Fairs & Festivals

Shoes and Shoes Jul 27, 11am-5pm Sat. Springfield’s first horseshoe festival. Local restaurants will offer horseshoe sandwiches. Horseshoe pitching contest. Kid Zone, bounce house, discount swimming, music and prizes. Free. 217-626-1004. Lincoln Park, Fifth Street and Sangamon Avenue.

Summer Bash Jul 27, 12:30am Sat. Springfield Ski and Boat Club, 268 Maple Grove Lane, 217-529-9090.

Books & Authors

Author’s Reception Jul 25, 2-4pm Thu. The community library will be dedicated and local authors will read excerpts from their books. Light refreshments will be served. Free. 217-726-7900. Mill Creek Alzheimer’s Special Care Center, 3319 Ginger Creek Dr., 217-717-2075.

Springfield Horseshoe Book Lecture and Signing Jul 29, 6-7:30pm Mon. Authors Carolyn Harmon and Tony Leone will discuss their book and will be available to sign copies of it. Free. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-753-4900.

Music: General Events

Captain Geech and the Shrimp Shack Shooters Jul 25, 6-10pm Thu. Sherman Village Park Amphitheater, 1200 Rail Fence Road, Sherman.

Downhome Music Festival Jul 26-27, 5pm-11:59pm Fri, 2pm-11:59pm Sat. A showcase of local, original music plus local food vendors, 100 different craft beers and a kids’ area. $6. downhomemusicfest.com. 217-622-1374. Intersection of Seventh and Washington streets.

Gospel Concert Jul 28, 3pm Sun. The Allen Family. A love offering will be received. 217-416-3029 or 217-414-4668. allenministries.com. Auburn Church of the Nazarene, 500 W. Monroe St., Auburn, 217-438-3255.

Last Acre Jul 27, 10am-12pm Sat. Folk music. A part of SAAC’s Music at the Market series. Old Capitol Farmers Market, Fourth and Adams streets, 217-544-1723.

Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series Jul 25, 6-8:30pm Thu. Switchback with opener Skibbereen. Free. downtownspringfield.org 217-544-1723. Y Block, Fourth and Jackson streets, 217-789-2000.

Songwriters Circle Jul 27, 8pm Sat. The concert features area artists, composers and musicians rotating every half hour. $15 adults, $13 seniors and $10 children under 12. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 217-632-5440.

Springfield Municipal Band Jul 27, 10:30am Sat. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.

Springfield Municipal Band Jul 30, 7:30pm Tue. Douglas Park, 400 N. MacArthur Blvd.

The Breakfast Club Jul 26, 6-10pm Fri. $5. devonamphitheater.com. The Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater, 620 E. Riverside Dr., Decatur, 217-619-8025.

Dance

St. Andrew’s Society Scottish Dance Jul 31, 12-1pm Wed. SAAC’s Artist on the Plaza. Free. Old State Capitol Plaza, between Sixth and Fifth streets at Adams.

Art & Architecture

Exhibit Walk and Talk Jul 26, 2-2:30pm Fri. Join a curator for a guided walk and talk of the art exhibit, "Urgent Care: Stuck In That Awkward Stage Between Birth and Death." $5 ages 19-64. 217-782-6044. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Sacred Heart Convent Chapel Tour Jul 28, 1:30pm Sun. Enjoy an up-close encounter with this pristine mid-century, modern architectural gem. Accessible facility. Free, but preregistration required. 217-787-0481. Sacred Heart Convent Chapel, 1237 W. Monroe.

"Urgent Care" A 50-year survey celebrating the career of Thomas Skomski, one of Illinois’s fi nest sculptors. Museum admission. 217-558-6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Women’s Art Alliance Jul 25-27, 29-31, 9am-5pm Mon-Fri, 10am-3pm Sat. The history of the Woman’s Art Alliance. Works by many of the women who exhibited in the first 10 years of the organization will be displayed in both the M.G. Nelson Family Gallery and the SAA Collective gallery. Free. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.

Film & Television

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle Jul 27, 8-10:30pm Sat. Free. devonamphitheater.com. The Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater, 620 E. Riverside Dr., Decatur, 217-619-8025.

Children’s Corner

Back to School Bash Jul 28, 12-4pm Sun. A free family event featuring balloon art and face painting. Drawings for backpacks full of school supplies. Bring a non-perishable food item for a free ride on the Ferris wheel. Scheels, 3801 S. MacArthur Blvd., 217-726-6330.

Germs Jul 30-31, 10-10:30am Tue-Wed. In this school bus series film, the class journeys inside Ralphie to find out what is making him sick. Ages 3-8. Museum admission. 217-782-6044. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Horse Camp Jul 29, 8am-4pm Mon. Activities include horse care, riding lessons, games, crafts, hay rack rides, nature hikes and daily trail rides. Learn to groom, saddle, and ride. Fees. riversidestable. com. Riverside Stables Horse Camp, 2310 Chinchilla Lane, 217-522-7702.

Sensory-Friendly Story Time Jul 28, 10:30am Sun. Reduced lighting, reduced sound levels, hands-on material and fun sensory activities. All ages. Barnes and Noble Booksellers, 3111 S. Veterans Pkwy, 217-546-9440.

Sensory-Friendly Times Jul 27, 7-8am Sat. Target, 3445 Freedom Dr., 546-5003.

Summer Passport Series Jul 25-31, Thu-Wed. This series of 5 search activities will enable families to take a closer look at the exhibits that they love. $5 for adults ages 19-64; free admission for members, youth, seniors, military, and veterans. 217-782-6044. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Nature

Iris Society Plant Sale Jul 27, 1-4pm Sat. Beautiful iris varieties from the members’ collections. Free. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-4116.

Environment

Hugelkulture Workshop Jul 27, 11am-12pm Sat. The practice of burying wood and other organic matter to create a long and slow release of nutrients, while also conserving water. The workshop will follow a short class on its history. Free. Enos Park Community Garden, 1022 N. Fifth St., 708-580- 8432.

Lectures & Meetings

Alateen and Al-Anon Jul 28, 6:30pm Sun. Two separate group meetings that take place at the same time and location, but in different rooms. 691-755 or 502-6777. spialanon.weebly.com. Real Life Church, 2701 Hermitage Rd.

Disney 101 Jul 29, 7pm Mon. Sherry Blair from World Travel Jacksonville will share everything you need to know to have an amazing family trip. Free. Jacksonville Public Library, 201 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-243-5435.

Retired State Employees Association monthly meeting Jul 31, 1:30pm Wed. Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs will speak. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2477 W. Washington St., 217-793-3933.

Sex Addicts Anonymous Jul 25, 29, 6-7pm Thu, 6-7pm Mon. A 12-step meeting for those seeking freedom from addictive or compulsive sexual behavior. Confidentiality assured. Email [email protected] or phone 217-306-7335 for meeting location.

Springfield Breakfast Optimist Club Jul 26, 7am Fri. Meets every Friday. Visitors are welcome. 217-546-5021. Peace Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St., 217-546-7646.

Springfield ICON Jul 29, 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

APL Pet Adoptions Jul 27, Sat. Cats and dogs 11am-3pm. All animals will be spayed or neutered, microchipped and have received all age-appropriate vaccinations by the time of adoption. aplshelter.org. Scoop Du Jour, 95 W. Plummer Blvd., Chatham, 217-697-8327.

APL Pet Adoptions Jul 27-28, Sat-Sun. Cats 11am- 4 pm. Dogs 12-3 pm. All animals will be spayed or neutered, microchipped and have received all age-appropriate vaccinations by the time of adoption. aplshelter.org. PetSmart, 3183 S. Veterans Pkwy, 217-698-3091.

Coin Show - Central Illinois Numismatic Association Jul 28, 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.

Family and Friends of Prisoners Support Group Jul 30, 6pm Tue. Meets the last Tuesday of each month. King of Kings Christian Assembly, 520 S. Livingston, 217-525-2337.

Researching Independence and Living Well Jul 31, 12:20-1pm Wed. Presentation by Peggy Dyson of the Educational Center for the Visually Impaired. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.

River Country Quilt Show Jul 26-27, 10am-4pm Fri-Sat. Display your own or view other beautiful quilts, antique quilts, bed tuning and the newest items, fabrics and motions. Appraisals (by appt.), vendors and raffles. Food available. 217-243-5678. Jacksonville High School, 1211 N. Diamond St., Jacksonville, 217-243-4384.

Tour the C-SPAN Bus Jul 25, 12:30-4:30pm Thu. The C-SPAN bus is an interactive mobile classroom and production studio that travels the country in partnership with C-SPAN’s cable and satellite affiliates. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.

Food

Hog Roast for Honor Flight Jul 27, 12-7pm Sat. Proceeds to be donated to the Lincoln Land Honor Flight. Freewill donations. 217-652-8098. American Legion Post 759, 206 W. Chestnut St., Chatham, 483-4084.

Land of Lincoln Barbershop Chorus and Ice Cream Social Jul 28, 5pm Sun. Sherman Village Park Amphitheater, 1200 Rail Fence Road, Sherman.

Old Capitol Farmers Market Jul 27, 31, 8am-12:30pm Sat and Wed. Free. Old Capitol Farmers Market, Fourth and Adams streets, 217-544-1723.

The Wright Bourbon, Brisket and Blues Event Jul 31, 5:50-7:30pm, Wed. Sponsored by the Dana Thomas House Foundation. Learn about bourbons and the Foundation's neighborhood improvement efforts. Additional high-end bourbon pours available at the event for $10-$25. Tickets $55. Venue 1929, 717 S. Fifth St. 217-788-9452. Dana-thomas.org.

Politics

Public Policy Breakfast Jul 26, 7:30am-9pm Fri. A Conversation on a City Manager, a discussion on councilmanager governments, with former city managers Steven Carter (Champaign) and John Phillips (Rock Island). Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

History

5th Annual Backpack Drive Jul 25-31, 9am-5pm Thu-Wed. Donate a new, sturdy backpack and receive free admission to the Presidential Museum. Each backpack donated is one free admission. Backpacks will go to students of District 186. Free admission rain check vouchers will be valid through Dec. 31. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.

Abe and Mary Quite Contrary Walking Tour Jul 30-31, 10-11am Tue-Wed. A 1.5 mile, 60-minute tour that takes you on a journey through time as we explore beautiful, historic, downtown Springfield. Free. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.

African American Remembrance Day Jul 28, 4-6pm Sun. Richard Hart will lead a tour on the Oak Ridge Cemetery Colored Section. Rain or shine. Bring a lawn chair and umbrella. Free, but donations are welcome. 217-391-6323. African-American History Museum, 1440 Monument Ave., 877-757-2246.

C-SPAN’s Presidential Portraits Jul 25, 5:30-8pm Thu. C-SPAN CEO Rob Kennedy leads a discussion along with state historian Samuel Wheeler. Exhibits include photographs and prints of past presidents in the White House. Registration required. Free. alplm.org. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.

Images of the Civil War Jul 25, 6:30-7:45pm Thu. Missouri collector Randy Beck will display Civil War images that he has collected for 30 years. Part of the series sponsored by Mr. Lincoln’s Hometown Civil War Round Table and Books on the Square. Free. Books on the Square Springfield, 427 E. Washington St., 217-965-5443.

Objects of the Lincoln Era Jul 30, 2-2:30pm Tue. Handle Lincoln-era objects as you learn about how they were used and what they meant to the people of Lincoln’s time. All ages. Museum admission. 217-782-6044. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Health

Community CPR Class Jul 30, 6-8:30pm Tue. CPR training for the public taught by American Heart Association-certified Local 37 instructors. $35 plus fees. Firefighters-Postal Lake Club, 940 W. Lake Shore Dr., 217-622-0099.

Sports & Fitness

Kickball Kick-Off Jul 28, 11:30am-5pm Sun. Benefits genHkids. Teams of all ages and skill levels are invited to an afternoon of old-fashioned fun at the UIS softball diamonds. $175 per team of 8-12 through June 15, $200 after. 217-801-7464. University of Illinois at Springfield, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6073.

SCHEELS Run Bike Club Jul 25, 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.

St. Louis Cardinals Bat Boy Jul 30, 2:30-3:30pm Tue. Join us as Kevin Corbin gives a glimpse inside life as a major league bat boy. Free. 217-793-0431. Hickory Glen Senior Living, 1700 W. Washington St., 793-0431.

Stoneman Sprint, Abe’s Olympic and Route 66 Half Distant Triathlons Jul 27, 8am Sat. 217-341-1309. Lake Springfield Beach House, 100 Long Bay Dr., 757-8660. triharderpromotions.com.

Ultimate Frisbee Jul 29, 1:30-4pm Mon. Bring both a white shirt and a dark shirt for forming teams. Free. 217-408-0091. Southern View Park, S. Fourth St., 529-3352.

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

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