Calendar

Want to impress your coworkers with your golf game, but not really sure how to play? Worried about being ready for the next golf outing? Worry no more! RISE Springfield is hosting a golf skills camp for all young professionals ages 21-39 who are interested in learning the basics of golf or brushing up on their golf skills.

Each station will be limited to 10 attendees maximum, and each station will last 30 minutes. Each attendee will be able to participate in all four skill stations. Spots are limited, so make sure to reserve yours today!

Skills stations that will be available:
- Golf etiquette
- Putting
- Driving
- Chipping

The training at each station will be provided by local golf professionals, including Becca Ramirez and Evan Sambursky from SCHEELS and Jake Erickson with Kwik-Wall Movable Wall Systems!

Those who register are encouraged to bring your own clubs, but shared clubs will be available during the skills camp upon request.

Registration is required to attend this event.

RISE Springfield is the young professionals networking group of The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, designed to engage emerging leaders ages 21-39.

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.

Live music, food, vendors, children’s activities and much more.

Held Friday, July 17, Downtown Prom welcomes patrons to dress up, dine out and celebrate at a variety of participating downtown businesses.

Participating downtown bars will host prom night events complete with music and decorations on July 17, and guests are encouraged to move about downtown, utilize photo spots and explore throughout the evening.

Check Downtown Springfield Inc's social media pages for a list of participating businesses.

Lights! Camera! Action! American cinema has been chronicling the American Story since the early days of silent, black and white films. As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum invites you to a series of movies that tell the stories of key events and the people who have shaped our nation.

The America 250 Movies Series continues with Hamilton, the tale of American founding father Alexander Hamilton. This filmed version of the original Broadway smash hit is the story of America then, told by America now. Lin-Manuel Miranda, who wrote the music, lyrics, and book, stars as Alexander Hamilton along with the musical's original Broadway cast, including Leslie Odom Jr., Phillipa Soo, and Cairo, Illinois’ very own Christopher Jackson, who portrays General George Washington.

Join us for Hamilton on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the ALPLM Union Theater. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. This screening of Hamilton is free but advanced registration is required.

Hamilton is rated PG-13 for language and some suggestive material.

Think SNL, but local, louder and way weirder. Capital City Comix is taking over the upstairs stage at Arlington’s for three Fridays in July of unhinged sketch comedy, satirical news and live music. Seating is limited. First come first served.

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 Announces
Sangamon 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.

Union Pacific's famed Big Boy No. 4014, the world's largest operating steam locomotive, will journey to the Springfield Illinois this summer for the first time as part of a historic coast-to-coast tour to celebrate America's 250th anniversary. In addition to the public display days, rail fans can see this historic machine in action at over four dozen whistle-stops, generally 15- to 30- minutes long.

Join Field House Productions for an unforgettable day of soulful Chicago-style house music, dancing, and community at Duncan Park.

Field House Productions invites you to an afternoon of Soulful House in the Park!

Join them Saturday, July 18, from 12 PM to 8 PM at Duncan Park in Springfield, Illinois, for a day filled with uplifting music, positive energy, and the spirit of house. This is more than an event—it's a gathering of friends, family, dancers, and music lovers coming together to celebrate the sounds that move our souls.

Expect a soundtrack of soulful, deep, classic, and Chicago-style house music curated by talented DJs who understand the culture and the legacy of house. Whether you're stepping, dancing, vibing in your lawn chair, or simply enjoying the atmosphere, there's a place for everyone.

Bring your lawn chairs, tents, coolers, and good vibes as we create an unforgettable summer experience built on music, love, and community.