Fairs & Festivals

Black Sheep Fest Aug 11, 3pm Sat. A celebration of local Springfield music and the Black Sheep Cafe as an all-ages venue. An all-ages event. $10 per person. blacksheepspringfield.com. Black Sheep Cafe, 1320 S. Eleventh St., 847- 428-0562.

Illinois State Fair Aug 9-19. So much to do we can’t list everything. Food, entertainment, midway, exhibits and more. Admission. illinois.gov. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.

Litchfield Pickers Market Aug 12, 9am-3pm Sun. Open-air market specializing in vendors featuring items prior to 1980. Plus live music, food and more. Free. visitlitchfield.com. Downtown Litchfi eld, 400 N. State St., Litchfield, 866-733-5833.

Old Capitol Farmers Market Aug 11, 8am-12:30pm Sat. National Farmers Market Week celebration featuring yoga, food recovery chef demo with Denise Perry, live music by Tim Garman, Slow Food Springfield tent and more. Free admission. Downtown Springfield.

Books & Authors

Author George A.M. Heroux Aug 11, 1-2pm Sat. Book signing with author George A.M. Heroux’s in honor of his three latest books: But for the Crash, Let Your Writing Talents Emerge and I’m the President by Donald Thump. The Book Rack, 2943 West White Oaks Dr., 241-2102.

Third Thursday Reading Series Aug 16, 6-8pm Thu. Book launch for Travis Finds the Truth, written by Melissa Morrissey and illustrated by Michelle “Micki” Smith. Open mic and discussion at 6pm; presentation to follow. Free. twelvewinters.com. Sherman Public Library, 2100 E. Andrew Road, Sherman, 496-2496.

Theater & Comedy Annie Aug 9-12, 8pm Thu-Sun. Directed by Carly Shank. Sponsored by RSM. themuni.org. The Muni, 815 E. Lake Dr., 793-MUNI.

Big River Aug 17-19, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. Mark Twain’s timeless classic sweeps us down the mighty Mississippi as the irrepressible Huck Finn helps his friend Jim, a slave, escape to freedom. $18, $20. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

Lionel Bart’s Oliver! Aug 9-11, 8pm Thu-Sat. Preshows at 7pm nightly. Book, music and lyrics by Lionel Bart. Directed by Mark Wheeler. $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.

Music: General Events 311, The Offspring, Gym Class Heroes Aug 15, 7pm Wed. Rock concert. $34- $54. illinois.gov/statefair. Illinois State Fair Grandstand, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.

Boy George and Culture Club with Tom Bailey Aug 10, 8pm Fri. Concert featuring Culture Club, one of the most influential musical groups in the 1980s. $22-$42. illinois.gov/statefair. Illinois State Fair Grandstand, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.

Brantley Gilbert Aug 19, 8pm Sun. Country concert. $35-$55. illinois.gov/statefair. Illinois State Fair Grandstand, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.

Brett Eldredge Aug 17, 8pm Fri. Country concert. $29- $49. illinois.gov/statefair. Illinois State Fair Grandstand, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.

Dueling Pianos International Aug 13, 8pm Mon. Complimentary concert by Dueling Pianos International. Free. illinois.gov/statefair. Illinois State Fair Grandstand, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.

Flo Rida, Ludacris, Childish Major Aug 18, 8pm Sat. $27-$47. illinois.gov/statefair. Illinois State Fair Grandstand, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.

Foreigner and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts Aug 12, 8pm Sun. Rock concert. $25-$45. illinois.gov/statefair. Illinois State Fair Grandstand, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., 782- 6661.

Halestorm and Mastodon Aug 11, 7:30pm Sat. Rock concert. $28-$48. illinois.gov/statefair. Illinois State Fair Grandstand, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.

Music at the Market Aug 11, 18, 10am-12pm Sat. Entertainment provided by local performers. Free. springfieldartsco.org. 753-3519. Old Capitol Farmers Market, Fourth and Adams streets, 544- 1723.

Music at the Museum: Julie Christensen Aug 9, 7-9pm Thu. Monthly concert series produced by Chris Vallillo features contemporary and traditional folk plus acoustic music. $10 adults, $8 museum members and children under 12. museumconcerts.com. 558- 6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

Music from the Edwards Family Songbooks Aug 10, 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.

Powerlight Christian Music Festival Aug 19, 12-9pm Sun. Featuring Chosen Generation, Slingshot 57, Zach Williams and more. Free after State Fair admission. 553-5271. Illinois State Fair Lincoln Stage.

Dance Dance for Hope Aug 17, 7:30-10:30pm Fri. West coast swing dances every third 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.

Dance for Hope Aug 10, 7:30-10:30pm Fri. Ballroom dance every second 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 Aug 10-11, 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.

Hand-Piece Quilting Workshop Aug 11, 10am-2pm Sat. Handpiece a star-block quilt. Supplies included: $45 members, $35 non. springfieldart.org. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

In Living Color: The Art of John Hoag Opening Reception Aug 10, 5-7:30pm Fri. Exhibition features paintings by John Hoag, who transplanted to Decatur from Vermont two years ago. Gallery talk at 6pm. On display through Aug 29. Free. decaturarts.org. Anne Lloyd Gallery of the Madden Arts Center, 125 N. Water St., Decatur, 423-3189.

Jan Sorenson Hill Art Exhibition Aug 9-22. Theme is “Journey through space.” On display through Aug 31. Sangamo Club, 227 E. Adams St., 544-1793.

Moonlight Market Aug 15, 6-9pm Wed. Event features central Illinois artists and artisans on the first and third Wednesday of each month. Free. 522-3123. Obed and Isaacs, 500 S. Sixth St., 670- 0627.

Children’s Corner Doors Open Illinois Aug 11-12, 9am-4:30pm Sat, 11am-4:30pm Sun. Two days of complimentary museum admission. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 558-6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

Science

Perseid Meteor Shower Star Party Aug 13, 8:30-11pm Mon. Hosted by the University of Illinois Springfield Astronomy-Physics Program, Lincoln Memorial Garden and the Sangamon Astronomical Society. BYO lawn chairs and blankets. A weatherpending event. 206-8342. @ UISObservatory on Twitter. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 529-1111.

Nature

Enos Park Community Garden Night Aug 15, 6-8pm Wed. Every Wednesday. Help garden and share the vegetable harvest. Free. Enos Park Community Garden, 1022 N. Fifth St., 847- 341-0591.

Region 9 American Iris Society Plant Sale Aug 11, 9am-12pm Sat. Featuring beautiful iris varieties from the collections of the Region 9 American Iris Society members. springfieldparks.org. Washington Park Botanical Garden Exhibit Hall, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 546-4116.

Second Saturday: Terrariums Aug 11, 10-11am Sat. Create your own terrarium. $25 per person. greenview.com. 309- 243-7761. GreenView Nursery, 3000 W. Jefferson St., 787- 4700.

Trees and the Urban Stormwater Environment Aug 9, 6:30-8pm Thu. Landscape architect Seth Henry discusses how to design with trees to benefit urban stormwater quality and quantity. Hosted by the Central Chapter of the Illinois Native Plant Society. Free. ill-inps.org. 971-1615. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 E. Clear Lake Ave., 544-2473.

Lectures & Meetings AARP Chapter 195 Aug 13, 11am Mon. Featuring a special guest from the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program. Business meeting at 2pm. Lunch available for $6. 529-9763. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 546-9515.

Adult Children of Alcoholics and other Dysfunctional Families Aug 14, 5:30pm Tue. Weekly meetings every Tuesday. New attendees welcome. wisetruth@yahoo.com. Discovery Club, 313 W. Cook St., 544-9049.

Advanced Beyond the Basics iPhone and iPad Training Aug 16, 6-8pm Thu. Bring yourself, your iPhone and/or iPad. Register. aarp.cvent.com. Wanless Elementary School, 2120 E. Reservoir St., 525-3272.

Breakfast Optimist Club Aug 17, 7am Fri. Every Friday. Visitors welcome. 546-5021. Peace Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St., 546-7646.

Breast Cancer Support Group Aug 14, 5pm Tue. Meets second Tuesday of the month. Topic: Lymphedema: Prevention, Treatment and Exercise. 757- 7684. Clarke Conference Room (E-118), Memorial Medical Center, 701 N. First St.

Celebrate Recovery Aug 17, 6:30-8:30pm Fri. Every Friday. A Christcentered recovery program for hurts, habits and hang-ups. livingfaithbaptist.org. Living Faith Baptist Church, 7575 W. Outer Road, Sherman, 496- 2590.

Emotional Support Group Aug 13, 6-7pm Mon. Meets every other Monday. Free. burstingbubbles.org. 335-2961. Memorial’s Center for Learning and Innovation, 228 W. Miller, 545-6314.

Got Scraps? Aug 18, 10am-2:30pm Sat. Lecture on scrap quilts presented by Teajuana Mahone of Teaquilts. Reservations. $25, includes box lunch and drinks. 309-678-7716. 602-0426. Jacksonville Moose Lodge, Jacksonville.

Heads Up Group Aug 19, 2-4pm Sun. Support group for individuals with traumatic head injuries. Speaker is Lyle Vandeventer from the Home Services Program, Brain Injury Unit. Free. scil.org. Springfield Center for Independent Living, 330 S. Grand Ave. W., 523-2587.

Restorative Justice Meeting Aug 16, 6:30pm Thu. Held on the third Thursday of every month. A partnership between the Faith Coalition for the Common Good and the Sangamon County Juvenile Detention Center. faithcoalitionil.org. 717-1525. Calvary Baptist Church, 2208 E. Kansas St., 544-1424.

Stamp Collecting Club Aug 20, 7pm Mon. Meetings held on the third Monday of every month. Visitors welcome. 546-5021. Peace Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St., 546-7646.

Bulletin Board Bingo Aug 15, 7-9pm Wed. Enjoy nine games of X-Treme Bar Bingo. Maddy’s Tavern, 228 S. First St., Divernon, 628-8046.

Blood Drive Aug 9, 3-6pm Thu. Hosted by the Central Illinois Community Blood Center. By appointment. bloodcenterimpact.org. 241- 7550. Rochester Public Library, 1 Community Dr., Rochester, 498-8454.

Global Leadership Summit Aug 9-10, Thu-Fri. A two-day event broadcast from Willow Creek Community Church that features world-renowned faculty members who deliver a unique blend of vision, inspiration and practical leadership skills. springfieldfirst.org. First United Methodist Church Springfield, 2941 S. Koke Mill Road, 793-9760.

Party on the Patio Aug 18, Sat. Blue Ridge Club, 411 E. Lake Shore Dr., 529- 1431.

Trinity Block Party Aug 11, 12-2pm Sat. Annual block party featuring children’s games, inflatables, music, food and drink, and more. Free. trinity-lutheran.com. Trinity Lutheran School, 515 S. MacArthur Blvd., 787-2323.

Food

Farmers Market Aug 11, 8:30am-12:30pm Sat. rochesterlibrary.org. Rochester Public Library, 1 Community Dr., Rochester, 498-8454.

Illinois Products Farmers Market Aug 9, 16, 4-7pm Thu. Shopping, health and wellness information, live entertainment and more in a street party atmosphere. Free. agr.state.il.us/nightmarket. 524- 3297. Illinois State Fairgrounds, The Shed, 801 Sangamon Ave.

History

Bicentennial and Beyond: The Illinois Legacy Collection Aug 9-22, 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.

Bicentennial Speaker Series Aug 19, 2-4pm Sun. “Farming in the Great Corn Belt: 200 Years of Challenges, Choices and Changes” presented by Don Meyer. Free. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 782- 0979. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

Edwards Place Garden Party Aug 18, 1-4pm Sat. Featuring live entertainment, lemonade and peach desserts, mint juleps for ages 21+, and lawn games and crafts popular in the 19th century. $20 adults; $5 children. edwardsplace.org. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Illinois Terminal Railway Presentation Aug 18, 1pm Sat. Presentation by Dale Jenkins, the current president of the Illinois Traction Society. tricity.lib.il.us. Tri-City Public Library, 600 S. Main St., Buffalo, 364-8181.

Original Illinois Civil War Flags Aug 16, 6:30-8:30pm Thu. Eleventh in a series of 12 programs about Illinois and the Civil War. Sponsored by the Civil War Roundtables of Macoupin County and Springfield. Free. booksonthesquare.com. Books on the Square Springfield, 427 E. Washington St., 965-5443.

Potawatomi Removals in 1837 Aug 15, 12-1pm Wed. A Brown Bag Program presented by George Godfrey. BYO lunch. Free. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 558-6696. Illinois State Museum Research and Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St., 785-0037.

Stephen A. Douglas, Patriot Aug 9, 6:30-7:30pm Thu. Tenth in a series of 12 programs about Illinois and the Civil War. Sponsored by the Civil War Roundtables of Macoupin County and Springfield. Free. booksonthesquare.com. Books on the Square Springfield, 427 E. Washington St., 965-5443.

Walk and Talk: Bicentennial and Beyond! Aug 17, 10am and 2pm Fri. Journey through 200 years of Illinois history on this curatorled gallery walk through “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.

Walk and Talk: Bicentennial and Beyond! Aug 10, 10-10:30am Fri. Journey through 200 years of Illinois history on this curator-led gallery walk through “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.

Health

Revive! Aug 18, 8:30am-5pm Sat. Learn to overcome past struggles with breakthrough exercises, meditation, Holy Yoga, and spa sessions to revive your mind, body and spirit. $75. eventbrite.com. 801-7464. Chiara Center, 4875 Laverna Road, 523-0901.

Faith & Philosophy Interfaith Devotional Service Aug 12, 4:30-6pm Sun. Prayers, readings and music, followed by light refreshments. Free. 546- 9171. Springfield Baha’i Center, 1131 S. Eighth St., 544-9595.

Sports & Fitness Abe’s Amble 10K Aug 19, 7:30am Sun. 6.2- mile course takes runners through Lincoln Park, Oak Ridge Cemetery and back to fairgrounds. Registration. srrc.net. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.

ARCA Racing Series 100 Sportsman Nationals Aug 19, 1:30pm Sun. Advance: $25 adults, $10 ages 11 and under. Day of: $30 adults, $10 ages 11 and under. illinois.gov/statefair. Illinois State Fair Grandstand, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.

Bike and Hike Days Aug 12, 19, 8am-4pm Sun. Enjoy safe recreation and minimized vehicular traffic. Hosted by Springfield Park District. Free. springfieldparks.org. Washington Park, 1501 S. Grand Ave. W., 544-1751.

Family Archery Day Aug 18, 8:30am-5pm Sat. Open to novice shooters, seasoned bow hunters and target experts. Admission includes trip to Panther Creek Bowhunters Club plus three meals. $20 per person; $80 family max. lscacamp.org. Lake Springfield Christian Assembly, 1674 Lick Creek Lane, Chatham, 529- 2625.

Illinois State Fair Parade Run Aug 9, 5pm Thu. Registration 3-4:30pm. Two-mile road race. Starts near Ethnic Village and follows State Fair Parade route. $25. illinoisstatefairparaderun@gmail.com. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.

Modified Bike and Hike Days Aug 13-15, 20-22, 4-6pm Mon-Wed. Enjoy safe recreation and minimized vehicular traffic around a modifi ed loop. Hosted by Springfield Park District. Free. springfieldparks.org. Washington Park, 1501 S. Grand Ave. W., 544-1751.

Pickleball for Beginners Aug 15, 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.

Rock the Cat Box Aug 10, 6-11pm Fri. A 90s-themed Yoga4Cats event featuring live music by 90s Daughter plus games, bake sale, cash bar and more. $25 includes appetizers. yoga4cats.com. Timbuktu, US RT 36 East, Decatur.

USAC Silver Crown Bettenhausen 100 Aug 18, 12:30pm Sat. Advance: $25 adults, $10 ages 11 and under. Day of: $30 adults, $10 ages 11 and under. illinois.gov/statefair. Illinois State Fair Grandstand, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.

Yoga Aug 14, 5:30pm Tue. Six-week session led by Megan Cox. $10 per session. tricity.lib.il.us. Tri- City Public Library, 600 S. Main St., Buffalo, 364-8181.