Best Jul 9, 6:30-8pm Thu. 217-725- 9058. Z Bistro, 220 S. Sixth St., 217-522-4049.

The Overnighters Jul 14, 7-9pm Tue. Modernday Grapes of Wrath. An intimate portrait of job-seekers desperately chasing the broken American Dream to a tiny oil town in North Dakota. Hosted by Liberty Brew & View. Free. Capital City Bar & Grill, 3149 S. Dirksen Pkwy, 529-8580. Children’s Corner

Spineless - Super Saturday Jul 11, 11am-3pm Sat. Learn about spineless creatures and the role they play in the animal kingdom. Thematic activities for ages 3-8. Free, open to public. 217-782-6044. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Bob Steffan Summer Film Fest Jul 7-8, 10am, 2pm Tue-Wed. “The Magic School Bus In a Bee Hive”. Films shown Tuesdays and Wednesdays in June and July at 10am and 2pm. Free. museum.state.il.us. 217-782- 5993. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782- 7386.

Bob Steffan Summer Film Fest Jul 14-15, 10am, 2pm Tue-Wed. “Back Yard Safari: Butterfl ies.” Films shown Tuesdays and Wednesdays in June and July at 10am and 2pm. Free, open to public. 217-782-5993. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Rochester Youth Fishing Derby Jul 4, 9am Sat. 8th Annual Youth Fishing Derby open to Pre-K through 8th grade. Bring your own tackle; bait will be provided. No fi shing license necessary. Questions, 217-492- 7192. Rochester Community Park, Rochester.

Satur-Play! - Ice Cream Day Jul 4, 11am-3pm Sat. Make homemade ice cream at the museum. Recommended for ages 3-10 and families. Free. museum.state.il.us. 217-782- 5955. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782- 7386.

Satur-Play! - Worm Races Jul 11, 11am-3pm Sat. Slide headfi rst into a sleeping bag and squirm your way to the fi nish. Recommended for ages 3-10 and families. Free. museum. state.il.us. 217-782-5955. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Story Time at the Museum Jul 13, 10-10:30am Mon. Listen to stories and sing songs about insects, arachnids, and more. For ages 3-8 and their caregivers. Free, open to public. 217-782-5993. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

ENVIRONMENT Green Drinks Jul 7, 7:30pm Tue. Discuss environmental issues in a relaxed setting with like-minded locals. First Tuesday of every month. Hosted by The Sierra Club Sangamon Valley Group. Free. svgsierraclub.org. Obed & Isaacs, 500 S. Sixth St, 217- 670-0627.

LECTURES & MEETINGS

Central Illinois Numismatic Association Monthly Meeting Jul 9, 7pm Thu. Monthly meeting. Public welcome. Knights of Columbus Hall Council 4175, 2801 West St., 217-528-5740.

Chatham Jaycees Meeting Jul 2, 8-9pm Thu. 217-414- 9637. VFW Post #4763, 501 W. Mulberry, Chatham, 217-483- 4613.

GriefShare Grief Recovery Program Jul 7, 14, 6:30pm Tue. 13- week program utilizes video seminars, a support group and a workbook. Register, 414- 0126 or griefshare.org. Athens Christian Church, 1411 E. Route 29, Athens, 217-636-8463.

Sertoma Club Jul 6, 12pm Mon. Noon, fi rst and third Monday of every month on fi rst fl oor next to Bennigans. 217-494-2099. Hilton Springfi eld, 700 E. Adams, 217-789-1530.

BULLETIN BOARD APL New Volunteer Orientation Jul 8, 6-7:30pm Wed. Minors (under 16) must be accompanied by parent/ guardian. 15 spots. Register at [email protected]. Questions to Anne, 544-7387 x227. Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Road.

The ATHENA Award Presentation Jul 15, 5pm Wed. Illinois Women in Leadership hosts ceremony for recipents of the 2015 ATHENA award, which honors female leaders in Springfi eld who support and mentor women. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 782-5764.

FOOD

Illinois Products Farmers’ Market Jul 2, 9, 4-7pm Thu. Every Thursday. Shopping, health and wellness information, special focuses and more. Free. illinoisproductmarket.com. Illinois State Fairgrounds, The Shed, 801 Sangamon Ave.

Local Flavors Dinner Jul 2, 4:30-10pm Thu. Participating restaurants prepare a fresh, seasonal meal with produce sourced from local farmers. buyfreshbuylocalcentralillinois. org. 217-528-1563. La Calia, 115 N. Sixth, 217-753-1652.

Old Capitol Farmers Market Jul 4, 8, 11, 15, 8am-12:30pm Wed and Sat. Cheese, produce, meats, art and more. Third Saturdays feature entertainment, cooking demos and more. Adams between Fifth and Second. Downtown Springfi eld, Inc., 3 W. Old State Capitol Plaza, 544-1723.

HISTORY

Lincoln’s Springfield In-Laws Jul 9, 7-8pm Thu. The full story of the lively Todd sisters and their cousin Lizzie Grimsley, as told by Erika Holst, curator of historic Edwards Place. Free. edwardsplace.org. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Music with Mr. Lincoln Jul 10, 1-2pm Fri. Join Mr. Lincoln and Mrs. Edwards at Edwards Place for a parlor concert of Mr. Lincoln’s favorite songs from the 1850s. Free. edwardsplace.org. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.

HEALTH

Depression/Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Jul 7, 14, 6:30-8pm Tue, 6:30- 8pm Tue. Support for those affected by a mood disorder, including friends and family. Free. 217-761-4710. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St., 528-3407. GROW in Illinois Mental Health Jul 2, 9, 6:30pm Thu. 12-step support program for emotional, mental health issues, coping or addictions. Thursdays. 816- 1083. Laurel United Methodist Church, 631 S. Grand Ave. W., 525-1866.

SPORTS & FITNESS SBC Cycling Challenge #3 Jul 12, 8am Sun. Test your fi tness before the Capital City Century. Choose from 25-, 50- and 100-mile routes. Free. Maps at spfl dcycling.org. 217-624- 2016. Rochester Station, Walnut Street, Rochester.

Captial City Pickleball Tournament Jul 10, 9am-6:30pm Fri. Third annual pickleball tournament in Iles Park. Hosted by Scheels. Free. 217-415-9174. Iles Park, Sixth and Ash Streets.

Roller Derby Fresh Meat Bootcamp Jul 7, 9, 7-9:30pm Thu. Hosted by Prairieland Punishers. Richland Community College, The Punisher Palace (The Lester Building), E. 2nd Progress St. , Decatur, 883-3511.

Springfield Sliders Baseball Jul 2-3, 11, 6:35pm Thu-Sat. 217-679-3511. Robin Roberts Stadium, 1415 N. Grand Ave. E., 753-0700. Springfield Sliders Baseball Jul 12, 5:05pm Sun. 217-679- 3511. Robin Roberts Stadium, 1415 N. Grand Ave. E., 753- 0700.

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

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