Send us your events! Deadline: 5pm Fri.

Submit online at: www.illinoistimes.com. Email: [email protected] Dates, times and locations are subject to last-minute changes, so we suggest calling before attending events.

Books & Authors

Free Comic Book Day Wed., July 15, 8am. Reader’s World, 1820 Stevenson Dr., 217-572-0791.

Junior Historians Summer Reading Club (Intermediate) Mon., July 13, 4-5pm. Discuss books about the world we share. Engage with library staff and their peers on topics that are important to them. The intermediate book selection for July is Jason Reynolds’s Look Both Ways: A Tale Told. Via Zoom. Free. Reservations required. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.

Theater & Comedy

Comedy open mic hosted by Josh Freeman Fri., July 10, 8pm. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, Mason City, 114 E. Chestnut St., 217-482-5233.

Dr. Gonzo and Friends Protest Showcase Fri., July 3, 8pm. With Amy Watson, Scotty Harris, Trey Eilers and Ted Denson. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, Mason City, 114 E. Chestnut St., 217-482-5233.

Thursday night open mic comedy Thu., July 2, 8pm. Wet Bar, 221 S. Fifth St.

Art & Architecture

“DECATUR: Memories of Our Hometown” Through July 24. Art, photos, artifacts and Decatur memorabilia tell the rich and colorful story of the city over the past 60 years. Social distancing and face coverings are required. decaturarts.org. Free. Anne Lloyd Gallery of the Madden Arts Center, Decatur, 125 N. Water St., 217-423-3189.

Images of Lincoln Memorial Garden photography contest Contest categories include living creatures, wildflowers, landscapes and photos of people celebrating life at Lincoln Memorial Gardens. Submissions are due by Aug. 28. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-529-1111.

Food & Drink

Chicken Dinner Drive-Thru Thu., July 2, 5pm. Four pieces of chicken, mashed taters, etc. for $9. Drive through or eat in. Firefighters Postal Lake Club, 940 W. Lake Shore Dr., 217-622-0099.

Illinois Products Farmers Market Thursdays, 4pm. The market will be following all COVID-19 guidelines set forth by the Illinois Department of Agriculture and Illinois Farmer’s Market Association. Illinois State Fairgrounds, The Shed, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-524-9129.

Old Capitol Farmers Market Wednesdays and Saturdays, 8am-1pm. Shop for fresh local produce, baked good and products, but please note the new social distancing guidelines including mandatory masks. Old Capitol Farmers Market, Fourth and Adams streets, 217-544-1723.

Rochester Farmers Market Sundays, 12-3pm. Rochester Public Library, Rochester, 1 Community Dr., 217-498-8454.

History

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is open The museum and library have also been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Multiple safety protocols have been put in place to protect the health of both visitors and staff. Tickets to the museum must be purchased in advance by phone or online at PresidentLincoln. Illinois.gov. Admission to the library is by appointment only. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.

Tales from the Vault: Behind the Scenes of Fashioning Illinois Thu., July 9, 7pm. Join Erika Holst online as she takes you on a behind-the-scenes sneak peek at the “Fashioning Illinois: 1820 - 1900” exhibition, which tells the story of women’s lives through the lens of the clothing that they produced, wore, cared for and disposed. illinoisstatemuseum.org. Free. Registration required. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Holiday Happenings

Rock the Dock Fireworks Sat., July 4, 9:30pm. Lake Springfield Marina, 17 Waters Edge Blvd., 483-3625.

Sherman Fireworks Spectacular Sat., July 4, 9:20pm. Tailgating and lawn chairs are encouraged. Practice safe social distancing. Sherman Village Park Amphitheater, Sherman, 1200 Rail Fence Road.

Nature, Science & Environment

Henson Robinson Zoo Opening Day Mon., July 6. Go online to purchase your tickets. Then, get ready to walk the grounds, visit your favorite animals, connect with wildlife and learn about the joys of nature and conservation. Please note the COVID-19 guidelines during your visit. springfieldparks.org. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-585-1821.

Bulletin Board

APL’s Online Christmas Costume Contest Through July 31. Dress up your pet for Christmas fun. With an entry fee of $10, you can submit a photo of your pet in it best holiday attire. The winner will be announced on July 31 and will receive a gift basket from Pet Supplies Plus. apl-shelter.org. Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Road, 217-544-7387.

Introduction to Systemic Racism workshop Sat., July 11. Conducted in an atmosphere of mutual respect and courageous space, this workshop is designed to explore racism as a systemic, institutional problem of power that goes beyond personal prejudice. Learn more about this digital engagement at crossroadsantiracism.org. Online, community engagement, 708-503-0804.

Moonlight Market Third Wednesday of every month, 6-9pm. Local artists, artisans, crafters and vendors. Obed and Isaac’s, 500 S. Sixth St., 217-670-0627.

Health

Building Resilience Wednesdays, 6-7:30pm. Led by HSHS program facilitator Bridget Rolens. Develop mental resources that increase resilience and the ability to cope with adversity and push through challenges. Join by phone or Zoom. Call for more information. 314-369-1391.

Dementia Conversations Tue., July 7, 11am-12pm. Learn how to have a conversation about memory changes and tips to reduce the stress related to doctors’ visits, how to decide when to stop driving and the importance of legal and financial planning. alz.org. Free. Online. Registration required. 800-272-3900.

Effective Communication Strategies Wed., July 8, 12-1pm. Learn to decode the verbal and behavioral messages delivered by someone with dementia, respond in ways that are helpful and identify strategies to connect and communicate at each stage of the disease. alz.org. Free. Online.Registration required. 800-272-3900.

Free COVID-19 testing Mondays-Fridays, 9am-3:30pm. The SIU Centers for Family Medicine is expanding access to COVID-19 testing to everyone. Anyone can be tested, including individuals who have no symptoms. Sangamon County Department of Public Health, 2833 South Grand Ave. E., 217-535-3100 or 888-217-3505.

Sports & Fitness

Women’s Distance Festival Sat., July 11, 7-10am. Twomile race and kid’s fun run. Registration. srrc.net. Washington Park, 1501 S. Grand Ave. W., 217-544-1751.