Holiday Happenings
Railroad Days Sep 21, 9am Sat. Unlimited rides on steam and dieselpowered passenger and freight trains. Ride in a caboose or on a motorcar. $20 adults and $10 kids. www.mrym.org. Monticello Railway Museum, 992 Iron Horse Place, Monticello, 217-762-9011.
Fairs & Festivals
5th Annual Fall Festival Sep 21, 10-4am Sat. Family activities, food truck and informational events. Kids activities including leaf tracing, pumpkin painting and scavenger hunt. Green View Companies, 3000 W. Jefferson St., 217-787-4700.
Abraham Lincoln National Railsplitter Festival Sep 21, 12:30am 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.
Autumn Artisans Fair Sep 22, 9am-4pm Sun. Over 20 local artists, artisans raffle, breakfast and lunch, bake sale, upscale re-sale boutique, as well as sanctuary tours of the historic Temple B’rith Sholom building. Free. Temple B’rith Sholom, 1004 S. Fourth St., 217-525-1360.
Chatham Paws-a-Palooza 2019 Sep 21, 2-9pm Sat. Leashed pets welcome. Adoptable pets on site, pet training demos, pet-themed vendors, face painting and food. Proceeds to benefit planned public dog park. $5 donation at the gate. Chatham Community Park, 731 S. Main St., Chatham.
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 Historic Site, Route 125, Pleasant Plains, 217-572-4984.
Cruise Nite and Car Show Sep 21, 9am-9pm Sat. One of the area’s largest cruise nights, this event brings in classic and antique autos for a day of fun for everyone. Car show starts at 9am followed by the cruise at 5pm. 217-243-5678. Jacksonville Community Park, 1201 S. Main, Jacksonville.
Floating Lantern Festival Sep 21, 4:30-9pm Sat. Receive a biodegradable floating lantern kit and an LED tealight upon entry. Everythis will be provided decorate your lantern. Food truck, beverages, kid’s activities and live music. $10 for lantern kit or $5 for spectators. Conservation World, Illinois State Fairgrounds, One Natural Resources Way.
Jacksonville Rotary Oktoberfest Sep 21, 12-8pm Sat. German beer and wine, authentic German food, music and oompa bands, wiener dog races, keg toss contest, bags tournament, dancing, wine and beer tasting. 217-243-5678. Morgan County Fairgrounds, 110 N. Westgate, Jacksonville, 217-245-6800.
Sherman Fall Fun Family Festival Sep 22, 11am-4pm Sun. Bounces houses, Chicago Kite Flyers Club will have a giant kite display, face painting, DJ and live music, gaming trailer and kite building and flying. Food vendors. Sherman residents are free, non-resident fee is $5. 217-496-2621. Sherman Village Park Amphitheater, 1200 Rail Fence Road, Sherman.
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.
Music: General Events
Mike Anderson Sep 21, 10am-12pm Sat. . Old Capitol Farmers Market, Fourth and Adams streets, 217-544-1723.
Summer Concert Series Sep 20, 6-8pm Fri. The Lei Abouts ukulele group. Free. White Oaks Mall, 2501 Wabash Ave., 217-787-0110.
Dance
Dance for Hope Sep 20, 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.
Lets Dance Through the Decades Sep 25, 1-3pm Wed. Dance through the decades doing your favorite dance or dances. Register by Sept. 18. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.
Art & Architecture
About Becoming Featuring the work of pastelist Tracey Maras, ceramicist Danny Brikshavana and painter E Vern Taylor, in addition to new work from other Collective artists. 217-523-2631. SAA Collective Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-544-2787.
Acrylic Art Class Sep 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.
Edwards Place Fine Art Fair Sep 21-22, 10am-5pm Sat, 10am-4pm Sun. Fun for the whole family with over 70 booths to shop at, artist demos to watch and a used book sale. Live music, food vendors and beer and wine tent. Dog-friendly. Free. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.
Enor 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 sculpture garden. president@epnia.com or 217-553-4629. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.
Sacred Heart Convent Chapel Tour Sep 22, 1:30pm Sun. Enjoy an up-close encounter with this pristine mid-century modern architectural gem. Accessible facility. Free, but preregistration required. 217-787-0481. Sacred Heart Convent Chapel, 1237 W. Monroe.
The POP! Art Show Sep 19, 6-9pm Thu. Featuring local artists. Free. Arlington’s Restaurant, 210 S. Broadway, 217-679-6235.
Urgent Care 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.
Film & Television
Citizen Jane: Battle for the City Sep 23, 5:30-8:30pm Mon. Writer and urban activist Jane Jacobs fights to save historic New York City during the ruthless redevelopment era of the 1960s. Hosted by Springfield ICON and DSI. Free. 217-528-9803. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-753-4900.
E.T. Sep 21, 8-10pm Sat. Part of the Movies in the Park series. Free. devonamphitheater.com. The Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater, 620 E. Riverside Dr., Decatur, 217-619-8025.
The Mustang Sep 21, 2pm Sat. Movie matinee for adults. Rated R. Free. Jacksonville Public Library, 201 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-243-5435.
Children’s Corner
Leaf identification hike Sep 21, 10am-12pm Sat. We will be collecting over 50 leaves. Bring a spiral notebook and pencil. Pre-registration and parent/adult chaperones are required. $5. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-4116.
Remarkable Raptors Family Event Sep 21, 11am-3pm Sat. Celebrate birds of prey-owls, eagles, falcons and more, 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.
Nature
East Lick Creek Trail Hike Sep 22, 1:30-3:30pm Sun. An easy-to-moderate 2.5 mile hiking/mountain biking trail. Hike may be rescheduled if trail is muddy. Open to the public, but participants must sign a Sierra Club waiver. Free. 217-899-9996. Lick Creek Wildlife Sanctuary , 5600 Old Chatham Road, 217-789-2030.
Star Party Sep 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 22, 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.
Retired State Employees Association monthly meeting Sep 25, 1:30pm Wed. John M. Sullivan, director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, will be speaking. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2477 W. Washington St., 217-793-3933.
Sex Addicts Anonymous Sep 23, 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 20, 7am Fri. Meets every Friday. Visitors are welcome. 217-546-5021. Peace Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St., 217-546-7646.
Bulletin Board
APL Pet Adoptions Sep 21-22, 12am 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.
Big Eli Ferris Wheel Sep 22, 4-6pm Sun. Free rides on Big Eil every Sunday through Sep 29. Jacksonville Community Park, 1201 S. Main, Jacksonville.
Family and Friends of Prisoners Support Group Sep 24, 6pm Tue. Meets the last Tuesday of each month. King of Kings Christian Assembly, 520 S. Livingston, 217-525-2337.
Firearms Restraining Order Sangamon County Sep 24, 6-8pm Tue. Slide presentation and panel discussion by the League of Women Voters Springfield Area and Moms Demand Action. 907-251-6376. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-753-4900.
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.
Party on the Patio Sep 21, 12am Sat. Aqua Sports Club, 1 Club Area, 217-529-2431.
The Seance Sep 25, 7pm Wed. Hosted by the Vachel Lindsay Association. With psychic Josh Simonds of Vermont. Limited seating. $30 in advance and $35 at the door. Arlington’s, 210 Broadway, 217-679-6235.
Food
Fried Chicken Dinner Sep 21, 4-7pm Sat. Dine in or carryout is available.Tickets at the door or call the church office. Sherman United Methodist Church, 2336 E. Andrew Road, Sherman, 217-496-2338.
Great American Steak Out Sep 22, 12-5pm Sun. Featuring Tomahawk Steaks prepared by Rennecker BBQ. Entertainment by Dennis Stroughmatt, Honky Tonk Circus. Tickets available a illinoistimestix.com. Hill Prairie Winery, 23753 Lounsberry Road, Oakford, 217-635-9900.
Illinois Products Farmers Market Sep 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.
Old Capitol Farmers Market Sep 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 meetings 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.
Elijah Iles House Fall Porch Chats Sep 25, 5:30-6:30pm Wed. Robert Cohen will speak on growing up in Springfield. Free. 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.
Girl Scouts Walk through the Years Exhibit An exhibit highlighting scout history that has built leaders, community advocates and entrepreneurs. Free. Open during regular mall hours. White Oaks Mall, 2501 Wabash Ave., 217-787-0110.
Health
Glucose and Blood Pressure Screenings Sep 25, 9-11am Wed. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.
Introduction to Meditation Sep 24, 6:30pm Tue. Jacksonville Public Library, 201 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-243-5435.
My Lifestyle with Lung Disease Sep 25, 5:30-7:30pm Wed. Information about COPD/emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis and asthma to improve our understanding of lung disease, the benefits of oxygen and other helpful therapies. Light refreshments. Free. Register at 588-6254. Memorial Center for Learning and Innovation, 228 W. Miller St., 217-788-3000.
Tai Chi Classes Sep 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 classsession. $17 drop-in fee. Chiara Center, 4875 Laverna Road, 217-523-0901.
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
2019 Women’s Conference Sep 20-21, 7pm Fri, 9am Sat. Guest speakers Pastor Miki King on Friday and Pastor Larita Holton on Saturday morning. Table of Life Ministries, 2600 S. Fifth St., 720-5100.
Finding the Pathway to Unity Sep 20, 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.
Wednesday Night Connection Sep 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
SCHEELS Run Bike Club Sep 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 22, 1:30-4pm Sun. Bring both a white shirt and a dark shirt for making teams. 217-408-0091. Southern View Park, S. Fourth St., 529-3352.
More events, more details in our online calendar at illinoistimes.com
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