Fairs & Festivals Chapin Big Country Days Aug 7-9, 10am Sun-Fri. Games, vendors, food, live entertainment. Free or small charge. jacksonvilleil.org. Chapin, 217-243-5678.

Decatur Celebration Aug 6-9, 4-11pm Thu, 5-11pm Fri, 11am-11pm Sat, 11am-9:30pm Sun. Family street festival with carnival, live music, parade, food, kids’ block and more. Free entry. decaturcelebration.com. Downtown Decatur, 160 E. Main St., Decatur, 423-4222.

Downhome Music, Beer and Art Festival Aug 7-8, 5pm-12am Fri, 2pm-12am Sat. Local bands playing original songs on multiple stages, 100 craft beers, local food vendors, kids area. $5, $70. downhomemusicfest.com. Downtown Springfi eld.

Morgan County Fair Aug 6-7, 5-10pm Thu-Fri. Carnival, talent show, pageant, livestock, tractor pulls, live entertainment and more. mcfair.org. 217-243-5678. Morgan County Fairgrounds, 110 N. Westgate, Jacksonville.

Virden Annual Picnic Aug 6-8, 6-11:30pm Thu, 5pm- 12am Fri, 10am-12am Sat. Vendors, food, Conner Amusements carnival and games, free shows, professional wrestling, washer tournament, local music in beer garden, more. Virden Picnic, Virden.

Illinois State Fair Aug 13-23, 7-12am Mon-Sun. So much to do we can’t list everything. Food, entertainment, midway, exhibits, more. agr.state.il.us/isf. Adults $7, $3 children and seniors. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.

Books & Authors

Book Discussion Aug 9, 2pm Sun. Dann Linn leads discussion of The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander, which addresses mass incarceration and systemic racism. Refreshments served. Free. 217-370-1035. The Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, 520 West College Ave., Jacksonville.

Spoken Word

SPW Poetry/Open Mic Aug 19, 6-8pm Wed. 217-725-9058. Robbie’s, 4 S. Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-528-1901.

Theater & Comedy

Comedian Bob Zany Aug 8, 8:30-10pm Sat. Comedy veteran with more than 30 years of experience. A “Bob and Tom Show” regular and creator of “The Zany Report.” $15 cash only at club or prepay online at mclimits.com. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482-5233.

Distant Memories Aug 11, 18, 5:30-6:30pm Tue. Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site, 1500 Monument Ave., 782-2717.

Jane Eyre: The Musical Aug 14-16, 8pm Fri-Sun. Based off the novel by Charlotte Bronte. Musical book by John Caird. Free pre-show indoor theatre held 1 hour prior to each performance. Tickets $8-13. theatreinthepark.net. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 217-632-5440.

Theatre in the Park Performers Aug 18, 12-1pm Tue. Part of the Springfi eld Area Arts Council’s Artist on the Plaza summer performance series. springfi eldartsco.org. 217- 753-3519. Old State Capitol Plaza, Between Sixth and Fifth Streets at Adams.

West Side Story Aug 7-8, 13-15, 8pm Thu-Sat. Award-winning update of the classic, romantic tragedy Romeo and Juliet set in New York City. Tickets: $12-14 reserved, $6-10 lawn. themuni.org. The Muni, 815 E. Lakeshore Dr., 793-MUNI.

Music: General Events

Cowboy Church, Celebration for Pastor Dan Aug 9, 6-8pm Sun. Music by Cowboy Church plus 57th birthday celebration for Pastor Dan. Meal at 5pm, music 6-8pm. Clementine Memorial Church, 2175 N. 11th St., 638- 1648.

Fall Out Boy Aug 15, 7pm Sat. $40-62. agr. state.il.us/isf. Illinois State Fair Grandstand, 801 Sangamon Ave.

Justin Moore, Josh Thompson, Jon Pardi Aug 16, 7:30pm Sun. Part of Country Concert Blowout series. $21-46. agr.state. il.us/lsf.

Illinois State Fair

Grandstand, 801 Sangamon Ave.

Land of Lincoln Barbershop Chorus Aug 17, 3:30pm Mon. landofl incolnchorus.org. Free. Illinois State Fair Lincoln Stage. Meet the Bentones Aug 6, 12-1pm Thu. 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.

Monica Hay Aug 11, 12-1pm Tue. 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.

Rascal Flatts, Scotty McCreery, Raelynn Aug 18, 7:30pm Tue. Part of Country Concert Blowout series. agr.state.il.us/isf/ grandstand. $40-65. Illinois State Fair Grandstand, 801 Sangamon Ave.

Sammy Hagar and The Circle, Collective Soul Aug 14, 7:30pm Fri. agr. state.il.us/isf. $26-48. Illinois State Fair Grandstand, 801 Sangamon Ave.

Sisters of Glory Aug 9, 6pm Sun. Part of the “Concerts in the Park” series hosted by Jacksonville Pilot Club. 370-0414. Jacksonville Community Park, 1201 S. Main, Jacksonville.

Two By Two Aug 16, 6pm Sun. Part of the “Concerts in the Park” series hosted by Jacksonville Pilot Club. 370-0414. Jacksonville Community Park, 1201 S. Main, Jacksonville.

Dance BAM (Mike Lewis) Aug 7, 8pm Fri. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 217-546-9515.

Pilot Club’s “Dancing With The Stars” Aug 7, 6pm Fri. Dance competition modeled after the hit TV show by the same name. Benefi ts JHS Bowl Restoration.

$25. jacksonvilleil.org. 217- 243-5678. Hamilton’s, 110 N. East St., Jacksonville.

St. Andrew’s Society Dancers Aug 13, 12-1pm Thu. Part of the Springfi eld Area Arts Council’s Artist on the Plaza summer performance series. springfi eldartsco.org. 217-753- 3519. Old State Capitol Plaza, Between Sixth and Fifth Streets at Adams.

Art & Architecture #13 - The Pharmacy’s Thirteenth Group Art Exhibition Aug 7-8, 6-9pm Fri-Sat. The Pharmacy Gallery & Art Space, 711 S. 5th St., 801-810-9278.

Free Downtown Artisan Walk Aug 8, 11:30am-1pm Sat. Guided shop hop and artisan walk to 12 specialty downtown stores. Reservations appreciated, 494-4134. Free. studioon6thart.com. Studio on 6th, 215 S. Sixth St., 217-522- 8006.

Here and Not Here Reception Aug 14, 5:30pm Fri. Featuring contemporary artists Cody Arnall, Edward Kelley and Megan Stroech. Collaborative open reception with DEMO

Project. Reception, drinks, appetizers in both locations. On display through Aug 29. Free. demoprojectspace.com. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Jacksonville Main Street’s Art Fair on the Square Aug 7-8, 4-8pm Fri, 9am- 3pm Sat. Fine art by regional artists, children’s tent, food, vendors, live music, more. jacksonvillemainstreet.com. 217-883-3511. Jacksonville Square, 200 E. State, Jacksonville.

Meet the Home Decor Artists Aug 7, 5-8pm Fri. Wine, snacks, door prizes. Free. studioon6thart.com. Studio on 6th, 215 S. Sixth St., 217-522- 8006.

Moments: Photographs by David Brodsky Through Aug 31. 11:30am-6pm Mon-Fri, 6-8pm Sat. Sangamo Club, 227 E. Adams St., 544- 1793.

Playland by Doug Goessman Opening Reception Aug 14, 5-7:30pm Fri. Peoria artist uses mixed media to merge familiar iconic images with his own abstract style.

Artist lecture 6pm. Live music. Additional activities. Exhibit on display through Aug 29. Free. Anne Lloyd Gallery of the Madden Arts Center, 125 N. Water, Decatur, 217-423-3189.

Washington Park Historic Photography Display Aug 13-Sept 3, 12-4pm Mon-Fri, 12-5pm Sat-Sun. Exhibit chronicles changes in Washington Park from creation in 1902 to present. Washington Park Botanical Garden Exhibit Hall, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217- 546-4116.

Film & Television Free Films: Route 66’s Best Aug 13, 6:30-8pm Thu. 217- 725-9058. Z Bistro, 220 S. Sixth St., 217-522-4049.

The House I Live In Aug 16, 2pm Sun. A multifaceted look at America’s War on Drugs. Discussion to follow fi lm. Refreshments. Free. slwhitney1948@gmail. com. 217-370-1035. The Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, 520 West College Ave., Jacksonville.

Children’s Corner

Hang the Halls Aug 6, 7am-10pm Thu. Holiday Inn Express, 3050 S Dirksen Pkwy, 529-7771.

Story Time at the Museum Aug 10, 10-10:30am Mon. “Barnyard Fun” story time. Stories and songs all about life on the farm. Ages 3-5 and caregivers. Free. museum.state. il.us. 217-782-5993. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Summer Passport Program Through Aug 16, 8:30am-5pm Mon-Sat, 12-5pm Sun. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Super Saturdays at the Museum Aug 8, 11am-3pm Sat. “Down on the Farm” Super Saturday. Discover where the foods we eat come from, how they travel to our grocery stores and different ways to enjoy them. Free. For ages 3-8 and families. museum.state.il.us. 217-782- 6044. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782- 7386.

Nature

Annual Iris Sale Aug 8, 9am-12pm Sat. Hosted by Region 9 of the American Iris Society. Plants available in many different heights, colors. Free to public. Washington Park Botanical Garden Exhibit Hall, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546- 4116.

Butterfly Gardening Tips Aug 9, 2pm Sun. Learn about monarch butterfl ies and how to attract them from volunteer master naturalist Brenda Larison, search for caterpillars and chrysalises in butterfl y garden, enjoy butterfl y designs in lights. Free. danathomas.org. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence, 217- 782-6776.

Hummingbird Festival Aug 15, 8am-12pm Sat. Adopt banded hummingbirds, learn about hummingbird banding and migration from Sangamon River Audubon Society volunteers. lincolnsnewsalem. com. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 632-4000.

Lectures & Meetings

Capital City Toastmasters Aug 12, 19, 12-1pm Wed. Weekly meeting. Develop communication and leadership skills to foster greater self confidence and personal growth. Visitors welcome. 131-3356. toastmastersclubs. org. Illinois Department of Transportation, 2300 S. Dirksen Parkway.

Chatham Jaycees Meeting Aug 6, 8-9pm Thu. 217-414- 9637. VFW Post #4763, 501 W. Mulberry, Chatham, 217-483- 4613.

CIC-SHRM Recognition Dinner and Fun! Aug 7, 5:30-8pm Fri. INB Conference Center, Fourth and Jackson, 217-525-1173.

Domestic Servants in 19th Century Illinois Aug 13, 7pm Thu. Learn about hired girls, aka domestic servants, who were common in middle-class households in 19th century Illinois and handle period artifacts associated with domestic servants. Free. edwardsplace.org. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Heads Up Group Aug 16, 2-4pm Sun. Support group for those that have had a head injury. For more information contact Dave at SCIL, 523-2587 v/ tty. Springfi eld Center for Independent Living, 330 S. Grand Ave. West, 217-523- 0427.

NAMI Monthly Support Group Meeting Aug 19, 7pm Wed. NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Springfi eld Monthly Support Group Meeting. For families, caregivers, friends and those with mental illness. 217-341-3125. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St., 528- 3407.

Sertoma Club Aug 17, 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.

Springfield Breakfast Optimist Club Aug 7, 14, 7am Fri. Every Friday. Visitors always welcome. guywire333@ aol.com. 217-546-5021. Atonement Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St., 217- 546-7646.

Stamp Collecting Club Aug 18, 7pm Tue. Meets third Monday of each month. 217- 546-5021. Carpenters Union Hall, 211 W. Lawrence, 217- 528-7571.

WE-CI Monthly Meeting Aug 12, 11:30am-1pm Wed. Women Entrepreneurs of Central Illinois monthly meeting 217-787-5866. Engrained Brewing Company, 1120 Lincolnshire Blvd., 217- 546-3054.

Bulletin Board APL Pet Adoption Aug 16, 11am-3pm Sun. Cats available. apl-shelter.org. 217- 544-7387. Petsmart, 3183 S. Veterans Pkwy, 217-698-3091. APL Pet Adoptions Aug 15, 10am-1pm Sat. Cats and dogs available. apl-shelter. org. 217-544-7387. Lowes, 2560 N. Dirksen Parkway, 217- 535-4540.

APL Pet Adoptions Aug 8, 10am-1pm Sat. Cats available 11am-3pm and dogs available 11am-2pm at Ace Hardware, 1600 Wabash Ave. Cats and dogs available 10am-1pm at Lowes, 2560 N. Dirksen Parkway, 217-535- 4540.

APL Pet Adoptions Aug 9, 11am-3pm Sun. Cats available 11am-3pm. aplshelter.org. 217-544-7387.

Petsmart, 3183 S. Veterans Pkwy, 217-698-3091.

Clothing Give Away Aug 7-8, 6-8pm Fri-Sat. Free clothing giveaway. All sizes. 217-725-5101. Concordia Lutheran Church, 2300 Wilshire Road.

DAR Ice Cream Social Aug 6, 5:30-7:30pm Thu. Annual ice cream social. Desserts and big band entertainment. 217-243-5678. Governor Duncan Mansion, 4 Duncan Pl, Jacksonville, 245- 2626.

Kids Klub - Archery & Camo Party Aug 17, 6-7pm Mon. Scheels, 3801 S. MacArthur, 726-6330.

Landlord/Tenant Eviction Seminar Aug 10, 5-7pm Mon. Learn about leases, security deposits and evicition. A Sangamon County Circuit Clerk outreach event. 217-753-6674. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-753-4900. PFLAG Aug 17, 7-8:30pm Mon. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550.

Starting Your Business in Illinois Aug 19, 1:30-3:30pm Wed. Learn about preparing a business plan, business fi nancing, legal forms, registering a business name and taxes. Hosted by Illinois Small Business Development Center at LLCC. Free. Registration, 544-7232. Capital City Training Center, 130 W. Mason.

Food

Farm to Table Dinner Crawl Aug 8, 5-7:30pm Sat. Progressive dinner inclues one course each at Terra Andes, Driftwood Cocktail and Eatery, Augie’s Front Burner and Maldaner’s Restaurant. buyfreshbuylocalcentralillinois. org. 217-528-1563. Downtown Springfield.

Illinois Products Farmers’ Market

Aug 6, 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 with Cooper’s Aug 6, 4-7pm Thu. 217- 528-1563. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.

Old Capitol Farmers Market Aug 8, 12, 15, 19, 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 Meet Mr. Lincoln Aug 7, 1-2pm Fri. Edwards Place, Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.

Secret Spaces of Edwards Place Aug 15, 12-2pm Sat. An allaccess tour of historic Edwards Place, including the collections and storage areas. $15. edwardsplace.org. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Health

Depression/Bipolar Disorder Support Group Aug 11, 18, 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 Aug 6, 13, 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

Big Earl’s Extreme Race Aug 15, 8:30am-3:30pm Sat. 3-mile (or so) race with 15-plus challenging obstacles. Waves every 15 minuts from 8:30-11:30am. bigearlsextremerace.com. 217-254-9178. Effi ngham Performance Center, 1325 Outer Belt West, Effi ngham.

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

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