Jun 05 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.
Jun 09 Tuesday
It’s been years in the making, and now it’s official; the 2026 HOT ROD Power Tour will cruise along legendary Route 66 as the world’s largest rolling automotive festival helps celebrate 100 years of America’s most famous roadway. The Power Tour runs June 8–12, 2026, starting in Illinois and ending in Oklahoma, following one of the most nostalgic and culturally important stretches of pavement in American history. Along with the 1,000 miles of driving and high-octane events, spectators can enjoy autocross and live entertainment. America’s largest traveling car show brings more than 6,000 cars and trucks of all years, makes, and models to this incredible event.
The 85th annual Midwest Charity Horse Show will be held June 9-13 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds Coliseum of Champions. Performances will be held daily starting at 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. and are free and open to the public. One of the premier horse shows in the United States, the Midwest Charity Horse Show features American Saddlebred, Roadster, Morgan and Arabian horses and Hackney ponies.
Since its inception, the Midwest Charity Horse Show, an all-volunteer, nonsubsidized organization, has donated its annual proceeds to a Springfield area charity and has selected SIU School of Medicine’s Department of Pediatrics as its beneficiary. Since 1987, Midwest Charity Horse Show Association (MCHSA) in partnership with SIU School of Medicine’s Department of Pediatrics has been an integral part of helping children with chronic illnesses live happy, healthier lives. Proceeds from this year’s horse show help provide medication, overnight lodging, food and/or transportation for families whose child is receiving treatment. The MCHSA endowment has given more than $307,000 to SIU School of Medicine's Department of Pediatrics since 1987.
For more information about Midwest Charity Horse Show log-on to Facebook at www.facebook.com/midwestcharity to check for updates regarding the 2026 show.
Jun 10 Wednesday
Jun 11 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.
Jun 12 Friday
Jun 13 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.