Holiday Happenings

Dawson Fireworks Celebration Jul 29, 4-11pm Fri. Music, dancing, food, clowns, face painting, balloons, games, Vose’s corndogs, fi reworks at dusk and more. No pets or coolers. Free. Dawson Park, Ledlie Street, Dawson, 364-5975.

Fairs & Festivals

21st Annual Springfield Highland Games & Celtic Festival Jul 23, 9am-10pm Sat. Dance, solo piping, drumming, band and athletic competitions and games, live musical acts, vendors, kids activities, storytelling, food, animals, more. $10 per person; $5 seniors and kids under 13, veterans and kids under 5 are free. springfi eldhighlandgames.com. Chatham Community Park, 731 S. Main St., Chatham. Delorean Convention and Show Jul 21, 12am Thu. Four-day event features driving tours, vendor presentations and demonstrations, shows, museums, meals and more. $20 ages 13 and up, $10 ages 12 and under. deloreanconvention.com. Prairie Capital Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745- 3000.

Downhome Music, Beer and Art Festival Jul 29-30, 5pm Fri, 2pm Sat. Local bands playing original songs on multiple stages, 100 craft beers, local food vendors, kids area. Admission. downhomemusicfest.com. Downtown Springfield.

Downtown Bacon Throwdown and Bedrock 66 Live! Music Festival Jul 22-23, 5pm-12am Fri, 3pm- 12am Sat. 20+ food vendors feature mouthwatering bacon creations plus other menu items. Live Americana, roots and blues music by criticallyacclaimed international artists. $5 adults, free ages 12 and under. downtownspringfi eld.org. Downtown Springfield.

Springfield Food Truck Festival Jul 23, 11am-4pm Sat. Food trucks, beverages, live music. Hosted by Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Conservation World, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.

Books & Authors

Author Dan Van Haften Presentation and Book Signing Jul 23-24, 11am-2pm Sat-Sun. Two book signings plus an afternoon presentation with Dan Van Haften, author of Abraham Lincoln and the Structure of Reason. Free. savasbeatie. com. 916-941-6896. Lincoln Home Visitors Center, 426 S. 7th St., 492- 4150.

Theater & Comedy

2nd Annual Yuk-Off Comedy Night Jul 23, 8pm Sat. Adults-only comedy show features Larry Smith, Jason Jester, Jeff Tolbert, Joe ‘The Animal’ Lancey, John ‘Johnny Pants’ McCarthy, Jon Maddy, Nick Willis, Ricky Rocksteady and host Jim Dahlquist. $15 advance. yukoffcomedynight. brownpapertickets.com. Hilton Garden Inn, 3100 S. Dirksen Parkway, 529- 7171.

Dinner at Eight – Dead by Nine Jul 22-23, 12am Fri-Sat. A clever, comedic murder mystery dinner. Proeeds support Theatre 7. $30 includes buffet dinner and show. Reservations required, 421-7452 or mainhangarrestaurant.net. The Main Hangar Restaurant, 910 S. Airport Road, Decatur.

Hello Dolly! Jul 21-23, 8pm Thu-Sat. The story of a meddlesome widow who strives to bring romance to several couples and herself in a big city restaurant. $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.

Nice Work If You Can Get It Jul 29-31, Aug 3, 8:30pm Fri- Sun, 8:30pm Wed. Musical set in the 1920s features great dance numbers, unlikely love story. Tickets: $12-14 reserved, $6-10 lawn. themuni.org. The Muni, 815 E. Lake Dr., 793- MUNI.

OLIVER! - A Musical by Lionel Bart Jul 29-31, 7:30-10pm Fri- Sat, 2-4:30pm Sun. Classic musical version of Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist. $10 adults, $5 children. playhouseonthesquare.net. Playhouse on the Square, 68 E. Central Park, Jacksonville, 491-3977.

Outside Mullingar Jul 22-24, 7:30pm Fri- Sat, 4pm Sun. Starring Aasne Vigesaa, James Daniels, Tom Lawton and Sherri Mitchell. $18 adults, $16 seniors and students. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

The Boys from Nantucket Jul 29-31, 8pm Fri-Sat, 4pm Sun. An original musical written by Ken Bradbury starring Jim Yale and John Love. $18 adults, $16 students and seniors. hcfta. org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523- 2787.

The Visitation of Mary Lincoln Jul 22-23, 7:30-9pm Fri-Sat. Play about the legacy of Mary Todd Lincoln starring her son Robert and her sisters, set the night before her public funeral. Panel discussion and wine and cake reception to follow show. $25. Edwards Place, Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Music: General Events

Clint Black Jul 29, 8pm Fri. Intimate concert with American singer, songwriter, musician Clint Black. $49, $59. springfi eldpc3. com. Prairie Capital Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745-3000.

Cross Over Country Jul 24, 6pm Sun. Weekly Concert in the Park. Sponsored by the Pilot Club of Jacksonville. Free. Jacksonville Community Park, 1201 S. Main, Jacksonville.

Keith Jones Jul 31, 6pm Sun. Weekly Concert in the Park. Sponsored by the Pilot Club of Jacksonville. Free. Jacksonville Community Park, 1201 S. Main, Jacksonville. Lady Carole Jul 21, 12-1pm Thu. Part of the Springfi eld Area Arts Council’s midday concert series. Free. springfi eldartsco.org. 217-753- 3519. Old State Capitol Plaza, Between Sixth and Fifth streets at Adams.

Levitt AMP Music Series Jul 22, 29, 5:30-9pm Fri. Family-friendly live music, vendors and food every Friday in June and July and the fi rst Saturday in August. Bring blankets or chairs. Free. jacksonvilleil.org. Downtown Jacksonville, Central Park, Jacksonville, 243-5678.

Messengers for Christ Jul 26, 12-1pm Tue. Christian vocalists perform at Artist on the Plaza, the biweekly concert series produced by the Springfi eld Area Arts Council. springfi eldartsco.org. Free. 217- 753-3519. Old State Capitol Plaza, Between Sixth and Fifth streets at Adams.

Phil Steinberg Aug 2, 12-1pm Tue. Local vocalist performs the songs of Frank Sinatra. Part of the Artist on the Plaza concert series sponsored by the Springfi eld Area Arts Council. Free. springfi eldartsco.org. 217-753- 3519. Old State Capitol Plaza, Between Sixth and Fifth streets at Adams.

Springfield Municipal Band Jul 24, 31, 7-8:30pm Sun. Free concerts at the Selvaggio arches featuring contemporary and traditional wind ensemble music performed by local musicians. 217-652-4371. Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 753-0702.

Theresa O’Hare Flute Studio Jul 28, 12-1pm Thu. Local fl ute students perform as part of the biweekly Artist on the Plaza concert series produced by the Springfi eld Area Arts Council. Free. springfi eldartsco.org. 217- 753-3519. Old State Capitol Plaza, Between Sixth and Fifth streets at Adams.

Dance

DJ Marilyn Ferry Jul 22, 8-11pm Fri. Playing the Friday night dance. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 546-9515.

Kevin Turner Jul 29, 8-11pm Fri. Playing the Friday night dance. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 546-9515.

Salsa Nights Jul 30, 9-12:45pm Sat. Dance Salsa, a mixture of Rumba, Mambo, Latin Jazz and other genres. Also dance Merengue and Bachata. $3 cover. Omar’s Latin Fusion Restaraunt, 6901 Preston Dr., 415-5568.

Art & Architecture

ArtLiterations Jul 21, 5:30-7:30pm Thu. Artist Rick Taylor, author Grant Tracey and jazz by Ocean State featuring Mark Russillo. Free. Prairie Art Alliance Gallery in the Hoogland, 420 S. Sixth St., 544-2787.

Community Garden Art at Kerasotes YMCA Jul 22, 4:30-7pm Fri. Questions, please call 331- 2027 or email rhiannon@ ourvibrantcommunity.com. Springfi eld YMCA Gus & Flora Kerasotes Branch, 4550 West Iles Ave., 679-1625.

Culture of Images Jul 21-22, 25-29, 9am- 5pm Mon-Fri. Jul 23, 30, 10:30am-3pm Sat. Juried exhibition by Minnesotabased photographer Chris Faust. Features work from 26 phototgraphers including several from central Illinois. Free. springfi eldart.org. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Natural Forms Jul 29-22, 28, 12-7pm Thu- Fri. Jul 26, Aug 2, 10am-5pm Tue. Jul 30, 12-7pm Sat. Aug 3, 10am-5pm Wed. Featuring work from local artists Catherine Flynn and Rick Taylor plus the Springfi eld Bonsai Society. Free. springfi eldart.org. SAA Collective Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St., 544-2787.

Trunk Show Jul 30, 10am-5pm Sat. Handturned pens and accessories by local artist Mary Boesdorfer. bluedoorart.com. The Blue Door, 3259 W. Iles, 753-0262.

Film & Television

All Quiet on the Western Front Jul 26, 6:30pm Tue. Showing of 1930 Academy Award-winning fi lm. Free. Reservations, PresidentLincoln.illinois.gov. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 558- 8844.

Children’s Corner

Back to School Blitz Jul 24, 1-5pm Sun. Balloon art, face painting, temporary tattoos, prizes, more. Free. experience.scheels.com. Scheels, 3801 S. MacArthur, 726-6330.

Kids Family Music Fest and Funshop’s 40th Anniversary Jul 24, 2:30-6:30pm Sun. Family friendly entertainment includes Miss Carole’s Macaroni Soup, Chris Camp the Whip Guy and more. Free. springfi eldparks.org. Lincoln Park, Fifth Street and Sangamon Avenue, 544-1751.

Play It Safe Jul 28, 4-6:30pm Thu. Safetyrelated demonstrations and activities plus exciting prizes at all Illinois National Bank locations. Free. illinoisnationalbank.com. 217-747-8642. Various Illinois National Bank locations.

Read for the Win Jul 25, 10-11am Mon. Celebratory party by M&K Parties. Free. pspld.com. 217- 626-1553. Prairie Skies Public Library District, 125 W. Editor St., Ashland, 476-3417.

Youth Baseball Clinic Jul 30, 9-11am Sat. Major League Baseball players such as Jack Clark and Fergie Jenkins teach young players baseball fundamentals and life skills. Free. Complimentary lunch to follow. mlbpaa.mlb. com. 217-528-7533. Robin Roberts Stadium, 1415 N. Grand Ave. E., 753-0700.

Nature Evening in the Garden Jul 21, 5:30-7pm Thu. Event showcases U of I Extension Master Gardener demonstration garden projects including small fruits, perennial, herb, idea and compost. Plus hummingbird presentation and garden tours. Free. 217-782-4617. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.

Lincoln Trail Homestead Jul 21, 5:30-7pm Thu. Presentation by Lincoln scholar and judge Ron Spears and Judy Damery along with other volunteers restoring the Lincoln Trail Homestead and initiating the Lincoln Canoe Trail. Free. ileshouse.org. Elijah Iles House, 628 S. Seventh St., 492-5929.

Lectures & Meetings

Breakfast Optimist Club Jul 29, 7am Fri. Every Friday. Visitors welcome. 217-546- 5021. Atonement Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St., 546-7646.

Camera Club Jul 21, 7pm Thu. First and third Thursdays, 7pm. Visitors always welcome. For more information, call 546-5021 or email [email protected]. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St., 528-3407.

Overeaters Anonymous Jul 25, Aug 1, 5:30pm Mon. 12-step meeting. Mondays. 217- 369-0386. Unity of Springfi eld, 417 Cordelia, 523-5897.

Overeaters Anonymous Jul 23, 30, 10am Sat. 12-step meeting. Saturdays. 217-369- 0386. First United Methodist Church, 2941 S. Koke Mill Road, 793-9760.

Personal Assistant Employers Group Jul 26, 3-4:30pm Tue. Support group for those with a disability that hire personal assistants. Free. scil.org. 217-523- 2587. Springfi eld Center for Independent Living, 330 S. Grand Ave. West, 523-0427.

Retired State Employees Association Meeting Jul 27, 1:30pm Wed. Monthly meeting provides information and updates on topics important to state retirees. Speaker Phil Funkenbusch of the American Presidential Theater. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2477 W. Washington St., 793-3933.

Sertoma Club Aug 1, 12pm Mon. Noon, fi rst and third Monday of every month. More information, 546- 2782. Hibachi Grill Supreme Buffet, 2309 S. MacArthur Blvd., 698-6033.

Springfield ICON Monthly Meeting Jul 25, 6:30-8:30pm Mon. Topics to be announced. Springfi eldICON.org. 217- 528-9803. First Church of the Brethren, 2115 Yale Boulevard, 523-5212.

Springfield Social Club Jul 27, 5:30-8:30pm Wed. Sponsored charity is Start Smart Back to School Supply Drive. Donations are backpacks and school supplies for grades K-12. Indigo Restaurant, 3013 Lindbergh Blvd, 726-8436.

Bulletin Board APL Car Wash and Pet Adoption Jul 23, 11am-3pm Sat. Car wash plus APL’s Mobile Adoption Center. $5 per wash. aplshelter.org. 217-544-7387. Ace Hardware on Wabash, 1600 Wabash Ave., 787-5100.

APL Pet Adoption Jul 24, 11am-3pm Sun. Cats available 11am-3pm; dogs 12-3pm. 217-544-7387. Petsmart, 3183 S. Veterans Pkwy, 698- 3091.

APL Pet Adoption Jul 30, 11am-3pm Sat. Cats available 11am-3pm; dogs available 12-3pm. apl-shelter. org. 217-544-7387. Petsmart, 3183 S. Veterans Pkwy, 698- 3091.

APL Pet Adoption Jul 31, 11am-3pm Sun. Cats available 11am-3pm; dogs available 12-3pm. apl-shelter. org. 217-544-7387. Petsmart, 3183 S. Veterans Pkwy, 698- 3091.

Brew At The Zoo Jul 23, 5-9pm Sat. Sample libations from central Illinois breweries and wineries. Plus games, live music, cash bar, food for purchase and more. Ages 21+ only. $20 advance, $25 at door. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 585-1821.

Family Night at the Park Jul 24, 5pm Sun. Family-friendly fun, food and games. Hosted by Junior League of Springfi eld. Free. jlsil.org. Washington Park Playground, 1021 South Grand Ave., 753-6225.

Run, Walk, Bike, Skate Club Jul 21, 28, 5:45-6:45pm Thu. Scheels, 3801 S. MacArthur, 726-6330.

Food

IL Products Farmers’ Market Jul 21, 4-7pm Thu. IL produce, meats and IL made products. Slugger Night, Baxter’s and Danenberger Vineyards, Twyford’s BBQ. Free. agr.state. il.us/nightmarket. 217-524- 3297. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.

Local Flavors Meal Jul 21, 12am Thu. Local Flavors events occur on the third Thursday of each month from June through October. Each meal features seasonal ingredients sourced directly from local farmers. buyfreshbuylocalcentralillinois. org. Augie’s Front Burner, 109 S. Fifth St., 544-6979.

New Berlin Farmer’s Market Jul 28, 4-7pm Thu. Second and fourth Thursday of each month from May through Oct 13. Free admission. nbacdl.org. 217- 717-4408. Wabash Park, , New Berlin, 717-4408.

Old Capitol Farmers Market Jul 23, 27, 30, Aug 3, 8am-12:30pm Sat, 3-6:30pm Wed. 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

American Occupation of South Korea Jul 23, 2-3pm Sat. Presentation by Bonnie B.C. Oh on the origin, accomplishments, blunders and consequences of the rule of American Military Government in Korea. Free. kwnm.org. Korean War National Museum Denis J. Healy Freedom Center, 9 South Old State Capitol Plaza, 523- 7230.

Parlor Pastimes with Lincoln Jul 22, 29, 1-2pm Fri. Discover etiquette and activities that 19th century families practiced in the parlor; learn how Mr. Lincoln adjusted to “parlor culture” from his upbringing in a one-room log cabin. Free. Edwards Place, Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

River Country Quilt Show Jul 30-29, 10am-5pm Sat- Fri. Beautiful quilts on display by central Illinois quilters. jacksonvilleil.org. 602-0426. 217-243-5678. Jacksonville High School, 1211 N. Diamond St., Jacksonville, 243-4384.

Vietnam Encampment Recalls Southeast Asia Service Jul 23, 10am-4:30pm Sat. Living historians establish Fire Base Castle on the museum grounds to display equipment, uniforms and weapons used in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War Era. Free. Illinois State Military Museum, 1301 N. MacArthur Blvd, 761-3910.

Health

Be a Healthy Athlete Aug 3, 6:30-8:30pm Wed. Registered dietitian Amanda Figge on the importance of fueling your body for optimal performance along with Diane Hillard-Sembell M.D. and athletic trainer Jon Wiezorek on athletic injury prevention and recovery. Free. springfi eldclinic.com. Springfi eld Clinic East, 1025 S. Sixth St., 528-7541.

DBSA Central Illinois Support Group Jul 26, Aug 2, 6:30-8pm Tue. 217-816-8523. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St., 528- 3407.

Third Age Living Connection Jul 27, 10am-2pm Wed. Lunch and learn event for seniors featuring health screenings and exercise presentation. Lunch at 11:30am followed by BINGO. $8 for Third Age Living Connection members, $12 non. 217-814- 7797. Dove Conference Center, Prairie Heart Institute, 619 E. Mason St., 544-6464, ext. 44619.

Faith & Philosophy

Compass Jul 24, 10:30-11:30am Sun. Presentation by Molly Berendt, Director of Compass, a free afterschool program for homeless and low-income students in District 186. Free. aluuc.org. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550.

Eco Camp 2016 Graduation Jul 31, 10:30-11:30am Sun. Graduation ceremony and recap of ALUUC’s Harry Potter-themed ecology camp classes, activities, learning and fun. Free. aluuc. org. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550.

Sports & Fitness

5K Fun Run/Walk Jul 30, 8:30am Sat. Hosted by Theatre in the Park. Registration begins at 7:30am. $20 adult, $10 children under 12. theatreinthepark.net. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 632-4000.

Mayhem and Hooligan Roller Derby Jul 24, 10am-7pm Sun. Tournament features the 3 biggest men’s roller derby teams in Illinois plus additional bout featuring Midstate Mayhem vs. Naptown Roller Girls. $10 advance, $12 at door. midstatemayhemrollerderby.com. 217-341-7623. Skateland South, 1500 Recreation Dr., 546-4543.

MMRD/CCH Fresh Meat Program Jul 26, Aug 2, 7-9pm Tue. New skaters practice with Mayhem and Hooligan roller derby skaters every Tuesday night, allowing them to learn quickly about the sport plus roller derby culture and community. Bring mouthguard. MidStateMayhemRollerDerby. com. $5 admission; gear rental for $5. Skateland South, 1500 Recreation Dr., 546-4543.

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

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