Holiday Happenings

Labor Day Party Sep 1, Sun. Firefighters-Postal Lake Club, 940 W. Lake Shore Dr., 217-622-0099.

Fairs & Festivals

10th Annual Springfield Oyster and Beer Festival Aug 31, 12pm Sat. Over 50 brands of craft beer, gourmet oysters, live music and local food trucks. Rain or shine. No ticket refunds. 522-3123. sobfestival.com. The Inn at 835, 835 S. Second St.

21st Annual Prairieland Chautauqua Aug 31-Sep 2, 4-9pm Sat-Mon. Modeled after traditional chautauquas. A one-of-a-kind event. Historic character portrayals, lectures and music. A fun, educational family event. Free. 217- 245-2285. Central Christian Church, 359 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-243-7461.

Downtown Springfield Family FunFest Sep 7, 11am-4pm Sat. Specifically geared towards children and featuring inflatable obstacle courses and bounce houses, games and activities, food trucks and a main stage packed with entertainment for the entire day. $10, ages 2 and under are free. Washington street between Fifth and Sixth streets, 1 Old Capitol Plaza N., 217-522-1129.

First Sunday Midwest Bazaar Sep 1, 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.

Greek OPA Fest Sep 7, 11am-7pm Sat. Greek food festival with live entertainment. Admission is free. St. Anthony’s Hellenic Orthodox Church, 1600 S. Glenwood Ave., 217-522-7010.

K of C 3rd annual Oktoberfest Sep 7, 12-10:30pm Sat. German bands and German-themed food and activities, Dachshund races, children’s activities, petting zoo. $5 admission. 217-691-1506. Knights of Columbus 364, 2200 S. Meadowbrook Road, 217-787-2360.

Meraki Healing Arts Fest Aug 31, 11am-11pm Sat. Displays, booths, demonstrations and all kinds of stuff related to the healing arts. Free. Rock ‘n’ Roll Hardees, 2501 Adlai Stevenson Dr., 529-0885.

Books & Authors

Book signing by Jan Jacobi Aug 31, 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.

Writers Read and Talk About Writing Sep 5, 6:30-8pm Thu. Taylor Pensoneau and Dan Guillory will read and discuss their works. Free. Books on the Square Springfield, 427 E. Washington St., 217-965-5443.

Theater & Comedy

The Second City Greatest Hits Vol. 59 Sep 7, 8pm Sat. From sketch comedy to original songs to world-famous improv, this show will leave you rolling in the aisles. $32 adults, $30 seniors and $28 students. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Walking Across Egypt Aug 29-31, 8pm Thu-Sat. 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

Casey Cantrall Aug 31, 10am-12pm Sat. Singer/songwriter. Old Capitol Farmers Market, Fourth and Adams streets, 217-544-1723.

Debbie Ross Sings Gospel Favorites Sep 6, 7-8pm Fri. Debbie will be joined by Mark Gifford on piano, Roger Holmes on drums and Rhett Bradley on bass. Part of the First Friday Concert series. Free. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 815 S. Sixth St., 217-522-3342.

Jazz in Bloom Sep 7, 6-8:30pm Sat. An annual garden party with food, drinks and music by Sharpen Up with Damien Kaplan, Tim Niemeyer and Brandt Sitze. $60. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence Ave., 217-782-6776.

John Byrne Band (Celtic) Sep 6, 6-10pm Fri. Sherman Village Park, 1200 Rail Fence Rd., Sherman, 217-496-2621.

Summer Concert Series Aug 30, Sep 6, 6-8pm Fri. Outta Time. Free. White Oaks Mall, 2501 Wabash Ave., 217-787-0110.

The Ultimate Queen Celebration Sep 6, 7pm Fri. Starring Marc Martel. Tickets $29+. Bank of Springfield Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745-3000.

TWC Aug 31, 6-10pm Sat. Sherman Village Park, 1200 Rail Fence Rd., Sherman, 217-496-2621.

Dance

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

Art & Architecture

About Becoming Reception Sep 6, 5-7pm Fri. Featuring E. Vern Taylor, Tracey Maras and Danny Brikshavana. Free. SAA Collective Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-544-2787.

Acrylic Art Class Sep 6, 10am-12pm Fri. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.

Architectural Walking Tour Sep 4, 5:30-7pm Wed. See the Ridgely building, Barker Garage, St. George Apartments and Lutheran Trinity Church. The tour will conclude with a complimentary reception. Free. 217-544-1723. Old State Capitol Plaza, between Sixth and Fifth streets at Adams.

Art as Advocacy: Promoting Equity and Social Justice for Women Sep 6, 5:30-7pm Fri. Work of artists from over 20 states and Canada. M.G. Nelson Family Gallery, 700 N. Fourth Street, 523-2631.

Artext - Art and Poetry Aug 30-31, 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.

Artisan Fair Sep 7, 10am-3pm Sat. Pottery making, quilling, painting, chairmaking, art work of area students and professional photography. Food, live music, tours and children’s activities. $5, ages 6-14 $3. 217-341-0757. Historic Marbold Farmstead, 21722 State Hwy 29, Greenview.

Artist-in-Residence Sep 7, 6-8pm Sat. Mike Reisenger. Free. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St., 217-524-0901.

Sangamon Valley Woodcarvers Show Aug 31, 10am Sat. Woodcarving, intarsia, woodturning and pyrography. Vendors, activities, drawings and seminars. 217-414-4790. svwoodcarvers.org Illinois Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., 217-782-6661.

Women’s Art Alliance Aug 29, 9am-5pm Thu. A look back at the history of the Woman’s Art Alliance in its first 10 years. Works by many of the over 70 women who exhibited in the first 10 years of the organization will be on display. Free. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.

Film & Television

Movies in the Park - Aquaman Sep 6, 8pm Fri. Bring a lawn chair, sleeping bag or blankets to sit on. Movie begins at sunset, approximately 8pm. springfieldparks.org. Free. Kiwanis Park, Stanton Street.

Children’s Corner

Autism Support of Central Illinois Sep 7, 9:30am Sat. Future planning workshop for families. Free. Hope Pavilion, 5220 S. Sixth St., 217-585-5437.

Sensory-Friendly Times - Angry Birds 2 Aug 31, 10am Sat. AMC Parkway Pointe 8, 3025 Lindbergh Blvd., 888-262-4386.

Butterflies and Bugs in the Dana-Thomas House Gardens Sep 7, 1-3pm Sat. Learn about the butterfly motif in the house, investigate the courtyard and cottage gardens’ butterfly and bug habitats and play a butterfly game in the courtyard. Free. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence Ave., 217-782-6776.

Fall into Fall Super Saturday Sep 7, 11am-3pm Sat. Learn about the science and art of fall through crafts, games, and activities. Ages 5+. Museum admission. 217-782-6044. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Nature

Adventures in Bird Banding Sep 4, 7-8:30pm Wed. Biology professor Tony Rothering will discuss the purpose and methodology of capturing and banding birds. Part of the Paul Mickey Learning Series. Free. 217-558-6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Environment

Free Shred Event Aug 31, 9-11am Sat. Provided by Affordable Shred. Free, however donations for the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Sangamon and Menard Counties will be accepted. Limit of 5 bags per person. 217-747-8543. Illinois National Bank, 2849 S. Sixth St., 217-747-5500.

Lectures & Meetings

Alateen and Al-Anon Sep 1, 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.

Compassion and Choices Sep 4, 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.

Lincoln Era Depression Glass and Pottery Club Sep 3, 6pm Tue. Club members will discuss their favorite and not-so-favorite pottery and glass purchases. Free and open to the public. 217-793-2128. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-753-4900.

Sex Addicts Anonymous Sep 9, 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 Aug 30, 7am Fri. Meets every Friday. Visitors are welcome. 217-546-5021. Peace Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St., 217-546-7646.

Bulletin Board APL Kitten Circus Aug 31, 12-5pm Sat. Free snow cones and popcorn. Kitten adoption fee is $25. Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Road, 217-544-7387.

APL Pet Adoptions Aug 31, 11am Sat. All animals will be spayed or neutered, microchipped and have received all age-appropriate vaccinations by the time of adoption. apl-shelter.org. PetSmart, 3183 S. Veterans Pkwy, 217-698-3091.

Big Eli Wheel Rides Sep 1, 8, 4-6pm Sun, 4-6pm Sun. Free rides on Big Eil every Sunday through Sep 29. Jacksonville Community Park, 1201 S. Main, Jacksonville.

Blood Drive Sep 5, 11:30am-2pm Thu. Schedule an appointment. bloodcenterimpact.org. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.

End of Summer Party Aug 31, 12:30am Sat. Springfi eld Elks Lodge #158, 409 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-529-0158.

Inner Harmony Mediums Group Reading Aug 30, 7-9pm Fri. Join mother and daughter intuitive mediums Cheryl Kearns and Lacey Matthews for a two hour group reading and to answer questions and give insight about how readings work. $45. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Legal Aid for Seniors Sep 4, 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.

Litchfield Pickers Market Sep 8, 9am-3pm Sun. Vintage and antique items. Live music. visitlitchfield.com. Downtown Litchfield, 400 N. State St., Litchfield, 866-733-5833.

Marine Bank Back-to-School Brunch Sep 7, 10am-12pm Sat. This event celebrates the strides Compass for Kids students made over the course of the previous school year and summer and generates momentum for the program as it goes into the new school year. $45 adults, $16 children. Illini Country Club, 1601 S. Illini Road, 546-4614.

Moonlight Market Sep 4, 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.

Out of the Darkness Registration Event Aug 31, 11am-3pm Sat. A registration kick-off for the suicide prevention walk, Out of the Darkness, that will be held on Oct 19 at Southwind Park. Pick up yard signs, cool swag and win prizes. Free. 312-890-2377. afsp.org. White Oaks Mall, 2501 Wabash Ave., 217-787-0110.

Springfield Theatre Centre’s Boat and Season Launch Party Aug 30, 6-10pm Fri. Hors d’oeuvres, dessert bar, drinks, cash bar, music and boat rides. Tickets $30. 217-523-0878. hcfa.org. Island Bay Yacht Club, 76 Yacht Club Road, 217-529-5418.

Food

Fourth Annual Friends of the Market Street Dinner Sep 5, 5:30-9pm Thu. Local chefs will pair with vendors from the Market to prepare four courses, including wine pairings. Only 250 seats available in advance. downtownspringfield.org. 217-544-1723. Old State Capitol Plaza, between Sixth and Fifth streets at Adams.

Illinois Products Farmers Market 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 31, Sep 4, 8am-12:30pm Sat. Local produce, baked goods and products and live entertainment. Free. Old Capitol Farmers Market, Fourth and Adams streets, 217-544-1723.

Shrimp Boil Sep 7. Lake Press Club, 13 Club Area, 217-529-1221.

History

Historical Archaeology or 19th Century Garbage Sep 5, 12-1pm Thu. Archaeologist Robert Mazrim discusses why outhouses are treasure troves of 19th century artifacts. Free. 217- 558-6696. Illinois State Museum Research and Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St., 217-785-0037.

Lincoln’s 8th Judicial Circuit Aug 29, 5:30pm Thu. Lincoln made valuable connections, sharpened his debate skills and learned the value of a well-timed joke. Get the full story from Guy Fraker. Registration required. Free. alplm.org. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.

Lunch and Learn: New Salem and Stephen A. Douglas Sep 10, 11:30am-1:30pm Tue. The Reconstruction of New Salem presented by Dr. Mark B. Pohlad of DePaul University. The Rise of Stephen presented by author Reg Ankrom. $25 includes lunch. 217-206- 6058. UIS Student Union Ballroom, 2251 Richard Wright Dr., 217-206-4782.

Party like it’s 1860 Aug 31, 5:30-7:30pm Sat. Enjoy an evening of games, dance, carriage rides and conversation from the time the Lincolns lived in the neighborhood. Lincoln will give his Farewell Address by the campfire. Free. Lincoln Home National Historic Site, 413 S. Eighth St., 217-391- 3221.

Remembering our Fallen Aug 29, Sep 1-2, 9am-10pm Thu-Mon. The memorial includes 31 tribute towers with military and personal photos of over 5,000 of those who have fallen since 9/11/2001. Free. Downtown Jacksonville, Central Park, Jacksonville, 217-243-5678.

Health

Tai Chi Classes Sep 5, 10:30am and 5:30pm.. Instructor Cindy Cannamela will offer this practice which brings together mindful, gentle and circular movements that are performed with a relaxed tempo. $60 for four classsession. $17 drop-in fee. Chiara Center, 4875 Laverna Road, 217-523-0901.

Union Square Tai Chi Sep 5, 12-1pm Thu. Find work/life balance with outdoor lunchtime tai chi. Free. stjohns.org/go217. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.

Faith & Philosophy

Companions on the Journey Sep 9, 11:30am-1pm Mon. To promote positive social connections for those in the second half of life. A presentation and discussion on relevant spiritual topics. Stay afterwards to enjoy the grounds. $12 includes lunch. Reservations by the Friday prior appreciated. Chiara Center, 4875 Laverna Road, 217-523-0901.

Finding the Pathway to Unity Aug 30, 7-8:30pm Fri. Presentation and discussion. Light refreshments and fellowship follow. Free. 217- 547-9171. Springfield Baha’i Center, 1131 S. Eighth St., 217-544-9595.

Sports & Fitness

Prairie Star 5K Sep 7, 8:30am Sat. The inaugural 5K run/walk. The event is open to community members, UIS students, faculty and staff. UIS students $8, others $13. 217-206-7103. UIS Recreation and Athletic Center, 2171 University Dr., 217-206-6073.

SCHEELS Run Bike Club Aug 29, Sep 5, 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.

Special Olympics 2019 Outdoor Sports Festival Sep 7, 9am Sat. Softball competition at Rotary Park and golf at Hickory Point Golf Course. Opening ceremony on Saturday at 6:15 pm. soill.org. 800-394-0562. Decatur Central Park, Decatur, Springfield Mile Aug 30-Sep 1, Fri-Sun. American Flat Track is America’s original extreme sport. $35 in advance, $45 race week. Premier pass is $130 and includes pit pass, reserved seating, T-shirt, program and catered food. americanflattrack.com. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-782-6661.

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

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