School is underway in the Springfield area, but there's still plenty to do on the weekends in the area.
From Broadway musicals you enjoyed as child to picking out new books meant for any age – there’s culture to enjoy and small businesses to support this weekend.
Bring a friend and a bag for books while checking out these five things to do around town this weekend.
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Mary Poppins at the Hoogland
What: The Hoogland Center for the Arts is presenting Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's Mary Poppins. Follow the Banks family in 1910s England through the story of a nanny sent to save the family. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family members how to value each other again.
When: Production dates are all weekend and Aug. 29 to Sep. 1 and start around 7:30 p.m.
Where: 420 S. Sixth St., Springfield
More: Tickets are $22 for adults ; $20 for seniors over 60 and students. Call 523-2787, or log on to hcfta.org, for tickets.
Balloons Over 66
What: Balloons Over 66 will host over 50 vendors selling anything from food to clothes and furniture this weekend, with live music and 34 hot air balloons taking to the skies over central Illinois in competition. The Lincoln Art Fair will be just down the block, showcasing locally made art for visitors to think about while they’re walking. A pulled pork lunch fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to benefit the Oasis Senior Center in Lincoln, as part of the festivities.
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday for competitive balloon launches, 6:15 a.m. Sunday for balloons over downtown Lincoln.
Where: All balloon flights and glow will take place at Open Arms Lincoln at 1321 IL-10, Lincoln; all around downtown Lincoln will be open vendor stalls. The Lincoln Art Fair will be at 112 S. McLean Street., Lincoln.
More: For a whole itinerary of the event including all locations of vendors, times of races and food trucks, visit destinationlogancountyil.com .
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Benefit for the Electric Quill
What: Part of the businesses affected by the Adams’ Street fire in late June, the Electric Quill Tattoo parlor has yet to get back on their feet – so Adams Family members are joining Ad Astra Wine & Tapas Bar to bring together funds through fun. There will be baskets raffled off from local businesses, quick manicures and hair tinsel by Color Theory Studio Salon, EQ shirts and merch for sale, tarot readings by Alice Triano and a free-will donation basket. All proceeds go directly to Steve Lima and the artists at Electric Quill.
When: Noon Saturday
Where: 308 E. Adams St., Springfield
More: A Facebook event has been created for the event, and donations can be submitted at any time to the INB business fund for local businesses affected by the Adams Street fire.
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Artist Showcase at the Brinkerhoff
What: Join the Brinkerhoff Mansion for their very first art showcase, dedicated to celebrating the local artists of Springfield. Food, live music and artists in action creating pieces compliment the exhibits strewn throughout the historic house.
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday
Where: 1500 N. Fifth St., Springfield
More: From its history of collegiate use to rental parties, the history of the Brinkerhoff mansion can be found at thebrinkerhoffmansion.com .
Book Fair on the Square
What: The Petersburg Public Library will be hosting a library lock-in event 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., allowing parents to drop off and enjoy some afternoon kid-free fun.
When: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday
Where: 115 N. Seventh St., Petersburg
More: Pre-registration is required, and the event is for school age children preschool and older. There is a suggested donation of $10 to the library for this after-hours event.
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
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Hot air balloons, art showcase and more: 5 things to do in the Springfield area
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