Fairs & Festivals

Amaranth Apple Festival Jul 14-15. Summer street festival featuring two nights of live music plus food in a “taste of downtown” format from at least 25 local restaurants. $5 admission per day. downtownspringfi eld.org. Downtown Springfi eld, Inc., 3 W. Old State Capitol Plaza, 544-1723.

Litchfield Pickers Market Jul 9, 9am-3pm Sun. Open-air market specializes in vendors featuring items prior to 1980. Plus live music, food, more. Free admission. visitlitchfi eld. com. Downtown Litchfi eld, 400 North State St., Litchfi eld, 866-733-5833.

Morgan County Fair Jul 12-16. Carnival, food, talent show, pageant, livestock, tractor pulls, live entertainment Fri by Trace Adkins and Sat by Big and Rich. themorgancountyfair.com. 245-6800. Morgan County Fairgrounds, 110 N. Westgate, Jacksonville.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles Jul 8, 10am-3pm Sat. Handpowered rail car rides, barrel train rides, model railroad layouts, Sangamon Valley RC fl yers display, view vintage automobiles and a rail speeder car, museum tours and more. Free. 341-8426. Chatham Railroad Museum, 100 N. State St., Chatham.

Springfield Highland Games and Celtic Festival Jul 8. Dance, solo piping, drumming, band and athletic competitions and games, live musical acts, vendors, kids activities, storytelling, food, animals and more. $10 per person; $5 ages 5-12, seniors and kids under 5 are free. springfi eldhighlandgames. com. Chatham Community Park, 731 S. Main St., Chatham.

Summerfest Jul 15. lakespringfi eld.org. Lake Press Club, 13 Club Area, 529-1221.

Books & Authors

Author Peter Baker Jul 18, 6pm Tue. Meet-and-greet, book signing and presentation by Peter Baker, New York Times reporter and author of Obama: The Call of History. Reservations. $25. PresidentLincoln.illinois.gov. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 782-5764.

Pondicherry Lodge Jul 15, 9am Sat. Meeting of the Sherlock Holmes Society of Springfi eld and west central Illinois. Discussion of The Adventure of the Three Students. Public welcome. sherlock.lolopop. org. 546-8387. Scheels, 3801 S. MacArthur, 726-6330.

SPW Open Mic Jul 19, 6-8pm Wed. A Springfi eld Poets and Writers event. Hosted by Thea Chesley, third Wednesday of every month. Free. 544- 3611. Robbie’s, 4 S. Old State Capitol Plaza, 528-1901.

Theater & Comedy

Comedy Hypnotist Jeff Harpring Jul 15, 7:30pm Sat. $15. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

Disney’s Newsies: The Musical Jul 7-9, 12-16, 19-23, 7pm Wed-Thu, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. Captivating story of a band of underdogs who stand up to the most powerful men in New York. $25 advance, $30 day of; $22 seniors and children. atthelegacy.com. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.

High School Musical Jul 14-16, 8pm Fri-Sun. Contemporary musical comedy featuring a popular high school basketball star and a shy, new student who discover they both share a secret passion for singing. $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.

Illinois Shakespeare Festival Jul 6-9, 11-16, 18-19. 40th annual festival features A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Cymbeline, I Heart Juliet and The Improvised Shakespeare Company. Individual and season tickets available. illinoisshakes.com. Illinois State University, 100 N. University Street, Normal.

Mary Poppins Jul 6-9, 8:30-11pm Thu-Sun. Musical based on the similarly titled Mary Poppins children’s books by P. L. Travers and the 1964 Disney fi lm. Tickets: $15 and $17 reserved; $10 and $12 lawn. themuni.org. The Muni, 815 E. Lake Dr., 793-MUNI.

The Boy from Fishhook: The Story of Robert Earl Hughes Jul 13-14, 7:30pm Thu-Fri. A reader’s theater production featuring projected images, video and an artifact. Written and directed by Ken Bradbury. $10. Illinois College Sibert Theatre, McGaw Fine Arts Center, Jacksonville, 245- 3000.

Music: General Events

33rd Infantry Band Jul 11, 6-7pm Tue. Flaglowering ceremony to follow. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Free. Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site, 1500 Monument Ave., 782-2717.

Alec James Jul 6, 12-1pm Thu. Part of the Artist on the Plaza summer concert series presented by the Springfi eld Area Arts Council. Free. springfi eldartsco.org. 753-3519. Old State Capitol Plaza, between Sixth and Fifth streets at Adams.

Concerts in the Park Jul 9, 16, 6pm Sun. Featuring Keith Jones. Hosted by Pilot Club of Jacksonville. BYO blanket or lawn chairs. Free. 370-0414. Jacksonville Community Park, 1201 S. Main, Jacksonville.

Levitt Amp Concert: Ptah Williams Jul 14, 6-9pm Fri. Outdoor concert. Bring picnics, blankets, lawn chairs. Part of the Levitt AMP Jacksonville Music Series. Free. jacksonvillemainstreet. com. 245-6884. Downtown Jacksonville, Central Park, Jacksonville, 243-5678.

Levitt Amp Concert: The South Austin Moonlighters Jul 7, 6-9pm Fri. Outdoor concert. Bring picnics, blankets, lawn chairs. Part of the Levitt AMP Jacksonville Music Series. Free. jacksonvillemainstreet. com. 245-6884. Downtown Jacksonville, Central Park, Jacksonville, 243-5678.

Lincoln Troubadours Jul 7, 14, 1-2pm Fri. Enjoy Lincoln-era music by a talented and young group of a capella singers. Free. edwardsplace. org. Edwards Place, Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Mark Mills Jul 13, 12-1pm Thu. Outdoor concert. Bring picnics, blankets, lawn chairs. Part of the Levitt AMP Jacksonville Music Series. Free. jacksonvillemainstreet. com. 753-3519. Old State Capitol Plaza, between Sixth and Fifth streets at Adams.

Mary Bryant Home Singers Jul 18, 12-1pm Tue. Part of the Artist on the Plaza summer concert series presented by the Springfi eld Area Arts Council. Free. springfi eldartsco.org. 753-3519. Old State Capitol Plaza, between Sixth and Fifth streets at Adams.

Matt Mifflin Jul 11, 12-1pm Tue. Outdoor concert. Bring picnics, blankets, lawn chairs. Part of the Levitt AMP Jacksonville Music Series. Free. jacksonvillemainstreet. com. 753-3519. Old State Capitol Plaza, between Sixth and Fifth streets at Adams.

Music at the Museum: Switchback Jul 13, 7-9pm Thu. Awardwinning duo of Brian FitzGerald and Martin McCormack draws on traditional Celtic music and original Americana songs that refl ect their Irish heritage and Midwestern roots. $10 at door; $8 museum members and children under 12. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 782- 5949. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

Springfield Municipal Band Jul 18, 7:30-9pm Tue. Outdoor concerts Tuesdays in June through the fi rst week of August. Douglas Park, 400 N. Macarthur Blvd.

Dance

Dance for Hope Jul 14, 7:30-10:30pm Fri. Ballroom dance every second Friday of the month. danceforhope3111.com. Normandy Hill Plaza, 3111 Normandy Road, Suite 104, 522-9106.

Dance for Hope Jul 7, 7:30-10:30pm Fri. Latin dance night every fi rst Friday of the month. danceforhope3111. com. Normandy Hill Plaza, 3111 Normandy Road, Suite 104, 522-9106.

Art & Architecture

Book Signing with Tara McAndrew Jul 7, 5-8pm Fri. Book signing for Springfi eld Stories, which takes an indepth look at the history and society of Springfi eld. Free. studioon6thart.com. Studio on 6th, 215 S. Sixth St., 522-8006.

Downtown Shop Hop Jul 8, 1-3pm Sat. Guided Downtown Shop Hop and Art Walk to 12 specialty shops. Reservations appreciated. Free. studioon6thart.com. 494-4134. Studio on 6th, 215 S. Sixth St., 522-8006.

First Friday Gallery Walk Jul 7, 5-7:30pm Fri. Featuring exhibitions, music and talks at the Madden Arts Center, Gallery 510 and other downtown locations. Free. decaturarts.org. Downtown Decatur, 423-7000.

Images of Illinois Opening Reception Jul 6, 5:30-7pm Thu. Exhibition features winning photos from the 2017 Images of Illinois photography contest as well as a 4x6 print display of all 307 entries. Light refreshments provided. Free. springfi eldart. org. SAA Collective Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St., 544-2787.

Kings and Queens: Pinball, Imagists and Chicago Jul 6-Aug 11. Interactive exhibition organized by the Elmhurst Art Museum is an examination of the intertwined history of two of Chicago’s greatest exports: pinball and imagist painting. On display through Aug 11. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 524- 5744. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

Michiko Itatani: Celestial Visions Jul 6-Aug 11. Exhibit features new acquisitions of drawings and prints alongside installation-based and heroically scaled fi gurative paintings by contemporary artist Michiko Itatani. On display through Aug 11. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 524-5744. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

Moonlight Market Series Jul 12, 6-9pm Wed. Featuring locally made goods by artists, craftsmen and makers. 522-3123. Jackson Street, between Sixth and Seventh streets.

Open Studio Jul 10-11, 17-18, 6:30-9:30pm Mon-Tue. Weekly fi gure drawing sessions held Monday (clothed/draped models) and Tuesday nights (undraped models). Community drawing materials available or BYO. $15, $10 high school students with valid ID. thepharmacygallery. com. 789-9787. The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space, 711 S. Fifth St., 801-810-9278.

Paint it Wright Jul 13, 6-8:30pm Thu. Frank Lloyd Wright-themed Canvas and Cocktails. $45 per person. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Paint Your Pet Jul 13, 6:30-9pm Thu. Kidfriendly. BYOB and snacks. $50 for adults, $35 for children under 18. christystudios.com. 773-235-5600. The Blue Door, 3259 W. Iles, 753-0262.

Watercolor 101 Jul 8, 2-4pm Sat. Kid-friendly. BYOB and snacks. $35 for adults, $25 for children under 18. christystudios.com. 773- 235-5600. Christy Studios, 2501 W. Wabash, 546-0953.

Film & Television

Movie in the Park: Finding Dory Jul 14, 6pm Fri. Part of Springfi eld Park District’s concert and movie series. Swim from 6-8pm. Bring lawn chair or blanket. Concessions for purchase. Free. springfi eldparks.org. 544-1751. Veterans Memorial Pool, 2700 Ely St., 753-3030.

Movie in the Park: The Lego Batman Movie Jul 7, 7pm Fri. Free. Rochester Community Park, Rochester.

Rosenwald Jul 15, 4pm Sat. Screening of documentary about a Jewish partnership with African- American communities. Refreshments to follow. Free. jewishfi lm.org. Union Baptist Church, 1405 E. Monroe St., 544-8115.

Short Films Jul 13, 6:30-8pm Thu. View award-winners and favorites from past Route 66 Film Festivals. Free. Food available for purchase. route66fi lmfestival.net. 544- 3611. Z Bistro, 220 S. Sixth St., 522-4049.

Children’s Corner

Bob Steffan Summer Film Fest Jul 11, 10-10:30am Tue. 30-minute fi lms every Tuesday in June and July for ages 3-8. Free with museum admission. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 782- 5949. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

Bob Steffan Summer Film Fest Jul 18, 10-10:30am Tue. 30-minute fi lms every Tuesday in June and July for ages 3-8. Free with museum admission. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 782- 5949. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

Zoofari Jul 8, 11am-4pm Sat. Kids of all ages learn how animals enjoy summer. Bring your favorite stuffed animal friend in for a checkup at the Teddy Bear Clinic. $5 adults, $2 children. springfi eldparks.org. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 585-1821.

Environment

Illinois Bat Festival Jul 8, 9am-4pm Sat. Featuring fun and educational presentations, speakers, live animals, hands-on activities, games for kids and interactive exhibits. Free. batconservation. org. 248-645-3232. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

Lectures & Meetings

AARP Chapter 195 Jul 10, 11am Mon. Speaker Gary Hurley of CWLP Energy Services Offi ce at 1pm. Business meeting at 2pm. Lunch available for $6. 529- 9763. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 546-9515.

Adult Children of Alcoholics Jul 4, 18, 5:15pm Tue. Weekly meeting. New attendees welcome. wisetruth@yahoo. com. Discovery Club, 313 W. Cook St., 544-9049.

Breakfast Optimist Club Jul 7, 14, 7am Fri. Every Friday. Visitors welcome. 546-5021. Atonement Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St., 546- 7646.

Central Illinois Numismatic Association Jul 13, 7pm Thu. Monthly meeting. Knights of Columbus Hall Council 4175, 2801 West St., 528-5740.

ISM Brown Bag Lecture Series Jul 19, 12-1pm Wed. “Walking the Text” in the Holy Land” presented by Elizabeth Bazan, Assistant Curator of Education, Illinois State Museum. Free. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 782- 0061. Illinois State Museum Research & Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St., 785-0037.

NAMI Springfield Jul 19, 7pm Wed. Meetings fi rst Saturday (1pm) and third Wednesday (7pm) of the month. For families, caregivers, friends and those with mental illness. Questions, 522-3571. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St., 528-3407.

Springfield Civic Garden Club Jul 10, 9am Mon. Monthly meeting features speaker Nancy Schumm-Burgess on “Pioneer Gardens.” Free. 563-940-5735. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut St., 522-4415.

Stamp Collecting Club Jul 17, 7pm Mon. Meets third Monday of each month. 546- 5021. Carpenters Union Hall, 211 W. Lawrence Ave., 528- 7571.

Starting or Growing a Veteran Owned Business Jul 14, 8:30am-4pm Fri. Learn business and entrepreneurship basics. Open to veterans and military spouses. Registration. Free. sbavets.force.com. 793- 5020. Bank of Springfi eld Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745-3000.

Bulletin Board American Legion Hiring Event Jul 14, 11am-2pm Fri. Hiring event for veteran job seekers and military spouses. Veteran preview 10-11am. Free. Bank of Springfi eld Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745-3000.

Christmas In July Jul 8, 12-4pm Sat. Summer carnival features games, celebrity dunk tank, photos with Santa, visits with APL cats and dogs, vendors and more. In support of the Animal Protective League. apl-shelter. org. Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Road, 544-7387.

Illinois History Forum Jul 13, 12-1pm Thu. Book discussion on Spoon River Anthology by Edgar Lee Masters, moderated by Masters expert and Illinois historian John W. Hallwas. Free. PresidentLincoln.illinois.gov. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 558- 8844.

Latham Firefighters Ice Cream Social Jul 8, 12-9pm Sat. Car and antique tractor and engine show, kids Jr. Olympic games and pedal tractor pull, country band, fi re apparatus and emergency vehicle show at 4pm, refreshments, and more. 674-3443. Latham Firehouse, 271 N. Macon St., Latham.

Mid-Summer Blast Jul 8. Prop Club, 264 Maple Grove Lane, 529-4901.

Public Hearing Jul 15, 1:30-2:30pm Sat. Public hearings for FY 2016- 2018 Area Plan. aginglinc. org. Area Agency on Aging for Lincolnland, 3100 Montvale Dr., 787-9234.

Sunday Scholar Jul 9, 9am-1pm Sun. Presentation about perseverance by Dr. Richard Glover. Free. abundantfaith. org. Abundant Faith Christian Center, 2525 Taylor Ave., 585- 4000.

Food Downtown Jacksonville Farmers Market Jul 12, 19, 4-7pm Wed. Every Wednesday May- Oct. Sponsored by Jacksonville Main Street. jacksonvillemainstreet. com. 245-6884. Downtown Jacksonville, Central Park, Jacksonville, 243-5678.

Horseshoe Dinner Jul 13, 4-6pm Thu. hickoryglenil.com. Hickory Glen Senior Living, 1700 W. Washington St., 793-0431.

Illinois Products Farmers Market Jul 13, 4-7pm Thu. Every Thursday. Shopping, health and wellness information, special focuses and more in a street party atmosphere. SNAP cards accepted. Free. agr.state.il.us/ nightmarket. Illinois State Fairgrounds, The Shed, 801 Sangamon Ave.

Jacksonville Farmers Market Jul 6, 8, 11, 13, 15, 18. Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday through Oct. jaxfresh.org. Lincoln Square, Jacksonville.

Old Capitol Farmers Market Jul 8, 12, 15, 19, 8am- 12:30pm. Shop local produce, meats, cheeses and more. Entertainment on Saturdays includes chef demonstrations, live performances, activities and more. Free admission. downtownspringfi eld.org. Downtown Springfi eld, Inc., 3 W. Old State Capitol Plaza, 544-1723.

History

From Seed to Shirt Jul 6, 1-4pm Thu. Program explains the role of cotton in the Civil War-era economies of both the South and North. Free. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 785-9363.

Manners with Mr. Lincoln Jul 12, 19, 2-3pm Wed. Abraham Lincoln and Mrs. Edwards lead a discussion on proper life and manners in the 19th century. Free. edwardsplace.org. Edwards Place, Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Health

Cancer Companions Jul 10, 6:30-8pm Mon. Ministry to current or former cancer patients, their loved ones, friends and co-workers. $20. oursaviors-church. org. Our Savior’s Church and School, 2645 Old Jacksonville Road, 546-4531.

Tai Chi Easy Jul 11, 17-18, 5:30-6:30pm Mon-Tue. Practice mindful, gentle and circular movements performed at a relaxed tempo. Led by Cindy Cannamela. $17 per session of $75 for fi ve. chiaracenter.org. Chiara Center, 4875 LaVerna Road, 523-0901.

Faith & Philosophy

Cowboy Church Jul 9, 5pm Sun. Held the second Sunday of each month. Meal at 5pm; music at 6pm. Clementine Memorial Church, 2075 N. 11th St., 638-1648.

Philosopher or Prophet Jul 7, 7-8pm Fri. Presentation on the impact past religious Prophets have had on society. Free. 546-9171. Springfi eld Bah·’Ì Center, 1131 S. Eighth St., 544-9595.

Sports & Fitness

Big Dawg Dare Jul 15, 8am Sat. Extreme 5K run features infl atable obstacles and mud. Registration. bigdawgdare. com. Wolff Farms, 3153 N. 15th Ave., Litchfi eld, 866-733- 5833.

Bike and Hike Days Jul 11-17, 19. Enjoy safe recreation and minimized vehicular traffi c around a modifi ed loop. Hosted by Springfi eld Park District. Free. springfi eldparks.org. Washington Park, 1501 S. Grand Ave. W., 544-1751.

Bike and Hike Days Jul 16, 8am-3pm Sun. Enjoy safe recreation and minimized vehicular traffi c. Hosted by Springfi eld Park District. Free. springfi eldparks.org. Washington Park, 1501 S. Grand Ave. W., 544-1751.

Capitol Takeover Jul 8, 7am-5pm Sat. Twoperson CrossFit competition featuring RX, Scaled and Masters divisions. $150 per team; free to spectators. capitoltakeover.com. Rail Splitter CrossFit, 300 W. North St., 312-882-2440.

Cops ‘n Bobbers Jul 11, 9am-1pm Tue. Learn fi nishing basics and view demonstrations from bomb and arson dogs. Eleventh annual event for Macoupin County children ages 6-10 years old. ilfop.org. Girard.

Spooner Softball Tournament Jul 14-16. lakespringfi eld.org. Anchor Boat Club, 407 E. Lake Shore Dr., 529-1174.

Women’s Distance Festival Jul 8, 8am Sat. Two-mile race and kids’ fun run. Registration. srrc.net. Washington Park, 1501 S. Grand Ave. W., 544- 1751.

Workout in the Park Jul 6, 6-7pm Thu. Hosted by HSHS Central Illinois, Springfi eld Park District, FitClub and Scheels. Free. springfi eldparks.org. Washington Park Gazebo, South Grand Avenue entrance.

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

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