Fairs & Festivals

2019 Decatur Craft Beer Festival Aug 23-24, 7-10pm Fri, 1-6pm Sat. Unique craft beers & ciders from breweries across the state, live music and food trucks. Fri. VIP event $100. Sat. $30, designated driver option is $10. Downtown Decatur.

Loco-Motion Cruise-In/Show Aug 18, 12-3pm Sun. Registration at 11am. $10 donation to enter your vehicle. Trophies awarded to favorites. Door prizes. All proceeds benefit the Chatham Railroad Museum. Spectators admitted free. Chatham Railroad Museum, 100 N. State St., Chatham, 217-483-7792.

Old Capitol Blues and BBQ Aug 24-23, 5pm-12am Fri, 2pm-12am Sat. A two-day festival of sultry blues and smokey BBQ. BBQ judging and sales. Live music. $5 Fri and $10 Sat. Old State Capitol Plaza, between Sixth and Fifth streets at Adams.

Books & Authors

Book signing by Jan Jacobi Aug 17, 24, 10am-3pm Sat. The novel, “Young Lincoln,” was selected as a 2018 Nautilus Award Winner, and also received a Best of Illinois History award by the Illinois State Historical Society. Free. Lincoln Home National Historic Site, 413 S. Eighth St., 217-391-3221.

Spoken Word

Poetry Open Mic Aug 21, 6-8pm Wed. A Springfield Poets & Writers event, hosted by Thea Chesley. 217-725-9058. Gallina’s Pizza, 432 E. Monroe St., 522-5271.

Theater & Comedy

Memphis the Musical Aug 23-5, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. From the underground dance clubs of 1950’s Memphis comes the Tony Award-winning musical with explosive dancing, irresistible songs and a thrilling tale. $20, $18 seniors and students. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Walking Across Egypt Aug 23-25, 8pm Fri-Sun. Directed by Phil Funkenbusch. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 217-632-5440.

Music: General Events

Fleming Academy of Performing Arts Aug 18, 3:30pm Sun. Students will give violin and piano performances. 217-787-6556. flemingacademy.com. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-782-6661.

Jones and Chase Aug 17, 24, 10am-12pm Sat. Country music. A part of SAAC’s Music at the Market series. Old Capitol Farmers Market, Fourth and Adams streets, 217-544-1723.

OBB Aug 23, 7-9pm Fri. The Atlanta-based pop band is on a nation-wide tour this summer. University of Illinois at Springfield, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6073.

Reba McEntire Aug 18, 8pm Sun. Illinois State Fair Grandstand, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., 217-782-6661.

Summer Concert Series Aug 16, 7-8:30pm Fri. Ty Brando. Free. White Oaks Mall, 2501 Wabash Ave., 217-787-0110.

Woody Guthrie: Bound For Glory with Barry Cloyd Aug 21, 6-7:30pm Wed. The life, times and rough-andtumble story of America’s balladeer, Woody Guthrie, is brought to life by Barry Cloyd in this one-man original presentation. Free. Chatham Area Public Library, 600 E. Spruce, Chatham, 217-483-2713.

Dance

Dance for Hope Aug 16, 7:30-10:30pm Fri. West Coast Swing dance night every third Friday of the month. $8 per person. danceforhope3111.com. Normandy Hill Plaza, 3111 Normandy Road, Suite 104, 217-522-9106.

Art & Architecture

Artext - Art and Poetry Aug 16-17, 23-24, 12-6pm Fri-Sat. Exchanges and inspirations between visual artists and poets. Artwork by Pharmacy members and poetry by members of Springfield Poets and Writers and area writers. Free. The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space, 623 E. Adams St., 801-810-9278.

Illinois Prairie Pastel Society Reception Aug 23, 5:30-7:30pm Fri. A wine and hors d’oeuvre reception to open the exhibit of over 30 members’ works. Open to the public. Chatham Area Public Library, 600 E. Spruce, Chatham, 217-483-2713.

Oil Painting Class Aug 16, 23, 10am-12pm Fri. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.

Paint It Wright Aug 15, 6-8pm Thu. Frank Lloyd Wright-themed Canvas and Cocktails. $40 includes instruction, all materials, drinks and snacks. Space is limited, reservations required. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.

Reception for elemental Aug 22, 5:30-7:30pm Thu. Mixed media artist Laura Anderson. Free. LLCC James S. Murray Gallery, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-786-4967.

Yart Sale Aug 24, 10am-3pm Sat. Supplies and equipment from forgotten hobbies. Art supplies, photography equipment, metals equipment, crayons, canvases, totes, stools, paints, easels, larger canvases, frames and more. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.

Film & Television

Movie Matinee for Adults: Us Aug 17, 2pm Sat. Us pits an American family against a terrifying and uncanny opponent: doppelgangers of themselves. Rated R for violence/terror and language. Free. Jacksonville Public Library, 201 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-243-5435.

Sweet Home Alabama Aug 16, 8-10:30pm Fri. Part of the Movies in the Park series. Free. devonamphitheater.com. The Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater, 620 E. Riverside Dr., Decatur, 217-619-8025.

Nature

Weeds Aug 24, 11am-12pm Sat. Join an outdoor classroom to learn about the many benefits of weeds. Workshop will include a plant identification walk-around. Free. Enos Park Community Garden, 1022 N. Fifth St., 708-580-8432.

Environment

Sunset Tours at Nipper Aug 18, 7-8:30pm Sun. Experience the sanctuary at sunset. Bring a friend. It’s a great way to share the special features of central Illinois and land conservation efforts of The Friends of the Sangamon Valley. Free. 217-525-1410. Nipper Wildlife Sanctuary, 9560 Withers Road, Loami.

Lectures & Meetings

Alateen and Al-Anon Aug 18, 25, 6:30pm Sun. Two separate group meetings that take place at the same time and location, but in different rooms. 502-6777. spi-alanon.weebly.com. Real Life Church, 2701 Hermitage Rd.

Sex Addicts Anonymous Aug 26, 6-7pm Mon. A 12-step meeting for those seeking freedom from addictive or compulsive sexual behavior. Confidentiality assured. Email springfieldsaa@gmail.com or phone 217-306-7335 for meeting location.

Springfield Breakfast Optimist Club Aug 16, 23, 7am Fri. Meets every Friday. Visitors are welcome. 217-546-5021. Peace Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St., 217-546-7646.

Springfield Philatelic Society Meeting Aug 19, 6:30-8:15pm Mon. Business meeting at 7pm followed by stamp-related program. DVD programs, quarterly auctions, monthly mini auctions, buy and sell opportunities before and after the meeting. Free. 217-341-4838. Peace Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St., 217-546-7646.

Bulletin Board

41st Annual Regional Mustang and All Ford Show Aug 25, 8am-3pm Sun. Up to 150 cars are expected at the show benefiting the Boys and Girls Club. Abraham Lincoln will be on hand around 3pm to present the class awards. cimclub.com. Landmark Ford, 2401 Prairie Crossing Dr.

AARP Smart Driver Course Aug 19-20, 8:30am-12:30pm Mon-Tue. Learn how to drive more safely and confidently and receive a certificate for completing this course and qualify for a discount on your insurance premium. Registration required. Fees. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.

APL pet adoptions Aug 17, 11am-3pm Sat. All animals will be spayed or neutered, microchipped and have received all ageappropriate vaccinations by the time of adoption. apl-shelter.org. PetSmart, 1460 Koester Rd., Forsyth, 217-876-1392.

Back-to-School Ladies Luncheon Aug 21, 11am-12:45pm Wed. Jen McCormick of Bright Star Equestrian Centre in Petersburg will talk about the services they provide and author, Kelly Davis of Moline will speak. $15 includes meal. 217-691-8883. Northfield Inn, Suites and Conference Center, 3280 Northfield Dr., 217-523-7900.

Credit Coaching Workshops Aug 21, 12-1pm Wed. Sangamon County Community Resources is offering a free, monthly credit coaching workshop over to anyone who lives in Sangamon County. Local finance professionals will present the information and work with participants to obtain their credit report, assist them in interpreting it and suggesting methods to improve the score. Free. Sangamon County Department of Public Health, 2833 South Grand Avenue East, 217-535-3100 or 888-217-3505.

Family and Friends of Prisoners Support Group Aug 27, 6pm Tue. Meets the last Tuesday of each month. King of Kings Christian Assembly, 520 S. Livingston, 217-525-2337.

Legal Aid for Seniors Aug 19, 9am-3pm Mon. Land of Lincoln Legal Aid is accepting appointments to assist seniors with wills and other legal matters. Free. 217-529-8402. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.

Moonlight Market Aug 21, 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.

Mystery Lunch Trip Aug 22, 10:30am-2:30pm Thu. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.

PFLAG monthly meeting Aug 19, 7-8:30pm Mon. PFLAG meets on the third Monday of every month, offering support to members of the LGBTQ community, their families and friends. Free and snacks provided. aluuc.org. 217-801-2698. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 217-585-9550.

Trace Your Ancestors with FamilySearch Aug 15, 6-7:30pm Thu. Join us for a presentation on FamilySearch, an incredible research tool that contains records from all U.S. states and many countries from around the world. Free. Chatham Area Public Library, 600 E. Spruce, Chatham, 217-483-2713.

Food

217 Burger Week Aug 26, Mon. One whole week of specially crafted burgers at participating restaurants. Through Sep 1. Various locations. illinoistimes.com, 217-753-2226.

Illinois Products Farmers Market Aug 22, 4-7pm Thu. Every Thursday through Oct. 10. Shopping, health and wellness information, live entertainment and more in a street party atmosphere. Free. agr.state.il.us/nightmarket. 217-524-3297. Illinois State Fairgrounds, The Shed, 801 Sangamon Ave.

Old Capitol Farmers Market Aug 17, 21, 24, 28, 8am-12:30pm Sat and Wed. Old Capitol Farmers Market, Fourth and Adams streets, 217-544-1723.

Politics

Public Policy Breakfast Aug 23, 7:30am Fri. Alan (AJ) Simmons, Ph.D. of UIS will discuss the 2019 Sangamon County Citizens Survey which provides local leaders, community organizations and citizens with insight into issues facing local residents. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

History

Brown Bag Lecture: A Slightly Misremembered Past Aug 21, 12-1pm Wed. presented by Joe Wheeler, Prairie Archaeologist and Tribal Liaison with the Forest Service, Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. 217-558-6696. Illinois State Museum Research and Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St., 217-785-0037.

Washington Park Historic Photography Display Aug 17-31, 12-4 pm Mon-Fri; 12-5 pm Sun.. View photographs of Washington Park dating back to its creation in 1902. Free. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-4116.

Women in the Civil War Aug 22, 6:30-7:45pm Thu. Kathleen Heyworth will present stories and information about the multiple roles women played in the Civil War. Free. Books on the Square Springfield, 427 E. Washington St., 217-965-5443.

Auditions

Murder mystery auditions Aug 16-17, 5-7pm Fri, 10am-12pm Sat. Seven extras dressed in Halloween costumes are needed. No experience is required. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.

Faith & Philosophy

Civil Rights Today Aug 18, 10:30-11:30am Sun. Presented by Jim Lewis, Former U.S. Attorney, Central District Of Illinois. Free. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 217-585-9550.

Finding the Pathway to Unity Aug 16, 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.

Union Baptist Church Women’s Day Aug 17, 10am-2pm Sat. Speakers, luncheon and silent auction. Tickets $10 includes luncheon. Union Baptist Church, 1405 E. Monroe St., 217-544-8115.

Sports & Fitness

Dog Jumping Competition Aug 16, 10am-5:30pm Fri. Watch the dogs fly or bring your dog and have them show off their jumping skills. Hosted by DockDogs. Free admission. Registration: $27 in advance; $30 on site. dockdogs.com. Scheels, 3801 S. MacArthur Blvd., 217-726-6330.

SCHEELS 3D Archery Shoot Aug 17, 8am-1pm Sat. First place awards in seven categories. Bring your own bow. Free. Scheels, 3801 S. MacArthur Blvd., 217-726-6330.

SCHEELS Run Bike Club Aug 15, 22, 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.

Sharon Molineaux Memorial 5K Fun Run/Walk Aug 17, 8:30am Sat. Registration at 7:45am. $20 for adults and $10 for children under 12. The first 100 registrants will receive a T-shirt and a bag of goodies. 217-899-9732. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 217-632-5440.