Fairs & Festivals

Springfield Railroad Society Annual Train Fair Mar 24, 10am-4pm Sun. $5 adults, children under 11 years old free. Early bird shopping starts at 9am, $10. Free parking. Largest show in downstate Illinois. 217-544-4295. springfieldtrainfair.com. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-725-8047.

Books & Authors

Book Signing Mar 22, 5-8pm Fri. Local author Alison Hopkins Blasdell will be signing copies of her novel, Touch the Sky. Books will be available for purchase or you can bring your own copy. Mama Lee’s Sandbar, 6111 Mechanicsburg Road, 217-498-7625.

Poets in the Parlor Mar 24, 2-4pm Sun. Join us for the book launch of author John McCarthy’s Scared Violent Like Horses. Free. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St., 217-524-0901.

Theater & Comedy

Animal Protective League’s Annual Comedy Night Mar 21, 7:30pm Thu. Featuring Christine Stedman and opening act Ted Denson. $22 VIP, $20 general seating. All proceeds benefit the animals of APL. aplshelter.org. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 3455 Freedom Dr., 217- 391-JOKE.

Chelsea Sunrise Mar 22-24, 7:30pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. Tickets $12-$14, children $10. Senior discounts. Albert Taylor Theatre, Millikin’s Shilling Hall, Decatur, 217-424- 6318.

Christine Stedman Mar 22-23 9:30pm.. Tickets $17 VIP or $15 general seating. donniebs.com Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 3455 Freedom Dr., 217-391-JOKE.

Mamma Mia! Mar 22-24, 7:30pm Fri-Sun. More than 70 Springfield High School students are in the cast of this year’s production. $8 adults, $5 students and seniors. Springfield High School, 101 S. Lewis St., 217- 525-3100.

Murder Mystery Dinner: Drew Stroud’s The RatTrap Mar 22-23, 6pm Fri-Sat. Enjoy a fun-filled evening and see if you can solve the case. Cash bar available. Tickets must be ordered by noon of Wednesday before the performance. Admission. springfieldtheatrecentre.com. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523- 2787.

Nice Work If You Can Get It! Mar 22-24, 7pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. A production of the Lutheran High School drama department featuring the music of George and Ira Gershwin. $10 adults, $8 students and seniors. 217-529-3307. Lutheran High School, 3500 W. Washington St., 217-546-6363.

She Kills Monsters Mar 23, 7:30pm Thu-Sat, 2pm Sun. Illinois College Sibert Theatre, McGaw Fine Arts Center, Jacksonville, 217-245- 3000.

The Sound of Music Mar 27, 7:30-9:30pm Wed. Spirited, romantic and beloved musical tells the story of Maria and the von Trapp family. Featuring a Tony-, Grammy- and Academy Award-winning Best Score. $29+. sangamonauditorium.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206- 6160.

Theatre in the Park Auditions Mar 23, 9am-3pm Sat. Auditions for the outdoor summer theatre’s six productions in 2019. theatreinthepark.net. Sherman United Methodist Church, 2336 E. Andrew Road, Sherman, 217- 496-2338.

Music: General Events

Brown Bag Concert Mar 27, 12:15-12:45pm Wed. The Brown Bag Concert series features a variety of musical artists during Lent. The audience is invited bring their own lunch and enjoy the concerts or “Brown Bag Lunches” may be purchased at the door for $5. Free. lincolnschurch.org. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 217-528-4311.

Carillon Winter Concerts Mar 24, 27, 2pm Sun, 12pm Wed. Carillonneur Carlo van Ulft will be playing classical, folk and popular music. Free and all ages are welcome. carillon-rees.org. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546- 3853.

French Connections Concert Mar 22, 7:30pm Fri. A concert by the Illinois Symphony Orchestra. Featuring Clayton Penrose- Whitmore on violin. Admission. ilsymphony.org. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 217- 528-4311.

Sunday Drive Mar 24, 6:30pm Sun. Featuring Misty, Jeff and Dusty Treece. Salisbury Baptist Church, Byron Street off Rt. 97, Pleasant Plains, 217-361-6590.

The HIllbilly Celts Mar 24, 2pm Sun. Featuring Dennis Cline, Joe Readnour and Dan Grover. $15 and reservations required. 217-947-2238. John D. Gillett Memorial Chapel, Elkhart Hill, Elkhart, (217) 947-2346.

Dance

Cinderella Mar 23, 2pm and 7pm.. Presented by the Springfield Ballet Company. Pre-show activities for the children starting at 1 pm and 6 pm and a photo opportunity after the show with Cinderella with a ticket purchase. Admission. uispac.com Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160.

Prom It Forward Mar 24, 1-3pm Sun. This is a great way to help high school girls who may not be able to afford their dream dress purchase gently used formal dresses and accessories for their perfect prom night. springfieldymca.org. Downtown YMCA, 701 S. Fourth St., 217-544-9846.

Art & Architecture

Annual IPPS Member’s Exhibition Through March 30. The annual member’s exhibition. Free. illinoisprairiepastelsociety.org Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.

IPPS Exhibition Reception Mar 22, 5:30-7:30pm Fri. Illinois Prairie Pastel Society member’s annual exhibition reception. Free. springfieldart.org. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.

ArtHive Spring Swarm Art Show Mar 23, 10am-5pm Sat. Mixed media, jewelry, hand-dyed batiks, ceramics, fiber art. Free. arthive835.com. The State House Inn, 101 E. Adams St., 217-528- 5100.

Jan Villarreal’s Oils on Canvas Mar 21-24, 27, 10am-3pm Wed-Sun. Oil on canvas work by Jan Villarreal is on display. Her subjects range from still lifes to landscapes and florals. Free. wildharecafe-elk-il.com. Horsefeather’s Wild Hare CafÈ, 104 Governor Oglesby St., Elkhart, 947-2100.

Jeanine Coupe Ryding Exhibition Through May 13. Features a selection of relief prints, artist books and collages from the last 10 years by the Evanston artist. $5 adults ages 19-64. illinoisstatemuseum.org. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Sing Muses Exhibition Mar 21-27, Sunday 12-4:30pm.. This exhibition looks at artwork from the museum’s permanent collection that narrates a story for us. Artists include Stanley Bly, Henry Darger, Glen C. Davies, Nicole Gordon, George Klauba, Shirley Mann, Nancy Plotkin, Filemon Santiago and Kevin Veara. $5 adults 19-64. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 217- 558-6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

The Genius of Frank Lloyd Wright Mar 23, 1-2:30pm Sat. Timothy Totten’s engaging storytelling is a fast-paced, fact-filled journey through the life of Frank Lloyd Wright. Free. dana-thomas.org. 217-788-9452. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217- 782-7386.

The Magnificently Mundane Mar 27, 2-3pm Wed. A curatorial walk-through for a group exhibition that presents works selected from the field of graphic design. Light refreshments. Free. UIS Visual Arts Gallery, HSB 201, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6506.

Vision Mar 22-23, 6-9pm Fri-Sat. Grand opening reception and art show of The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space. Music. The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space, 623 E. Adams St., 801-810-9278.

We Are Illinoisans Exhibition Mar 21-27, 9am-4:30pm Mon- Sat, 12-4:30pm Sun. An exhibition highlighting immigrants to Illinois from the 18th century to today through photos, objects, and life stories. Museum admission. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 217- 558-6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Children’s Corner

Story Time Mar 21, 11am-12pm Thu. It has been proven that reading to children improves their vocabulary, focus and helps foster curiosity. Join us for a short story time in the Little Free Lincoln Library. Kidzeum of Health and Science Children’s Museum, 412 E. Adams St., 217-971-4435.

Seussical the Musical Mar 23, Sat 2pm and 7pm; Sun 2pm. Watch as the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant in this fun and funny production where Dr. Seuss characters come to life. $12-$28. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523- 2787.

Spotlight on Ice Mar 23, 2pm Sat-Sun, 7pm Sat. Featuring special guest Camden Pulkinen, 2018 US National Junior Champion. Presented by Springfield Figure Skating Club. General admission: $12 adults, $7 children 12 and under. On ice reserved: $23 front row, $18 other rows. sfsc4u.com. Nelson Center Ice Arena, Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St., 217-525-2589.

Storm Safety and Weather Day Mar 23, 10am Sat. Learn about Joe Crain and what he does to help out community in our WKID Weather Station. Learn how to make your own cloud in the jar. kidzeum.org. Kidzeum of Health and Science Children’s Museum, 412 E. Adams St., 217-971-4435.

Zoo Tot Class Mar 26-27, 10-11am Tue-Wed. Each class includes stories, animal visits, cool crafts, games and more. Advance registration is required, and classes fill quickly. $9 residents, $11.50 non ($6 per each additional student). springfieldparks.org. 217-585- 1821. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-585- 1821.

Lectures & Meetings

Adult Children of Alcoholics and other Dysfunctional Families Mar 26, 5:15pm Tue. Weekly meetings every Tuesday. New attendees welcome. wisetruth@yahoo.com. Discovery Club, 313 W. Cook St., 217-544-9049.

Disadvantaged Business Enterprises Conference Mar 25-26, 12:30pm Mon, 4pm Tue. The conference provides educational and skill-building workshops, and best practices and networking opportunities to DBE firms and contractors from across the state. $50. 217-782- 3030. President Abraham Lincoln Hotel & Conference Center, 701 E. Adams, 217-544-8800.

Hope for Helpers Mar 23, 12-1pm Sat. A peer support group for social workers, therapists, counselors and other helping professionals. Prevention First, Inc., 2800 Montvale Dr., 217-793-7353.

Retired State Employees Association Monthly Meeting Mar 27, 1:30pm Wed. Meeting speaker will be Colleen Stone, executive director of Habitat For Humanity of Sangamon County. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2477 W. Washington St., 217-793- 3933.

Springfield ICON Mar 25, 6:30-8:30pm Mon. Topics TBA. Free. springfieldicon.org. 217-528-9803. First Church of the Brethren, 2115 Yale Boulevard, 217-523-5212.

Bulletin Board

6th Annual Trivia Night Mar 23, 6pm Sat. Hosted by the Sangamon County Historical Society. Mark McDonald will be the emcee. Food available for purchase. $10 per person, $100 for table of 10. sangamonhistory.org. 525-1961. Christ the King Parish Center, 1930 Barberry Dr., 546-3527.

Annual Fantasy Auction: ALUUC Fundraiser Mar 23, 6-9:30pm Sat. 217-585- 9550. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 217-585-9550.

Bingo Nights Mar 27, 5:30-6:30pm Wed. Min. of 10 people, max. of 30. Free event for people of all abilities ages 8+. springfieldparks.org 217-503-4576. Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 217-585-2941.

Coin Show - Central Illinois Numismatic Association Mar 24, 9am-4pm Sun. Fifty dealers fill 72 tables with coins, paper money, tokens, medals and bullion. Dealers both buy and sell items. Early bird entry at 7am, $20. General entry $1 from 9am- 4pm, ages 16 and under are free as are CINA members. 217- 793-2178. Northfield Inn, Suites and Conference Center, 3280 Northfield Dr., 217-523-7900.

DivaFest 2019 Mar 22, 6-10pm Fri. Unlock your inner diva while you enjoy our complimentary food, sip on some fine wines and spirits, as well as shopping and pampering yourself. 217-629-7077. Crowne Plaza Springfield, 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy., 217-529-7777.

Gateway to Equality: Black Women and the Struggle for Economic Justice in St. Louis Mar 25, 6pm Mon. With Keona K. Ervin. A part of the ECCE Speaker Series. Free. uis.edu. 217-206- 8507. UIS Brookens Auditorium, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6073.

Handmade Trivia Mar 27, 7-9pm Wed. Donna Smargiassi will be doling out seven rounds featuring five questions per round. Free. buzzbombbrewingco.com. Buzz Bomb Brewing Co., 406 E. Adams St., 217-679-4157.

Historic Fashion Show Mar 23, 1pm Sat. Featuring a wide range of fashion primarily from the 19th-20th centuries in an experience similar to the first fashion parades in salons of 19th century Paris. $10 members, $15 non. edwardsplace.org. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.

March Trivial Mania Mar 21, 10:30am-12pm Thu. Ads from the 1950’s and 1960’s for Picture This Trivia and trivia questions from music, tv shows and movies for Fabulous Fifties Trivia. centralilseniors.org. 217- 528-4035. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.

Nana’s Naughty Knickers Day Trip Mar 22, 4:15pm Fri. centralILseniors.org. 217- 503-4629. The Barn III, 1445 Timberline Road, Goodfield, 309- 262-7335.

Rome Extended Trip Mar 26, 12am Tue. $3,593 per person for a double; $600 single supplement. centralILseniors.org. 217-503-4629. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.

Springfield Parents for Student with Disabilities Mar 23, 8am-12:30pm Sat. 217-523-2587. Southeast High School, 2350 E. Ash St., 217- 525-3130.

Trivia Night Mar 23, 6-10pm Sat. 5th Annual Trivia Night and Auction. $20. stanthony.il.goarch.org. 217-652- 9798. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Rd., 217-546-9515.

UIS English Department Trivia Night Mar 22, 6-11pm Fri. Annual Trivia Night. $100 per table or $15 per person. 217-206-8477. uis.edu. UIS Field Station at Lake Springfield , 1 Club Area, 217- 206-8616.

Food

Irish Lunch Mar 24, 11am-1pm Sun. Irish beef stew, soda bread, apple cake and choice of beverage. $15.99 and reservations required. 217 947 2238. elkharthistoricalsociety.org. Wild Hare Cafe, 104 Governor Oglesby St., Elkhart, 217-947-2100.

Pancake and Sausage Breakfast Mar 23-24, 8am-12pm Sat-Sun. Pancakes and sausage served with 100% real maple syrup.$8 adults, $5 children under 12. Free for under children under 3. Reservations. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-529-1111.

Politics

Citizens Club Policy Breakfast Mar 22, 8-9am Fri. “The 2020 Illinois State Budget” with Kent Redfield and a Gov. Pritzker administrative budget spokesperson.Coffee reception at 7:30. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Decoding U.S./ China Trade Mar 21, 7pm Thu. World Affairs Council of Central Illinois. SIU professors Roy Wehrle and Baker Siddiquee will lead the discussion. 787-5729. mywacci.org. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 217-528- 4311.

History

Gen. John A. Logan Mar 21, 7pm Thu. Presented by Tim Jacobs, commander of the Tri-State Roundtable, Quincy. Free. Books on the Square Springfield, 427 E. Washington St., 217-965-5443.

Middle Passage Exhibit Grand Opening Mar 23, 5:30pm Sat. The Middle Passage refers to the horrific, forced journey of millions of captive Africans shipped to the Americas as part of the Transatlantic slave route. spiaahm.org. Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum, 1440 Monument Ave., 217-391-6323.

Museum After Hours - The Art of Tatoos Mar 22, 5pm Fri. View the influence of tattoo artists from prehistory to modern times with a special exhibition of objects and artwork. Ages 21+. $10 members, $15 non. 782-0979. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Health

2019 Fight for Air Climb Mar 24, 8am Sun. American Lung Association. Climb the stairs of a skyscraper to the top. lung.org. Wyndham at Springfield City Centre, 700 E. Adams St., 217-789-1530.

Glucose and Blood Pressure Screens Mar 27, 9:30-11:30am Wed. SIU Center for Family Medicine will perform the screenings. Free. centralilseniors.org. 217-528- 4035. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217- 528-4035.

Faith & Philosophy

Finding the Pathway to Unity Mar 22, 7-8:30pm Fri. Presentation and discussion. Light refreshments and fellowship follow. 217-546-9171. Springfield Baha’i Center, 1131 S. Eighth St., 217-544-9595.

Lenten Dinner and Devotions Mar 27, 6pm Wed. Grace Lutheran Church, 714 E. Capitol Ave., 217-522-3965.

Sports & Fitness

Indoor Archery Ministry Mar 25, 6-8pm Mon. Shoot for fun or for competition. Three-D targets with ASA scoring. All ages are welcome. athenschristian.net. Athens Christian Church, 1411 E. Route 29, Athens, 217- 636-8463.