Holiday Happenings
Fall Farm Day Sep 15, 12-5pm Sun. Featuring free popcorn wagon rides plus pumpkin and face painting, music by Jeff Cordes and food. Free admission. gailspumpkinpatch.com. Gail’s Pumpkin Patch, 1709 2000th Ave., Beason, 217-447-3409.
Fairs & Festivals
3rd Annual Shoes and Brews Sep 19, Thu. Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 217-585-2941.
Abraham Lincoln National Railsplitter Festival Sep 21, Sat. Working crafts, pioneer village, pre-1840 primitive lodges, Dean Tibbs tomahawk throw, railsplitting, children’s games, vendors and crafts, old time music, dancing, food and historical displays. 309-696-4286. railsplitting.com. Postville Courthouse State Historic Site, 914 Fifth St, Lincoln, 217-732-8930.
Atlanta Fall Festival Sep 12-15, 5pm Thu-Fri, 8am Sat, 11am Sun. Amusements, live music, merchant's drawings, bingo and lots of food including nightly suppers sponsored by area groups. Atlanta, IL, 103 SW Arch St., Atlanta.
Autumn Artisans Fair Sep 22, 9am-4pm Sun. Over 20 local artists, artisan’s raffle, breakfast and lunch, bake sale, upscale re-sale boutique, sanctuary tours of the historic Temple B’rith Sholom building. Free. Temple B’rith Sholom, 1004 S. Fourth St., 217-525-1360.
Clayville Fall Festival Sep 21-22, 9am-4pm Sat-Sun. Craft vendors, children’s activities, food and music. Tour the Broadwell Inn, log cabins, school house and agricultural museum. Blacksmiths and tinsmiths. Adults $5, ages 6-13 $3. clayville.org. 217-481-4430. Clayville, Route 125, Pleasant Plains, 217-572-4984.
Fall Festival Sep 14, Sat. Anchor Boat Club, 407 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-529-1174.
Floating Lantern Festival Sep 21, 4:30-9pm Sat. Receive a biodegradable floating lantern kit and an LED tealight upon entry. Food truck, beverages, kid’s activities and live music. $10 for lantern kit or $5 for spectators. Conservation World, Illinois State Fairgrounds, One Natural.
Illini Bird Fanciers Bird Fair Sep 15, 9am-4pm Sun. One of the largest bird fairs in Illinois. Birds, cages, toys, seed, bird trimming and more. $3 adults; free to kids 12 and under with paid adult. illinibirdfanciers.com. 217-836-2836. Illinois Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., 217-782-6661.
Mt. Pulaski Fall Festival Sep 13, Fri. Benefits the Market on the Hill, a community-owned grocery store. Demonstrations and vintage games, vendors and crafts, beer tent, food, inflatables and live music. Downtown Mt. Pulaski.
Sesquicentennial Celebration Sep 13, 8am Fri. Concessions, children’s activities, carnival, 5/10k walk/run. Live music and fireworks on Saturday. 217-498-7891. rochester150.com. Rochester Community Park, Rochester.
World Record Attempt: Lincoln Impersonators Sep 21, 8am-4pm Sat. Help break the record for the largest gathering of people dressed as Lincoln. Must be instantly recognizable as ol’ Abe — stovepipe hat, ear-to-ear beard (no mustache) long black coat, black waistcoat, white collard shirt and bow tie. 217-732-8669. Logan County Courthouse, 601 Broadway St., Lincoln.
Books & Authors
History of Devereux Heights Sep 17, 5:30-7pm Tue. Kenneth Mitchell will discuss how Devereux Heights has maintained its identity and character and share excerpts from his book, “The Little Village that Could: The Untold Story of Devereux Heights.” Free. 217-525-1961. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-753-4900.
Theater & Comedy
Belly Laffs Comedy Sep 14, 8pm Sat. Special guest appearances. Hosted by Tim Laffey. $10. Godfather’s Pizza, 1549 S. Dirksen Pkwy., 217-522-4886 or 217-871-1509.
Comedians Brad Upton and Troy Davis Sep 13, 6-10pm Fri. $10-$30. devonamphitheater.com. The Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater, 620 E. Riverside Dr., Decatur, 217-619-8025.
The Mature Mob Presents: And The Beat Goes On Sep 13-15, 7pm Fri, 2pm Sat-Sun. 1950s rock ‘n roll at its best. $15 at the door. Ages 12 and under are free. Sacred Heart Griffin Theater, 1200 W. Washington.
Music: General Events
Hair Banger Ball Band with Phantom Lords Sep 13, 7-10pm Fri. A tribute to Metallica. Sherman Village Park, 1200 Rail Fence Rd., Sherman, 217-496-2621.
Larry Stevens Sep 14, 21, 10am-12pm Sat. Guitar and vocals. Old Capitol Farmers Market, Fourth and Adams streets, 217-544-1723.
Music at the Museum: Ivas John Sep 12, 7-9pm Thu. Acoustic blues musician. $8 members, $10 adults. 217-558-6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.
Penny Lane - Jerry and Joe Tribute Party Sep 15, 1-9pm Sun. Music by Sunshine Daydream, Perfunctory this Band, Tom Irwin, Tide and Time, Black Queen. Free. Douglas Park, 400 N. MacArthur Blvd.
Summer Concert Series Sep 13, 20, 6-8pm Fri. Mike Butler. Free. White Oaks Mall, 2501 Wabash Ave., 217-787-0110.
The ColdPeppers Sep 14, 5:30pm Sat. 217-416-7422. St. Aloysius Church, 2000 Sangamon Ave., 544-4553.
Art & Architecture
Acrylic Art Class Sep 13, 20, 10am-12pm Fri. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.
Arts in Central Park Sep 21-22, 10am Sat-Sun. A variety of artwork for sale including jewelry, pottery, metal sculptures, glass, fiber arts and paintings. Festivities include music, working demonstrations, kids’ art activities. decaturarts.org. 217-423-3189. Decatur Central Park, Decatur.
Clare Frachey Art Exhibition Sep 14, 6-8pm Sat. With special guest doctor mister dreamer. Free. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St., 217-524-0901.
Art Spectacular at the Carillon Sep 14-15, 10am-5pm Sat, 10am-4pm Sun. Featuring up to 50 artists with original artwork in an variety of media, artist demonstrations, music, Hy-Vee Grill, Patron Bucks, gift basket raffle and silent auction. Free admission. 217-787-3532. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-4116.
Enos Park Home Tour Sep 21, 1-5pm Sat. Tours begin at the Springfield Art Association where you can purchase tickets. Self-guided tour of more than a dozen historic homes in various conditions. Wine and cheese reception to follow in the sculpturegarden.president@epnia.com or 217-553-4629. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.
One Nighter: Ceramic Leaves Sep 14, 6-8pm Sat. Instructed by Kathy Adams, make a ceramic hand-built leaf dish. The piece will be glazed for you. Limited seating. $20 members, $30 non. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.
One Nighter: Copper Wire Bracelet Sep 13, 6-8pm Fri. Instructed by Sam Brown, make your own copper wire wrapped bracelet. Perfect for beginners as well as experienced jewelry makers. $20 members, $30 non. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.
Urgent Care Through Sept. 29. A 50-year survey celebrating the career of Thomas Skomski, one of Illinois’s finest sculptors. Museum admission. 217-558-6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.
Youth/Adult Hammered Copper Cuff Sep 14, 10am-12pm Sat. Instructed by Sam Brown. Ages 10 and up. $50 members, $60 non. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.
Film & Television
Under the Same Moon Sep 20, 7pm Fri. Film screening and discussion. Part of the ECCE Speaker Series. uis.edu. 217-206-8507. Free. UIS Brookens Auditorium, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6073.
Children’s Corner
Mocha Moms, Inc. Muffins and Moms Open House Sep 14, 11am-1pm Sat. Introductory meeting of a support network of moms. Children welcome. Light refreshments. Free. 309-431-1410. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-753-4900.
Remarkable Raptors Family Event Sep 21, 11am-3pm Sat. Celebrate birds of prey. Enjoy educational games and activities. Ages 7+. Receive free adult Museum Day tickets for this day by visiting smithsonian.com. 217-782-6044. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.
Second Saturday Storytime Sep 14, 11:30am Sat. Enos Park Community Garden, 1022 N. Fifth St., 708-580-8432.
Sensory-friendly Horseback Riding Sep 14, 10am Sat. For children with autism and their families. 217-585-1421. Bright Star Equestrian Centre, 1450 Horse Farm Rd., Divernon.
Science
Brown Bag Program: It’s All in Your Head! Sep 18, 12-1pm Wed. Curator Erich Schroeder will guide you through current research into the science of music. Free. 217-558-6696. Illinois State Museum Research and Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St., 217-785-0037.
Nature
Bird Feeder Wash Sep 14, 10am-1pm Sat. Bring your dirty bird feeders to Wild Birds Unlimited and, for a suggested donation of $5, volunteers with the Springfield Audubon Society will clean them. 217-544-2473. Wild Birds Unlimited, 1930 S. MacArthur Blvd., 217-789-6468.
Spinning Weekend Sep 13-14, 12pm-8pm Fri, 9am-8pm Sat. An opportunity to observe experienced spinners and to practice on various wheels. All levels of experience welcome. Bring your own wheel, if you have one. Informal. $25 for one day, $40 for two. Jubilee Farm, 6760 Old Jacksonville Road, 217-787-6927.
Star Party Sep 13, 20, 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.
Wild India: Tales and Photos Sep 19, 5:30pm Thu. Join adventurers, naturalists and photographers Michael Jeffords and Susan Post as they explore northern India in search of snow leopards, tigers and rare rhinos. 217-554-2473. Free. 217-558-6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.
Lectures & Meetings
Alateen and Al-Anon Sep 15, 22, 6:30pm Sun, 6:30pm Sun. Two separate group meetings that take place at the same time and location, but in different rooms. 502-6777. spialanon.weebly.com. Real Life Church, 2701 Hermitage Rd.
Central Illinois Numismatic Association Meeting Sep 12, 7-10pm Thu. Monthly business meeting followed by an auction. Free and open to the public. 217-793-2178. Knights of Columbus Hall Council 4175, 2801 West St., 217-528-5740.
Finding Truth in the Age of Alternative Facts: Ethics, Morality and Contemporary Values Sep 18, 6-7:30pm Wed. Changes in technology make finding the truth in what we hear on the news, read in newspapers and see onscreen very difficult. The Tech Talk group will explore what is real on the internet and in other media. Co-sponsored by LLCC Academy of Lifelong Learning. Free. 217-786-2432. llcc.edu. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.
Navy Club Sangamon Ship 32 Auxiliary Sep 12, 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 Sep 23, 6-7pm Thu. A 12-step meeting for those seeking freedom from addictive or compulsive sexual behavior. Confi dentiality assured. Email springfieldsaa@gmail.com or phone 217-306-7335 for meeting location.
Springfield Breakfast Optimist Club Sep 13, 20, 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 Sep 16, 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.
Tinker vs. Des Moines School District - Landmark US Supreme Court Case Sep 12, 7pm Thu. uis.edu. 217-206-8507. UIS Brookens Library, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6605.
Bulletin Board
AARP Smart Driver Course Sep 16-17, 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 Sep 14-15, 21-22, 12pm Sat- Sun. All animals will be spayed or neutered, microchipped and have received all ageappropriate vaccinations by the time of adoption. apl-shelter.org. PetSmart, 3183 S. Veterans Pkwy, 217-698-3091.
Back-to-School Social Sep 12, 4:30-6:30pm Thu. Hosted by the Central Illinois Reading Council. Educators and school staff from Sangamon and surrounding counties are invited. Learn about upcoming events, membership opportunities, grants, professional development opportunities. Food and drink provided. Free. illinoisreadingcouncil.org. Cousin Eddies Bar and Grill, 1951 W. Monroe, 217-679-5777.
Big Eli Ferris Wheel Sep 15, 22, 4-6pm Sun. Free rides on Big Eil every Sunday through Sep 29. Jacksonville Community Park, 1201 S. Main, Jacksonville.
Credit Coaching Workshops Sep 16, 12-1pm Mon. 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.
genHkids Trivia Night Sep 21, 6:30pm Sat. Exercise your brain, learn something new and support genHkids programming for the 2019-2020 school year. Dove Conference Center, Prairie Heart Institute, 619 E. Mason St., 217-544-6464, ext. 44619.
Legal Aid for Seniors Sep 16, 9am-3pm Mon. 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 Sep 18, 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.
Museum Day Sep 21, 9am-4:30pm Sat. The Illinois State Museum is participating in Smithsonian Magazine’s Museum Day. Visit smithsonian.com to print a voucher for two free adult admission tickets to the state museum. Service members and seniors 64+ are always free. 217-782-6044. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.
Party on the Patio Sep 21, Sat. Aqua Sports Club, 1 Club Area, 217-529-2431.
PFLAG monthly meeting Sep 16, 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.
Food
Illinois Products Farmers Market Sep 12, 19, 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.
21st Annual Harvest Celebration Sep 12, 5:30-8:30pm Thu. This annual event raises money so that Central Illinois Foodbank can continue fi ghting hunger in central and southern Illinois. $100. centralilfoodbank.org. 217-522-4022. UIS Student Union, 2251 Richard Wright Dr., 217-206-4782.
LLCC Academy of Lifelong Learning Chili Day Sep 15, 11am-4pm Sun. There will also be a book exchange. $8 per person, ages 8 and under are free. 786-2432. llcc.edu. Temple B’rith Sholom, 1004 S. Fourth St., 217-525-1360.
Old Capitol Farmers Market Sep 14, 18, 21, 25, 8am-12:30pm Sat, 8am-12:30pm Wed. Local produce, baked goods and products and live entertainment. Free. Old Capitol Farmers Market, Fourth and Adams streets, 217-544-1723.
History
A Confederate Soldier in King Lincoln's Court Sep 19, 7pm Thu. A presentation by Miranda Bailey-Peetz at the monthly meeting of Mr. Lincoln’s Hometown Civil War Roundtable. Free and open to the public. Books on the Square Springfield, 427 E. Washington St., 217-965-5443.
Camp Butler Cemetery Sep 18, 6:30pm Wed. Kathy Heyworth will discuss the cemetery’s transformation from its beginnings during the Civil War to its designation as a national cemetery. Riverton Village Hall, 1200 E. Riverton Road, Riverton, 629-6353.
Civil War Tech - Lincoln’s Patent Sep 14, 10am-12pm Sat. Learn about Abraham Lincoln’s patented invention and his passion for innovation and technology. Build your own 19th century invention and pitch it to our panel of mock investors. Free but registration is required. alplm.org. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.
Elijah Iles House Fall Porch Chats Sep 18, 5:30-6:30pm Wed. Allan Woodson will speak on growing up in Springfield. 217-481-4397. Elijah Iles House, 628 S. Seventh St., 217-492-5929.
Elizabeth Keckley: Seamstress Sep 21, 1-2:30pm Sat. Mrs. Keckley, portrayed by Marlene Rivero, had been enslaved, purchased her own freedom, and became the dressmaker and confidant to Mary Todd Lincoln. Part of the Road Scholar Program. Free. Chatham Area Public Library, 600 E. Spruce, Chatham, 217-483-2713.
Fly the 1929 Ford Tri-Motor Sep 12-15, 2-5pm Thu, 9am-5pm Fri-Sun. Learn about this historic aircraft and it’s impact on aviation and commercial air travel. Free viewing and information. Advance flight tickets $72, walk up day of $77. Children 17 and under $52. eaa.org. 877-952-5395. Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport, 1200 Capital Airport Dr., 217-788-9200.
Illinois History Forum - Illinois and the Atomic Bomb Sep 12, 12-1pm Thu. Oral historian Mark DePue is the moderator. Free. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.
New Philadelphia and Hannibal Day Trip Sep 14, 7:45am-7:30pm Sat. Stories of African-Americans whose lives began in enslavement and endured struggles even after receiving freedom. $75 includes motorcoach, lunch and admissions. Reservations required. 217-558-6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.
Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day Sep 21, 9am-5pm Sat. Download tickets through Smithsonian Magazine’s website for free admission. smithsonian.com. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.
Health
Glucose and Blood Pressure Screenings Sep 25, 9-11am Wed. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.
Tai Chi Classes Sep 12, 19, 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.
Talk Saves Lives Sep 16, 7pm Mon. A presentation from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Free. Jacksonville Public Library, 201 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-243-5435.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s Sep 21, 8:30am-12pm Sat. Participants can join a team or register to walk as an individual at alz.org/walk. Free. Donations requested. 217-801-9352. Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 217-585-2941.
Faith & Philosophy
Finding the Pathway to Unity Sep 13, 7-8:30pm Fri. Presentation and discussion. Light refreshments and fellowship follow. Free. Springfield Baha’i Center, 1131 S. Eighth St., 217-544-9595.
GriefShare Grief Recovery Sep 18, 25, 6:30-8pm Wed. GriefShare is a 13-week, Christcentered, 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.
Wednesday Night Connection Sep 18, 25, 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
Donuts and Dogs 5k Fun Run/ Walk Fundraiser Sep 14, 9am-1pm Sat. Bring your K-9 companion. Donuts, dog treats and fun activities. Want to participate but can’t run the race? Register as an official Cat Napper and raise money as an individual or a team. 217-544-7387. apl-shelter.org. Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 217-753-0702.
Moonlight Miles Sep 14, 6:30pm Sat. Run through a 160-year-old cemetery. 5k, 10k and half marathons triharderpromotions.com. 217-341-1309. Oak Ridge Cemetery, 1441 Monument Ave., 217-789-2340.
SCHEELS Run Bike Club Sep 12, 19, 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.
Ultimate Frisbee Sep 15, 22, 1:30-4pm Sun. 217-408-0091. Southern View Park, S. Fourth St., 529-3352.
