Fairs & Festivals

Brainchild, Sunshine Daydream, Chocolate in Your Pocket May 4, 5pm-12am Sat. Live music, food, beer and dancing. Free. Oakwood Street Festival, 126 S. Oakland, Decatur.

Community Family Fun Day May 4, 11am-2pm Sat. In celebration of the church’s 14th anniversary. Food, games, and health screenings and consultations provided by SIU School of Medicine. Free. Fresh Visions Community Church, 1551 J. David Jones Pkwy, 217- 726-5988.

Downtown Open Streets May 4, 11am-3pm Sat. People traffic replaces car traffic and the streets become parks where people of all ages and abilities can come out and improve their health. Free. Downtown Springfield, Inc., 3 W. Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-544-1723.

First Sunday Midwest Bazaar May 5, 8am-4pm Sun. Rain-or-shine event featuring arts, crafts, decor, jewelry, food, furniture, antiques and vintage, and much more. $4 per person, free to ages 12 and under. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217- 782-6661.

Books & Authors

Alison Hopkins Blasdell book signing May 3, 5pm Fri. Local author Alison Hopkins Blasdell will be signing copies of her second novel, “The Confederates’ Physician.” Free. Danenberger Family Vineyards, 12341 Irish Road, New Berlin, 217-488-6321.

Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Video Game Sale May 4, 10am-2pm Sat. Hardbacks $2, trade paperbacks $1, paperbacks $.50. CDs, DVDs, XBox and Wii games $1. Cash or check only. Free. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-753-4900.

Spoken Word

Poets in the Parlor May 5, 2-4pm Sun. Rachel Slotnick shares her poetry and art. An open mic will open the event. Free. vachellindsay.org. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St., 217- 524-0901.

Theater & Comedy

Blood Brothers May 3-5, 8pm Fri and Sat, 4pm Sun. Regional premiere directed by Joe-Michael Jackson and John Paris. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Mike Armstrong May 3-4, 8-9:30pm Fri, 7-8:30pm Sat. $20-$22.50 prepaid or cash only at the door.mclimits.com. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut St., Mason City, 217-482-5233.

Finding Neverland May 6, 7:30-9:30pm Mon. The amazing story behind one of the world’s most beloved characters; Peter Pan. $29+ sangamonauditorium.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217- 206-6160.

Five Presidents May 2-4, 7:30pm Thu- Sat. Five U. S. presidents in the same room at the same time for the funeral of Richard M. Nixon, April 27, 1994. By Rick Cleveland. presidentlincoln.illinois.gov. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.

Jay Owenhouse-The Authentic Illusionist May 3, 8-10pm Fri. A legendary escape artist and one of the most awarded illusionists. $29+. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160.

Spotlight on local comedians May 4, 8pm Sat. Ricky Rocksteady, Johnny Pants, Trevor Hayworth, Richard Bailey and Zach Boblitt. $10- $12. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 3455 Freedom Dr., 217-391- JOKE.

The Addams Family May 4, 7-9:30pm Sat. They’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky. Tickets $9 available at the high school office or at the door. Pleasant Plains High School, 500 N. Cartwright St., Pleasant Plains, 626-1044.

Til Death Do Us Part May 3-5, 6:30pm Fri-Sat, 4:30pm Sun. The spring murder mystery features a wedding theme (guests are encouraged to dress accordingly). Ages 21+ only. $40 members, $45 non. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.

Music: General Events

Chicago Live in Concert May 8, 7:30-9:30pm Wed. $59.99+. uispac.com. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206- 6160.

First Friday Concert Series May 3, 7-7pm Fri. Featured performer is violinist Kamen Petkov. Free. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 815 S. Sixth St., 217-522-3342.

March of the Women May 5, 2-3:30pm Sun. Presented by Phil Passen, who will perform on his hammered dulcimer, sharing music from history. Free. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Midwest Music Expo May 3, 2pm Fri. The Expo is a hub for the exchange of ideas, connections and opportunities for singers, musicians, producers, DJs, managers, podcasters, bloggers, designers and artists. $20- $50. Millikin University, 1184 W. Main St., Decatur, 217- 424-6211.

Nature’s Beauty May 4, 7:30-9:30pm Sat. Featuring renowned violinist Rachel Barton Pine performing Bruch’s “Scottish Fantasy” and Vaughan-Williams’ “Lark Ascending.” $21-$63 adults; $6 students age 6-26; students age 5 and below are free with a paying adult. ilsymphony.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160.

Sounds from the Silver Screen May 3-4, 6pm Fri-Sat. Spring show and dinner by the Land of Lincoln Chorus. 217-553- 3324. Sugar Creek United Methodist Church, 1022 New City Road, Chatham, 622- 7953.

Tiny Desk Concert May 3, 7-10pm Fri. Hosted by NPR Illinois. Jeff Williams, The Deep Hollow, Dexter Anodyne, Kate Laine and Looming Ban. Food and beer available for cash. Admission $10. nprillinois.org. 217- 206-9847. Old State Capitol Plaza, between Sixth and Fifth streets at Adams.

Dance

Dance for Hope May 3, 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, 217-522-9106.

Art & Architecture

Artist Showcase Reception: Angie Tonucci May 4, 6-8pm Sat. Enjoy a meet and greet with the May artist-in-residence, Angie Tonucci. Light refreshments. Free. vachellindsay.org. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St., 217- 524-0901.

Barn Colony Artists open 80th annual exhibit May 3, 5am-7:30pm Fri. From oil paintings to watercolors, colored pencil works to photography, the annual show features a wide range of media. Free. Anne Lloyd Gallery of the Madden Arts Center, 125 N. Water St., Decatur, 217-423-3189.

Constructed Comfort May 3-4 & 6-8, 9-5pm Fri, 10-3pm Sat, 9-5pm Mon- Wed. An exhibition featuring Jessica Bingham and Carrie Gillen. Free. springfieldart.org. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523- 2631.

Crepusculum Featuring M. E. Tumulty, Joe Ciaccio, and Leslie Stalter. Free. springfieldart.org. SAA Collective Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-544-2787.

Drawing with Jason Wolters May 7, 5:30-7:30pm Tue. Focus on the concepts and techniques of drawing including contour line, shading, proportion and perspective. Class limited to 8 students. $40 members, $45 non. strawnartgallery.org. David Strawn Art Gallery, 331 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-243-9390.

Jan Villarreal’s Oils on Canvas May 2-5, 10am-3pm Thu-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.

One Nighter: Printmaking May 4, 6-8pm Sat. Print your own images from a block carved by you. Instructor Betsy Dollar. Limited seating. $20 member, $30 non. 217-Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.

One Nighter: Wheel Throwing May 4, 6-8pm Sat. Learn the basics of throwing pots on a wheel. Pieces will be glazed and fired. Ages 21+. $20 members, $30 non. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523- 2631.

Pottery with Kirby Drennan May 2, and 7-9pm.. Explore hand-building, use of the wheel, glazing and firing. Class limited to 8 students. $55 members, $60 non. strawnartgallery.org. David Strawn Art Gallery, 331 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-243-9390.

Reshaping: Earth and Nature Inspired Reception May 4, 6-8pm Sat. Ceramics by Danny Brikshavana and watercolors, pastels and paper cut with scissors by Joyce Yarbrough. Free. David Strawn Art Gallery, 331 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-243- 9390.

We Are Illinoisans Exhibition An exhibition highlighting immigrants to Illinois from the 18th century to today through photos, objects, and life stories. $5 adults ages 19-64 excluding members, youth, senior, military and veterans. 217-558-6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Film & Television

Jules and Jim May 3, 7-9pm Fri. In pre-WWI Paris, two friends, Jules and Jim, fall in love with the same woman. Free. 217-206-4762. UIS Brookens Auditorium, 1 University Plaza, 217-206- 6073.

Mystery Movie Monday May 6, 7pm Mon. A mystery film shown the first Monday of the month, Jan-May. Films will span from the early days of the 20th century to contemporary titles. atthelegacy.com. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.

Children’s Corner

Kids Express 6-9-year-olds May 4, 10-11am Sat. Variations of painting and drawing will be explored as will using several techniques to create ceramic pieces. $35 members, $40 non. strawnartgallery.org. David Strawn Art Gallery, 331 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-243-9390.

Pottery 10-12-year-olds May 4, 11am-12:30pm Sat. Basic techniques of handbuilding with clay and use of the wheel, plus advanced instructions for continuing students. $35 members, $40 non. strawnartgallery.org. David Strawn Art Gallery, 331 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-243-9390.

Safe Family Saturday May 4, 10am-1pm Sat. Free kids' bike helmets to the first 500 kids. Games, free balloon art, hands-on activities. Scheels, 3801 S. MacArthur Blvd., 217-726-6330.

Sensory-Friendly Times May 5, 10am-12pm Sun. We will turn down the lights and noises to allow our friends with sensory differences and mobility issues to explore and discover the galleries at their own pace. Kidzeum of Health and Science Children’s Museum, 412 E. Adams St., 217-971-4435.

Spring into Spring Super Saturday May 4, 11am-3pm Sat. Engaging crafts, games, and activities. Children 5+. Museum admission $5 adults 19-64. 217-782-6044. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Story Time May 2, 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.

Tots Variety 3-5-year-olds May 4, 9-10am Sat. Young artists will explore hand building with clay, painting and drawing. $35 members, $40 non. strawnartgallery.org. David Strawn Art Gallery, 331 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-243-9390.

Nature

Bird Hikes May 4, 8-9:30am Sat. Join local birder Kevin Veara for our seasonal migratory bird hikes. This program is open to all skill levels. Free. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-529-1111.

Gardenpalooza Plant Sale May 4, 8am-12pm Sat. Locally grown perennials, summer bulbs, annuals, garden market and silent auction. Bring your plastic pots to recycle. Free. 563-940-5735. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-782-6661.

Wildflower Hikes May 4-5, 2pm Sat-Sun. Go in search of woodland wildflowers with a garden naturalist. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-529-1111.

Environment

The Springfield Downtown Pollinator Project May 8, 6:30-8pm Wed. Susan Helm, University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener and Master Naturalist Volunteer, and Chef Michael Higgins, Maldaner’s Restaurant, will be talking about the current pollinator project. Co-Sponsored by Sustainable Springfield. Free.217-899- 9996. 217-793-2178. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-753-4900.

Lectures & Meetings

Adult Children of Alcoholics and Other Dysfunctional Families May 7, 5:15pm Tue. Weekly meetings every Tuesday. New attendees welcome. [email protected]. Discovery Club, 313 W. Cook St., 217-544-9049.

Lincoln Era Depression Glass and Pottery Club May 6, 6pm Mon. The topic is blue glass or pottery in honor of May’s blue moon. Free, 217-793-2128. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-753- 4900.

Professional Preparation Workshop Series May 8, 3:30pm Wed. This workshop series led by Pam Daniel will teach you everything you need to know to successfully land a job. Free. Jacksonville Public Library, 201 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-243-5435.

Springfield Breakfast Optimist Club May 3, 7am Fri. Meets every Friday. Visitors are welcome. 217-546-5021. Peace Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St., 217-546-7646.

Springfield Civic Garden Club May 6, 9am Mon. Presentation by Gregg Pierceall. Free. 563-940-5735. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut St., 217-522-4415.

Unclaimed Property or I CASH May 2, 12:20pm Thu. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.

Bulletin Board

Annual Illinois Peace Officers Memorial Service May 2, 11am Thu. A ceremony to honor law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, including four who died in 2018. Observance begins with a police car procession from the fairgrounds at 8:30am. 217-370-9223. Illinois State Capitol, Capitol and Second St.

APL’s May the Force Be With You Trivia Night May 3, 7-9:30pm Fri. $20 at the door. Donate cat food or dog food and receive up to 20 free raffle tickets. 618-420- 8517. Knights of Columbus 364, 2200 S. Meadowbrook Road, 217-787-2360.

Legal Aid May 8, 9am-3pm Wed. Warren Benning of Land of Lincoln Legal Aid is accepting appointments to assist seniors with legal matters. Call 529-8402 to schedule an appointment. centralilseniors.org. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217- 528-4035.

Legalization of Recreational Marijuana May 2, 5:30-7pm Thu. Moderated by NPR Illinois’ Sean Crawford, joined by reporter Jaclyn Driscoll and a panel of experts. Cash bar available. $5. nprillinois.org. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-785-7960.

NPR’s State Week May 2, 12-1pm Thu. A live recording of the public affairs program moderated by Sean Crawford with Charlie Wheeler and commenting by reports Brian Mackey and Daisey Contreras. $5. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-785-7960.

Senior Technology Workshop May 6, 11am-12pm Mon. State representatives Tim Butler and Mike Murphy will lead a senior technology workshop about smartphones. Free. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.

Shred Event May 3, 11am-12pm Fri. Donations to benefit Senior Services of Central Illinois are appreciated, but not required. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217- 528-4035.

Twin City Trivia hosted by Sam Mounce May 4, 7-9pm Sat. Teams of 6 or less to win prizes. Free. It’s All About Wine, 1305 Wabash Ave., 217-546-9463.

Wimmer Cemetery Clean Up Dates May 4, 9am-12:30pm Sat. Volunteers needed. Bring rakes, shovels and trimming tools to help with various grounds-keeping necessities. wimmerfriends.com. 217- 303-4395. Wimmer Cemetery, Dixon and Dickey-John Roads, Auburn.

Food

Tacos, Nachos and Margaritas Week May 6, 8-12am Mon. A celebration of tortillas and tequila. Margaritas available at locations that offer liquor service. Join Illinois Times in celebrating the best food and drinks in the area and try special, off-menu creations for just $5 at participating restaurants. 217-753-2226.

History

African-Americans in early Illinois May 4, 5:30pm Sat. Slaves, Indentured Servants and Free Black Leaders in Our ‘Free’ State, 1818-1860. Presented by Kathryn Harris and Tara McClellan McAndrew. Free. Registration. 786-2432. Springfield and Central Illinois African-American History Museum, 1440 Monument Ave., 217-391-6323.

Antique Farm Show May 4, 10am-4pm Sat. Featuring horse-drawn plows, historic farming equipment and agricultural techniques from the 19th century. Free. lincolnsnewsalem.com. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 217-632- 4000.

Family Discovery Day 2019 May 4, 9am-3:30pm Sat. Interaction and training for family history and genealogy. Workshops and seminar sessions on a variety of methods to learn and record more about your ancestry. Lunch provided. Pre-registration. 217-248- 7000. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3601 Buckeye Drive, 217-529- 7844.

Illinois State Museum Society Travel - Where the Rivers Meet May 3, 7am-8pm Fri. Explore a 30 mile stretch where the Illinois, Mississippi and Missouri rivers meet, known as the American Bottom. $289-$399. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Wikipedia Edit-a-thon for Illinois Women May 3, 1:30-5pm Fri. Only 17.89% of Wikipedia’s articles are about women. Learn the basics of editing Wikipedia by updating articles about women of Illinois. Bring a laptop and power cord. Free. janeaddams-il.aauw.net. Crowne Plaza Springfield, 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy., 217- 529-7777.

World War I Program May 2, 12-1pm Thu. With Chris McDonald, LLCC. Special attention will be paid to the war relics brought home by Springfield ambulance driver Kent Hagler. Free. 217-558- 6696. Illinois State Museum Research and Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St., 217- 785-0037.

Health

Healthy Brain Aging Community Event May 7, 6-7:30pm Tue. Presented by Dr. Tom Ala and Mehul Trivedi, Ph.D. Alzheimer’s research updates, clinical trials, risk factors for dementia and strategies to prevent dementia. Free. 217- 545-7204. Memorial Center for Learning and Innovation, 228 W. Miller St., 217-788- 3000.

Home Your Own Way May 8, 10-11am Wed. Learn about the technologies that could assist someone in the home and keep that individual safer, and understand the value of cultivating and maintaining human touch. RSVP by May 3. Free. 217- 547-1300. Springfield First United Methodist Church - Sanctuary, 2941 S. Koke Mill Road, 217-793-9760.

Faith & Philosophy

Annual Mission Day May 4, 8:30-11:30am Sat. Learn about the Midwest Mission Distribution Center’s ministry. Tours every hour. Reservations. Free. 217-697- 4681. midwestmission.org. Midwest Mission Distribution Center, 1022 New City Road, Chatham, 217-625-7783.

Does Channing Still Matter? May 5, 10:30-11:30am Sun. After 200 years, what may be still relevant of liberal Christian preacher and author Rev. William Ellery Channing’s spiritual insights and opinions? Free. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 217-585-9550.

Finding the Pathway to Unity May 3, 7-8:30pm Fri. Presentation and discussion. Light refreshments and fellowship follow. Free. 217- 546-9171. Springfield Baha’i Center, 1131 S. Eighth St., 217-544-9595.

Sports & Fitness

SCHEELS Run Bike Club May 2, 5:45-8pm Thu. All levels of riders and runners are welcome. All ages welcome. 17 or under must have a parent present. Free. Scheels, 3801 S. MacArthur Blvd., 217-726-6330.

The Art and Science of Fly Fishing May 4, 2pm Sat. Presentation by local fly fisherman, Malcolm O’Donnell. Free. Jacksonville Public Library, 201 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-243-5435.

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

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