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ENTERTAINMENT & EVENTS
THRIVE IN SPI • SPRINGFIELD SANGAMON GROWTH ALLIANCE
First Night Springfield Since 1987, thousands gather for unforgettable New Year’s Eve as First Night Springfield lights up downtown with dazzling fireworks, captivating performances, and nonstop family-friendly entertainment. Old Capitol Holiday Walks Spending time in the downtown district allows you to create holiday magic with your family from late November until Christmas. Experience the annual holiday parade, shopping and other fun activities each year. Holiday Ice Rink at Union Square Park Lace up your skates and enjoy views of historic downtown while twirling around the ice with friends and family this holiday season. Light Up the Park: Chatham Community Park A large-scale, hand-built display fills the park with over 100,000 lights that set the park aglow. HOLIDAY SEASON
The Nutcracker Two Springfield ballet companies bring
Tchaikovsky’s classic to life. See the Copper Coin Ballet Company at The Legacy Theatre. Or catch the Springfield Youth Performance Group at Sacred Heart-Griffin Auditorium. Illinois State Military Museum: Christmas at the Front Living historians share how soldiers celebrated Christmas during four conflicts: Revolutionary War, Civil War, World War I and World War II. Holiday carols are sung by local school choirs, and cookies and hot beverages are served. Clayville Candlelight Christmas Step back to the 1820s with tours of the decorated Broadwell Inn, Batterton Cabin, White Cabin, Schoolhouse, and Ag Museum.
Paint the Street
Farmers Markets Produced by Downtown Springfield Inc. (DSI) since 1999, the Old Capitol Farmers Market strives to support small farms and local growers by providing a venue to directly market their goods. It’s been recognized as the most popular market in Central Illinois and is the largest producer-only market Downstate. Illinois Products Farmers Market is held at The Shed across from the Lincoln stage at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. This market is produced by the Illinois Department of Agriculture to feature local growers and area wineries and often has live music. Paint the Street This community block party is a fundraiser for the Springfield Art Association and gives groups and individuals the chance to literally paint the streets of downtown Springfield. There are also food stands and great music, and visitors can enjoy the unique outdoor gallery. Illinois State Fair The Illinois State Fair is a major annual festival that centers on the theme of agriculture and has been held in Springfield each August since 1853. Experience exciting rides, animal shows, racing, food vendors and concert performances from leading artists. Old Capitol Art Fair Against the backdrop of the Illinois Old State Capitol, artists and shoppers from across the country flock to downtown Springfield for a two-day outdoor art gallery.
Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon Run where Lincoln walked! The Midwest’s premier half marathon takes participants past Springfield’s major Lincoln sites, including his home and tomb. Sherman Village Park The AMP amphitheater hosts events throughout the year including local, regional and national acts. An “instrumental-themed” splashpad is right next door. The park also features nature spaces, a gazebo, a lighted 1-mile walking trail, a playground, and a number of shelters & picnic areas. Fat Ass 5K & Street Party for Charity Since 2008, this race in downtown Springfield has raised over $2.2 million for local charities. Runners enjoy cold beer, corn dogs, donuts, and bacon stops plus live music and entertainment along the route. A street party with more live music follows. Springfield Mile This race is widely regarded as the world’s fastest flat track motorcycle race. First run in 1937, the Springfield Mile quickly became an iconic championship decider. Today, it stands as a centerpiece of the 16-round American Flat Track (AFT) Championship season. Held Labor Day Weekend at the historic Illinois State Fairgrounds, located on iconic Route 66.
The Nutcracker by Springfield Youth Performance Group
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