And just like that – we're already into the second half of July.
There's plenty for you to do to get out of the house and enjoy your time in Springfield and outside of the city.
Whether these local festivals are first-time experiences for excited tourists or staples for families living in the capital city, no matter what these events will sure make the weekend lead into next week with a smile.
Twelfth Night by Starling Shakespeare Company
What: A tale forged in love for the true self and a classic before its time, the Springfield Area Arts Council and Downtown Springfield Inc. are hosting a special one night only event, bringing the timeless magic of Shakespeare to Enos Park with Twelfth Night. The Starling Shakespeare Company will perform the beloved Shakespeare comedy with a contemporary twist – making the night an unforgettable one for friends to sit back on a picnic blanket under the stars and watch.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
When: 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday
Where: Enos Park, 1000 N. 7th St., Springfield
General admission is free. VIP seating is available for $25 per person and can be purchased at the Springfield Area Arts Council website.
Summerfest at the Lake Press Club
What: Meet Sunshine Daydream, the Grateful Dead tribute band ready to riff and rock your Summerfest on the sunny warm shores of Lake Springfield with the Lake Press Club. This free event welcomes all ages by boat or by foot to get outside near the glittering shores, until the moon comes up and paints the lake silver.
When: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday
Where: 13 Club Area Drive, Springfield
Sweet Corn Festival
What: Sweet corn will soon be sprouting all over Central Illinois, so the Jaycee’s Sweet Corn Festival is of course around the corner. The event features book sellers, the championship cow chip throwing competition, tequila tasting and multiple artists playing music as sweet as the corn. It’s a two-day load of fun for guests, so consider coming down to the cornfields.
When: 4:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: 698 S. Park Ave., Chatham
Jaycee’s tends to post updates and information about all events on their Facebook page.
Mac N’ Cheese Festival
What: Indulge in crispy, creamy goodness at the Decatur Mac N’ Cheese Festival and sample varieties of macaroni and cheese dishes you’ve never had before. The food will be prepared by local restaurants, food vendors, and caterers who have put their own unique spin on the classic dish. Art vendors will also be there to reassure you – that you aren’t the only one who shares a love for the noodle and crafts. Money raised will go to the Decatur Area Arts Council.
When: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday
Where: Fairview Park Big Pavilion, 2095 W. El Dorado St., Decatur
You can buy food-tasting and drink tickets in advance or at the event. Tasting tickets come in packs of four and are $10 per pack, while non-alcoholic drinks are $2, and beer is $5 at the stalls. More information can be found at Decaturarts.org.
New Crop Bands at Dumb Records
What: Meet the youth at Dumb Records, who’s hosting the best of the best Central Illinois up-and-coming youth bands: Acid Fog, Martyr and Unthynk. Primarily metal tones with Acid Fog’s doom metal to Unthynk’s unique sound, for indie-heads looking to get a first peek at a young band onstage, this is the night for you.
When: 7 p.m. Sunday
Where: Dumb Records, 418 E. Monroe St., Springfield
Tickets are $5 per person for the show.
Claire Grant writes about business, growth and development and other news topics for the State Journal-Register. She can be reached at CLGrant@gannett.com; and on X (Formerly known as Twitter): @Claire_Granted
Most Popular
Comments / 0