Fairs & Festivals

Abe Lincoln Car Show Spectacular Aug 2, 8am Fri. Including Abe Lincoln Super Cruise, Springfield’s longest policeescorted cruise. The grand marshals are The Brady Bunch’s Michael Lookinland (Bobby) and Susan Olson (Cindy). 553-5271. Knights Action Park, 1700 Knights Recreation Dr., 217-546-8881.

3rd Annual Blacks, Whites and Blues Festival Aug 3, Sat. Activities, health education, food and entertainment. Blacks, Whites and Blues Festival, 11th Street between South Grand Avenue and Kansas Street.

Craft Brew Festival and Midwest Makers and Artisan Market Aug 3, 10am-5pm Sat. Midwest products including food, beverages, art, furniture and health and wellness items. Craft beer samplings $20. Live music. Central Park, 32 N. Central Park, Jacksonville, 217-245-6884.

Decatur Celebration Aug 2, 12:30am Fri. Family street festival featuring carnival, live music, parade, food, kids block and more. 217-423-4222. decaturcelebration.com. Downtown Decatur.

Illinois State Fair Aug 8, 7am Thu. Children up to 12 free; ages 13-59 $10; seniors 60+ $3. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-782-6661.

Books & Authors

Book signing Aug 2, 4-7pm Fri. Carolyn Harmon and Tony Leone will be on hand to sign copies of "Springfi eld’s Celebrated Horseshoe Sandwich." 217-494-8465. Our Town Books, 64 E. Central Park Plaza, Jacksonville, 217-245-2665.

Spoken Word

Artext - Art and Poetry Show Aug 9-10, 6-9pm Fri-Sat. Exchanges and inspirations between visual artists and poets. Artwork by members of The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space, poetry by members of Springfield Poets and Writers and area writers. Poetry readings. Free. The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space, 623 E. Adams St., 801-810-9278.

Theater & Comedy

Belly Laffs Comedy Aug 10, 8pm Sat. Godfather’s Pizza, 1549 S. Dirksen Pkwy., 217-522-4886 or 217-871-1509.

Decatur Municipal Band Aug 14, 6-9pm Wed. The Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater, 620 E. Riverside Dr., Decatur, 217-619-8025.

Sangamon Songs: A Musical Play Aug 3-4, 7pm Sat, 4pm Sun. Tom Irwin’s Sangamon Songs, based on the diary of Harry Glen Ludlan, set to the stage, including musicians Theresa O’Hare, JD Wilson and Ross Sermons. Narrated by Tom Irwin. $15. Salem on Seventh Theater, 119 S. Seventh St., Petersburg, 632-7068.

The Pirates of Penzance Aug 2-4, 8-10, 8pm Thu-Sat. A comic opera in two acts. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 217-632-5440.

Wizard of Oz Aug 2-4, 7-11, 8:30pm Wed-Sun. L. Frank Baum’s classic novel comes to life. themuni.org. The Muni, 815 E. Lake Dr., 217-793-MUNI.

Music: General Events

Adrian Russo Aug 3, 10, 10am-12pm Sat, 10am-12pm Sat. Jazz piano. A part of SAAC’s Music at the Market series. Old Capitol Farmers Market, Fourth and Adams streets, 217-544-1723.

Bonnie Ettinger and Michael Burnett Aug 3, 7-9pm Sat. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 217-585-9550.

Britney Long Aug 7, 14, 12-1pm Wed, 12-1pm Wed. Country music. SAAC’s Artist on the Plaza. Free. Old State Capitol Plaza, between Sixth and Fifth streets at Adams.

Chicago 6 Band Aug 10, 6-10pm Sat. $10-$50. devonamphitheater.com. The Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater, 620 E. Riverside Dr., Decatur, 217-619-8025.

First Friday Concert Aug 2, 7-8pm Fri. Bill Mitchell on trombone and Mark Gifford on piano. Free. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 815 S. Sixth St., 217-522-3342.

Lazy Bones Aug 2, 6-10pm Fri. Music from the 1970s and 80s. Sherman Village Park Amphitheater, 1200 Rail Fence Road, Sherman.

Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series Aug 1, 6-8:30pm Thu. Edward David Anderson opens for John Moreland. Free. downtownspringfield.org 217-544-1723. Y Block, Fourth and Jackson streets, 217-789-2000.

Music at the Museum: Hayes Griffin and Nate Roberts Aug 8, 7-9pm Thu. Guitarist Hayes Griffin and mandolinist Nate Roberts. $8 members and under 12, $10 non. 217-558- 6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Pentatonix The World Tour Aug 14, 7:30pm Wed. Illinois State Fair Grandstand, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., 217-782-6661.

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

Springfield Municipal Band Aug 11, 1:30-2:30pm Sun. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-782-6661.

Summer camp and student recital Aug 3, 6:30pm Sat. Fleming Academy of Performing Arts students and campers will give performances on violin, viola, cello and piano. $8 for ages 3+ at the door or in advance. 217-787-6556. flemingacademy.com. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Summer Concert Series Aug 2, 9, 6:30-8:30pm Fri. Isaiah Christian. Free. White Oaks Mall, 2501 Wabash Ave., 217-787-0110.

The Country and the City Aug 9, 7-8pm Fri. Operatic soprano Christine Brewer and banjo virtuoso Noam Pikelny. Free. ilhumanities.org. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-785-7960.

The Peeks and John Eddy Aug 11, 6pm Sun. Love offering will be taken. 217-673-4401. Woodson Baptist Church, 109 West St., Woodson.

Dance

Dance for Hope Aug 2, 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

Architectural Walking Tour Aug 7, 5:30-7pm Wed. Anthony Rubano will lead a tour of the Old State Capitol Plaza. The tour will conclude with a complimentary reception. Free. 217-544-1723. Old State Capitol Plaza, between Sixth and Fifth streets at Adams.

Craft Class: Mandala Stones Aug 5, 6:30pm Mon. Paint mandala stones and watercolor greeting cards. Many people find the drawing and coloring of a mandala as a form of meditation. Registration required. Free. Jacksonville Public Library, 201 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-243-5435.

Springfield Watch and Clock Show Aug 3, 11am-2pm Sat. Sponsored by the Route 66 Watch and Clock Club. An opportunity to buy, sell or simply look and learn about mechanical clocks and watches. Free. 309-340-5676. Knights of Columbus 364, 2200 S. Meadowbrook Road, 217-787-2360.

VLA Artist Reception Aug 3, 6-8pm Sat. Illustrator and photographer Carol Weems is known for her distinctive style defined by exaggerated, sketchy figures and energetic ink splatters. She works in digital media to bring her drawings to life. The local underground music scene inspires her work and she is a regular contributor to the local music publication, Activator Magazine. Free. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St., 217-524-0901.

Women’s Art Alliance Through Aug 29, 9am-5pm Mon- Fri, 10am-3pm Sat. A look back at the history of the Woman’s Art Alliance in its first 10 years. Free. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.

Film & Television

Movies in the Park - Incredibles 2 Aug 2, 8pm Fri. Bring a lawn chair, sleeping bag or blankets to sit on. Movie begins at sunset, approximately 8pm. springfieldparks.org. Free. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-585-1821.

Children’s Corner

4th Annual Back to School Bash Aug 3, 10am-12pm Sat. Build bridges, send a telegraph, become a Civil War surgeon and more. Recommended for ages 8-12 but all are welcome to attend. Free. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.

Down on the Farm Story Time Aug 13, 10-11am Tue. Discover what life is like on a farm with stories and a craft. Ages 3-5. Museum admission. 217-782- 6044. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Heads Up for Child Safety Aug 10, 10am-1pm Sat. To raise awareness about childhood bicycle safety in our community, Kanoski Bresney is giving away 100 bike helmets to children ages 4-8, one per child and up to two per family. Kanoski Bresney, 2730 S. MacArthur Blvd., 217- 527-2503.

Horse Camp Aug 5, 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.

Sculpting Art Super Saturday Aug 3, 11am-3pm Sat. Learn about different styles of sculpture and the artists behind them. Make your own found-material sculpture and try different sculpting methods. Museum admission. 217-782-6044. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782- 7386.

Summer Passport Series Aug 1-4, 9am-4:30pm Thu-Sat, 12-4:30pm Sun. 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.

Science

Stephen Hawking and Black Holes Aug 7, 7-8:30pm Wed. Paul Mickey Learning Series. Charles Schweighauser presents Hawking’s new insights into the nature and evolution of black holes. Free. 217-558-6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Nature

Daylily Society Plant Sale Aug 3, 12-3pm Sat. Free. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-4116.

Iris Society Plant Sale Aug 10, 9am-12pm Sat. Free. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-4116.

Environment

Hummingbird Festival Aug 11, 1-4pm Sun. Hold a hummingbird and learn about the birds. Watch bird banders. Bring lawn chairs and enjoy refreshments. Free but a donation for sugar is appreciated. Terry and Debbie Engel, 2700 North County Road, Greenfield, 217-257-5321.

Lectures & Meetings

Alateen and Al-Anon Aug 4, 11, 6:30pm Sun, 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.spi-alanon.weebly.com. Real Life Church, 2701 Hermitage Rd.

Barbie Through the Years Aug 10, 1pm Sat. Barbie Millicent Roberts, the doll named Barbie, turns 60 this year. Speakers from the Windy City Collectors Barbie Doll Club of Chicago will give us a history of the doll. Free. Jacksonville Public Library, 201 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-243-5435.

Compassion and Choices Aug 7, 7-8:30pm Wed. Meets monthly to support legislation that would offer compassionate choices for terminally ill individuals. Free. 217-801-2698. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 217-585-9550.

Global Leadership Summit Aug 8-9, 8:30am-5pm Thu-Fri. A broadcast featuring world renowned faculty members who deliver a unique blend of vision, inspiration and practical leadership skills. Springfield First United Methodist Church, 2941 S. Koke Mill Road, 217-793-9760.

Lincoln Land Depression Era Glass and Pottery Club Aug 5, 6pm Mon. Sweets and treats. Club members will talk about their favorite pottery or glass cookie jars or candy dishes. Free and open to the public. 217-793-2128. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-753-4900.

Navy Club Sangamon Ship 32 Auxiliary Aug 8, 7-9pm Thu. Discussion of the auxiliary’s future plans and ways to help the community. Open to those with past or present family members in the water borne forces. Navy Club Ship 32, 3100 Stanton Ave., 217-585-9132.

Sex Addicts Anonymous Aug 1 and 5, 6-7pm Thu and 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 Aug 2, 9, 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 Aug 5, 9am Mon. The program is Floral Designs presented by Paula Fricke and Sharon Winch from the Flower Connection. Free. 563-940-5735. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut St., 217-522-4415.

Bulletin Board

7th Annual Community Clothing Giveaway Aug 10, 9am-12pm Sat. Shoes, coats/jackets, belts and purses to be given away. Men’s, women’s, children’s and infants. Free. Trinity Lutheran School, 515 S. MacArthur Blvd., 217-787-2323.

Assisted Living - The Musical Aug 3, 11:30am-11:30pm Sat. Includes transportation to Westport Plaza Playhouse in St. Louis. $75. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.

DAR Ice Cream Social Aug 1, 3pm Thu. Delicious desserts and big band entertainment. 217-243-5678. Governor Duncan Mansion, 4 Duncan Place, Jacksonville, 217-245-7023.

Exhibit Walk and Talk Aug 2, 2-2:30pm Fri. Join a museum curator for a guided walk and talk. Explore different topics and galleries. Appropriate for all ages. Museum admission. 217-782-6044. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Kitten Circus Aug 13, 12-5pm Tue. Fun activities, popcorn, snow cones and other snacks while you meet the kittens. A friendly clown will be there from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. with free balloons. Free. Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Road, 217-544-7387.

Legal Aid for Seniors Aug 7, 9am-3pm Wed. Land of Lincoln Legal Aid is accepting appointments to assist seniors with wills and other legal matters. Free. 217-529-8402 or 217-528-4035, ext. 149. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St.

Moonlight Market Aug 7, 6-9pm Wed. Highlighting local artists, artisans, crafters and vendors from around the Springfield and central Illinois area. All vendors fees are donated to a selected charities. 217-522-3123. Obed and Isaacs, 500 S. Sixth St., 217-670-0627.

Rumble Around the Lake Aug 1, 6-9pm Thu. Sangamo Surf Club, 405 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-529-1712.

Springfield Comic Expo Aug 10-11, 10am-6pm Sat, 10am-4pm Sun. Comic vendors and creators from around the region. Panels, gaming and cosplay. $15 Sat, $12 Sun and $25 for two-day pass. Crowne Plaza Springfield, 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy., 217-529-7777.

Food

Bites on the Boulevard Aug 6, 5-9pm Tue. Black Hawk Elementary School, 2500 S. College Street.

Canning and Preserving Demo Aug 12, 7pm Mon. Participants will learn basic skills necessary to preserve tomatoes, salsa, pickles and jams. Anna Stange will answer questions and give a brief demo on pressure cooking. Free. Jacksonville Public Library, 201 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-243-5435.

Chicken Fry Aug 3, 12:30am Sat. Anchor Boat Club, 407 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-529-1174.

Fish Fry Aug 10, 12:30am Sat. Sangamo Surf Club, 405 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-529-1712.

Old Capitol Farmers Market Through Oct 26, 8am-12:30pm Wed and Sat. Farmers and artisans accept cash for products. If you prefer to pay by credit card, visit the Market Booth to purchase cash tokens. There is an ATM on the Market St. Free. Old Capitol Farmers Market, Fourth and Adams streets, 217-544-1723.

Senior Farmers Market and Cooking Demonstration Aug 7, 12:15-1pm Wed. SIU dietitians and diabetes educators Anne Daly and Gayle Jennings will give a cooking demonstration and examples. Through the Central Illinois Foodbank. Fresh produce will also be available. Free. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.

History

A Reporter Interviews General Grant Aug 8, 6:30-7:45pm Thu. General Grant will be interviewed by reporter Judy Wagenblast, and he is asked some tough questions. Free. Books on the Square Springfi eld, 427 E. Washington St., 217-965-5443.

Abe and Mary Quite Contrary Walking Tour Aug 6-7, 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.

Early American Cricket and Open House Aug 3, 11am-3pm Sat. Join in short, informal 19th century-style cricket games with American cricket player and historian Tom Melville. No experience needed. Also self-guided house tours. Free. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.

Looking for Lincoln at the Illinois State Fair Aug 9, 8am Fri. Visitors can build with Lincoln Logs, watch period demonstrations such as blacksmithing or broom making and enjoy period music, and, of course, look for Lincoln. 217-782-6817. lookingforlincoln.com. Illinois Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., 217-782-6661.

Objects of the Lincoln Era Aug 6, 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. Appropriate for all ages. Museum admission. 217-782-6044. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Stealing Lincoln’s Body Aug 1, 5:30-5:30pm Thu. Join Professor Kevin Burkeus as he relays a little known and humorous tale of desperation carried out by bumbling criminals attempted to steal the body of Abraham Lincoln 1876. Free. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.

Tales from the Vault - Lincoln’s Foreign Policy Aug 8, 12-1pm Thu. Join executive director Alan Lowe as he recounts the daunting foreign policy challenges that President Lincoln, a novice in diplomacy, faced. Free. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.

Teacher Professional Library Workshop Aug 6 and 8, 9am-12pm Tue, 1:30-4:30pm Thu. Discover the resources available for teachers and students at ALPLM. It is also home to the Illinois Historical Library collection. Learn how ALPLM can assist you in the classroom. Registration required. Free. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.

The Greatest Poem: Walt Whitman turns 200 Aug 11, 2pm Sun. Celebrate the bicentennial of Walt Whitman’s birth by exploring how his poetry, love of Lincoln and vision of America influenced Illinois writers. Free. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St., 217-524-0901.

Faith & Philosophy

Encountering Clare of Assisi: Inspiring wisdom for today’s challenges Aug 4, 12:30am Sun. During this conference retreat we will explore the life of the co-founder of the Franciscan movement, through her writings and relationship with God and Agnes of Prague. $380-$600. Chiara Center, 4875 Laverna Road, 217-523-0901.

Introduction to Clare of Assisi Aug 7, 7pm Wed. Sr. Kathy Warren will discuss Clare of Assisi and offer insights that are presented during the conference week. Open to the public. $10. Chiara Center, 4875 Laverna Road, 217-523-0901.

Finding the Pathway to Unity Aug 2, 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.

Quest to Love Aug 5, 8-6, 6-8pm Mon, 6-8pm Thu-Tue. Practical tools for working through issues today’s teen girls struggle with. Bible study and the disciplines of Holy Yoga. Bring a beach towel and yoga mat. $75 for the series. Scholarships may be available. 217-801-7464. Parkway Christian Church, 2700 Lindbergh Blvd.

Sports & Fitness

8th Annual Run United 5K and Kids Fun Run Aug 3, 6:30am Sat. All proceeds benefit The United Way of Central Illinois. 5k runner $35, virtual runner $25 and kids runner $20. Hosted by Bunn. 217-585-7069. Washington Park, 1501 S. Grand Ave. W., 217-544-1751.

Museum Yoga Aug 1, 6-7pm Thu. Bring a friend, yoga mat and water bottle. No registration required. All abilities welcome. Free. 217-782-6044. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

SCHEELS Run Bike Club Aug 1, 8, 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. Jude Runs Springfield Aug 3, 5am-8pm Sat. Relay race from Springfi eld to Peoria. The local legs of the race are one to three miles. All levels of runners are welcome, as are volunteers. 217-414-6708. Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport, 1200 Capital Airport Dr., 217-788-9200.

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

Searchable by date, venue, genre, name and more