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This groundbreaking "choreopoem" is a spellbinding collection of vivid prose and free verse narratives about and performed by Black women. Capturing the brutal, tender and dramatic lives of contemporary Black women, for colored girls...offers a transformative, riveting evening of provocative dance, music and poetry.

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.

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.

The Juneteenth Festival 2026, themed “ICONIC,” will celebrate culture, community, and freedom while building on the continued growth and success of previous years. Hosted in partnership with key community stakeholders, including the Discover Peoria, City of Peoria, Illinois Central College, Leidos, CEFCU, and Busey Bank, this year’s event aims to create an even greater impact through expanded programming and engagement opportunities.

This year’s celebration will feature a wide variety of engaging and family-friendly activities designed to honor the significance of Juneteenth while bringing the community together. Highlights include the Ernestine Jackson Freedom Day Parade, recognition of elected officials, and a community host to guide the day’s programming. Families and youth will be able to enjoy bouncy houses, free food for kids, and interactive activities throughout the day.

The event will also showcase local talent and culture through spoken word poetry, a SELF Models fashion show, and live music performances by the Peoria House Music Project. Health and wellness remain a priority, with a community health fair hosted by Central Illinois Friends, providing resources and services to attendees. Additionally, a wide range of food and business vendors will be present, offering opportunities to support local entrepreneurs and small businesses. Community engagement and friendly competition will also be featured through alumni basketball and volleyball games, bringing together former athletes and community members for fun and connection. The Juneteenth Festival 2026 is designed to be more than just an event. It is a celebration of history, resilience, and unity.

This groundbreaking "choreopoem" is a spellbinding collection of vivid prose and free verse narratives about and performed by Black women. Capturing the brutal, tender and dramatic lives of contemporary Black women, for colored girls...offers a transformative, riveting evening of provocative dance, music and poetry.

This groundbreaking "choreopoem" is a spellbinding collection of vivid prose and free verse narratives about and performed by Black women. Capturing the brutal, tender and dramatic lives of contemporary Black women, for colored girls...offers a transformative, riveting evening of provocative dance, music and poetry.

Join us on Monday, June 15, for a thought-provoking conversation with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and creator of The 1619 Project, Nikole Hannah-Jones, as she explores Juneteenth and the enduring legacy of slavery in America.

This special event will challenge commonly held conceptions about American freedom and examine the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equity.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from one of the leading voices in American journalism as we confront the past and imagine a more just future.

This year’s Juneteenth keynote address will take place in the Union Theater at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Program begins at 6:30 p.m. A book signing with Nikole Hannah-Jones will follow.

The program is free to attend but advance registration is required.

A meet and greet with Nikole Hannah-Jones will follow the discussion, and you’ll have an opportunity to purchase the book and have it signed by the author. You may also purchase a book in advance of the program when you register online, and it will be held for you.

A conversation with Nikole Hannah-Jones is presented to the community as a collaboration between Juneteenth Inc., UIS Center for Lincoln Studies, the UIS Institute for Race, Gender, Sexuality, & Social Justice, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

Single Catholic women ages 20-45 who are curious about religious life are invited to a national service immersion experience hosted by four Dominican Sisters' congregations in Springfield June 16-20. The group will live at Sacred Heart Convent and experience the rhythms of apostolic religious life, which includes community life, prayer, active service, and theological reflection. There is a $50 participation fee, but no woman will be turned away for lack of funds. Apply soon at springfieldop.org/events or call Sister Denise Glazik, OP, 217-787-0481 for questions.

Single Catholic women ages 20-45 who are curious about religious life are invited to a national service immersion experience hosted by four Dominican Sisters' congregations in Springfield June 16-20. The group will live at Sacred Heart Convent and experience the rhythms of apostolic religious life, which includes community life, prayer, active service, and theological reflection. There is a $50 participation fee, but no woman will be turned away for lack of funds. Apply soon at springfieldop.org/events or call Sister Denise Glazik, OP, 217-787-0481 for questions.

Whether you're singing along to your favorite songs under the open sky, sharing stories with friends around the tailgate, or dancing the night away, Tailgate N' Tallboys is more than just a festival – it's a celebration of the country lifestyle we all love. Grab your crew, throw on your boots, snag your tickets, and join us for the ultimate country music experience. The 2026 lineup includes Zach Top, Jessie Murph, Treaty Oak Revival, Gavin Adcock, BigXThaPlug, Wyatt Flores, Cameron Whitcomb, Chase Matthew, Cooper Alan, Braxton Keith, and more.