Events
Calendar of Events
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3 events,
2022 Old Joliet Prison Tours
The Old Joliet Prison tour program is primarily managed by the Joliet Area Historical Museum, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit entity, in partnership with the City of Joliet. The proceeds from activities will be used to expand the Museum’s mission to preserve and disseminate the history of Joliet, as well as to fund much-needed measures to secure and stabilize…
Elkhart Historical Society Wildflower Nature Walks
The Elkhart Historical Society is delighted to announce its April events, starting with the much- anticipated Wildflower Nature Walks, each Saturday in April. (2nd ,9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th ). This includes a 10a or 2p walk each Saturday, weather permitting, by reservation only. It is exciting to see the progression of the various flowering…
2022 Cool Cruisers Cruise Ins at Motorheads
Join the Cool Cruisers at Route 66 MotorHeads Bar, Grill, & Museum for the 2022 cruise-in season! The Cool Cruisers are a group of Central Illinois car enthusiasts who enjoy having cruise ins to show off their cars and gathering to share stories and kick a few tires. They have several events this year at Motorheads and…
5 events,
Little Lincoln’s Fireside Tales: Classics
Little Lincoln’s Fireside Tales: Classics
Little Lincoln’s Fireside Tales is a story time that incorporates hands-on activities, arts and crafts, and exciting books for children five and younger and their caregivers. This month’s theme is…
Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum hosts Holocaust memorial event
Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum hosts Holocaust memorial event
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum will remember Holocaust victims, survivors and their families on Tuesday, April 26, in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Springfield.…
4 events,
Grant Turns 200: A Closer Look at his Life and Legacy
Grant Turns 200: A Closer Look at his Life and Legacy
Abraham Lincoln led the nation through its greatest crisis, but he couldn’t have succeeded without the generalship of Ulysses S. Grant. Join ALPLM Lincoln Historian Christian McWhirter for a special program celebrating Grant’s 200th birthday. We’ll show rarely seen items from the library’s collection illuminating Grant’s life—from his hardscrabble early years, through the Civil War…
4 events,
Elkhart Public Library Route 66 Monarch Flyway Community Event
Elkhart Public Library Route 66 Monarch Flyway Community Event
Elkhart Public Library and the Elkhart community are hosting an event on 4/30/22. Bluebell and bird tours, live music, plant sales, antique tractors, and Conn's new shop Elkhart Station now open. Additional vendors - TBD. The Library is holding a children's class on Seeds, planting seeds in the Flyway, and giving away native plant seed…
4 events,
Route 66 Creamery Mother’s Day Market
Route 66 Creamery Mother’s Day Market
We would like to welcome you to the 2nd Annual Route 66 Creamery Mother's Day Market to do some shopping for that All Important Person in your life this Mother's Day. Come shop for your Mom and get yourself a little something too. Look forward to seeing you all there!! 𝘝𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘰𝘳𝘴 - 𝘗𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳…
Mt. Olive International Mother Jones Festival – May Day Program
Mt. Olive International Mother Jones Festival – May Day Program
The Mt. Olive International Mother Jones Festival - May Day Program features Speeches by Tim Drea, AFL-CIO and Steve Earle, UMW District 12. The event begins at Noon on May 1st. Also, there will be a dedication of the Mother Jones’ Children Commemorative Bench The husband and children of Mother Jones died during the 1867…
3 events,
McLean County Museum of History to dedicate new Looking for Lincoln Funeral Train Marker
McLean County Museum of History to dedicate new Looking for Lincoln Funeral Train Marker
Commemorating the 157 th Anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s Assassination, The McLean County Museum of History will dedicate a new “Looking for Lincoln” historical marker near the site of the old Bloomington Train Depot of the Chicago & Alton railroad. The special train dubbed “The Lincoln Special” transported the body of Abraham Lincoln from Washington D.C.…
7 events,
Illinois Quarter Horse Association Route 66 Classic
The Illinois Quarter Horse Association Route 66 Classic is back at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield from May 5-8. ILQHA has waited a long time to return to the historic horse show facility at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. We are pleased to announce the upcoming AQHA show on May 5-8, 2022. We will offer…
At Home & Americana on the Road
David Schwartz Photography will celebrate its grand opening with a visual feast for the eyes. At Home & Americana on the Road includes more than 150 photographs on display starting with Schwartz’s home: sweeping Cleveland cityscapes and romantic landscapes captured in University Circle’s Wade Lagoon. The majority of works on display are a rich collection from Schwartz’s…
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum “For the People” Series
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – It’s no simple thing to bring together family treasures, painful memories and beautiful photographs, but Arielle Weininger and Jim Lommasson managed it when they created the “Stories of Survival” exhibit now at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. The duo will explain why they took on the challenge and how they…
Joliet Area Historical Museum – Cinco de Mayo Tacos & Tequila on the Rooftop
Joliet Area Historical Museum – Cinco de Mayo Tacos & Tequila on the Rooftop
Enjoy your evening at the Cinco de Mayo, Live From the Joliet Museum! Event Details: 6 to 10pm DJ and live band Signature Drinks 3 mezcal and 7 tequila options to taste Prices $50 General Public $30 Museum Members With valid ID The Joliet Area Historical Museum occupies the space formerly known as the Ottawa…
Speakers Series: Meet the Stories of Survival Exhibit Creators
Speakers Series: Meet the Stories of Survival Exhibit Creators
As part of our “For the People” speakers series, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is proud to welcome Arielle Weininger and Jim Lommasson, the creators of “Stories of Survival: Object. Image. Memory,” our new exhibit in partnership with the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center. Please join Arielle and Jim on Thursday, May…
6 events,
DSI First Fridays Sidewalk Sales
Downtown Springfield Inc. is continuing our First Fridays — themed nights that take place every first Friday February through October from 4-8pm — We are combining May's First Friday with our popular Sidewalk Sales to get folks outside and exploring downtown. The first weekend in May is also the Fat Ass 5k. The traditional Street…
10 events,
Downtown Bloomington Farmers’ Market
Come celebrate 25 years of cultivating community with the Downtown Bloomington Farmers’ Market! Visit us around the Downtown Square every Saturday, May 7 – October 29 from 7:30am-12:00pm. We have so many brand new and long-time vendors, so make sure to come out and support local! Located around the Downtown Square, the Downtown Bloomington Farmers’…
Castle Home and Garden Tours at Castle Gardens
With professional ease and enthusiasm, the Wrights take you on a tour that gives a glimpse of Victorian culture and shares the history of their family home, the Castle at Castle Gardens. Three tours are planned for May through July (May 7, June 4, July 2). All times are 10am-Noon. This beautiful home, a 1898…
2022 Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor Festival
2022 Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor Festival
The annual Red Carpet Corridor Festival is all about family fun on the most famous road in America - Route 66. Sponsored by the twelve communities which make up the 80-mile linear museum from Joliet to Lexington, the annual festival invites everyone to experience the good life in the slow lane. Each community will produce…
Fat Ass 5K & Street Party for Charity
Fat Ass 5K & Street Party for Charity
The Fat Ass 5K & Street Party for Charity was invented on a napkin at Celtic Mist Pub on St. Patrick’s Day in 2008. We are a “race” through Downtown Springfield, Illinois. We are in the works to put timing back on the race . We have donated over $1.6 million since 2008. The race…
7 events,
7 events,
Cruisin’ to the Slammer 2022 Old Joliet Prison Car Shows
The Monday evening Cruisin' to the Slammer 2022 Old Joliet Prison Car Show schedule has been announced. Come on out for an evening of prison tours, cars, food, music, and fun! The car shows run from 4pm-8pm on Monday May 9th, June 13th, July 11th, August 8th & September 12th. The Old Joliet Prison (Collins…
7 events,
7 events,
7 events,
8 events,
Friday the 13th – Fright Fest! 2 Nights!
Join Litchfield Skyview Drive-in for Friday the 13th Parts 1, 2 & 3 on May 13 & 14! Gates open at 7:00 pm Part 1 Start Time: 8:25 pm Part 2 Start Time: 10:00 pm Part 3 Start Time: 11:30 pm Playing Two nights Only: Friday, May 13th & Saturday, May 14th Event and Non-RV…
8 events,
9 events,
3rd Sunday Market in Bloomington
From May to October, thousands of Midwestern collectors clear their calendars to shop the 3rd Sunday Market, an event devoted exclusively to the finest in antiques, collectibles, crafts, and garden. A Bloomington tradition since 1988, the indoor/outdoor sale features more than 450 top dealers, representing 17 states. Whether you’re looking for the finest in antique furniture,…
Stories of Survival: Memory Keepers – Making Stories from our Treasures
Stories of Survival: Memory Keepers – Making Stories from our Treasures
Stories of Survival Memory Keepers - Making Stories from our Treasures. The objects and artifacts we have gathered on our life journeys are scattered throughout our homes. Some of them have great value only because of the emotional investment we have in them. You and your family are invited to join storyteller Susan Stone for…
8 events,
8 events,
9 events,
Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Launches New Exhibit of Lincoln Treasures
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum has launched a new exhibit of Lincoln treasures – one that will be updated monthly – to reward the public after two years of turmoil created by the Covid pandemic. “The pandemic turned life upside down and demanded sacrifices from everyone. Now that life is…
9 events,
14 events,
2022 3rd Fridays in Downtown Lincoln
The City of Lincoln is hosting the 3rd Fridays in Downtown Lincoln family-friendly evenings in downtown with an array of affordable fun for all. Held on the 3rd Friday May 20 - June 17 -July 15 - 5:30-8:30pm FREE Fun for the entire family! Bounce houses, activities, and games for kids Water games Vendor market…
Destihl Brewery Soundboard Concert Series
Join in on the lawn at Destihl Brewery for a free show Friday, May 20th featuring Nathan Taylor & Friends, a free show Saturday, May 21st featuring Ashley Riley, and a free show Sunday, May 22nd featuring Emily Hope! Patio & lawn seating will be available on a first-come basis. Bring your lawn chairs or…
First Responders Weekend
Join Litchfield Skyview Drive In for a double feature: Kindergarten Cop & Backdraft. More fun details soon! Gates open at 7:00 pm Kindergarten Cop Start Time: 8:25 pm Backdraft Start Time: 10:20 Playing Two nights Only: Friday, May 20nd & Saturday, May 21st Tickets available at the gate only. $7 per person, for everyone age…
Lincoln and Logan County: Together from the Start
Lincoln and Logan County: Together from the Start
The Elkhart Historical Society is pleased to announce that Ian Hunt, Chief of Acquisitions for the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, will present “Lincoln and Logan County: Together from the Start”…
Route 66 Monarch Flyway Butterfly Habitat Ribbon Cutting
Route 66 Monarch Flyway Butterfly Habitat Ribbon Cutting
Join Logan County Tourism Bureau and friends during 3rd Friday in Lincoln, IL for the grand opening of the Scenic Flyway Butterfly Habitat, located at the corner of Kickapoo St and Pekin St! We will have a ribbon-cutting ceremony and other activities! The Route 66 Monarch Flyway, which the Illinois Monarch Project debuted on November…
16 events,
Springfield Old Capitol Art Fair
Set against the backdrop of the Illinois Old State Capitol building, art lovers find the Springfield Old Capitol Art Fair to be the jewel of the Midwest. This tradition of fine art has brought artists and shoppers from across the country flocking to downtown Springfield’s two-day outdoor art gallery, now in it's 60th year! Dates…
Third Saturday Vintage Market in Pontiac
Shoppes On Howard presents Third Saturday Vintage Market in Pontiac. The Third Saturday vintage market is a specialty shop market featuring the Children’s Art Gallery, antique shops, a quilting fabric shop, bath boutique, & a variety of unique and one of a kind items, as well as, craft vendors and activities. Event runs Third Saturdays…
BN Video Game Con
BN Video Game Con
Illinois’ Biggest Annual Video Game Convention in Bloomington, IL Featuring Hundreds of Tables of Vintage and Modern Video Game Dealers, Regional Artists, Indie Video Game Developers, Special Guests, Cosplay, Tournaments, Free-Play Consoles, Arcades & VR! Get ready for Illinois' biggest annual video game convention! Featuring hundreds of dealer tables of video games & collectables, original…
AFL-CIO for McLean County Trades & Labor Festival
AFL-CIO for McLean County Trades & Labor Festival
To highlight industry and labor in McLean County—both past and present—the McLean County Museum of History, in partnership with the Bloomington & Normal Trades & Labor Assembly (AFL-CIO), and Livingston & McLean Counties Building & Construction Trades Council (AFL-CIO), is inviting local businesses, unions, trades people, skilled workers, and artisans to showcase their skills and…
13 events,
11 events,
11 events,
11 events,
11 events,
12 events,
Tom Cruise-in Two weekend Event! New Top Gun with Two Different Throwbacks!
WEEKEND #1: Join Litchfield Skyview Drive In for a Tom Cruise-in Weekend double feature: NEW Top Gun & (Throwback) Days of Thunder Gates open at 7:00 pm Top Gun Start Time: 8:30 pm Days of Thunder Start Time: 10:45 pm Playing TWO nights: Friday, May 27th & Saturday, May 28th Tickets available at the gate…
12 events,
13 events,
Atlanta Car Cruise-In Kick-off the Summer
Atlanta Car Cruise-In Kick-off the Summer
The public is invited to Atlanta’s first car cruise-in of the season on May 29 from 10am-2:30pm at Atlanta’s new Dairy Queen land Truck Stop located at 102 Empire Street. Check-in will be under the big blue tent and begin promptly at 10am. Participants are welcome to drive in and join the cruise-in at any…
12 events,
12 events,
12 events,
14 events,
International Carillon Festival
The Festival is presented by the Springfield Park District with the support of The Rees Carillon Society and The Carillon Belles. Individuals and families are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner as well as lawn chairs and blankets. Several monitors will be positioned around the tower to view the playing keyboard and carillonists during the…
Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series 3rd Season
The third season of Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series presented by PNC Bank and the Sangamon Mass Transit District (SMTD), a ten-week series of free, live music on the Y Block, is upon us! The Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series is supported in part by the Mortimer & MimiLevitt Foundation, a private foundation that partners with…
18 events,
Springfield’s History Comes Alive Returns for a 13th Season
Springfield, IL - The 13th Annual History Comes Alive program is about to kick off in Springfield, Illinois! Starting June 3 through August 7, 2022 Abraham & Mary Lincoln lead a cast of characters on a trip back in time. Meet the Lincolns at historic sites throughout the city and learn about their lives in Springfield.…
Getting a Tour in Edgewise: An Interactive Art and History Experience
How have Illinoisans from marginalized groups gotten a word in edgewise? How have they expressed themselves and championed causes they cared about? Take a guided tour of Illinois State Museum's fascinating art and history exhibitions. Hear and discuss stories of everyday people doing extraordinary things. This program is Part of Downtown Springfield’s History Comes Alive…
The Berwyn Shops Grand Opening Celebration
The Berwyn Shops Grand Opening Celebration
On June 3rd, the gates of the Berwyn Shops will finally be opening to the public. Every weekend (Fri-Sun) Berwyn residents and those from near and far will be able to walk the shops and experience the offerings of our 12 small business Vendors. Join us at noon to welcome and celebrate all the hard…
Downtown Bloomington First Friday- Cogs and Corsets
Downtown Bloomington First Friday- Cogs and Corsets
Downtown Bloomington First Friday- Cogs and Corsets! Enjoy a weekend full of activities for the whole family. From shopping to dueling, there is something for everyone to experience. Try your luck at Tea Dueling or listen to a great live performance while showcasing your own Steampunk costume! Join your favorite downtown businesses throughout Downtown Bloomington…
21 events,
Springfield Lucky Horseshoes Baseball
While the history of baseball in Springfield dates back to 1925, this iteration of the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes franchise was founded in 2008 as the Springfield Sliders. Following a championship season in the final year of the Central Illinois Collegiate League, the franchise joined the Prospect League prior to the 2009 season where they have…
Lincoln Memorial Garden 8K Trail Race
Lincoln Memorial Garden 8K Trail Race
The latest edition of the 8K Trail Race and associated Kids Fun Run at Lincoln Memorial Garden in Springfield, Illinois is scheduled to be held on Saturday June 4, 2022. Eight kilometers (4.97 miles) of trails – with the course now entirely situated within the Garden (0.5 miles of the course was previously on Forest…
Livingston County Butterfly Festival
Livingston County Butterfly Festival
Summer is here and many residents and families are looking for ways to get outdoors and connect with one another. Join us to celebrate and learn about one of our favorite insects - the butterfly! We are hosting a FREE outdoor educational event for ALL ages with plenty of activities for everyone. Some of the…
Odell Illinois “Get Your Kicks On Route 66” Car Show
Odell Illinois “Get Your Kicks On Route 66” Car Show
Returning this year to Odell Illinois at the Historic Standard Oil Gas Station, is the Route 66 Lenore Weiss/Craig Parrish Memorial Car Show. June 4 2022 from 9am-2pm. $20.00 Vehicle Registration - pay at the show. Event free to public - donations. welcome. There will be "unique raffle items". 100% of proceeds to Cancer Support…
19 events,
David Davis Mansion Celebrates 150 Years Special Events
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. - The David Davis Mansion, located at 1000 Monroe Drive in Bloomington, is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year with a number of exciting ventures. This state historic site was built in 1872 by David Davis, a political ally of Abraham Lincoln and a U.S. Supreme Court Justice. The site is operated by…
‘Enjoy Illinois 300’ NASCAR Cup Race Series at World Wide Technology Raceway
‘Enjoy Illinois 300’ NASCAR Cup Race Series at World Wide Technology Raceway
When the green flag waves at the start of the inaugural NASCAR Cup Series race at World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR) on June 5, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announce the race’s official name: Enjoy Illinois 300, sponsored by the Illinois Office of Tourism. “The Enjoy Illinois…
2nd Annual Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
2nd Annual Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
The 2nd Annual Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is Sunday, June 5th at 5:00pm (doors open at 4:00pm) at Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago Street in Joliet. Inductions include the following: Band/Solo Artist: Styx; Chuck Berry; Sam Cooke; Dan Fogelberg; The New Colony Six Songwriter: Jim…