Jul 11 Saturday
Food Not Bombs SPI is sharing a free meal, produce, clothing, personal care items, and harm reduction supplies for anyone who wants them, without restriction. Bring your own to-go containers or reusable bags if you are able to do so, but it is not required. Please note the location change. Solidarity, not charity.
Jul 16 Thursday
Bring your lawn chairs and picnics! Enjoy 10 weeks of free, live concerts in downtown Springfield right across from the Governor’s Mansion.
ASL InterpretersFamily-Friendly ActivitiesFood Trucks & TentsMaker’s Row & Community Row
Details: https://springfieldartsco.org/levittampspringfield/
The Springfield Area Arts Council has been a driving force behind the Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series since its launch in 2019, when we partnered with local organizations, including Downtown Springfield Inc., among others, to bring free, live music to the heart of our community. In 2025, SAAC became the official host organization of the series, building on that foundation to further expand its impact. As we return in 2026 with a renewed three-year grant, we are proud to continue working alongside our dedicated partners to present a vibrant, inclusive concert series that brings people together and strengthens our local arts and cultural landscape.
Jul 17 Friday
Every summer, the Springfield Area Arts Council presents Artist in the Park, a free, outdoor performance series in downtown Springfield. For 10 weeks, enjoy live music, dance, poetry, and more alongside local food trucks serving lunch for Food Truck Fridays. This family-friendly, accessible, and sensory-friendly event is presented in partnership with the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.
Jul 18 Saturday
Art @ the Market provides a free weekly, make-it, take-it art/craft activity to the public each week. Our activity booth will be at the Bloomington Farmers' Market (near the intersection of Jefferson and Center Streets). This activity is for youth to the young-at-heart adult. Our volunteers will be there to help with the activity which will take about 15 minutes. Drop by during the scheduled time to participate. If the weather is poor, the activity will be held in the lobby just outside our gallery in the Monroe Center.
Land Conservation Foundation AnnouncesSangamon River Bluff Trail Ribbon Cutting
The Land Conservation Foundation (LCF), a non-profit land trust dedicated to preserving and restoring natural communities in East Central Illinois, is pleased to invite the public to a ribbon cutting, marking the official opening of the Sangamon River Bluff Trail, which connects the Allerton Park Trails to the Bruce Hannon Levee Trail.
The event will take place on Saturday, July 18, at 9:00 a.m. and highlights a collaborative effort among the Land Conservation Foundation, the City of Monticello, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, and Allerton Park & Retreat Center.
The ribbon cutting ceremony will be held in the parking lot near the new trail sign, located at 802 Allerton Road in Monticello. Following the ceremony, attendees are encouraged to explore the trail at their own pace and comfort level. Guests are asked to bring their own water and snacks.
LCF’s Bruce Hannon Levee Trail spans approximately two miles, while the entire Sangamon River Bluff Trail extends roughly 4.5 miles, ending on Allerton property. The trail offers remarkable views of the Sangamon River that are rarely found elsewhere in the region. Hikers can expect a moderately challenging, rustic experience, and while some natural obstacles such as downed logs may remain, they generally do not impede hiking on the trail.
This milestone reflects the shared commitment of local and state partners to create interconnected corridors, provide wildlife habitat, and strengthen the connection between people and nature for future generations.
Members of the public interested in attending or seeking additional information are encouraged to contact Eric Mollahan at ericmollahan@landconservationfoundation.org or visit https://www.landconservationfoundation.org/sangamon-river-corridor-reserve.
Jul 23 Thursday
Jul 24 Friday
Jul 30 Thursday
Jul 31 Friday
Aug 08 Saturday
Springfield Area Arts Council, in partnership with Downtown Springfield Inc., hires local musicians to provide live music at the Old Capitol Farmers Market, Farmers Market Brunch, and Farmers Market Street Dinner.