Fairs & Festivals

Illini Bird Fanciers Bird Fair May 15, 9am-4pm Sun. Spring bird fair features vendors and information on the care of exotic pet birds as well as sales of bird toys, feed, cages and more. $3 adults, children free with paid adult. illinibirdfanciers.com. 217-836- 2836. Illinois Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 S. Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.

Jacksonville Main Street Downtown Celebration May 14, 11am-10pm Sat. Food and craft vendors, childrens’ playland, petting zoo, infl atable games, historic trolley tours, community fl ag project, all-day musical entertainment, fi tness competition, showing of The Good Dinosaur, fi reworks, more. jacksonvillemainstreet.com. Jacksonville Downtown, Central Park Plaza, Jacksonville, 243-5678.

NIAHAC Arabian May IL Horse Show May 13-15, 8am-9pm Sat, 8am- 5pm Sun. Free. Coliseum, 614-717- 7683. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.

Sixth Annual Springfield PrideFest May 21, 12-10pm. Celebration features entertainment, dancing, vendors, food, drink, children’s area, teen lounge, more. Free. springfi eldpride.org. 217-528- 5253. Downtown Springfield.

Springfield Old Capitol Art Fair May 21-22, 10am-5pm Sat, 10am-4pm

Sun. Two-day outdoor art fair features jewelry, sculpture, photography, glass, pottery, wood, metal, oils, watercolors, more. Affordable children’s tent for ages 2-15. Free admission. socaf. org. 217-415-5518. Old State Capitol Plaza, Between Sixth and Fifth streets at Adams.

Books & Authors Brown Bag Book Discussion May 17, 12-1pm Tue. American Crucifi xion: The Murder of Joseph Smith and the Fate of the Mormon Church by Alex Beam. Bring lunch. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 558-8844. Poets in the Parlor: Jennifer Dotson May 14, 2-3pm Sat. Founder and program director of HighlandParkPoetry. org. Host of “Poetry Today,” a 30-minute monthly local-access channel program. Free. vachellindsay.org. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St., 524-0901.

SPW Open Mic May 18, 6-8pm Wed. 217-725-9058. Robbie’s, 4 S. Old State Capitol Plaza, 528-1901.

Theater & Comedy

Belly Laffs Comedy May 12, 7:30pm Thu. An all-female cast of stand-up comedians featuring Reena Calm. $5-10 at door. Capital City Bar & Grill, 3149 S. Dirksen Pkwy, 529- 8580.

Comedian Bob Zany May 13, 8:30-10pm Fri. Modern day jack-of-all-trades. Host of “The Zany Report” on “The Bob and Tom Show.” $15 cash only at club or prepay online at mclimits.com. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482-5233.

Comedian Todd Yohn May 20-21, 8:30-10pm Fri, 8-9:30pm Sat. 30-year comedy veteran whose high-energy, non-stop act blends standup, improv and music. $15 cash only at door, prepay online at mclimits.com. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482-5233.

Comedy Night May 14, 8pm Sat. Outdoor comedy show features Ted Denson, Jim Dahlquist, Jeff Govednik, Jason Jester, Nick Willis, Johnny Pants McCarthy, Joe “The Animal” Lancey and host Jeff Tolber. $5. The Longbranch, 110 N. Main, Athens, 636-8404.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast May 17, 7:30pm Tue. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature fi lm. Admission. sangamonauditorium.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206- 6160.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee May 20-22, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. Story of an eclectic group of six midpubescents as they compete in the spelling championship of a lifetime. $18 adults, $16 students and seniors. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

The Wedding Singer May 13-15, 8pm Fri- Sat, 2pm Sun. Based on the 1998 hit movie starring Adam Sandler. Presented by Springfi eld Theatre Centre. $16, $18. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787. Treasure Island May 20-22, 8pm Fri-Sun. Original adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic pirate tale. Collaboration with LLCC. $15 adults, $13 seniors, $10 children under 12. theatreinthepark.net. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 632-5440.

Vivien Leigh: The Last Press Conference May 20-22, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. A memory play where Vivien Leigh, portrayed by Sherri Mitchell, looks back over her life as she approaches its end. $18 adults, $16 seniors and students. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

Music: General Events ISO’s Around the Town Concert Series May 17, 12pm Tue. Hourlong concert featuring Illinois Symphony Orchestra Brass Quintet. Free. ilsymphony. org. 217-522-2838. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 785-9363.

Sangamon Valley Youth Symphony Concert May 14, 2-4pm Sat. Adventurous concert features all SVYS youth orchestras in fi nal performance of the season. $10 adults, $5 students, free ages 12 and under. svys.org. 217-753-8000. Springfi eld High School, 101 S. Lewis St., 525-3100.

Songs of the Civil War May 21, 2-4pm Sat. 10th Illinois Volunteer Cavalry performs Civil War music on the same antique piano that Abraham Lincoln once listened to. Refreshments. $10. edwardsplace.org. Edwards Place, Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

The Springfield Area High School Jazz Festival May 13, 7-10pm Fri. Young musicians from Williamsville, Rochester and Chatham high schools perform traditional and modern jazz favorites. $8 adults, $5 students 10-18, free ages 10 and under. 217-899-2401. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.

WHS Cabaret Night May 14, 7-10pm Sat. Evening features performances of songs made famous by Nat King Cole, Duke Ellington and Michael Jackson, plus dessert bar. $10 fl oor/table tickets, $8 bleachers. whs.booktix.com. Williamsville Fine Arts Gym, 500 S. Walnut, Williamsville, 566-3361.

Dance Bobby Remack May 13, 8-11pm Fri. Playing the Friday night dance. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 546-9515.

Art & Architecture

ArtLiterations May 19, 5:30-7pm Thu. Local visual artist Corrin Smithson-McWhirter, reading of Einstein the Science Dog: Lost and Found by Melissa Morissey, live jazz with Mark Russillo and The Pastrami Combo. Free. SAA Collective Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St., 544-2787.

Craft Crazies Art Party May 18, 6-8pm Wed. Create an 8 X 10 mixed media canvas with a “simplify” theme. Food and drink for purchase. $25, includes supplies. CraftCraziesArtParties@ gmail.com. 217-793-0139. Tradewinds, 1700 Receation Dr., 546-8881.

Leigh Roberts and Tim Schroll Opening Reception May 14, 6-8pm Sat. Exhibit by jeweler Leigh Roberts and traditional black and white photographer Tim Schroll. Gallery Talk at 6:30pm. On display May 14-29. Free. David Strawn Art Gallery, 331 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 243-9390.

Liturgical & Sacred Art Exhibition May 12-28, 9am-5pm Mon- Fri, 10am-3pm Sat. Juried exhibit includes ceramic, fi ber, glass, jewelry, metal, mixed media, painting, photography and sculpture. Free. On display through May 28. springfi eldart. org, Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Translations May 12-Jun 16, 9am-5pm Tue-Wed, 12-7pm Tue-Sat. Mixed-media exhibition features photography by David Brodsky, sculptural objects by Jed Leber and detailed line drawings by Corrin Smithson McWhirter. On display through June 16. Free. springfi eldart.org. SAA Collective Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St., 544- 2787.

Film & Television Free Films - Best Of Route 66 May 12, 6:30-8pm Thu. 217-725- 9058. Z Bistro, 220 S. Sixth St., 522-4049.

Movie in the Park: Inside Out May 13, 7pm Fri. Part of Springfi eld Park District’s 2016 Free Concert and Movie Series. Bring lawn chair or blanket. Concessions for purchase. Free. springfi eldparks.org. Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 753-0702.

Children’s Corner Kids’ Night Out Downtown May 14, 6:30-9:30pm Sat. Kids play games, jump in the bounce house, swim, do art projects, enjoy concessions, more. $7 members, $10 public. springfi eldymca.org. YMCA, 701 S. Fourth St., 544-9846.

Lap Sit Stories May 16, 11am Mon. For babies 0-18 months and their parents. Free. lincolnlibrary.info. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 753- 4900.

Saturday Stories May 14, 11am Sat. Every Saturday. For kids of all ages and their parents. Free. lincolnlibrary. info. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 753-4900.

Thursday Stories May 12, 10:30am Thu. For kids of all ages and their parents. Free. lincolnlibrary.info. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 753-4900. Nature Container Gardening Program May 19, 5-7:30pm Thu. University of Illinois Extension sponsors live planting demonstrations by local container gardening experts Mark and Lori McWilliams, Harry Lewis and Karen Grant. Refreshments to follow. Free. Reservations, 788- 9452. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence Ave., 782-6776.

Gardenpalooza May 14, 8am-12pm Sat. Springfi eld Civic Garden Club’s new and improved annual plant sale. scgc-il.org. Building 26, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.

Herb Plant Sale and Plastic Pot Recycling May 14, 8am-12pm Sat. Shop a variety of herbs plus garden gloves and soil knives. Clean plastic pot recycling. Hosted by University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener volunteers. Free admission, plants priced $3-7. Sale Barn #26, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.

Pepper Varieties and Planting Peppers May 12, 5:30pm Thu. University of Illinois Master Gardener volunteers discuss transitioning seedlings and various peppers that can be grown in your garden. Presentation, demonstration, Q&A session. Free. 782-4617. Building #30, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-6661. Plants, Megafauna and Ecosystems May 12, 7-8pm Thu. How mammoths, mastodons and ground sloths infl uenced our local plant communities. Presentation by Chris Widga for the Central Chapter of the Illinois Native Plant Society. Free. ill-inps.org. 217-971-1615. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 E. Clear Lake Ave., 544-2473. Prairie Wildflower Sale May 14-15, 8:30am-4pm Sat, 1-4pm Sun. Featuring 34 sunloving plants. Free admission.lincolnmemorialgarden.org. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 529-1111.

Spring Bird Hikes May 14, 8-9:30am Sat. Kevin Veara leads visitors throughout Garden in search of spring migratory birds. All skill levels welcome. All hikes begin at Nature Center. Free. lincolnmemorialgarden.org. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 529-1111.

Lectures & Meetings Camera Club May 19, 7pm Thu. First and third Thursdays, 7pm. Visitors always welcome. For more information, call 546-5021 or email hrm1935@aol.com. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St., 528-3407.

Capital City Toastmasters May 18, 25, 12-1pm Wed. Weekly meeting. Develop communication and leadership skills to foster greater self-confi dence. Visitors welcome. 131-3356. toastmastersclubs.org. Illinois Department of Transportation, 2300 S. Dirksen Parkway. Catholic Veterans Meeting May 12, 7pm Thu. Open to all Catholic veterans. 217-629-8260. VFW 10302 Northenders, 2349 Stockyard Road, 523-7523.

Central Illinois Numismatic Association May 12, 7pm Thu. Monthly meeting. Public invited. Knights of Columbus Hall Council 4175, 2801 West St., 528-5740.

Cybersecurity and Privacy Protection May 12, 1-4:30pm Thu. 217-524- 6749. Capital City Training Center, 130 W. Mason.

Heads Up Group May 15, 2-4pm Sun. Support group for those who have had a traumatic brain injury. Free. scil. org. 217-523-2587. Springfi eld Center for Independent Living, 330 S. Grand Ave. West, 523-0427.

Hearing Loss Association of America May 15, 2-4pm Sun. Meet others with hearing loss and gain support, information and resources. Springfi eld Center for Independent Living, 330 S. Grand Ave. West, 523-0427.

Neighborhood Association Meeting May 12, 7-9pm Thu. Featuring Mark Mahoney, Director of Public Works, Capt. Jim Price, Public Information Offi cer for the Springfi eld Fire Department and Assoc. Pastor Margaret Ann Jessup of DAUMC. Free. hwsna. org. 217-725-7719. Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church, 501 S. Douglas Ave., 546-4631.

Sertoma Club May 16, 12pm Mon. Noon, fi rst and third Monday of every month. More information, 546- 2782. 217-494-2099. Hibachi Grill Supreme Buffet, 2309 S. MacArthur Blvd., 698-6033.

Springfield Social Club May 18, 5:30-8:30pm Wed. Sponsored Charity: Family Service Center. Requested Donations are Kleenex, Lysol/ Clorox wipes, and hand sanitizer. PAO Bistro, 2824 Plaza Dr., 546- 4660.

The Rotary Club of Springfield May 16, 5:30-7pm Mon. Feature presentation by Illinois State NAACP President Teresa Haley. Complimenatary for prospective Rotarians. springfi eldilrotary.org. 217-793-1710. Maldaner’s, 222 S. Sixth St., 522-4313.

TranSupport Group May 19, 6:30-8:30pm Thu. Phoenix Center, 109 E. Lawrence Ave., 528-5253.

Bulletin Board APL New Volunteer Orientation May 14, 18, 11am-12pm Sat, 6-7pm Wed. Volunteer opportunities include dog walking, cleaning, animal socialization, pet therapy, education, adoption events, fundraising, more. Must be at least 16 with parent or guardian. Registration, volunteer@aplshelter.org. Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Road, 544-7387.

AWC Scholarship Chapter Awards Reception May 18, 6:30pm. Features presentation on what your professional image says about you and how you can improve it. $25 members. Preregister at awcspringfi eld.org. Indigo Restaurant, 3013 Lindbergh Blvd, 726-8436.

BEST May 19, 6-7:30pm Thu. Support group for teens with a disability and their parents. Free. scil.org. 217-523-2587. IATP, 1020 S. Spring, 800-852-5110.

Business After Hours May 19, 4:30-7pm Thu. Connect with other area professionals and gain exposure for your business in a casual atmosphere. $5 chamber members, $15 non. 217-525- 1173. R.W. Troxell & Company, 214 South Grand Ave. W., 528- 7533.

Hearing Loss Association of America May 15, 2-4pm Sun. Support group for those with hearing loss. Free. 227-816-0898. Springfi eld Center for Independent Living, 330 S. Grand Ave. West, 523-0427.

N.S.R.A. Appreciation and Safety Day May 15, 10am Sun. Games and free safety inspections. Free. jacksonvilleil.org. 217-243- 5678. Hardee’s, 840 W. Morton Ave., Jacksonville, 245-4932. Run, Walk, Bike, Skate Club May 12, 19, 5:45-6:45pm Thu. Scheels, 3801 S. MacArthur, 726-6330.

Springfield Christian Women’s Connection Luncheon May 18, 11am-1pm Wed. Speaker is Karen Blankenship on “Management 101: Finding Balance in Everyday Life.” Special feature is Kristin Tipps, owner of Dolls Unlimited. $15. 217-787-1870. Northfi eld Inn Suites and Conference Center, 3280 Northfi eld Dr., 523-7900. UIS Commencement Ceremonies May 14, 3pm Sat. Commencement speaker is healthcare executive Donna Sollenberger. Prairie Capital Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745-3000.

Food Grow Springfield Garden Education Program May 12, 5:30-6:30pm Thu. Family friendly program titled “Succession Planting: Maximize your Harvest.” Free. growspringfi eld.org. 217-528- 1563. 3C Garden, South Third St. and East Canedy St., 891-3570.

Illinois Products Farmers’ Market May 12-Oct 13, 4-7pm Thu. Every Thursday. Shopping, health and wellness information, special focuses and more in a street-party atmosphere. SNAP cards accepted. Free. illinoisproductmarket.com. Illinois State Fairgrounds, The Shed, 801 Sangamon Ave.

Old Capitol Farmers Market May 12-Oct, 3-6:30pm Wed, 8am-12:30pm Sat. Shop local produce, meats, cheeses, more. Enterainment on Saturdays includes chef demonstrations, live performances, activities, more. Free admission. downtownspringfi eld.org. Downtown Springfi eld, Inc., 3 W. Old State Capitol Plaza, 544- 1723.

History

Annual Illinois National Guard Remembrance May 14, 2pm Sat. Join the Illinois National Guard and the Illinois State Military Museum in honoring the sacrifi ce of the fallen Illinois National Guardsmen from Operation Iraq Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Free. 217-761-3569. Illinois State Military Museum, 1301 N. MacArthur Blvd, 761- 3910.

Health National Alliance on Mental Illness May 18, 7pm Wed. Meetings held the fi rst Saturday and third Wednesday of every month. Support for families, caregivers, friends and those with mental illness. 217-341-3125. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St., 528-3407.

Faith & Philosophy John T. Wayne May 15, 11am Sun. John T. Wayne, grandson of actor John Wayne, signs books and is pastor for a day. Public welcome. Clementine Memorial Church, 2075 N. 11th St., 638-1648. The Bathroom Issue May 15, 10:30-11:30am Sun. Presented by Rev. Martin Woulfe. Free. aluuc.org. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550.

Sports & Fitness

Girls on the Run 5K May 14, 10am Sat. Prerace face painting and fun activities begin at 8:30am. Race at 10:30am. $20-35. More information, registration at GOTRcentralillinois.org. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786-2200.

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

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