Summerguide 2023 calendar

ONGOING

Farmers Market
Sundays, June 25, July 2, 16, and 30, Aug. 6 and 20, 10am-2pm. Farmers market plus a flea market, crafts and food trucks. Call for more info. Knights of Columbus, Riverton, 335 S. Fourth St., 217-494-3366.

Extended Summer Sensory-Friendly Visit Times
Tuesdays, 9am-12pm, through Aug. 29. Reduced lights and sounds on exhibits to create a more comfortable environment to help some visitors avoid over-stimulation. kidzeum.org. Kidzeum of Health and Science Children’s Museum, 412 E. Adams St., 217-971-4435.

Moonlight Market
First and third Wednesdays of every month, 6-9pm. Highlights local artists and artisans. obedandisaacs.com. Jackson Street, between Sixth and Seventh streets.

5-Mile and 8-Mile History Bike Tours
Wednesdays. Ride your own bicycle following a guide on an casual, neighborhood-style bicycle tour of historic sites, including the Black Fire House, Dana-Thomas House, Lincoln Home, Old State Capitol, Lincoln Tomb, and others. Helmets are required and a water bottle is recommended. The 5-mile tour begins at 10am at the Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence Ave. The 8-mile tour begins at 1pm at the Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site, 1500 Monument Ave. Donations welcome. 217-782-6302.

Pickleball for beginners
Wednesdays, 5-7pm. Paddles and balls provided; just show up and have a good time. Provided by the Springfield Pickleball Club and Springfield Park District. Free. Iles Park, Sixth and Ash streets. 217-544-1751.

Old Capitol Farmers Market
Wednesdays and Saturdays, 8am-12:30pm, through Oct. 28. Supports small farms and local growers by providing an open-air venue to sell their goods in the heart of the Springfield. Sponsored by HSHS St. John’s Hospital. Downtown, Fourth and Adams streets, 217-544-1723.

Illinois Product Farmers Market
Thursdays, 3:30-7pm. Local meats, produce, dairy products, baked goods, honey and jams, craft beers, woodworking, jewelry and more. Plus live entertainment and a food truck. Illinois State Fairgrounds, The Shed, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-524-9129.

Central Park Market
First Thursday of every month, 4-8pm. A maker’s market featuring 25-plus local makers and small businesses including food trucks and growers. Live music. Jacksonville, Central Park, 217-473-7287.

1908 Race Riot Walking Tour
Thursdays and Saturdays, 9:30am. On this 60-minute tour, guides cover the devastating 1908 Race Riot that destroyed and affected the lives of many of Abraham Lincoln’s African American friends and their descendants. Comfortable walking shoes and water are recommended. Donations welcome. Fifth and Adams streets, 217-782-6302.

Black History Walk
Thursdays, 2pm and Sundays, 9:30am. This 90-minute walk through Oak Ridge Cemetery focuses on the history of Springfield’s African American community, discussing tragedies, as well as stories of success in the face of adversity and prejudice. Water and good hiking shoes recommended. Donations welcome. Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site, 1500 Monument Ave., 217-782-6302.

Women’s History Walk: 1840-1876
Thursdays, 10-11am. Journey through downtown Springfield and hear stories of early Illinois women who worked for the abolition of slavery and to secure civil rights for women and people of color. The 1.5-mile walking tour concludes at the Vachel Lindsay Home. Sites’ interiors are not included. Call for required reservation info. Free. Lincoln Home NHS Visitors Center, 426 S. Seventh St., 217-782-6302.

Women’s History Walk: 1876-1920 and Beyond
Fridays, 10-11am. Walk the path of suffragists and discuss the women who helped to guarantee suffrage for women while advancing other social and civic causes. The 1.5-mile walking tour concludes at the State Capitol. Sites’ interiors are not included. Call for required reservation info. Free. Lincoln Home NHS Visitors Center, 426 S. Seventh St., 217-782-6302.

Friends of Lincoln Hike
Fridays, 9:30am. This 90-minute hike through Oak Ridge Cemetery visits the graves of Abraham Lincoln’s friends, neighbors and political associates. Guides will discuss their lives and highlight their interactions with the 16th president. Comfortable shoes and water recommended. Donations welcome. Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site, 1500 Monument Ave., 217-782-6302.

First Friday Open Studio
First Friday of every month, 6-8pm. View the current exhibit and visit artists at work. Ask about their work, what inspires them and why they chose their particular medium to learn more about why artists do what they do despite the odds. pharmacygallery.com. Free. The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space, 623 E. Adams St., 801-810-9278.

Parents Wild Night Out
Get out on the third Friday of every month, 6-9pm, through Sep. 15. Drop off the kids to play, create and learn about the wild world around them while you spend a couple hours doing grownup things. Pizza and snacks provided or send a packed dinner. Registration is $30-$35, then $5 for each additional child. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-585-1821.

History Comes Alive
June 2-Aug. 6. Go back in time in this 10-week living history program. Meet the Lincolns, attend a flag-lowering ceremony, join in an ice cream social and visit the local museums and historic sites. Go to visitspringfieldillinois.com for the full schedule. 217-789-2360 x5520.

Rochester Public Library Farmers Market
Every second and fourth Sunday, noon-3pm, from June 11 through Oct. 8. 1 Fresh produce, artisan crafts and baked goods, farm-raised pork products and a food truck in one location. Call for more information. 1 Community Drive, Rochester. 217-498-8454.

Downtown Concert Series
Fridays from June 2 through July 28. 7-9pm. Each week features a different musical genre. See jacksonvillemainstreet.com for schedule of artists. Food trucks will be there, too. Downtown Jacksonville, downtown square.

Governor Duncan Mansion tours
Saturdays and Sundays through Labor Day, 1-4pm. Get an inside look at the residence that served as the executive mansion from 1834 to 1838. 4 Duncan Place, Jacksonville. Suggested donations $5 for adults, $3 for children. Call for more information including tours on different days. 217-243-5678. visitors@jacksonvilleil.org

Concerts in the Park
Sundays from June 4 through Aug. 27. 6-7:30pm. A variety of musical acts sponsored by the Jacksonville Pilot Club. Big bandstand, Jacksonville Community Park, 1201 S. Main St., Jacksonville. 217-243-5678.

Springfield Lucky Horseshoes
Springfield’s Prospect League team will be back in action starting May 31 at home. Visit the team’s web site for schedule, ticket information and more. Robin Roberts Stadium, 1415 N. Grand Avenue E., Springfield. shoesbaseball.com.

MAY

Memorial Day Memories
May 26, 11:30am-12:30pm. Enjoy a special performance by the Tip Top Tappers and a marvelous meal from Daily Bread. Bring a photo of a loved one in uniform and a memory to share. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.

Capital City Biathlon & CCB 5K
May 27, 8am. 5K run, biathlon and team biathlon. Visit the website for registration info. capitalcitybiathlon.com.

“Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice”
May 27. Exhibit opening day. Explore the Cretaceous Period (145 – 65 million years ago), the time when dinosaurs last lived on earth. Learn about dinosaur habitats to better understand how these mysterious animals lived. Geared toward ages 3-10. Open during normal museum hours through Sept. 3. kidzeum.org. Kidzeum of Health and Science Children’s Museum, 412 E. Adams St., 217-971-4435.

Forest Therapy
May 27, 9:30-11am, June 24, 9:30-11am and July 29, 9:30-11am. Deepen your sense of connection or relationship with nature with a slow wander through the gardens. Preregistration required. incolnmemorialgarden.org. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., $25-$30.

Paracord bracelet making for teens
May 27, 3-4pm. Hang out and make paracord bracelets. Open to anyone in grades 6-12. No registration required. lincolnlibrary.info. Free. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-753-4900.

Springfield Legends Classic II
May 27, 6:30pm. Watch your favorite St. Louis Cardinals alum take on the former Chicago Cubs squad in this exciting seven-inning baseball exhibition game. $30-$35. Robin Roberts Stadium, 1415 N. Grand Ave. E., 217-753-0700.

Billy Sunday 1909 Revival Celebration
May 28, 4-6pm. Billy Sunday was the Billy Graham of his day. Thousands of people attended tabernacle tent meetings he held in Springfield in 1909. Join the celebration of those meetings on Pentecost Sunday. billysunday1909.org. Free. BOS Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 217-341-9782.

African American History Museum Summer Camp
May 29 through June 15. “Learn from the past. Create your own future.” Hosted by the Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum. Visit the website or call for more information. Abundant Faith Christian Center, 2525 Taylor Ave., 217-391-6323.

Nate Bargatze:
The Be Funny Tour
May 31, 7-9pm. Hailing from Old Hickory, Tennessee, stand-up comedian Nate Bargatze is selling out shows around the world. uispac.com. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.

JUNE

Lilli Lewis Project
June 1, 6:30pm. A night of soul. Local band, Baaad Boyz, will open the show. Part of the Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series. Y Block, Fourth and Jackson streets, 217-544-1723.

Pawnee Prairie Days
June 1-3. Rides, pageant, tons of food and live music by Midwest Revival and Off the Wall. Pawnee Prairie Days, Pawnee Square, 217-971-6110.

International Carillon Festival
June 1-4, 6pm. This festival has an unsurpassed tradition of presenting the world’s finest carillonneurs. Bring a picnic dinner and lawn chairs and blankets. carillon-rees.org. Free. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-3853.

Fiddler on the Roof
June 2-4 and June 7-10. Rich in historical and ethnic detail, this story’s universal theme of tradition cuts across barriers of race, class, nationality and religion, leaving audiences crying tears of laughter, joy and sadness. themuni.org. $12-$22. Ages 5 and under free. The Muni, 815 E. Lake Dr., 217-793-6864.

Heritage Days
June 2-4. A Springfield tradition. Kids’ area, carnival, food, raffles and live music. Visit little-flower.org for raffle tickets. Church of the Little Flower, 800 Stevenson Drive, 217-529-4511.

History Cooks: Mrs. Lincoln’s Southern Cooking
June 2, 10am. LLCC instructor chef Lakesha Jackson will demonstrate some of Mary Todd Lincoln’s Southern favorites. Museum admission. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.

Legacy of Giving
June 2, 5pm-12am and June 3, 12pm-12am. Over 60 music acts on five stages. Two days of music, arts, crafts, kids’ entertainment, food trucks and sporting events. All proceeds benefit local charities. logmusicfest.org. Old State Capitol Plaza, between Sixth and Fifth streets at Adams Street, 217-361-5678.

Living & Dying: A Love Story
June 3, 1-3pm. The story of an elderly couple that utilizes medical aid in dying in accordance with Oregon’s Death with Dignity Act. Free. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-836-3775.

8K Trail Race and Kids’ Fun Run
June 3, 7:30-9:30am. Race over the scenic trails of the historic garden, along trails by Lake Springfield and through the Ostermeier Prairie Center grounds. Kids can join in a Fun Run for $6. No on-site registration on race day. lincolnmemorialgarden.org. $40. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-529-1111.

APL Donuts and Dogs 5K Fun Run
June 3, 9am-12pm. Benefits the animals of the Animal Protective League. You can also sponsor a Compass for Kids student to run or walk for $30. Students will receive a race swag bag and event T-shirt. You will receive a personalized thank you letter from the student. How cool is that? $30. Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 217-544-7387.

An Evening of Magic
June 3, 7pm. Great magic, stunning illusions and hilarious comedy by a cast of internationally acclaimed magicians. Bring the whole family. Presented by the International Brotherhood of Magicians Ring 239. hcfta.org. $20. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Open House
June 3, 1-4pm. Explore the natural beauty of central Illinois. Prairie tours, wetland tours, bird banding demo, bird walk and outdoor activities for the whole family. Nipper Wildlife Sanctuary, Loami, 9560 Withers Road, 217-553-3738.

Grit and Thriving in the Midst of Adversity
June 4, 4:45-6:30pm. Keynote speaker Austin Hatch will share lessons learned from unimaginable loss, his extensive health care journey and his road to recovery and triumph with the end goal to inspire others. Presented by Springfield Clinic and Central Illinois Customer Service Association. Call for registration info. President Abraham Lincoln Hotel & Conference Center, 701 E. Adams, 217-528-7541.

Rumpke Mountain Boys
June 8, 6:30pm. Chickadee Sermon opens the show. Part of the Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series. Y Block, North of the Governor’s Mansion, 217-544-1723.

Jackson Browne
June 9, 8-10pm. The singer-songwriter has written and performed some of the most moving songs in popular music and has defined a genre of songwriting charged with honesty, emotion and personal politics. uispac.com. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.

Tennessee Williams The Two-Character Play
June 9, 7:30pm. This play within a play is so compelling and affecting that it’s difficult to tell where the play ends and real life begins. $20. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts Club Room, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Downtown Plaza Car Show and Summer Car Show
Sat., June 10, 8am-9pm. Judged car show including a pedal car class 8am-3pm. Door prizes, raffles, food vendors, crafts, swap meet and music. Car cruise starts a 5pm. All vehicles welcome and no entry fee. Free admission. Downtown Jacksonville, Central Park. 217-243-5678.

70 Years of Celebrating the Sound
June 10, 2-4pm. Sweet Adelines International has been performing in central Illinois for over 70 years. Enjoy songs the award-winning chorus, chorus quartets and ensembles have sung through the decades. A portion of proceeds will be donated to the nonprofit, Wooden It Be Lovely. $18-$20. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Comic and toy Show
June 11, 10am-4pm. Toys, games, comics and cosplay all make for a geeky good time. Crowne Plaza Springfield, 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy., $5, 217-529-7777.

Kids’ Adventure Week
June 11-15, 5:30-8pm. Join the Changemakers Lab where you can learn that everyone can make a difference. Visit the website or call for registration information. sugarcreek.org. Sugar Creek United Methodist Church, Chatham, 1022 New City Road, 217-483-2279.

Midwest Charity Horse Show
June 13-17, 10:30am, 6:30pm. Each year, the proceeds from this distinguished show are donated to a worthy cause. Coliseum, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., 217-414-1900.

Juneteenth Presentation
June 14, 12:10-1pm. Learn more about African American history. centralILseniors.org. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.

Sangamon County Fair
June 14-18, 7-12am. This is a classic Midwestern county fair featuring livestock shows, a queen contest, midway, music and top-notch entertainment. $5- $10. Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin, 316 W. Birch St., 217-488-2685.

Blackberry Smoke + Stoney LaRue
June 15, 7pm. On stage at the grandstand. sangcofair.com. $30. Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin, 316 W. Birch St., 217-488-2685.

Juneteenth Celebration Weekend
June 15-19. A communitywide celebration with a variety of family friendly events, music and special displays at area museums. Find more information on the Juneteenth Inc. Springfield, IL Facebook page.  217-572-0234.

Saint Boogie Brass Band
6:30pm. The Black Ensemble will open the show. Part of the Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series. Y Block, North of the Governor’s Mansion, 217-544-1723.

The Lincolns of Springfield
June 15-16 and June 17-18. “The Love Story We Never Knew.” Watch as a backwoods genius and a Southern belle, the most unlikely of couples, fall in love. Featuring professional Broadway actors and actresses, director, music director and choreographer. hcfta.org. $22-$62. Hoogland Center for the Arts Peggy Ryder Theatre, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Steel Magnolias
June 15-18. Set in the fictional northwestern Louisiana parish of Chinquapin, the play opens at an in-home beauty parlor where a group of women regularly gather. The plot covers how the women cope with their conflicts over the years and how they remain friends. theatreinthepark.net. $18. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, Petersburg, 15588 History Lane, 217-632-5440.

Respect
June 16. A biopic about the great Aretha Franklin. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Part of the Movies in the Park series. Begins at sunset. Free. Comer Cox Park, Capitol Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, 544-1751.

Sangamon County Fair Rodeo
June 16, 7pm. Action-packed family entertainment. Powerful bucking stock, quality timed event cattle, competitive cowboys/cowgirls and entertaining specialty acts. $15. Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin, 316 W. Birch St., 217-488-2685.

Juneteenth
Sat., June 17, 11am-5pm. Vendors, food trucks, local organizations and a display about notable Black Jacksonville residents. Kids’ corner and a Prince and Princess program. From 1-3pm take a bus from the square to the Jacksonville African American History Museum. Jacksonvilleil.org. Downtown Jacksonville, Central Park, 217-243-5678.

Chicago
June 17, 8pm. Hailed as one of the most important bands in music since the dawn of the rock ‘n’ roll era. uispac.com.  UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.

Crowd Pleasers!
June 17, 7pm. Featuring favorite games and loaded with lots of audience participation opportunities. Suitable for mature audiences (which makes it all the more fun). Presented by Capital City Improv. hcfta.org. $15. Hoogland Center for the Arts Club Room, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Henson Robinson Zoo Day
June 17, 10am-5pm. Help the zoo celebrate the city of Springfield’s proclamation of Henson Robinson Zoo Day. All guests get in free. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-585-1821.

Positively Summer Music Festival
June 17-18, 12pm. It’s back for its third year and this popular music fest just keeps getting better. Positively 4th Street, Joshua Reilly, Me, Myself and Schy, Tom Irwin. Rhodes and Battles, The Down Homies and Randy Charles. Check the Facebook event for the full schedule. Sheedy Shores WineGarden, Loami, 10300 Johns Creek Road, 217-415-6866.

Summer Frolic
June 17, 10am-4pm. Celebrate frontier heritage with period-clothed interpreters demonstrating 19th century daily tasks throughout the historic village. lincolnsnewsalem.com. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, Petersburg, 15588 History Lane, 217-632-4000.

USA Boxing
June 17, 5pm. Springfield Cobras Boxing presents USA Olympic-style amateur boxing. $20-$60. BOS Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745-3000.

Under the Sea
June 20, 10-11am. A part of Little Lincoln’s Fireside Tales. Take a daring dive into the big, blue ocean. Enjoy books and activities that highlight the brilliant creatures and beautiful plants that live under the sea. Check out the virtual option on Thur., June 22 at 10am via Zoom. presidentlincoln.illinois.gov. Free, reservations required. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.

The Arc Band
June 22, 6:30pm. The Lovelorn will open the show. Part of the Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series. Y Block, North of the Governor’s Mansion, 217-544-1723.

Bullets over Broadway –
The Musical
June 23-25, July 5-9, 12-16, 19-23. Broadway, 1928. The land of gangsters and showgirls, flappers and scrappers. Loaded with laughs, wacky characters and the music that made the 20s roar, this show brings comedy back with a bang. atthelegacy.com. $28-$35. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.

Rock of Ages
June 23-25, 8:30pm and June 28-July 1, 8:30pm. This Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical set on the Sunset Strip in the 1980s features the hits of artists such as Night Ranger, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister and more. $12-22. The Muni, 815 E. Lake Dr., 217-793-6864.

Paint the Street
June 24, 11am-7pm. Purchase a 6′ x 6′ square of street on which to paint. Receive an event bag containing: paint supplies, including the water-soluble tempera paint, and goodies from sponsors. Sign up solo or with a group. springfieldart.org. $35-$45. Washington Street between Fifth and Sixth streets, 1 Old Capitol Plaza N, 217-523-2631.

Ice Cream Social Music Series
June 25 and July 23, 5pm. Listen to the Land of Lincoln Chorus perform at this event presented by The Villas senior care community. Free ice cream will be available while supplies last. Free. Sherman Village Park Amphitheater, Sherman, 1200 Rail Fence Dr.

Pride Brunch
June 25, 10am-2pm. Hosted by the Adams’ Family and the Phoenix Center. Food by Cafe Moxo. Adult beverages by Buzz Bomb Brewery and Clique. Drag show 11am-1pm, local LGBTQ+ vendors and information on the Phoenix Center’s harm-reduction program and LGBTQ+ services. Adams Family Patio, Adams Street between Fourth and Fifth streets, 217-528-5253.

Wonderland
June 25. Dance Arts Youth Company proudly presents Wonderland, a contemporary retelling of the story of Alice in Wonderland. $15. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Camp GOTR: Girls Have Heart
June 26-29, 8:15am-12:15pm. Incoming third through fifth grade girls will build friendships in a fun and inclusive setting that includes interactive games, being physically active and expressing creativity through art and crafts and storytelling. $135. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-726-9808.

GTOAA International Convention
June 27-July 1. Hosted by Gateway GTO Association. Crowne Plaza Springfield, 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy., 800-589-2769.

BETTY
June 29, 6:30pm. UNCHAiNED will open the show. Part of the Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series. Free. Y Block, North of the Governor’s Mansion, 217-544-1723.

Memorial Health Championship
June 29-July 2. The path to the PGA Tour starts here. Event is on the Korn Ferry Tour. The four-day competition presented by LRS features more than 150 players from around the world vying for a total purse of $1 million. Free. Panther Creek Country Club, 3001 Panther Creek Dr., 217-670-2910.

Rock the Dock
June 30. Because that dock needs rocked. Food trucks and live music. Fireworks at dusk. Lake Springfield Marina, 17 Waters Edge Blvd., 483-3625.

JULY

Great Lawn Kite Festival
July 1-2. Professional kite flyers and dealers from around the nation will demonstrate the truest form of kite flying. Stay for fireworks at dusk on Saturday. Free. Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 217-585-2941.

Independence Day Celebration
July 1 and July 4, 10am-4pm. Get your 19th century patriot on. Period demonstrations and a reading of the Declaration of Independence each day. Free. lincolnsnewsalem.com Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, Petersburg, 15588 History Lane, 217-632-4000.

Springfield Jaycees Capital City Celebration
July 1. Join in the festivities and fireworks in the capital city. Downtown Springfield, Old State Capitol Plaza. springfieldjaycees.net.

Freedom Run 2023
July 4. Celebrate the Fourth with an early morning 5K that starts at the top of Centennial Park Hill. A virtual option is also offered. Check the Facebook event for more info. Centennial Park, Bunker Hill Road and Lenhart Road, 217-553-7695.

Knight’s Fireworks Extravaganza
9:30pm. A popular fireworks show. Knight’s Action Park, 1700 Knights Recreation Dr., 217-546-8881.

James Armstrong
July 6, 6:30pm. Chris Camp and The Blues Ambassadors will open the show. Part of the Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series. Free. Y Block, North of the Governor’s Mansion, 217-544-1723.

Central Illinois Cultural Fest
July 8, 11am-3pm. Vendors, artists, entertainment, health screenings and an area for the kids, all in celebration of different cultures in our community. theboscenter.com. BOS Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745-3000.

Women’s Distance Festival
July 8, 8am. A race for women and girls of all ages, whether you are a competitive runner or just plan to stroll through the park. A virtual run is also offered. Kids’ Fun Run is $5. Hosted by the Springfield Road Runners Club. srrc.net. $25. Washington Park, 1501 S. Grand Ave. W., 217-544-1751.

Morgan County Fair
July 11-July 17. Carnival, food, talent show, pageant, livestock, tractor pulls, rodeo and live entertainment lineup that includes Tyler Hubbard on Friday and Lee Brice on Saturday. 217-243-5678.

ABBAFAB
July 13, 8pm. A stunning tribute to a band that created some of the greatest music produced in the 1970s and 80s. hcfta.org. $49. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

King and Associates
July 13, 6:30pm. The Jay Larson Band will open the show. Part of the Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series. Free. Y Block, north of the Governor’s Mansion, 217-544-1723.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
July 14-17 and July 19-22. Step into the enchanted world of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, an international sensation that has been produced in 37 countries. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature. $12-$22. The Muni, 815 E. Lake Dr., 217-793-6864.

“Mythological Creatures” Gallery opening reception
July 14, 5-8pm. Celebrate visual art, written art and mashed-up art by kids, and masterpieces by adults. Creativity is the focus of DIM Art House, and you do not need to be a member to participate Visit the Facebook page for more information. DIM Art House, 319 Chatham Road.

Top Gun: Maverick
July 14. Tom Cruise returns in the role of naval aviator Maverick in this sequel to the 1986 film Top Gun. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Part of the Movies in the Park series. Begins at sunset. Lincoln Park, Fifth Street and Sangamon Avenue, 217-544-1751.

Children’s Day
July 15, 10am-4pm. Learn what kids did in central Illinois almost 200 years ago. Play 1830s games and join in some of the demonstrations of daily life. Gift bags given away while supplies last. lincolnsnewsalem.com. Donations welcome. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, Petersburg, 15588 History Lane, 217-632-4000.

Pitch, Hit and Run
July 15, 10am-2pm. This Official Skills Competition of MLB allows baseball and softball participants ages 7-14 the opportunity to advance through three levels of competition, culminating in the National Finals at the MLB World Series. springfieldpakrs.org. Free. Robin Roberts Stadium, 1415 N. Grand Ave. E., 217-553-4795.

La Sonora Dinimita
July 20, 6:30pm. Solista Gabriel will open the show. Part of the Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series. Free. Y Block, North of the Governor’s Mansion, 217-544-1723.

The Merry Wives of Windsor
July 20-23. theatreinthepark.net. $18-$23. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, Petersburg, 15588 History Lane, 217-632-5440.

Rumble Down Festival
July 20-23. It’s back for another weekend of amazing progressive jamgrass bands and Grateful Dead-inspired music. The Kampground, Mechanicsburg, 11380 Darnell Road.

Chatham Sweet Corn Festival
July 21, 5-11:30pm and July 22, 10am-11:30pm. Live music, food, vendors and children’s activities. A big shout out to the local cows’ contributions to that perennial favorite, the Illinois Championship Cow Chip Throw. Chatham Community Park, Chatham, 731 S. Main St.

Karen Hester as Dolly
July 22, 7pm. The first-place winner of Jimmy Fallon’s Clash of the Cover Bands is America’s #1 Dolly Parton tribute artist. hcfta.org. $28-$32. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Kidzeum’s 5th birthday
July 22, 9am-4pm. Activities, special guests and giveaways. Check the website for more information. Regular admission. kidzeum.org. Kidzeum of Health and Science Children’s Museum, 412 E. Adams St., 217-971-4435.

Coin Show
July 23, 9am-3pm. U.S. and foreign coins, ancient and modern coins, gold and silver bullion, state quarters and paper money. Over 70 dealer tables. Hosted by the Central Illinois Numismatic Association. Free for members and children under 16. $1. Northfield Inn, Suites and Conference Center, 3280 Northfield Dr., 217-523-7900.

Compass for Kids – Safari
July 25, 6-8pm. Enjoy a free evening with Compass for Kids. Free zoo train rides, door prizes and activities, and free treats for the first 300 people. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-481-4651.

Imagination
July 25, 10-11am. Climb tall mountains, sail the high seas, ride a unicorn or eat purple peas. Step into a world of unique creation when you choose to use your imagination. Virtual option available via Zoom on Thur., July 27. visitspringfieldillinois.com. Free, registration required. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.

Beats Y Bateria
July 26, 6:30pm. The Lei Abouts will open the show. Part of the Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series. Free. Y Block, North of the Governor’s Mansion, 217-544-1723.

Downhome Music Fest 2023
July 28, 5pm-12am and July 29, 2pm-12am. With local artists and performers, over 100 craft beers and fantastic food vendors, this is one of Springfield’s most popular music festivals. Downtown Springfield, Seventh and Washington streets, 217-638-4768.

Lake Springfield Triathlon – Sprint, Olympic, Half
July 29, 7am. Hosted by MSE Racing. Ten race options from the 5K run/walk to the Route 66 Relay. Registration fee varies. Lake Springfield Beach House, 100 Long Bay Dr., 217-529-7171.

AUGUST

Rylie Bourne
Aug. 3, 6:30pm. Marques Morel will open the show. Last show of the Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series. Free. Y Block, North of the Governor’s Mansion, 217-544-1723.

Murder on the Orient Express
Aug. 3-6. Ten passengers board the luxurious Orient Express that’s traveling from Istanbul to Western Europe. But after the train unexpectedly stops in the isolated, snow-swept mountains, only nine of them are still alive. theatreinthepark.net. $18-$23. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, Petersburg, 15588 History Lane, 217-632-5440.

Encanto
Aug. 4. In this computer-animated film, an extraordinary family lives hidden in the mountains of Colombia. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Part of the Movies in the Park series. Begins at sunset. Veterans Memorial Pool, 2700 Ely St., 753-3030.

Powerlight Abe Lincoln Car Show Spectacular
Aug. 4, 6-9pm and Aug. 5, 8am-4pm. Super Cruise at 6pm Friday from Horace Mann in downtown Springfield to Cherry Hills Church. Car Show Spectacular on Saturday. Show includes actor Butch Patrick, known as Eddie Munster from The Munsters television show. Free for spectators. Cherry Hills Baptist Church, 2125 Woodside Road, 217-553-5271.

School of Rock – The Musical
Aug. 4-6, 8:30pm and Aug. 9-12, 8:30pm. Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star decides to earn an extra bit of cash by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. There he turns a class of straight–A students into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. Single tickets $12-$22. The Muni, 815 E. Lake Dr., 217-793-6864.

Chix with Stix
Aug. 5. A women-only golf outing hosted by the Phoenix Center. You’ll need three friends for this four-person scramble. Includes lunch and awards, fun and prizes. Lincoln Greens Golf Course, 700 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-528-5253.

Illinois State Fair
Aug. 10-20. The Illinois State Fair is a year’s worth of music entertainment, livestock shows, competitions, auto races, exhibitions, side shows and food all packed into 11 days. It’s a compact but vibrant bustle of activity from the moment the gates open on Preview Day until the lights go down for the last time. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., 217-782-6661.

Peter Pan – A Children’s Ballet
Aug. 12. The Springfield Dance Theatre presents the tale of the boy who wouldn’t grow up in this one-hour ballet for children. $25-$30. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.

Rumours: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
Aug. 12, 7-10pm. The sounds of Fleetwood Mac brought to life in ways that will take you back to those magical times. $8-$32. The Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater, Decatur, 620 E. Riverside Dr., 217-422-5911.

Genealogy Basics
Aug. 19, 2-3pm. Discover the adventure of your family history. Learn the fundamentals of building your family tree, basic genealogy terms and a few online resources. Free. Chatham Area Public Library, Chatham, 600 E. Spruce St., 217-483-2713.

USAC Bettenhausen 100
Aug. 19, 2pm. $25. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., 217-899-9175.

31st annual Powerlight Christian Music Festival
Aug. 20, 3-9pm. Featuring four-time Grammy-Award winning band Petra at the Lincoln Stage. Free with paid fair admission. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., 217-553-5271.

Abe’s Amble
Aug. 20, 7:30am. On the last day of the Illinois State Fair, hundreds of runners from Illinois and surrounding states take to the streets covering the fairgrounds, Lincoln Park, Oak Ridge Cemetery and back. This challenging 10K course is USATF-certified and a lot of fun. Certified 5K course option available. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., 217-782-6661.

ARCA 100 + 100 Sportsman Nationals
Aug. 20, 1pm. $25. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., 217-899-9175.

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