Holiday Happenings

Fourth of July Blast Jul 4, 6am-10pm Wed. A full day of fun, including a fi shing tournament, 5K and fun run, parade, Kid Zone, fl ea market, fi reworks display and more. jacksonvilleil.org. 243-5678. Nichols Park, 319 Holken Brink Dr., Jacksonville.

Fourth of July Carnival Jul 4, 9:30am-1pm Wed. Featuring a picture booth, bounce house, games for all ages, face painting, snow cones and more. Hosted by Boy Scout Troop 210. $7 per wristband. Jerome United Methodist Church, 1570 Reed Ave., 546-2241.

Independence Party Jun 30, Sat. Sangamo Surf Club, 405 E. Lake Shore Dr, 529-1712.

Fairs & Festivals

Assumption Fest Jun 28-30, Thu-Sat. Familyfriendly fair featuring the new Majestik Spectacular stunt show, a car show, BBQ cookoff, pageants, carnival, pet show, petting zoo, live entertainment and much more. Free. Assumption.

Capital City Celebration Jun 30, 4pm-12am Sat. Featuring fireworks, a dog pageant, live music, a kids area and food trucks. Hosted by the Springfield Jaycees. Free. springfi eldjaycees.net. Downtown Springfield, South Second Street and East Capitol Avenue, 638-1068.

First Sunday Midwest Bazaar Jul 1, 8am-4pm Sun. Rain or shine event featuring arts, crafts, decor, jewelry, food, furniture, antiques and vintage, a local wine and craft beer patio and more. $4 per person, free to ages 12 and under. Menard County Fairgrounds, 18450 Fairgrounds, Petersburg.

Theater & Comedy Anybody’s Story: 200 Years of Illinoisans and Their Stuff Jul 6-7, 7:30-9:30pm Fri-Sat. A series of vignettes inspired by the objects in the “Bicentennial and Beyond” exhibit. $15 SAA members; $20 non. illinoisstatemuseum.org. Edwards Place, Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Comedian Ryan Singer Jul 6-7, 8-9:45pm Fri-Sat. Uncompromising and unpretentious comedian Ryan Singer. Host of the “Me & Paranormal You” podcast on iTunes. $15. mclimits.com. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482-5233.

Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr. Jun 28-30, 8pm Thu-Sat. Musical production features more than 50 local students. Directed by Adam Power. $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.

Follies in Concert Jun 29-30, 7pm Fri-Sat. Dinner theater production features live musical entertainment with songs from the award-winning Stephen Sondheim musical Follies. $45 per person; $90 per couple. theatre7.net. Theatre 7, 131 N. Water St., Decatur, 423-2107.

Mamma Mia! Jul 6-8, 11, 7pm Wed-Thu, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. A young woman’s quest to discover her father’s identity brings her back to the Greek island paradise they last visited 20 years ago. $20 adv; $30 day of; $22 seniors and children. atthelegacy.com. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.

Sister Act Jun 28-Jul 1, 8:30pm Thu-Sun. Play based on the hit 1992 comedy starring Whoopi Goldberg. Co-directed and choreographed by Morgan Kaplan and Andrew Maynerich. themuni.org. The Muni, 815 E. Lake Dr., 793-MUNI.

Music: General Events Artist on the Plaza Concert Series Jul 4, 12-1pm Wed. Family-friendly outdoor performance series featuring local talent. Hosted by the Springfield Area Arts Council. Free. springfieldartsco.org. 753-3519. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 785-9363.

Beatles vs Stones: A Musical Showdown Jun 29, 8-10pm Fri. Two of the greatest bands of all time face off in a high-energy, adrenaline-pumping musical showdown. Featuring the tribute bands Abbey Road and Satisfaction. $30-$65. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

Bishop Gunn Jun 29, 5:45-9pm Fri. Central Park, 32 N. Central Park, Jacksonville, 245-6884.

Music at the Market Jun 30, 10am-12pm Sat. Entertainment provided by local performers. Free. springfieldartsco.org. 753-3519. Old Capitol Farmers Market, Fourth and Adams streets, 544-1723.

Music from the Edwards Family Songbooks Jun 29, 1-1:45pm Fri. A fun piano concert featuring sheet music owned by the Edwards family. Free. edwardsplace.org. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Musical Chairs #4 Jun 30, 7:30-10:30pm Sat. Musicians, poets and writers are welcome to take the chair and play their music, read excerpts from books or recite poetry. $5. pharmacygallery.com. The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space, 711 S. Fifth St., 801-810-9278.

The American Rogues Jul 6, 5:45-9pm Fri. Part of the Oakleaf Crypto Tech Concert Series. BYO picnics, blankets and lawn chairs. Food and beer vendors on site. Free. jacksonvillemainstreet.com. 245- 6884. Central Park, 32 N. Central Park, Jacksonville.

Dance Dance for Hope Jul 6, 7:30-10:30pm Fri. Latin dance night every first Friday of the month. $8 per person. Free admission to one dance of your choosing during your birth month. danceforhope3111.com. Normandy Hill Plaza, 3111 Normandy Road, Suite 104, 522-9106.

Art & Architecture Golden Age Exhibit Jun 29-30, Jul 6-7, 12-6pm Fri-Sat. A continuing exhibit by artist members of the Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space that honors Springfield writer and poet Vachel Lindsay. Free. pharmacygallery.com. The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space, 711 S. Fifth St., 801-810-9278.

Film & Television Fifth Annual Jewish Film Series Jun 28, 7pm Thu. Featuring awardwinning Jewish films from around the world suitable for a multicultural, multigenerational audience. $25 for series pass; $7 per film or $5 per film with student ID. shalomspringfield.org. Capital City Bar & Grill, 3149 S. Dirksen Pkwy, 529-8580.

Children’s Corner

Fun Under the Big Top Jun 30, 6pm-9am Sat. An evening of fun and games under the big tent. Hosted by Operation Hometown Santa. Free admission. Purchase tickets for games/activities.operationhometownsanta.com. 725- 5484. Rochester Community Park, Rochester.

Summer Film Fest: Gravity Jul 3, 10-10:30am Tue. 30-minute fi lms every Tue and Wed in June and July for ages 3-8. Part of the Bob Steffan Summer Film Fest. $5 adults 19-64; free to members, youth, seniors, military and veterans. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 782-6044. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

Summer Passport Series Jun 28-Jul 6, 9am-4:30pm Mon-Sun. Series of fi ve search activities enables families to take a closer look at the exhibits that they love. $5 adults 19-64; free to members, youth, seniors, military and veterans. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 558-6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

Zooper Edventures Jun 30, 1-3pm Sat. Learn about animals and their ecosystems through crafts, games and animal observations. For ages 5-6. $13 residents, $15 non. springfi eldparks.org. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 585-1821.

Nature Enos Park Community Garden Night Jul 4, 6-8pm. Every Wednesday. Help garden and share the vegetable harvest. Free. Enos Park Community Garden, 1022 N. Fifth St., 847-341-0591.

Lectures & Meetings Adult Children of Alcoholics Jul 3, 5:15pm Tue. Weekly meetings every Tuesday. New attendees welcome. [email protected]. Discovery Club, 313 W. Cook St., 544-9049.

Celebrate Recovery Jun 29, 6:30-8:30pm Fri. A Christcentered recovery program for hurts, habits and hangups. livingfaithbaptist. org. Living Faith Baptist Church, 7575 W. Outer Road, Sherman, 496-2590.

Emotional Support Group Jul 2, 6-7pm Mon. Meets every other Monday. Free. burstingbubbles.org. 335- 2961. Memorial’s Center for Learning and Innovation, 228 W. Miller, 545-6314.

Springfield Civic Garden Club Jul 2, 9am Mon. Presentation titled “Tough Trees for Our Evolving Climate” by Guy Sternberg. Free. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut St., 522-4415.

Bulletin Board

Adult Prom Jun 29, 7-11pm Fri. 90s-themed event features photo booth, DJ and 90s regalia. Cash bar. $20 advance; $25 at door. springfieldartsco.org. 753-3519. Arlington’s, 210 Broadway St., 679-6235.

APL’s Pet Adoption Jun 30, Sat. Cats available 11am-4pm. Dogs available 12-3pm. aplshelter.org. 544-7387. PetSmart, 3183 S. Veterans Pkwy, 698- 3091.

APL’s Pet Adoption Jul 1, 10am-3pm Sun. Cats and dogs available. apl-shelter.org. 544-7387. Macon County Fairgrounds, 3700 N. Westlawn Ave., Decatur, 875-0135.

Friends of SCAC Adoption Event Jun 30, 9am-12pm Sat. Featuring adoptable dogs. friendsofac.org. 816-5592. Hair of the Dog Bar/bershop, 323 E. Monroe St., 670-0699.

Wedding Event Jun 30, 11am-1pm Sat. Visit with event and catering experts. Free. RSVP by June 28. [email protected]. The Inn at 835, 835 S. Second St., 523-4466.

Food 217 Food Week: Sip And Sample Jun 28-Jul 1, Thu-Sun. Featuring specialty drinks and appetizers for $5 each. 217foodweek.com.

Various locations. Illinois Products Farmers Market Jul 5, 4-7pm Thu. Every Thursday. Shopping, health and wellness information, live entertainment and more in a street party atmosphere. SNAP cards accepted. Free. agr.state. il.us/nightmarket. Illinois State Fairgrounds, The Shed, 801 Sangamon Ave.

History At Home in the Heartland Jun 29, 2-2:30pm Fri. Journey through 200 years of Illinois history on this curator-led gallery walk through “At Home in the Heartland.” Free with museum admission. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 558-6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

Bicentennial and Beyond: The Illinois Legacy Collection Jun 30, Jul 1-6, 9am-4:30pm Mon-Sat, 12-4:30pm Sun. Featuring rare and rarely-seen artifacts from the Museum’s Illinois Legacy Collection to highlight the dynamic story of Illinois. Free with museum admission. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 558-6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

Clara Irwin’s Strawberry Party Jul 4, 5-8pm Wed. Featuring entertainment, fresh strawberry confections, live music, games, and a group reading of the Declaration of Independence. ileshouse.org. Elijah Iles House, 628 S. Seventh St., 492-5929.

Exhibition Preview: Bicentennial and Beyond Jun 29, 5:30-7:30pm Fri. Featuring rare and rarely-seen artifacts from the Museum’s Illinois Legacy Collection to highlight the dynamic story of Illinois. RSVP’s encouraged. Free. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 782- 0979. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

Grant Goes To War: The March From Springfield Jul 5, 6:30-8:30pm Thu. Fifth in a series of 12 programs about Illinois and the Civil War. Sponsored by the Civil War Roundtables of Macoupin County and Springfi eld. Free. booksonthesquare.com. Books on the Square Springfi eld, 427 E. Washington St., 965-5443.

How Illinoisans Remember the Civil War Jun 28, 6-7:30pm Thu. Fourth in a series of 12 programs about Illinois and the Civil War. Sponsored by the Civil War Roundtables of Macoupin County and Springfi eld. Free. booksonthesquare.com. Books on the Square Springfi eld, 427 E. Washington St., 965-5443.

Walk and Talk: Bicentennial and Beyond Jul 6, 2-2:30pm Fri. Journey through 200 years of Illinois history on this curatorled gallery walk through the “Bicentennial and Beyond: The Illinois Legacy Collection” exhibition. Free with museum admission. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 558- 6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

Faith & Philosophy Adult Summer Camp Jun 29-30, 5-10pm Fri, 7am- 7pm Sat. Relive some of your favorite summer camp memories during this overnight camping experience. $75 per person, includes four meals and dorm housing. lscacamp. org. Lake Springfield Christian Assembly, 1674 Lick Creek Lane, Chatham, 529-2625.

Companions on the Journey Jul 2, 11:30am-12:30pm Mon. A lunchtime gathering for seniors on the fi rst Monday of each month. Includes meal, speakers and discussion period. Reservations. $20. chiaracenter.org. Chiara Center, 4875 LaVerna Road, 523-0901.

Labyrinth Night Jun 28, 8-9:30pm Thu. Walk the labyrinth in silence and share refl ections afterwards in the old portico. RSVP required. $10 contribution. chiaracenter. org. Chiara Center, 4875 LaVerna Road, 523-0901.

Sports & Fitness Modified Bike and Hike Days Jul 2-4, 4-6pm Mon-Wed. 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.

Over the Edge Jun 30, 9am-4pm Sat. Rappel down the Abraham Lincoln Hotel Doubletree in exchange for donations in support of Sparc. Free to attend; must fund raise $1,000 to rappel. otecwe.com. 793-2100. President Abraham Lincoln Hotel & Conference Center, 701 E. Adams, 544-8800.

Pickleball for Beginners Jul 4, 11, 5:30-10pm Wed, 5:30-10pm Wed. Learn the basics of pickleball from the Springfield Pickleball Club. Paddles and balls provided. For ages 12+. Free. springfieldparks.org. 544-1751 x 1012. Iles Park, Sixth and Ash streets.

Watermelon 5K Jun 30, 7:30am Sat. In support of the Cochlear Implant Awareness Foundation. $25 for high school students; $35 for adults. watermelon5Krace.com. Rochester Community Park, Rochester.

Yoga for a Cause Jun 30, 9-10am Sat. A yoga practice for all levels, led by Ashley Krstulovich. In support of Compass for Kids. Free, donations accepted. illinoistimestix.com. Old Capitol Farmers Market, Fourth and Adams streets, 544-1723.

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

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