History
Events
Calendar of Events
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5 events,
In celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Route 66, The Pharmacy will host a special Bob Waldmire Art Exhibit Bob Waldmire - Nomadic Hippie, gifted artist, and Route 66 icon. Immerse yourself in the legend's creative expressions and awe-inspiring attention to detail, celebrating the nostalgia and culture of Route 66. Springfield native Bob Waldmire was… 
Route 66: The Road That Takes You — Springfield Edition is a photography exhibition by Lakewood, Ohio photographer David J. Schwartz, whose work was selected for the official USPS Route 66 Centennial commemorative stamps. For more than two decades, Schwartz has traveled the length of Route 66, documenting the people, places, and quiet moments that…
Free
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Museum (ISM) invites the public to get their kicks at a new “Miles of Memories: Stories of Route 66” exhibit May 23, 2026 - April 4, 2027. The exhibition brings to life the experience of living, working and traveling along U.S. Route 66 during its heyday. The exhibit incorporates the… 
Step aboard Route 66 SUBMERGED, a 45-minute interpretive boat tour on Lake Springfield that reveals a hidden chapter of America’s most iconic highway. Beneath the surface lies a stretch of Springfield’s original Route 66 alignment, submerged when Sugar Creek was dammed in 1933. Guided by local storytellers this immersive journey blends history, nature, and narrative—offering… 
History Comes Alive — “Celebrate America — Stories that Built America! Experience the spirit of Lincoln’s hometown, where history comes alive through unforgettable costumed reenactors, Route 66 treasures, and inspiring moments honoring America’s 250th birthday. Embark on a captivating journey as you encounter Mr. & Mrs. Lincoln and the largest cast of characters we’ve had… |
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6 events,
Market Day is calling! The Downtown Bloomington Farmers’ Market is a vibrant, community-centered market that brings together local farmers, artisans, and small businesses in the heart of the city. Held seasonally in historic Downtown Bloomington, the market offers a wide variety of fresh, locally grown produce, homemade baked goods, handcrafted items, and specialty foods—all sourced… |
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6 events,
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Ok, Red Raccooners.....can you BELIEVE we have been open for 20 years?!? WOW! Ken started Gryfalia's Aerie and built this beast for eight years! Jamie has taken the helm for the last twelve...and now we get to come together to celebrate TWENTY years! You KNOW we love to put on a celebratory party....plan on some… |
5 events, |
7 events,
Market Day is calling! The Downtown Bloomington Farmers’ Market is a vibrant, community-centered market that brings together local farmers, artisans, and small businesses in the heart of the city. Held seasonally in historic Downtown Bloomington, the market offers a wide variety of fresh, locally grown produce, homemade baked goods, handcrafted items, and specialty foods—all sourced…
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The Illinois State Historical Society, in partnership with the Paul A. Funk Foundation and McLean County Museum of History, will dedicate a new historic marker on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 10 a.m. The marker is located a quarter mile south of the Funk Prairie Home and Gem & Mineral Museum in Shirley, Illinois. It… |
5 events,
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The 2026 Litchfield Pickers Market returns on the second Sunday of each month, May to October, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. This popular regional market features a juried antique sale with live music all day and plenty of street food. You'll also enjoy the adjoining Monroe Street market area with talented artisan and farmers market vendors. Plus,… |
5 events,
The Illinois State Fair returns for 2026, August 13 - 23, with an all star concert lineup and with the theme of "Miles of Smiles". Grandstand Events (Gates open 1 hour prior to the show) - The 2026 Illinois State Fair features a diverse lineup of evening performances, with tickets available for purchase: Aug 14:… |
5 events, |
8 events,
Step into a sea of summer color at Sunflower Days Festival at Rader Family Farms. This daytime celebration invites guests to wander through acres of blooming sunflowers and a vibrant zinnia field, soak in the beauty of the season, and enjoy a relaxed, joy-filled farm experience designed for all ages. This is the perfect time…
Market Day is calling! The Downtown Bloomington Farmers’ Market is a vibrant, community-centered market that brings together local farmers, artisans, and small businesses in the heart of the city. Held… 
Get ready for another unforgettable season of Downtown Pontiac Cruise Nights 2026! Join us as we celebrate the Route 66 & Pontiac Car Centennial with a full lineup of special features and themed nights you won’t want to miss. Car lovers are invited to cruise into Downtown Pontiac (vehicle entry at the corner of Mill…
Free
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6 events,
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Free event put on by the Macoupin County Historical Society. When: August 20th @ 7pm. Come on out to 920 W Breckenridge, Carlinville, IL 62626 to learn more about the history of grocery stores in Carlinville - groceries are a BIG deal! |
5 events, |
9 events,
Step into a sea of summer color at Sunflower Days Festival at Rader Family Farms. This daytime celebration invites guests to wander through acres of blooming sunflowers and a vibrant zinnia field, soak in the beauty of the season, and enjoy a relaxed, joy-filled farm experience designed for all ages. This is the perfect time…
Market Day is calling! The Downtown Bloomington Farmers’ Market is a vibrant, community-centered market that brings together local farmers, artisans, and small businesses in the heart of the city. Held seasonally in historic Downtown Bloomington, the market offers a wide variety of fresh, locally grown produce, homemade baked goods, handcrafted items, and specialty foods—all sourced…
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Main Street Mingle season is officially ready for vendor sign-ups — and trust us, this year is going to be BIG. With themed events, our Renaissance edition, and the massive Route 66 Centennial Celebration closing out the season, you’re going to want in on this one. Location: Old Route 66 – Virden Town Square 9…
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BLOOMINGTON, IL – The 48th Annual Cultural Fest returns to Miller Park in Bloomington on Saturday, August 22, from noon to 6:00 p.m. The free community festival will bring together music, dance, food, community organizations and family activities for an afternoon celebrating the cultural diversity of Bloomington-Normal. With the theme “A Celebration of Diversity,” Cultural Fest features a… |
7 events,
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The Lawndale Route 66 Festival is led by Chicago’s Historic Route 66 Classic Car Show. After 12 successful years, this beloved tradition has grown into something even bigger: the second annual Lawndale Route 66 Festival — presented in partnership with eight incredible community organizations: Chicago's Historic Route 66 Classic Car & Bike Show Lawndale Christian…
Free
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6 events,
The Balloons Over 66 Weekend in Lincoln, Illinois, is August 28–29, 2026, including hot air balloon flights and night glows for this year's 100th Route 66 anniversary celebration. The festival spans multiple locations in Lincoln, combining aerial entertainment with community traditions. The Balloon Glow & Flights: on Illinois Route 10. The weekend features localized balloon…
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The Elkhart Illinois Historical Society invites the public to Relive the True Mother Road: The Edwards Trace, a dinner lecture presented by Anna Sielaff, exploring one of Illinois’ oldest and most historically significant trails. This presentation takes audience members on a journey back in time, to an era when Illinois was not yet a state… |
8 events,
The Abraham Lincoln National Railsplitting Festival a free annual event held at the Postville Courthouse State Historic Site and the VFW on 5th Street in Lincoln, Illinois. The next festival takes place on Saturday, August 29, and Sunday, August 30, 2026, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm daily, as a major part of the Balloons…
Market Day is calling! The Downtown Bloomington Farmers’ Market is a vibrant, community-centered market that brings together local farmers, artisans, and small businesses in the heart of the city. Held seasonally in historic Downtown Bloomington, the market offers a wide variety of fresh, locally grown produce, homemade baked goods, handcrafted items, and specialty foods—all sourced…
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The WeatherTech Berwyn Rt. 66 Car Show returns on August 29, 2026. Sponsored by Paisans Pizzeria and Bar. We look forward to having everyone back on the mother road and… |
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5 events,
Route 66: The Main Street of America will premiere as a moving celebration: a cross-country film screening tour down Historic Route 66. Partnering with local entities along the historic highway (Main Street programs, downtown associations, tourism bureaus and chambers of commerce), we’ll screen the film at 40+ events at select drive-ins and historic theaters from Chicago to… |
5 events, |
5 events, |
5 events, |
7 events,
Market Day is calling! The Downtown Bloomington Farmers’ Market is a vibrant, community-centered market that brings together local farmers, artisans, and small businesses in the heart of the city. Held seasonally in historic Downtown Bloomington, the market offers a wide variety of fresh, locally grown produce, homemade baked goods, handcrafted items, and specialty foods—all sourced…
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Celebrate the centennial of a truly legendary highway with a special screening of ROUTE 66: THE MAIN STREET OF AMERICA—a powerfully moving new feature-length documentary that follows the road, sharing unforgettable stories of the people and towns we meet along the way. From unexpected roadside attractions to revitalized main streets, each encounter reveals communities finding… |
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