Holiday Happenings
Indian Knoll Pumpkins Sep 28-29, Oct 5-6, 10am-5pm Sat, 12-5pm Sun. Wagon rides, face painting, barnyard games and animals, barrel tractor rides, fall treats and more. indianknollpumpkins.com. Indian Knoll Pumpkins, 2850 N.1000 E. Road, Mechanicsburg, 217-827-0317.
Fairs & Festivals
16th Annual Multicultural Fest Oct 2, 10am-2pm Wed. Entertainment and exhibits. Free. 217-786-2241. llcc.edu. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-786-2200.
Prairie Land Heritage Museum Fall Festival & Steam Show Days Sep 28-29, 7am-5pm Sat-Sun. Horsepowered equipment, antique tractors, gas and steam engines, demonstrations on bailing, blacksmithing and more. 217-243-5678. Prairie Land Heritage Museum, 1005 W. Michigan Ave., Jacksonville, 217-243-7262.
Alpaca Farm Days Sep 28-29, 11am-4pm Sat, 11am- 3pm Sun. Pet the alpacas, shop alpaca products and watch demonstrations using alpaca fiber. Free. Alpacas of Indian Point Hills, 17229 VanEman St., Petersburg, 217-414-0266.
Chatham Jaycees’ Oktoberfest Sep 28, 11am-11pm Sat. Food, drinks and live music. 217-483-6450. chathamjaycees.net. Chatham Town Square, 101 W. Mulberry, Chatham.
Decatur Pride Sep 30, 12:30am Mon. 424-280-2566. Downtown Decatur.
Fur, Feather, Fin Fall Fling Sep 28, 10am-2pm Sat. A full schedule of animal programs and more for all ages. $5 adults, $2 children. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-585-1821.
International Route 66 Mother Road Festival Sep 27, 6pm Fri. Come celebrate the golden age of Route 66. Over 1,000 cool cars and 80,000 spectators will roll into the heart of Springfield’s historic downtown. 317-236-6515. illinoisroute66.org. Downtown Springfield, Inc., 3 W. Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-544-1723.
YMCA’s Hispanic Heritage Family Festival Sep 29, 1-4pm Sun. Dance exhibitions, food trucks, salsa lessons, soccer games and more. Gus and Flora Kerasotes YMCA, 4550 West Iles Ave., 217-679-1625.
Books & Authors
Author Clifton Truman Daniel Oct 1, 6-9pm Tue. Growing Up With My Grandfather: Memories of Harry S. Truman. Free, but reservations are required. Springfield Masonic Center, 1020 Rickard Road, 217-793-7728.
Theater & Comedy
Bright Star Oct 4-20, Thu 7pm, Fri and Sat 8pm, Sun 2pm.. Inspired by real events, this new Broadway musical tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and 40s. atthelegacy.com. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.
Music: General Events
Carillon Citywide Hymn Fest Sep 29, 3-5pm Sun. Traditional hymns plus musical interludes with the Trinity Summer Band. Free. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-3853.
Lowder and Manning Sep 28, Oct 5, 10am-12pm Sat. Singers/songwriters. Old Capitol Farmers Market, Fourth and Adams streets, 217-544-1723.
Shonen Knife, The Hooten Hallers Sep 30, 6-9:30pm Mon. Shonen Knife is an alternative rock band is heavily influenced by 1960s girl groups, pop bands, The Beach Boys, and early punk rock bands. Free, but donations are welcome. 217-691-8991. Rock ‘n’ Roll Hardees, 2501 Adlai Stevenson Dr., 529-0885.
Dance
Springfield Ballet Company’s Rockballet: Roadtrip Sep 28, 7pm Sat. Every good road trip has a story, and every story deserves a soundtrack. $17-$37. UIS Performing Arts Center, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Art & Architecture
Added Value Reception Sep 26, 5:30-8pm Thu. Mixedmedia sculptures by artist Patrick Collier. Exhibition runs through Oct. 17. UIS Visual Arts Gallery, HSB 201, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6506.
Architectural Walking Tour Oct 2, 5:30-7pm Wed. Tour the historic district of downtown. Kidzeum, the Cafe Moxo block, Sangamo Club and The State House Inn. Tour concludes with a complimentary reception. Free. 217-544-1723. Old State Capitol Plaza, between Sixth and Fifth streets at Adams.
One Nighter: Silver Earrings Oct 4, 6-8pm Fri. With instructor Sam Brown. Perfect for beginners as well as experienced jewelry makers. $20 members, $30 non. springfieldart.org. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.
Opening Celebration for the Terrain Biennial 2019 Oct 5, 3-7pm Sat. Terrain Biennial is an international exhibition of site-specific art made for front yards, empty lots, balconies and porches. Self-guided tours of sites in the Enos Park neighborhood and food trucks. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.
Children’s Corner
Hopeapalooza Sep 28, 3-7pm Sat. Bubble bus, inflatables, Wild Times Exotic Zoo, a gaming truck, hay rides, a variety stage and more. Food trucks. Free. 217-848-1037. Hope Pavilion, 5220 S. Sixth St., 217-585-5437.
Leaf identification hike Sep 28, 10am-12pm Sat. 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.
PAW Patrol Live! Oct 1, 6pm Tue. “The Great Pirate Adventure.” The heroic pups from the top-rated animated preschool embark on a pirate-themed adventure to uncover hidden treasure. $19+. Bank of Springfield Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745-3000.
Sensory-Friendly Story Time Sep 29, 10:30am Sun. All ages. 217-585-1421. Barnes and Noble Booksellers, 3111 S. Veterans Pkwy, 217-546-9440.
Nature
Celebrate Urban Nature Sep 29, 1-4pm Sun. Meet Miss Margery, enjoy guided nature walks, nature-inspired make-n-take art, children’s games and everyone’s favorite fall treat, s’mores around the fire. Free. 217-899-6150. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 E. Clear Lake Ave., 217-544-2473.
Star Party Sep 27, Oct 4, 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.
Lectures & Meetings
Alateen and Al-Anon Sep 29, Oct 6, 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 Oct 2, 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.
Sex Addicts Anonymous Sep 30, Oct 3, 6-7pm Thu, 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 Sep 27, Oct 4, 7am Fri. Meets every Friday. Visitors are welcome. 217-546-5021. Peace Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St., 217-546-7646.
Tinderbox: The Untold Story of the Upstairs Lounge Fire and the Rise of Gay Liberation Sep 30, 6pm Mon. Part of the ECCE Speaker Series. uis.edu. 217-206-8507. Free. UIS Brookens Auditorium, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6073.
Bulletin Board
Fighting for Equity and Justice Sep 28, 5:30-8:30am Sat. The Faith Coalition for the Common Good (FCCG) 10 year anniversary banquet. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-725-8047.
Racial Reconciliation: Continuing Along the Moral Arc of Justine Sep 26, 6pm Thu. A part of the Food and Faith Dinner Series conversations. With Kathryn Harris and Dan Frachey. $20. Chiara Center, 4875 Laverna Road, 217-523-0901.
Springfield Parks for Pollinators Sep 26, 5-7pm Thu. Benefi ts pollinator gardens at Springfield area parks. 217-544-1751. Washington Park Botanical Garden Exhibit Hall, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-4116.
The Buddy Walk Sep 28, 12:45pm Sat. Adults $10, ages 7-12 $5. Free for ages 6 and under and those with Down syndrome. Registration. lldss.org. Washington Park, 1501 S. Grand Ave. W., 217-544-1751.
Food
Illinois Products Farmers Market Sep 26, Oct 3, 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 28, Oct 2, 5, 9, 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.
Politics
Millennials Discuss Springfield Sep 27, 7:30am Fri. Public Policy Breakfast. The impact of the millennials is already significant. Socially, economically and politically, this is a different group. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
History
21st Annual Conference on Illinois History Oct 3-4, 8:30am Thu-Fri. Panels covering topics from Illinois’s political, cultural and social history that will appeal to academics, teachers and anyone interested in the past. Continuing education credits are also available.$50-$90. alplmfoundation.tix. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.
Fact vs. Fiction: WWII War Movies Sep 26, 6:30-8pm Thu. No conflict in human history has been portrayed in the movies more than World War II. Join Mark DePue as he talks about some favorite World War II-themed movies. Free but registration is required. alplm.org. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.
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.
Mickey Learning Series: Ogden- Fettie Oct 2, 7-8:30pm Wed. Part of the Paul Mickey Learning Series presented by Michael Wiant, Ken Farnsworth, Montana Martin and Kelvin Sampson. Free. 217-558- 6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.
More Speech: A Conversation about the First Amendment Oct 1, 5:45pm Tue. A moderated, livestream discussion of how First Amendment issues have influenced art and civic life. Free, but reservations are required. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.
Springfield’s Washington Street in the 1800s Oct 1, 6:30-8pm Tue. Richard Hart, known for his research into local history, will share information about Washington Street in downtown Springfield and its growth as a site of commerce in the 1800s. Free. Books on the Square Springfield, 427 E. Washington St., 217-965-5443.
Health
Am I Doing This Right? Oct 3, 6-7pm Thu. Physical therapists will teach proper form to help prevent exercise injuries. Free. st-johns.org/go217. St. John’s TherapyCare, 125 E. Plummer, Chatham.
Fall Mindfulness Retreat Sep 28, 9am-3pm Sat. Cultivate the practice of mindfulness through guided meditations, personal reflection writing exercises and group discussion. $45. Includes morning beverage and lunch. stjohns.org. 217-544-5483. Chiara Center, 4875 Laverna Road, 217-523-0901.
Tai Chi Classes Sep 26, 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.
Faith & Philosophy
Finding the Pathway to Unity Sep 27, 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.
Hope Oct 2, 6:30-8pm Wed. Cancer Companions ministry team will conduct nine group sessions offering encouragement and support to anyone in treatment, post treatment or caregivers. Free. stjohns-springfield.org. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2477 W. Washington St., 217-793-3933.
Wednesday Night Connection Oct 2, 9, 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
Dads Can, Too Harlem Wizards Night Sep 28, 5pm Sat. An amazing show of trick shots, hoops and alley oops plus a game with the Dads Can Too vs. the Harlem Wizards. $11-$30, students $9. 217-971-9236. Lanphier High School, 1300 N. 11th St., 525-3080.
SCHEELS Run Bike Club Sep 26, 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.
Youth Sports in Crisis Sep 26, 7pm Thu. Part of the ECCE Speaker Series. uis.edu. 217-206-8507. Free. UIS Brookens Auditorium, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6073.
