Events

Calendar of Events
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7 events,
Deconstructing Stereotypes: Top Ten Truths About Native Peoples
Many of us face stereotypes and misconceptions about our heritage and culture. But what stereotypes impact the lives of Native peoples the most? The Mitchell Museum of the American Indian surveyed Native American and Indigenous Canadian peoples to find out. The results identified the top ten stereotypes and misconceptions that Native peoples face today. They…
Virtual Evergreen Cemetery Walk through December 1
Join us for the 2020 Virtual Evergreen Cemetery Walk! The video production of the Virtual Walk will be viewable through the online platform Teachable. Teachable will allow the Museum to present this year’s production in a way that is accessible to both the general public and the many student groups who annually participate. Ticket holders will have the…
A Christmas Carol Holiday Story Trail
From the curators of Life in the Forties, Life on the Titanic, Music of the Civil War, Nine Days in April, and many other exhibits throughout Central Illinois comes Costumes and Characters of A Christmas Carol – a window exhibit at the Pontiac Oakland Automobile Museum located at 205 N. Mill Street. Ron Selle and Darlene Agner have…
Old Capitol Holiday Walks
Save The Date! Old Capitol Holiday Walks is starting 2 weeks earlier then previous years - November 14, 2020 - December 19, 2020. It’s a tradition of the season that all of Springfield looks forward to…The Old Capitol Holiday Walks will run every Saturday afternoon 11/14 to 12/19 from noon to five pm and every…
Lincoln Presidential Library to display handwritten Gettysburg Address
SPRINGFIELD – The Gettysburg Address is Abraham Lincoln’s most famous speech. It helped changed the way America looked at the Civil War and at itself. And now the address will be on display at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum for two weeks. The handwritten copy will be displayed in the museum Nov. 18-30.…
Capital City Takeout Challenge – Support Local Restaurants & Enter for Chance to Win $1,000
Hello Springfield! Purchase takeout from 5 different independent locally-owned restaurants. 1 of the 5 restaurants must be minority owned. *Minority includes: African American, Asian American or Asian Islander, Latin American or Hispanic American and Indigenous American. When: Takeout purchases must be between November 19, 2020 and December 18, 2020. *All receipts must be submitted by…
Springfield Ballet Company Announces “Through Clara’s Eyes”
SPRINGFIELD - Generations of central Illinois families celebrate the holiday season with a memorable trip to the Springfield Ballet Company's annual production of The Nutcracker. In a typical year, the Springfield Ballet Company would be diligently working behind the scenes planning and rehearsing for this year's The Nutcracker. The Springfield Ballet Company Dancers and Trainees are rehearsing…
6 events,
6 events,
Christmas Cruise 2020 in Lincoln
Christmas Cruise 2020 in Lincoln
Come kick off the holidays this year in historic downtown Lincoln, IL with the “Christmas Cruise 2020”, a drive-thru only parade experience! This year’s theme will be “Brighten Up the…
8 events,
Christmas in Carlinville
Small Town Holiday Magic! Shopping on the historic Carlinville square, a large heated building with Vendors, Arts, Crafts, FREE sleigh rides, Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Street Performers, Carolers, Demonstrations, FREE parking, FREE Shuttle Bus. Two days of Family Holiday Fun! Friday Dec 4th - * Christmas Market doors open at 3 pm *…
Wild Lights at the Zoo!
See the Zoo at Night… Wild Lights will be Two weekends this year - Dec., 4th & 5th – 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM & Dec., 11th & 12th – 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington is believed to be the only zoo still remaining on Route 66. This year Wild…
Downtown Bloomington First Fridays
Downtown Bloomington First Fridays
Top among DBA’s events is First Friday! Held on the first Friday of each month, this recurring local cultural and social event showcases the visual arts and artists for the purpose of art education, visibility and the opportunity to purchase and collect art. The self-guided event also features promotions at individual businesses who extend their…
9 events,
Lexington’s Christmas on the Prairie
Experience Christmas on the Prairie in Lexington on Saturday, December 5th and also Sunday, December 6th!! This year's entire event will be held on Main Street in beautiful downtown Lexington. The vendor event, a visit with Santa's reindeer and a Santa Parade are just some of the events that are in the works! Stay tuned…
6th Annual Ugliest Sweater Run
6th Annual Ugliest Sweater Run
Put on your best holiday cheer and come out to Miller Park for the 6th annual Ugliest Sweater Run with Bloomington Parks Rec, and Fleet Feet Bloomington. For all ages – Saturday, Dec. 5 – 1:00 pm (first wave). There will be a 3 Mile non-competitive run or walk, with prizes awarded for special categories.…
7 events,
6 events,
Christmas at the Lincoln Home
Christmas at the Lincoln Home
Join Curator Susan Haake and Lincoln Home Interpretive Rangers for a tour of the Lincoln Home decorated for Christmas. How did the Lincolns decorate? Did they have a Christmas Tree?…
7 events,
Joliet Iron Works Virtual Tour (Zoom Webinar)
Joliet Iron Works Virtual Tour (Zoom Webinar)
Do you love local history? Here is your chance to learn about the Joliet Iron Works Historic Site during this Zoom webinar. Learn how Joliet got the nickname City of Steel and Stone. An interpretive naturalist will share the stories of the men and machines that worked at this site, along with many other fascinating…
Christmas at the Mansions
Christmas at the Mansions
A rare treat is being offered on Saturday when two of Bloomington-Normal’s historic mansions – David Davis Mansion, Ewing Manor, and a Mystery House (a private residence) – will feature…
3 events,
Winter Wonder Walk
Winter Wonder Walk
Take in the wonders of winter on this guided nature hike. Beginning at Isle a la Cache Museum, we will bundle up and head out on an adventure exploring the…
3 events,
Farewell Fireworks
Let's send 2020 off with a bang! At 9:00 PM on New Year's Eve, join us at the Recreation Complex (2104 S. Old Airport Rd) for a fun and festive fireworks display. Designated parking areas will be available at the Rec Plex and on nearby roads OR watch from a distance. All in-person viewers will…
3 events,
History at Home: Tea (Zoom webinar)
History at Home: Tea (Zoom webinar)
Encounter history from the comfort of your own home. Do some virtual time travel via Zoom and explore interesting topics from earlier times. January is National Hot Tea Month and to celebrate we are talking about the history of tea. In this program, we will discuss tea's origins in China, its rise in popularity in…
MAJOR EVENTS ON ILLINOIS ROUTE 66

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Event postings are limited to events held in Route 66 communities in Illinois, and are a benefit to members of the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway.