May 09 Saturday
A public reading by Springfield essayist James Thompson featuring original essays on addiction, recovery, memory, and meaning. The event will include a live reading followed by questions and open conversation. The tone is reflective rather than clinical-- intended for anyone interested in recovery, storytelling, or how people make sense of their lives. Donations are accepted but not required.
Food Not Bombs Springfield, IL will be providing a free meal and produce for anyone who wants it. If you have the means to bring reusable containers or bags with you, please do so to reduce plastic waste. All are welcome. No one will be turned away.
May 14 Thursday
Join us on Thursday, May 14 from 9-11 am at the INB Chatham Branch for a free shred event in support of Titan Fuel!Bring your documents to safely dispose of, and help make a difference - donations will be accepted to benefit Titan Fuel and their mission. You can bring up to 5 bags or boxes of shred.To learn more about what to expect at a shred event, visit inb.com/shredevent.We hope to see you there!
May 15 Friday
The Pillars of Democracy: Unite & Rise Tour makes its way to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum this month.
This powerful mixed media portrait series of first-time women voters will be on display weekdays from 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. in the library’s atrium at 112 North 6th Street from Friday, May 15, to Friday, May 29, 2026. Admission to the library is free.
You’re also invited to join artist Niki Johnson for a combined artist talk and hands-on writing activity exploring Pillars of Democracy: Unite & Rise. Johnson will share insights into her creative process and the themes behind the exhibition, followed by guided discussion and creative reflection around democracy, equity, and civic participation.
The artist talk and hands-on activity are free and open to the public and will take place in the library atrium at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026. Advance registration is not necessary. Complimentary pastries and the museum’s very own Presidential Perk coffee will be offered to attendees.
The Pillars of Democracy: Unite & Rise Tour Springfield appearance is made possible through a collaboration between the League of Women Voters of Illinois Education Fund, Illinois Humanities, Healing Illinois, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.
Join the Prairie Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Jim Tallman, for their spring concert! Admission is free to the concert, however a donation is suggested. Follow the Prairie Wind Ensemble on Facebook and Instagram for more information!
May 16 Saturday
Join us as we celebrate the powerful starts that spark life-changing journeys. Register for the Girls on the Run 5K Presented by Memorial Health and get ready to Celebrate Your Start alongside 400+ girls in our community! This celebratory, non-competitive event is the culminating experience of our 10-week program.
9:00 AM - Activities 10:00 AM - 5K Begins
On this special morning, you will be surrounded by girls who have discovered how to take brave steps, set goals, and believe in themselves. Whether you walk, skip, or roll, we want you to be part of the excitement, joy, and confidence-building!
North America’s largest award-winning interactive true crime murder mystery dinner show invites you into a night of laughter, mystery, and audience-driven intrigue. Enjoy a full dinner while a hilarious crime unfolds around you—but stay alert. The culprit is hiding in plain sight, and before the night is over, you could find yourself named a Prime Suspect.
Now playing at Maldaner’s in Springfield, IL, this murder mystery dinner experience is unlike traditional dinner theater. Our professional actors are not in costume and are secretly planted among the guests, creating a modern, social, and highly interactive evening. Each ticket includes our signature live murder mystery show, a complete dinner, waitstaff gratuity, and plenty of unexpected twists. Reserve your tickets now and crack the case before it’s too late.
Planning a group celebration or private event in Springfield? We specialize in custom private shows for companies, parties, and organizations of nearly any size—hosted at our public venue or brought directly to your location. Perfect for team outings, corporate events, and unforgettable celebrations.
Happens on the following Dates:May 16, 2026, 6:00pm to 9:00pm Timezone: Central Time (US & Canada)May 30, 2026, 6:00pm to 9:00pm Timezone: Central Time (US & Canada)
May 17 Sunday
Pets are members of our family who offer us unconditional love. They are at our side on good days and bad days. Through their companionship we experience love and fulfillment. They make us focus on someone outside ourselves. When we lose our pet, the pain can be unbearable.
Join with others who are mourning the loss of a pet at our nondenominational Community Pet Remembrance Ceremony. Guest speaker is Leigh Steiner, pet doula. If you wish, bring a small memento of your pet. Reservations are suggested but not required.
Subterranean Sound and Vision presents “A Rotting World Double Feature” at the Illinois Theater in Jacksonville, Illinois on Saturday, May 17, 2026.
The event will feature screenings of the classic horror films The Last Man on Earth and Night of the Living Dead along with a meet and greet with the cast and crew of the independent horror film Holler.
Doors open for the meet and greet at 4:00 PM, and the films begin at 4:45 PM.
Guests can meet the filmmakers and actors behind Holler, purchase Holler merchandise, and enjoy theater concessions throughout the evening. Suggested support at the door helps support the completion of the independent film project.
Location:Illinois Theater200 E Court StJacksonville, IL
Presented by Subterranean Sound and Vision.
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May 22 Friday
Step into the spirit of the holidays with decor arranged by the Springfield Civic Garden Club. Enjoy the sparkle of art glass throughout the house. Tours run every 15 minutes; final departure at 6:30 PM. Post-tour cocoa and s'mores in the courtyard, with live music by Ben Bedford from 5:00 PM-6:30 PM. (No live music December 26.) Courtyard closes at 7:45 PM. Registration available through Eventbrite but not required.