Fairs & Festivals
Downtown Springfield Family FunFest Sep 7, 11am-4pm Sat. Specifically geared towards children and featuring inflatable obstacle courses & 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.
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.
Books & Authors
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.
Spoken Word
Variety Show Sep 7, 4-5:30pm Sat. The Enos Park Variety Show features a number of performers, as well as food harvested from the community garden. Free. Enos Park Community Garden, 1022 N. Fifth St., 708-580-8432.
Theater & Comedy
Blurred Lines Sep 6-8, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. A play by Ben Belzer. Contains adult themes and language. $18. Salem on Seventh Theater, 119 S. Seventh St., Petersburg, 632-7068.
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.
Music: General Events
A Celtic Night Out Sep 6, 6-10pm Fri. The John Byrne Band with the St. Andrews Pipes and Dancers. Sherman Village Park, 1200 Rail Fence Rd., Sherman, 217-496-2621.
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.
Peaches and Bacon Sep 7, 10am-12pm Sat. Banjo and fiddle. Old Capitol Farmers Market, Fourth and Adams streets, 217-544-1723.
Springfield Municipal Band Sep 10-11, 7:30pm Tue-Wed. Douglas Park, 400 N. MacArthur Blvd.
Summer Concert Series Sep 6, 6-8pm Fri. The Lei Abouts ukulele group. Free. White Oaks Mall, 2501 Wabash Ave., 217-787-0110.
The Ultimate Queen Celebration Sep 6, 7pm Fri. Starring Marc Martel. Opening act Off the Wall. Tickets $29+. Bank of Springfield Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745-3000.
Dance
Dance for Hope Sep 6, 7:30-10:30pm Fri. Latin dance night every first 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.
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.
Artist-in-Residence Sep 7, 6-8pm Sat. Mike Reisenger. Free. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St., 217-524-0901.
Opening Reception Sep 8, 6-8pm Sun. Robert (Bob) Leffler, “Brilliantly Natural,” landscapes, wildlife and architectural photography. Free. David Strawn Art Gallery, 331 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-243-9390.
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
5th Annual STEM Fair Sep 11, 6-8pm Wed. Open to all area schools. Students grades K-12, parents and teachers will find a wide range of science, technology, engineering and math activities and resources from over 50 exhibitors. Free. Rochester High School, 3 Rocket Dr., Rochester, 217-498-9761.
A Grand Celebration Sep 8, 1-4pm Sun. A fun-filled afternoon for National Grandparents Day. Contests, games and entertainment. Over 20 local businesses will be on hand. Free. White Oaks Mall, 2501 Wabash Ave., 217-787-0110.
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.
Back-to-School Story Time Sep 10, 10-11am Tue. Enjoy stories and a craft to celebrate a new school year. For ages 3-5 and their caregivers. Museum admission. 217-782-6044. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.
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.
Meet a Vet Sep 7, 10am Sat. Heroes save more than just people. They save all kinds of animals. Fun activities. kidzeum.org. Kidzeum of Health and Science Children’s Museum, 412 E. Adams St., 217-971-4435.
Nature
Evening Prairie Hike Sep 8, 5-6:30pm Sun. Lead by Nick Klobuchar. Dress for the weather. Binoculars optional. Free. 217-899-6150. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 E. Clear Lake Ave., 217-544-2473.
Landscape Tour Sep 11, 6-7:30pm Wed. Join landscape architect Greg Pierceall for a walk-through and critique of his home landscape. Hear about the planning and phases that he took to create the garden as it is today. Free. 217-483-2713. House + Garden, 1133 W. Governor St., 765-427-9326.
Star Party Sep 6, 8-10pm Fri. Hosted by John Martin, UIS associate professor of astronomy/physics. The observatory’s telescopes will be used to view a number of celestial objects. Weather permitting. Free. 217-206-8342. UIS Brookens Library, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6605.
Environment
Environmental author Bill Clutter Sep 11, 6:30-8pm Wed. The author of the book, Coal Tar, is an experienced in complex civil and criminal environmental investigations. Free. 217-793-2178. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-753-4900.
Lectures & Meetings
Alateen and Al-Anon Sep 8, 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 Sep 9, 6-7pm Mon, 6-7pm Thu. 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 Sep 6, 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 Sep 9, 9am Mon. The program is Fall Interest in the Garden presented by David Robson. Free. 563-940-5735. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-529-1111.
Bulletin Board
A Tribute to Fallen Heroes of 9/11 Sep 11, 12-1pm Wed. Lunch with first responders and city officials for their dedication to protect and serve our community. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.
Big Eli Ferris Wheel Sep 8, 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.
Laurel Scholarship Book Sale Sep 7, 8am-1pm Sat. laurelumchurch.org Free. Laurel United Methodist Church, 631 S. Grand Ave. W., 217-525-1866.
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.
Ride to Remember Sep 8, 9am Sun. The annual memorial parade and ceremony to remember those that lost their lives and to honor the first responders and the heroes of 9/11. Hall’s Harley Davidson, 2301 N. Dirksen Pkwy, 217-528-8356.
Young at Heart Sep 10, 9:30-11:30am Tue. Lewis Memorial Village will offer blood pressure checks followed by a program, devotion and a lunch prepared by our Young at Heart team. Open to all area seniors. Free. Athens Christian Church, 1411 E. Route 29, Athens, 217-636-8463.
Food
Bites on the Boulevard Sep 10, 5-9pm Tue. Blessed Sacrament School, 748 W. Laurel, 217-522-7534.
Eating You Alive Sep 10, 6:30-8pm Tue. Learn how our diets may be making us sick, which diet may improve our health and who is profiting from what we eat. Sponsored by the Springfield Vegetarian Association. Free. 217-546-9171. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-753-4900.
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 Sep 5, 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 Sep 7, 11, 8am-12:30pm Sat, and Wed. 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, 12:30am Sat. Lake Press Club, 13 Club Area, 217-529-1221.
History
A Civil War Playlist Sep 8, 7pm Sun. Christian McWhirter, Hannah Jellen and Benjamin Holbrook will bring to life some Civil War era favorites, along with the history behind the songs. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.
Elijah Iles House Fall Porch Chats Sep 11, 5:30-6:30pm Wed. John Eck will talk about growing up in Springfield. Free. 217-481-4397. Elijah Iles House, 628 S. Seventh St., 217-492-5929.
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.
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.
Health
Meditation for Beginners Sep 9-10, 10am Mon, 6:30pm Tue. Lead by Bethany Pawelek. Free. Jacksonville Public Library, 201 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-243-5435.
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 class-session. $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. st-johns. 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.
Connecting Children and Youth To Spirit Sep 8, 4:30-6:30pm Sun. Speakers are Rev. Susan Phillips and Thaddeus Herman. Fellowship and food. Free. 217-546-9171. Springfield Baha’i Center, 1131 S. Eighth St., 217-544-9595.
Finding the Pathway to Unity Sep 6, 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.
GriefShare Grief Recovery Sep 11, 6:30-8pm Wed. GriefShare is a 13-week, Christ-centered, biblically-based support group seminar. Videos present experts, ministers and Christian counselors discussing grief and recovery. Optional cost of study guide. Athens Christian Church, 1411 E. Route 29, Athens, 217-636-8463.
Local, Loco: Public Radio Filling the Local News Vacuum Sep 8, 10:30-11:30am Sun. The local news outlets have reduced their commitment to coverage of the Springfield community. How can public media grow to fill this vacuum? Guest peaker, Randy Eccles, NPR Illinois/WUIS general manager. Free. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 217-585-9550.
Mass in American Sign Language Sep 8, 1pm Sun. Church of the Little Flower, 800 Stevenson Dr, 217-698-8500, ext. 161.
Wednesday Night Connection Sep 11, 5:45-7:30pm Wed. Good food, warm fellowship and study. Supper is served before classes. Age appropriate classes for ages 4-adult. Nursery care provided. Optional donation welcome for meal. Cost of materials for some classes. Athens Christian Church, 1411 E. Route 29, Athens, 217-636-8463.
Sports & Fitness
47th Annual Capital City Century Sep 8, 7am-5pm Sun. Wellmarked routes on low-volume rural roads. Mass starts for different distances. Food stops, rider information and SAG support. Post-pedal party. Registration at capcitycentury.com or 217-899-9175. UIS Student Union, 2251 Richard Wright Dr., 217-206-4782.
Cougar Sprint and Wildcat Olympic Triathlons Sep 7, 8am Sat. triharderpromotions.com. 217-341-1309. Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish & Wildlife Area, 10149 County Hwy. 11, Chandlerville.
Historic Bicycle Ride Sep 7, 1-3pm Sat. A tour of historic sites in the capital city with an easy-paced 8-mile bicycle ride. Featuring tour guides and ride marshals. Hosted by the Springfield Bicycle Club. Free. cccweekend.org. 217-720-1568. Capitol Complex Visitors Center, 425 S. College St., Springfield, IL 62704.
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. UIS Recreation and Athletic Center, 2171 University Dr., 217-206-6073.
SCHEELS Run Bike Club 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.
More events, more details in our online calendar at illinoistimes.com
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