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Dates, times and locations are subject to last-minute changes, so we suggest calling before attending events.
Holiday Happenings
A-Maze-Ing Corn Maze
Sep 17-18, 24-25, 11am-6pm Sat, 12-6pm. Four acres with miles of paths. $5. auburn-umc.org. Auburn United Methodist Church, 14100 State Route 4, Auburn, 438-3126.
Indian Knoll Pumpkin Patch and Farm
Sep 17-18, 24-25, 10am-5pm Sat, 12-5pm. Wagon rides, face painting, barnyard games and animals, corn box and barrel tractor rides, fall treats, more. No admission fee; small charge for certain activities. indianknollpumpkins.com. Indian Knoll Farm and Pumpkin Patch, 2850 N. E Road, Mechanicsburg, 827-0317.
Fairs & Festivals
Chatham Jaycees Third Annual Oktoberfest
Sep 17, 11am-11:59pm. Beers from Munich, diverse German food menu, kids games and activities, The Wendell Brothers, Oktoberfest games, more. 217-414-9637. Chatham Town Square, 101 W. Mulberry, Chatham.
Clayville Fall Festival
Sep 17-18, 9am-6pm Sat, 10am- 4pm. Artisan demonstrations, historic building tours, crafts and games for kids, vendors, re-enactments, period music, entertainment, food, refreshments. $5 adults, $3 ages 6-12, ages under 6 free. clayville.org. Clayville, Route 125, Pleasant Plains, 572-4984.
Illini Bird Fanciers Fall Fair
Sep 18, 9am-4pm. Live exotic birds, cages, food and toys. $3 adults and seniors, free to ages 12 and under. 217-836-2836. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.
SamJamm - Unplugged on the Prairie
Sep 17, 12pm. 12 hours of progressive bluegrass, Americana, and roots music 217-854-9422. Macoupin County Fairgrounds, 21368 Rte. 4, Carlinville.
Books & Authors
Book Sale
Sep 15-17, 5-8pm Thu, 10am-5pm Fri, 10am-1pm. Grand Prairie of the West Public Library District, 142 W. Jackson, Virden, 965-3015.
Brown Bag Book Discussion
Sep 20, 12-1pm. Lincoln’s Greatest Case: the River, the Bridge and the Making of America by Brian McGinty. Bring lunch. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 558-8844. Coffee House Writing Rituals
Sep 16, 9:30-11:30am. Social hour meet and greet designed to cultivate inspiration for writers. Second and third Fridays of month. $5-10 donation. 217-899-5247. Edgar’s Coffee House, 87 W. Plummer, Chatham, 391-7628.
Poets in the Parlor: Adam Clay and Matt Hart
Sep 18, 2-3pm. Readings by Adam Clay, author of Stranger, A Hotel Lobby at the Edge of the World and The Wash. Readings by Matt Harty, author of six books of poems including Sermons and Lectures Both Blank and Relentless. Free. vachellindsay. org. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St., 524-0901.
Pondicherry Lodge
Sep 17, 12pm. Sherlock Holmes Society of Central Illinois hosts their annual potluck and picnic plus a viewing and discussion of Mr. Holmes. sherlock.lolopop. org. Adjoining Homes of Betty Washko and Bill and Mary Denham, 36 and 40 Westwood Terrace, 546-8387. SPW Open Mic Sep 21, 6-8pm. 217-725- 9058. Robbie’s, 4 S. Old State Capitol Plaza, 528-1901.
Theater & Comedy
Bleacher Bums
Sep 16-17, 7:30-9:15pm Fri- Sat. A Cubs/Cardinals comedy presented in nine innings. $10. playhouseonthesquare.net. Playhouse on the Square, 68 E. Central Park, Jacksonville, 491-3977 .
Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story On Stage
Sep 20-21, 7:30pm Tue-Wed. Featuring “Hungry Eyes,” “Hey Baby,” “Do You Love Me?” and “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life.” Tickets. sangamonauditorium.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160.
Disney on Ice: Dare to Dream
Sep 15-18, 7pm Thu-Fri; 11am, 3pm, 7pm Sat; 1pm, 5pm. Hosts Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse share the heroic stories of Rapunzel, Snow White, Princess Tiana and Cinderella. $17-45. springfi eldpc3.com. Prairie Capital Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800- 745-3000.
Peter and the Starcatcher
Sep 16-18, 23-25, 8pm Fri- Sat, 2pm Sun, 8pm Fri, 2pm Sat-Sun. Author Dave Barry’s take on the meeting of Peter Pan and Captain Hook. $20-25. atthelegacy.com. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.
Music: General Events
Matthew Fish
Sep 17, 8-10pm. Guitar Concert. 217-816-8832. Grace Lutheran Church, 714 East Capitol Ave., 522-3965.
Mussels, Moonshine, Music: Mississippi Valley Migrants in the 20th Century
Sep 15, 7pm. The Friends of the Taylorville Public Library invite the community to a special musical program “Mussels, Moonshine, Music: Mississippi Valley Migrants in the 20th Century.” Taylorville Public Library, 121 W. Vine St., Taylorville, 824-4736.
Roy Zimmerman
Sep 15, 7pm. Funny, rhyme-intensive original songs by Roy Zimmerman. Roy has been profi led on NPR’s “All Things Considered,” and is a featured blogger for the Huffi ngton Post. $18. aluuc. org. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550.
Wild Columbine
Sep 15, 7pm. Music of Lincoln’s time. 217-546-8065. Rochester Public Library, 1 Community Drive, Rochester, 498-8454.
Dance
Illinois Chapter Po.L.K. of A. Dance
Sep 18, 2-5:30pm. Music by Eddie Korosa. $9 members, $10 non. illinoischapterpolkofa. org. 726-0181. Riverton KC Hall, 401 S. Fourth St., Riverton.
Art & Architecture
Creative Pathways Exhibition Sep 15-17, 22-24, 12-7pm Thu-Sat. SAA Collective Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St., 544-2787.
Design a Postcard Event
Sep 18, 1-2:30pm. Caribou Coffee, 210 E. Carpenter, 528- 3145.
Edwards Place Fine Art Fair
Sep 17-18, 10am-5pm Sat, 11am-4pm. 27th annual festival features more than 70 different artist booths in a variety of mediums. Live art demonstrations, food vendors, used book sale, live music, more. Free. springfi eldart.org. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.
Enos Park Home Tour
Sep 17, 1-5pm. Selfguided tour of historic homes in Springfi eld’s oldest neighborhood. Wine and cheese reception held 4-7pm in Sculpture Garden. $10. epnia.com. Enos Park.
Grapes and Gourds
Sep 15, 6-8pm. Create a handcrafted gourd birdhouse. $25 includes glass of wine, supplies and instruction. Registration, lincolnmemorialgarden.org. 217-529-1111. It’s All About Wine, 1305 Wabash Ave., 546- 9463.
Learn Sign Language
Sep 19, 6-7:30pm. The Spaghetti Shop, 1869 Sangamon Ave. 788-0781.
Film & Television
14: Dred Scott, Wong Kim Ark and Vanessa Lopez
Sep 19, 4pm. Screening of documentary which examines who has the right to be an American citizen and the citizenship clause of the 14th Amendment. Discussion with director Anne Galisky to follow. Free. uis.edu/speakerseries. UIS Brookens Auditorium, One University Plaza, 206-6073.
Through a Different Lens Film Series
Sep 15, 22, 6-9pm. Unique fi lms and discussion. LLCC Trutter Center, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786-2200.
Tuskegee Airmen Rise Above
Sep 15-17, 12am Thu-Sat. Traveling exhibit features a 160-degree panoramic movie screen housed in a 53-foot semi trailer showing the fi lm Rise Above about WWII’s Tuskegee Airmen. Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport, 1200 Capital Airport Dr., 788-9200.
Children’s Corner
Healthy Kids Running Series
Sep 18, 25, 4:30pm. A positive, educational and fun introduction into the world of running for kids in Pre-K through 8th grade. 50 yard dash, 1/4 mile and 1-mile options available by age. Registration, healthykidsrunningseries. org. Williamsville Park, Williamsville.
Monarchs and Me
Sep 17, 24, 10am-12pm. Children ages 8-10 learn about the monarch butterfl y. Free. Registration required. lincolnmemorialgarden.org. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 529-1111.
Nature
Fall Bird Hikes
Sep 17, 24, 8-9:30am. Hike through the Garden and search for migratory birds with Kevin Veara. Free. lincolnmemorialgarden.org. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 529-1111.
Introducing Prairie Plants in the Garden
Sep 15, 5:30pm. Learn how to incorporate prairie plants into your perennial garden. Led by University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener volunteers. 782-4617. Gardens in front of Building #30, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.
Leaf ID and Collection Hikes
Sep 17, 24, 10am-12pm. Fun, educational way to collect more than 50 leaves. Geared towards school-age children with leaf collection projects. $5 per student. springfi eldparks. org. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 546-4116.
Leaf ID Hike
Sep 18, 25, 1:30-3pm. Garden naturalists identify and distribute leaves of at least 25 tree species. Hikes geared toward students with leaf collection projects. $5 per person; free to members. Reservations. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 529-1111.
Prairie Crossing: Creating an American Conservation Community.
Sep 15, 7-8pm. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 E. Clear Lake Ave., 544-2473.
Springfield Audubon Program
Sep 17, 7pm. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 E. Clear Lake Ave., 544-2473.
Environment
Fall Volunteer Naturalist Training
Sep 15, 9am-12pm. Seasoned and new volunteers learn tips and tricks for leading hikes and sharpen their natural history knowledge. Free. lincolnmemorialgarden.org. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 529-1111.
Lectures & Meetings
Camera Club
Sep 15, 7pm. 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.
Chatham VFW Dinner & Meeting
Sep 19, 5-8pm. 217-414- 9637. Chatham VFW, 501 W. Mulberry St., Chatham, 483- 4613.
Computer Optimization and Repair Seminar
Sep 15, 20, 22, 6-9:30pm. Learn about the tools and techniques that computer experts use to fi x and optimize computers. $285 per person. llcc.edu. 217-524-6749. Capital City Training Center, 130 W. Mason.
GriefShare
Sep 20, 27, 6:30-8:30pm. 14- week program utilizes video seminar series, workbook and sharing time as participants work through their stages of grief. Register, 899-9418 or [email protected]. griefshare.org. Trinity Lutheran School, 515 S. MacArthur, 787-2323.
GriefShare
Sep 19, 6-8pm. 217-971- 1615. First United Methodist Church, 2941 S. Koke Mill Road, 793-9760.
GriefShare Grief Recovery Program
Sep 21, 28, 6:30pm. 13- week program utilizes video seminars, a support group and a workbook. Registration, 414- 0126 or griefshare.org. Athens Christian Church, 1411 E. Route 29, Athens, 636-8463.
Hispanic Americans: Civil Rights, Social Justice and the Legal System - Where Policy Meets Practice
Sep 15, 7pm. Talk led by Reggie Koch, managing parter of Koch Law Firm, highlights societal and legal institutional challenges faced today by Hispanic Americans. Free. uis.edu/speakerseries. UIS Brookens Auditorium, One University Plaza, 206-6073.
League of Women Voters Springfield
Sep 21, 5:30-7pm. INCIL, Myers Building, Fifth Floor, Room 501, 1 West Old State Capitol Plaza,
Overeaters Anonymous
Sep 19, 26, 5:30pm. 12-step meeting. Mondays. 217-369- 0386. Unity of Springfi eld, 417 Cordelia, 523-5897.
Overeaters Anonymous
Sep 17, 24, 10am. 12-step meeting. Saturdays. 217-369- 0386. First United Methodist Church, 2941 S. Koke Mill Road, 793-9760.
Sertoma Club
Sep 19, 12pm. 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.
Single and Parenting
Sep 21, 28, 5:30pm. 13- week program uses video presentations, group discussions and personal Bible study on relationships and parenting. Registration, 685- 8099. Trinity Lutheran School, 515 S. MacArthur, 787-2323.
Bulletin Board
2016 Cruise Night and Car Show
Sep 17, 9am-10pm. Car show in Community Park 9am-3pm. Cruise begins at 5pm, cruising from Main Street to Lincoln Avenue. Free. jacksonvilleil. org. 243-5678. Jacksonville Community Park, 1201 S. Main, Jacksonville.
APL Pet Adoptions
Sep 16. Cats available 4-8pm. Dogs available 5-8pm. aplshelter.org. 217-544-7387.
Petsmart, 3183 S. Veterans Pkwy, 698-3091.
APL Pet Adoptions
Sep 17. Cats and dogs available 11am-4pm. aplshelter.org. 217-544-7387.
Petsmart, 3183 S. Veterans Pkwy, 698-3091.
APL Pet Adoptions
Sep 18. Cats and dogs available 12-4pm. apl-shelter. org. 217-544-7387. Petsmart, 3183 S. Veterans Pkwy, 698- 3091.
Dock Dog Competition
Sep 16-18, 9am-5pm Fri-Sat, 10am-5pm. Scheels, 3801 S. MacArthur, 726-6330.
Pets in the White House
Sep 17, 11am-2pm. 217- 558-8844. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 782-5764.
PFLAG Monthly Meeting
Sep 19, 7pm. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550.
Ride in Honor Veterans Ride
Sep 18, 12-5pm. Staab Funeral Home, 1109 S. Fifth St., 528- 6461.
3D Archery Shoot
Sep 17, 8am-1pm. Scheels, 3801 S. MacArthur, 726-6330.
Federal Premium Hunting Expo
Sep 16-17, 9am-5pm Fri-Sat. Scheels, 3801 S. MacArthur, 726-6330.
Severe Weather Awareness Expo
Sep 17, 11am-2pm. Firsthand knowledge and tips from weather safety experts on how to stay safe and protect your family. Free. White Oaks Mall, 2501 Wabash Ave., 787-8560.
Springfield Christian Women’s Connection Luncheon
Sep 21, 11am-1pm. Speaker Charlene Dennis with her talk titled “My Princess Story.” $15. 217-787-8246. Northfi eld Inn Suites and Conference Center, 3280 Northfi eld Dr., 523-7900. Food
BBQ Throwdown
Sep 17, 11-11pm. Fifth annual rib, chicken and Bloody Mary throwdown. Plus sand volleyball, gas, bocce ball, live DJ and more. anchorboatclub. net. Anchor Boat Club, 407 E. Lake Shore Dr., 529-1174.
Healthy Eating Through the Aisles
Sep 16, 11-11:45am. Learn simple shopping tips to keep your eating habits on track. Hosted by County Market. Free to YMCA members, $12 for guests. Registration, springfi eldymca.org. YMCA, 701 S. Fourth St., 544-9846.
Illinois Products Farmers’ Market
Sep 15, 22, 4-7pm. 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.
Local Flavors Meal
Sep 15. 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. Engrained Brewing Company, 1120 Lincolnshire Blvd., 546- 3054.
Old Capitol Farmers Market
Sep 17, 21, 24, 8am-12:30pm. 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
History of the Sangamon Ordinance Plant
Sep 20, 5:30pm. On the history, impact and legacy of the Sangamon Ordinance Plant in the 1940s. 217-525-1961. Buffalo Tri City Library, 600 S. Main St., P.O. Box 211. Buffalo.
Researching Your Roots, Your Family, Your Ancestors
Sep 21, 10am. Program includes basic genealogy, family research and local history. Presented by Carol Orwig. Prairie Skies Public Library District, 125 W. Editor St., Ashland, 476-3417.
Health
DBSA Central Illinois Support Group
Sep 20, 27, 6:30-8pm. 217- 816-8523. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St., 528- 3407.
Flu Shots
Sep 17, 9am-1pm. Shots provided by Meijer Pharmacy. Individual must provide insurance card. Springfi eld YMCA Gus & Flora Kerasotes Branch, 4550 West Iles Ave., 679-1625.
Mental Illness Support Group
Sep 21, 7pm. Family support group meeting with the Springfi eld Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illiness (NAMI) First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St., 528- 3407.
Faith & Philosophy
A Course in Miracles
Sep 20, 27, 6pm. 217-415- 5823. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550.
International Day of Peace Prayer
Sep 21, 7:30-7:50am. Brief interfaith prayer celebration. Theme is “The Sustainable Development Goals: Building Blocks for Peace.” Free. 217- 546-9171. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 528-4311.
Labyrinth Walk
Sep 16, 7-9pm. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550.
The Paths of Politics and Faith
Sep 18, 10:30-11:30am. Presentation by Rev. Martin Woulfe. Potluck to follow. Free. aluuc.org. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550.
Sports & Fitness
Full Moon Trail Run/ Ride
Sep 16, 7:30-9pm. 2-mile run or 4-mile bike trail ride/ run. Free; donations accepted. Lewis Memorial Acres, 399 S. Koke Mill Road.
Memorial Transplant Services 5K Run/Walk
Sep 17, 8am-12pm. Registration at 8, race at 9. Advance: $25, $15. Day of: $30, $20. Registration, memorialmedical.com. 217- 757-7835. Washington Park, 1501 S. Grand Ave. W., 544- 1751.
MMRD/CCH Fresh Meat Program
Sep 20, 27, 7-9pm. 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.
Run, Walk, Bike, Skate Club
Sep 15, 22, 5:45-6:45pm. All levels of riders, walkers, runners, skaters welcome. Free. scheels.com/events. Scheels, 3801 S. MacArthur, 726-6330.