Holiday Happenings
Boo Crew Haunted House Oct 4-5, 7pm Fri-Sat. So scary it’s only recommended for ages 10+. Younger children’s matinee Sat, Oct 19 3-6pm. Gen. admission $17, VIP, $30, matinee $7, blackout admission Nov 1 $20 including glow stick. Rain or shine. Boo Crew Haunted House, 11083 Buckhart Road, Mechanicsburg.
Haunted Woods of Creek Hill Oct 5, 7-11pm Sat. $5 or $10 for a speed pass. illinnoistimestix.com. Haunted Woods of Creek Hill , 3078 N. 1550 East Rd., Mount Auburn, 217-561-0590.
Indian Knoll Pumpkins Oct 5-6, 10am-5pm Sat, 12-5pm Sun. Wagon rides, face painting, barnyard games and animals, barrel tractor rides, fall treats and more. No admission fee; small charge for certain activities. indianknollpumpkins.com. Indian Knoll Pumpkins, 2850 N.1000 E. Road, Mechanicsburg, 217-827-0317.
Books & Authors
Book signing Oct 4, 8-10am Fri. Eric Woods will be signing copies of his book Dragon’s Blood. Wm. Van’s Coffee House, 503 S. Seventh St., 217-679-4726.
Lincoln Library Fall Book Roundup Oct 5, 10am-1pm Sat. Donate music, movies and books to the Friends of the Lincoln Library. Donated items will be sold at book sales to benefit the library. Volunteers will unload your vehicle for you. lincolnlibrary. info. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-753-4900.
Spoken Word
Spoken Word Open Mic Oct 8, 7-10pm Tue. Buzz Bomb Brewing Co., 406 E. Adams St., 217-679-4157.
Theater & Comedy
Big Dogs versus The Pups! Oct 5, 7-10pm Sat. A night of improv comedy by the Capital City Improv troupe. Also featuring a silent auction. $20. hcfta.org. 414-2970. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Bright Star Oct 4-6, 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.
Bruce Baum Oct 5, 8-9:30pm Sat. $17.50-$20 prepaid online or cash at the door. mclimits.com. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut St., Mason City, 217-482-5233.
Dale Jones Oct 4-5, 7:30pm and 9:30pm. Tickets $20 and $22. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 3455 Freedom Dr., 217-391-JOKE.
Kyle Fields and Friends Oct 4, 8-9:30pm Fri. This 12 year veteran of comedy is heard every weekday afternoon on Springfield’s 99.7 The Mix. $12.50 prepaid online or cash at the door. mclimits.com. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut St., Mason City, 217-482-5233.
Music: General Events
Oktoberfest Concert Oct 4, 7-8pm Fri. First Friday Concert. Jay Landers on accordion, with Mark Gifford on piano. Free. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 815 S. Sixth St., 217-522-3342.
Posi Musical Variety Show Oct 7, 6:30-8:30pm Mon. A performance filled with music, comedy and dance with an ordained musical minister, singer and musician, and a classically trained vocalist and guitarist. Valued received love offerings accepted. Unity of Springfield, 417 Cordelia, 523-5897.
Tom Irwin Oct 5, 10am-12pm Sat. Singer/songwriter. Old Capitol Farmers Market, Fourth and Adams streets, 217-544-1723.
Dance
Bulgarian Dance Workshop Oct 7, 7-9pm Mon. Dance master, Iliana Bozhanova accompanied by accordianist, Todor Yankov will teach Bulgarian follow-the-leader type dances. No partner is required. sifolkdancers.org. Freewill donations. 217-381-4043. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Dance for Hope Oct 4, 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.
Sleeping Beauty Auditions Oct 5, 4pm Sat. Dance auditions for the Feb. 22, 2020 production of the classical children’s ballet. Ages 7-13. Must be accompanied by a parent. sypg.org. 217-553-4475. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Art & Architecture
Fall Craft Class for Adults Oct 7, 6:30pm Mon. Recycle books into pumpkins that are great for sprucing up your space. Make an assortment of greeting cards to fit the theme. Registration required. Free. Jacksonville Public Library, 201 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-243-5435.
First Friday Gallery Walk Oct 4, 5-7:30pm Fri. Celebrating original creativity and craftsmanship in the work of 34 artists from across the country. Anne Lloyd Gallery of the Madden Arts Center, 125 N. Water St., Decatur, 217-423-3189.
Glass Blowing Demonstration Oct 5, 6-8pm Sat. Demonstrated by glass artist Mario Clarke. With live music. Glass works available for purchase. $15 at the door or online. springfieldart.org. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.
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. 217-523-2631. 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.
Film & Television
Central Illinois Film Commission Oct 3, 7pm Thu. The speaker will present a mystery program. centralillinoisfilmcommission.com. 217-971-6567. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
What We Do in the Shadows Oct 4, 7-9pm Fri. Viago, Deacon and Vladislay are vampires who struggle with the mundane modern life-paying rent, keeping up with the chore wheel, trying to get into nightclubs and overcoming flatmate conflicts. Part of the F & I Film Series. Free. 217-206-4762. UIS Brookens Auditorium, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6073.
Children’s Corner
Get Creative Super Saturday Oct 5, 11am-3pm Sat. Come celebrate all the ways that people can express their creativity in their free time. Learn about hobbies and crafts with displays, games, and crafts. Ages 5+. Museum admission. 217-782-6044. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.
Sensory-Friendly Family Bowling Oct 5, 2-4pm Sat. For children with autism and their families. 217-585-1421. King Pin Lanes, 3115 E. Sangamon Ave., 217-544-0838.
Toddler Tuesday Oct 8, 10-11am Tue. The Dandelion Pickers will be full of fun music and singing. Bring your dancing shoes and be ready to sing some familiar songs and learn some new ones. Costumes are encouraged. Free. White Oaks Mall, 2501 Wabash Ave., 217-787-0110.
Nature
Bird Banding Oct 5, 8am-2pm Sat. Experience the awesomeness and beauty of our feathered friends, their migratory patterns and the purpose of banding. A family friendly event with special activities for children. Free. Jubilee Farm, 6760 Old Jacksonville Road, 217-787-6927.
LOESS Mineral and Fossil Show Oct 5, 10am-6pm Sat. Contribution by Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, Illinois State Museum, and club members’ personal collections. Dealers, demonstrators and kid’s activities. $2 adults, $1 seniors. 217-414-0033. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-725-8047.
Science
Star Party 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.
Environment
Bushwalking Down Under Oct 9, 6:30-8pm Wed. Steve Soltys will share slides from his 2018 visit to southern Queensland’s Scenic Rim and Victoria’s Southern Alps. Free. 217-793-2178. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-753-4900.
Lectures & Meetings
#MeToo in Muslim America Oct 9, 4pm Wed. Part of the ECCE Speaker Series. uis.edu. 217-206-8507. Free. UIS Brookens Auditorium, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6073.
AARP Smart Driver Course Oct 8, 9am-5pm Tue. Defensive driving techniques, how to deal with aggressive drivers and how to safely navigate adverse weather conditions. Intended to help drivers live more independently as they age. $15 AARP members, $20 non. Jacksonville Public Library, 201 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-243-5435.
Alateen and Al-Anon 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.
Sex Addicts Anonymous Oct 7, 6-7pm Mon, 6-7pm Thu. 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 Oct 4, 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 Oct 7, 9am Mon. Japanese Maples and other rare trees presented by Gale Myers. New members welcome. Free. 563-940-5735. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut St., 217-522-4415.
Zonta Club Oct 9, 5:30pm Wed. Program and dinner. 217-319-9668. Illini Country Club, 1601 S. Illini Road, 546-4614.
Bulletin Board
Blessing of the Animals Oct 6, 3:30pm Sun. This longtime APL tradition marks the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and ecology. Animals must either be on a leash or in a size-appropriate carrier. 217-544-7387. apl-shelter.org. Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Road, 217-544-7387.
Boo Bark Oct 5, 11am-2pm Sat. A Halloween party just for dogs featuring petrelated vendors, activities for kids and dogs alike, pumpkin painting, demonstrations and a canine costume contest. 217-544-7387. apl-shelter.org. Stuart Park, Winch Lane (north of Jefferson).
Fall Car and Craft Show Oct 9, 11am-2pm Wed. Featuring the Cool Cruisers & music by Buckhart Road. Sell your antiques, crafts, collectibles, clothing, candles, jewelry, handmade items, etc. Call 217-503-4643 to reserve space. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.
Family History Research Day Oct 5, 12:30-3:30pm Sat. Experienced volunteers will be available for one-on-one, hour-long sessions. Participants must register online for their one hour time slot. Free. chathamlib.org. Chatham Area Public Library, 600 E. Spruce, Chatham, 217-483-2713.
Holiday Farmers Market Oct 5, 9am-1pm Sat. Come visit some of your favorite summer vendors and meet some new ones. Rochester Public Library, 1 Community Dr., Rochester, 217-498-8454.
Lincoln Land Depression Era Glass and Pottery Club Oct 7, 6pm Mon. Club Members will bring the first piece of glass or pottery that began their collection. 217-793-2128. Free and open to the public. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-753-4900.
Logan County Fall Pickers Market Oct 5-6, 10am-5pm Sat, 10- 12am Sun. Art, crafts, vintage, antiques and specialty booths will fill fairgrounds with some of the best products available in the area. Over 100 vendors from 10 states – this ain’t your Granny’s craft show. $5, children 12 and under free. 217-883-0570. Logan County Fairgrounds, 1408 Short 11th St., Lincoln, 217-732-3311.
Native Flute Playshop Oct 6, 11:45am-1:30pm Sun. Flutes are available to borrow or purchase. No experience is necessary. $20 suggessted love offering. Unity of Springfield, 417 Cordelia, 217-523-5897.
Outdoor Flea Market Oct 5, 9am-2pm Sat. Find lots of things you need and a few you don’t but would love to have. Donuts and coffee for sale in the morning and a hot dog lunch at noon. Vendors wanted. aluuc.org. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 217-585-9550.
Springfield Watch and Clock Show Oct 5, 11am-2pm Sat. Buy and sell or simply look and learn about mechanical clocks and watches. Free and open to the public. 309-340-5676. Knights of Columbus 364, 2200 S. Meadowbrook Road, 217-787-2360.
Springfield/Chatham CROP Walk Oct 6, 1:30pm Sun. Sponsored by Church World Service and organized locally to raise funds to end hunger at home and around the world. Third Presbyterian Church, 1030 N. Seventh St., 528-0457.
Young at Heart Oct 8, 9:30-11:30am Tue. Lewis Memorial Village will offer blood pressure checks followed by a program, devotion and a lunch. Open to all area seniors. Free. 217-636-8463. Athens Christian Church, 1411 E. Route 29, Athens, 217-636-8463.
Food
217 Taste of Italy Week Oct 7, 12:30am Mon. Get your passport in this issue and head out to participating restaurants. Various locations.
Forks Over Knives Oct 8, 6:30-8pm Tue. This film follows four people who all regain their health after starting a vegetarian diet. Sponsored by the Springfield Vegetarian Association. 217-546-9171. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-753-4900.
Illinois Products Farmers Market 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 Oct 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.
History
2019 Candlelight Walk Oct 4-6, 7-9pm Fri-Sun. Period clothed interpreters will be on hand to talk about life in the 19th century. Be sure to make your way to the Rutledge Tavern for gingerbread and cider. Free. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 217-632-4000.
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.
Dating Old Photos by Clothing Oct 5, 3-4pm Sat. Presented by Erika Holst, curator of art and history at the Illinois State Museum. Free. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-753- 4900.
Echoes of Yesteryear Cemetery Walk Oct 6, 12-4pm Sun. A walking tour featuring seven actors dressed in period costumes portraying namesakes of local schools. Parking is available. Participants will be bussed to the area of the tour. Free, but donations are accepted. 217-525-1961. Oak Ridge Cemetery, 1441 Monument Ave., 217-789-2340.
Girl Scouts Walk through the Years Exhibit Through October. 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.
Lunch and Learn: Footprints of Sangamon Oct 8, 11:30am-1:30pm Tue. The Strawbridge-Shepherd House: The First Footprint of Sangamon State University presented by Richard Hart. The Early Days of Sangamon State University presented by Dr. Judith Everson. $25 includes lunch. 217-206-6058. UIS Student Union Ballroom, 2251 Richard Wright Dr., 217-206-4782.
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.
Chatham VFW 6-Mile Ruck March Oct 5, 8am-3pm Sat. An event intended to push people physically by carrying a weighted pack for 6 miles finishing up to enjoy an after-party. Participation fees vary. chatham-vfw.org. 214-414-9637. Chatham VFW Post 4763, 501 W. Mulberry St. , Chatham, 483-4613.
More events, more details in our online calendar at illinoistimes.com
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