Holiday Happenings

St. Patrick’s Day Parade Sat., March 14. At the craic o’noon. Inflatables, bagpipes, Irish dancers and more. Downtown Springfield.

St. Patrick’s Day Feast Tue., March 17, 12:15-1pm. Enjoy an Irish feast prepared by Daily Bread. Musical entertainment by Buckhart Road. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.

Theater & Comedy

Comedian Brent Terhune Sat., March 14, 7-8:30, 9:30-11pm. Brent is a Bob & Tom Show writer and performer. $10, $15, $20. Decatur Conference Center & Hotel, Decatur, 4191 US 36 West, 309-212-1103.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Mar. 13-15, 7pm Fri. and Sat., 2pm Sun. Told through song with the help of a narrator, Joseph is a reimagining of the Biblical story of Joseph, his father Jacob, eleven brothers and coat of many colors. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

The Little Mermaid March 13-14, 7-9:30pm and Sun., March 15, 2-2:30pm. Presented by Lutheran High School students. $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors. Lutheran High School, 3500 W. Washington St., 217-546-6363.

LOL UIS Comedy Series-Kevin McCaffrey Fri., March 20, 8-10pm. Kevin McCaffrey is a comedian who made his network TV debut on “The Late Show with David Letterman.” $15 in advance; $20 day of show. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.

Ron White Thu., March 12, 7:30pm. Comedian Ron “Tater Salad” White fi rst rose to fame as the cigar-smoking, scotchdrinking funnyman from the Blue Collar Comedy Tour. $39-$95. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.

Spotlight on Ice Sat., March 21, 2, 7pm and Sun., March 22, 2pm. “Getting Out Of Town!” Performed by 70 local skaters and a nationally acclaimed special guest, the show features colorful lighting and costumes, stories you’ll recognize and some of your favorite music. $7 ages 12 and under and $12 ages 13+. Nelson Center Ice Arena, Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St., 217-525-2589.

Spoken Word

Poetry open mic Third Wednesday of every month, 6-8pm. Sign up to read some poetry, prose or non-fiction, or just relax and listen. A Springfield Poets & Writers event. Free. Robbie’s, 4 S. Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-725-9058.

Special Music Events

Brown Bag Concert Wed., March 18, 12:15-12:45pm. Pei-I Wang, piano, D. David Cook, clarinet and Alexandra Rodriquez, flute. Brown bag lunches available at the door for $5 or bring your own. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 217-528-4311.

Music at the Museum: Calle Sur Thu., March 12, 7-9pm. The Panamanian/Colombian duo performs a broad range of Latin musical traditions, from joropo and cumbia to samba and punto. Adults $15, museum members $12. illinoisstatemuseum.org. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Josh Turner Fri., March 13, 8-10pm. One of country music’s most recognizable hit-makers. $38+. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.

Dance

Dance and a dance lesson Wednesdays, 7-10pm. Free lesson included with admission on Wednesdays. $5. Prairie Land Dance Club, Illiopolis, 650 Matilda St., 217-428-1560.

Springfield International Folk Dance Mondays, 7-9pm. Learn to dance international folk dances (including early American). No partner or experience is necessary. Free. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Art & Architecture

“Convergence” Mondays-Thursdays, 11am-6pm. Through April 9. Shane Harris combines various technologies such as 3D printing, vacuum forming and mold making, along with mixed media. UIS Visual Arts Gallery, HSB 201, One University Plaza, 217-206-6506.

“Go Figure!” reception Fri., March 13, 5-7pm. A national juried exhibition that showcases artwork in all media utilizing the human figure. The exhibition will run through April 30 during regular gallery hours. Free. SAA Collective Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-544-2787.

Not Your Average Joe Fri., March 20, 6-9pm. Peter Lazare’s funny and punny banners, which flew in front of Grab-a-Java, are local treasures and have been compiled into a book. All proceeds will be donated the Sierra Club and NPR Illinois in his memory. Myers Building, 1 W. Old State Capitol Plaza.

“Psychedelia” Thu., March 19, 4-6pm. A contemporary take on a mid-20th century cultural explosion from the 1960s and into outer space. Dim Art House, 1613 S. MacArthur Blvd.

Artist Lecture Tue., March 17, 12-1pm. UIS associate professor of visual arts Shane Harris will discuss his exhibit “Convergence.” Light refreshments will be served. Free. UIS Visual Arts Gallery, HSB 201, One University Plaza, 217-206-6506.

Film & Television

Judy Sat., March 14, 2pm. A movie matinee for adults. Free. Jacksonville Public Library, Jacksonville, 201 W. College Ave., 217-243-5435.

Salt of the Earth Fri., March 20, 7-9pm. This film stands out in history as a blacklisted film, swept up in the communist panic of the McCarthy era, but has stood the test of time to give a unique perspective of the Southwest in the 1950s. Free. UIS Brookens Auditorium, One University Plaza, 217-206-6245.

Auditions

Auditions Sat., March 14, 10am-12pm. Auditions for both experienced and inexperienced actors for the Edwards Place Murder Mystery. Learn about the characters online. edwardsplace.org. Free. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.

Children’s Corner

2020 Summer Ecology Camp On March 16 camp registration will be open to children ages 4-15 years. At the weekly camps held in June and July young campers will hike the trails, learn about native ecosystems, design a camp tee shirt and play environmental games. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-529-1111.

Easter Bunny Sun., March 22. The Easter Bunny will arrive at the mall on the lower level of the Macy’s wing. Visits with photo opportunities will be available Mondays-Saturdays 11am-8pm and Sundays 11am-6pm through Apr. 12. Fees are charged for photos. White Oaks Mall, 2501 Wabash Ave., 217-787-0110.

Frozen 2 Fri., March 13, 6-9pm. Showings in two separate areas will provide both a sensory-friendly environment and also an environment that does not have sensory friendly adjustments. Popcorn and water will be provided. Participants are welcome to bring blankets and chairs. Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 217-585-2941.

YMCA Spring Soccer March 17 is the deadline for registering for the YMCA soccer program. The league runs April 17-May 30. Online registration form is available at springfieldymca.org. YMCA Soccer Fields, UIS Campus, 5006-5196 University Dr., 217-544-9846.

Nature, Science & Environment

Astronomy for Beginners Thu., March 19, 6:30pm. Bernd Estabrook’s presentation will help you see some of the wonders in the sky from your own backyard and provide you with a list of easy-to-use and often free tools as well as practical tips. Free. Jacksonville Public Library, Jacksonville, 201 W. College Ave., 217-243-5435.

Brown Bag Program: Teaching the Climate Crisis Wed., March 18, 12-1pm. Dr. Lynn Fisher will consider the lessons learned in her years of teaching a general education course that draws on prehistoric case studies to explore the history and diversity of human-land relationships. Free. Illinois State Museum Research and Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St., 217-785-0037.

Can gardening stop a mass extinction? Thu., March 12, 6:30-8pm. Professor Amy McEuen presenting for the Central Chapter of the Illinois Native Plant Society. Free. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 E. Clear Lake Ave., 217-544-2473.

Maple Syrup Demonstrations Saturdays, Sundays, 1-2, 2:30- 3:30pm. A Memorial Garden naturalist will demonstrate the entire syrup-making process from tree tapping to boiling the sap down to syrup. Dress for the weather as this program will include a trek to one of the garden’s sugar bushes. Free. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-529-1111.

Mushroom Workshop Sat., March 21, 1pm. Learn how to grow oyster and shiitake mushrooms on logs. Some supplies will be provided. Space is limited for this popular workshop. Call to register. $25 for members or $30 for non-members. Nipper Wildlife Sanctuary, Loami, 9560 Withers Road, 217-525-1410.

Sisters to the Land Sat., March 14, 1-4pm. Young adult and adult participants will reflect on the gift of Earth, participate in woodworking and planting and learn about and enjoy healthy snacks. Presented by the Dominican Sisters. Preregistration is required at springfieldop.org/csw. Suggested donation of $5. Jubilee Farm, 6760 Old Jacksonville Road, 217-787-6927.

Spring Opening Day at the Zoo Sat., March 21, 10am. Help kick off the zoo’s 50th year celebration. Ages under 2 are free, ages 3-12 $4.50, adults $6.25 and seniors ages 62+ $4.75. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-585-1821.

Raptors of Illinois Thu., March 19, 6-7:30pm. Springfield Audubon Society 3rd Thursday Program with speaker Vic Berardi, founder of the allvolunteer Illinois Beach State Park Hawkwatch. Emphasis will be on raptor natural history and occurrences. Free and open to the public. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 E. Clear Lake Ave., 217-899-6150.

Zero-Waste Living and How to Get There Sat., March 21, 2pm. The average person in the U.S. sends over four pounds of trash to the landfill every single day. Zero-waste living aims to reduce landfi ll-bound trash to the bare minimum. Free. Jacksonville Public Library, Jacksonville, 201 W. College Ave., 217-243-5435.

Lectures & Meetings

Adult children of alcoholics and other dysfunctional families Tuesdays, 5:15pm. Newcomers are welcome. Discovery Club, 313 W. Cook St., upstairs, 217-544-9049.

Lincoln Land ABATE Meets at 7:00 pm on the third Thursday of each month. Learn about protecting and preserving motorcycling rights in Illinois. Free and open to the public. VFW 10302 Northenders, 2349 Stockyard Road, 217-622-9275.

Springfield Breakfast Optimist Club Fridays, 7am. Visitors are welcome. Peace Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St., 217-546-5021.

Bulletin Board

APL pet adoptions Saturdays, Sundays, 11am-4pm and Sundays, 12-4pm. All available animals will be spayed or neutered, microchipped and will have received all ageappropriate vaccinations by the time of their adoption. Adoptions can also take place at the shelter, 1001 Taintor Rd., from 12-5pm, Mon.-Fri. PetSmart, 3183 S. Veterans Pkwy, 217-698-3091.

First Group Job Fair Mon., March 23, 10am-1pm. A hiring event for central Illinois employers and job seekers. $50 for employers, free to job seekers. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Rd., 217-522-1312 x 202.

Investing in the Future Wed., March 25, 12:30pm. We plan for everything else, why is it difficult to plan and discuss our wishes for the end of our life? We will discuss the value in pre-planning for the end of life and reducing the burden on our loved ones. Light refreshments will be served. Free. Springfield and Central Illinois African-American History Museum, 1440 Monument Ave., 217-391-6323.

Ladies’ Luncheon Wed., March 18, 11-12:30am. Are You Ready for Adventure? Includes chef-prepared lunch and presentations by Amy Rasing of the Illinois Presbyterian Home and speaker Barbara Hoffner of Madison, WI. Open to the public. $15. Northfield Inn, Suites and Conference Center, 3280 Northfield Dr., 217-523-7900.

Lunch and Learn Tue., March 24, 11am. Presentation relevant to caregivers for seniors. Lunch served. A different topic and speaker each month. RSVP by phone. Free. Area Agency on Aging for Lincolnland, 3100 Montvale Dr., 787-9234.

PFLAG Regular Meeting Mon., March 16, 7-8:15pm. PFLAG offers a safe space for LGBTQA persons and their family and friends to come together and share their experiences and give support. aluuc.org. Free. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 217-585-9550.

Springfield Model Railroad Club Train Fair Wed., March 25, 10am-4pm. The Illinois Valley Division of the National Model Railroad Association will have a handson layout for children to operate. Early-bird shopping starts at 9am for $10.00. springfieldtrainfair.com. $5. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-725-8047.

Wednesday Night Connection Wednesdays, 5:45-7:30pm. Free blood pressure screenings, supper and studies and classes for all ages with nurseries provided. Open gym for students (grades 7-12) from 7:30-8:00 p.m. donation for meal. Athens Christian Church, Athens, 1411 E. Route 29, 217-636-8463.

Food & Drink

Annual Chicken Noodle Dinner Sun., March 15, 11am-4pm. Dine in or carry out. 50/50 drawing and gift basket raffle. Adults $10 and children $5 at the door. Springfield Masonic Center, 1020 Rickard Road, 217-585-1747.

Knights of Columbus Fish Fry Fridays, 4:30-7pm. Catfish, shrimp, tilapia, walleye, hot dogs and chicken nuggets with all the sides. Carryout available for a small additional charge. Knights of Columbus Hall Council 4175, 2801 West St., 217-528-5740.

Pancake and Sausage Breakfast March 21-22, 8am-12pm and March 28-29, 8am-12pm. Pancakes with gluten-free option, real maple syrup and sausage cooked over a fire. Reservations can be made online. $8 for adults, $5 for kids. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-529-1111.

History

The Battle of Champion Hill Thu., March 19, 7pm. Presented by Larry Werline as Gen. U.S. Grant. The public is invited to attend. Free. Schnucks Montvale Plaza, 2801 Chatham Rd., 217-698-2980.

The Brewing Tradition in Sangamon County Tue., March 24, 6-7pm. From the large companies like Reisch Brewing to the small craft brewers of today, Springfield has traditionally been the center of beer making in Sangamon County. Presented by Curtis Mann. Free. Prairie Skies Public Library Pleasant Plains, Pleasant Plains, 555 Buckeye Road, 217-626-1553.

Casting a Historic Vote: Suffrage in Illinois Wed., March 25, 6-7pm. Jeanne Schulz Angel will explain the paths walked by female leaders in our state. She will show how the diverse group of activists fought against sexism and racism and for the right to vote. Free. Chatham Area Public Library, Chatham, 600 E. Spruce, 217-483-2713.

Celebrating Remarkable Women Sat., March 14, 10-11:30am. Boys and girls will meet actors representing remarkable women of the past and present to learn more about their accomplishments and analyze original records created by or about women. Free. Register online in advance. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.

Civil War Era Women’s Fashion and Comportment Fri., March 20, 6pm. Presented by Kay Gnagey and Karen Duffy. Free. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.

The Life of Albert Cashier Thu., March 12, 12pm. Learn about Cashier’s time in the army and how his gender identity impacted his life following the war. Suggested reading is “They Fought Like Demons” by Deanne Blanton and Lauren M. Cook. Illinois History Forum. Free. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.

Reenactor and Costuming Workshop Sat., March 21, 9am-5pm and Sun., March 22, 9am-12pm. Reenactors and costumers Kay Gnagey and Karen Duffy will give a presentation on Civil War-era women’s fashion and comportment. Free entry to Edwards Place and the Illinois State Museum, lunch on Saturday, as well as other items are included. Call for tickets or purchase them online. $90. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.

“Saga of a Springfield Family” Sat., March 28, 4-6pm. A unique evening celebrating Elijah Iles’ birthday and exhibiting recent acquisitions of art, furniture and fine china from Phyllis Herndon Brissenden. Hors d’ouvres and live music by Wild Columbine. RSVP by Mar. 20. $35.00. Elijah Iles House, 628 S. Seventh St., 217-492-5929.

Politics

Climate Change and the Global Order Thu., March 19, 7-9pm. Part of the Great Decisions Program 2020. The discussion leader is associated with UIS. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 217-793-0040.

Faith & Philosophy

Building A Monastery of the Heart Fri., March 20, 5-9pm, Sat., March 21, 7:30am-9pm and Sun., March 22, 7:30am-12pm. Explore how to be an everyday contemplative with listening, consensus building, hospitality, humility, simplicity and prayer. Learn timeless wisdom for a more balanced life. The retreat includes video, music, photography, writing, discussion and evening chanted prayer. $265 Overnight & $175 Commuters. Chiara Center, 4875 Laverna Road, 217-523-0901.

Christ-centered yoga Tue., March 17, 5:30-6:30pm. Led by a certified holy yoga instructor. Christ-centered yoga includes a scripturebased meditation, prayer and worship music. $10 for the series. Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church, 501 S. Douglas Ave., 217-801-7464.

Conscious Aging Groups Thursdays, 9:30-11:30am. Explore stereotypes about aging, develop self-compassion, discover and reflect on what gives meaning to your life and reduce isolation by understanding our shared humanity in the aging process. $160.00. Chiara Center, 4875 Laverna Road, 217-523-0901.

Finding the Pathway to Unity Fri., March 13, 6:30-8pm. Presentation and discussion. Light refreshments and fellowship follow. Free. Springfield Baha’i Center, 1131 S. Eighth St., 217-546-9171.

Sacred coloring event Sat., March 21, 10:30am-12:30pm. Join Rev. Christine as we color mandalas using colored pencils, crayons and markers, mixing and matching as you see fit. Coloring is said to reduce stress, lower blood pressure and boost the immune system. Love offering. Unity of Springfield, 417 Cordelia, 217-523-5897.

Health

Aging Mastery Program Tuesdays, 2:30-4:30pm. Make and maintain small but impactful changes in your health behaviors and financial well-being, get real incentives and rewards for taking small steps that can improve your well-being and meet new friends, provide support and encouragement to your peers, and become more involved in your community. $65 with a $60 refund upon 80% completion. Memorial Center for Learning and Innovation, 228 W. Miller St., 217-528-4035.

Beyond Breath Sat., March 14, 3-4:30pm and Sun., March 15, 11am- 12:30pm. Discover the power of your breath to manage your mind and experience peace and calm. Learn about the energy booster that awakens and relaxes your mind that you can practice daily. Learn the benefits of guided meditation. Free. Trailhead Center for Yoga and Ayurveda, 301 S. Grand Ave. West, 217-720-5020.

Enos Park gardens planning meeting Sat., March 14, 10-11:30am. A visioneering meet-up for those interested in planning social events, ordering seeds and discussing garden improvements. Be a part of the vibrant Enos Park community whether you live here or not. Free. Kumler United Methodist Church, 600 N. Fifth St., 708-580-8432.

First Responder Wellness Series Wednesdays, 10am. Designed for EMS, police, firefighters, dispatchers and military personnel. Learn skills needed for optimal performance. Practical tools including yoga for strength, flexibility and balance, and relaxation and breathing exercises to manage stress both on and off duty to improve work/life balance. Free. Trailhead Center and CrossFit Instinct, 301 S. Grand Ave. West. 217-971-0364. Free. 217-971-0364.

Gut Health Workshop Thu., March 12, 6-7pm. Dr. C. Leslie Smith and SIU School of Medicine students will show how the health and balance of organisms in your gut impact other aspects of health from depression to diabetes. Free. Chatham Area Public Library, Chatham, 600 E. Spruce, 217-483-2713.

Healthy Living for your Brain and Body Thu., March 19, 12:15-1:15pm. Learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement and use hands-on tools to help you incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging. RSVP at 1-800-272-3900. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.

Stop the Bleed Fri., March 13, 6pm. An injury can cause a person to bleed to death in less than five minutes. Learn how to save yourself or someone else in this free workshop. No medical background is required and all ages are welcome. Memorial Center for Learning and Innovation, 228 W. Miller St., 217-788-3000.

Ten weeks to better mobility- A free community class Tuesdays, 1-1:45pm and Thursdays, 1-1:45pm. A chair yoga series. Advanced registration is required. Call 217-341-7616 to register. This program is expected to fill up quickly, so register early. Free. Trailhead Center for Yoga and Ayurveda, 301 S. Grand Ave. West, 217-899-1970.

Sports & Fitness

Springfield Jr. Blues Fri., March 13, 7pm and Sat., March 14, 6pm. The Jr. Blues take on the Janesville Jets. Adults $8 in advance, $10 at the door. Ages 12 and under $5. Nelson Center, 1601 N. Fifth St., 217-525-2589.