Calendar

To cap off Kidzeum's 8th Birthday Celebration, we're bringing the classic Pixar film Cars to the Old State Capitol lawn for a free outdoor screening -- right in the heart of Route 66 Centennial celebrations.

Bring a blanket, bring the family, and settle in for a summer night downtown. A featured pre-show reading begins at 5:30 PM, with the film starting at 6:00 PM.

This event is free and open to the whole community. Get there early to enjoy local food trucks and restaurants!

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.

Sunshine Daydream - Grateful Dead Tribute is playing the annual Lake Press Club Summerfest on the sunnny shores of Lake Springfield. Enjoy live Grateful Dead music, food and summer fun!
Music 6PM-10PM

Johnnie Owens performs at It's All About Wine

Bring your lawn chairs and picnics! Enjoy 10 weeks of free, live concerts in downtown Springfield right across from the Governor’s Mansion.

ASL Interpreters
Family-Friendly Activities
Food Trucks & Tents
Maker’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.

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.

Bring your lawn chairs and picnics! Shakespeare in the Park is a free, family-friendly event that brings beloved Shakespeare classics and inspired plays to life in Enos Park. A suggested donation of $25 helps support future Shakespeare in the Park performances and other free arts programs offered by the Arts Council.
Now in its third year, Shakespeare in the Park will take a different approach than previous seasons. This year’s event will showcase Illinois playwright Kevin Purcell’s one-act play, Lincoln and Shakespeare, featuring acclaimed Carbondale actor Kim Curlee.

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.

West of Wise celebrates Christmas in July with live music from 1pm-4pm & spiced wine slushies

Lincoln Library is proud to present Dr. Leon Lewis-Nicol Quartet. Dr. Lewis-Nicol recently graduated from the University of Illinois, attaining his Doctorate in Jazz Piano Performance. Let’s prepare for an unforgettable evening with Dr. Leon Lewis-Nicol Quartet and enjoy the sounds and vocals rooted in his West African Heritage and Christian beliefs. He is a jazz pianist whose musical inspiration, compositions and improvisational voice will wind their way through the heralded Carnegie Room North at Lincoln Library.