Aug 01 Thursday
Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and picnics for a free, family-friendly outdoor concert on the lawn in the block adjacent to the Illinois Governor's Mansion.Come join us for the FINAL concert of the Levitt AMP SPI Music Series with Radio Free Honduras on August 1 with 🎆FIREWORKS🎆sponsored by the City of Springfield for the grand finale! The band is a diverse collective of Chicago musicians, all united under one goal – supporting the artistry of Charlie Baran and bringing this tremendous talent into the spotlight where it belongs. Before moving to the United States, Charlie was a founding member of the legendary Honduran musical group Banda Blanca, who’s song “Sopa de Caracol” became the #1 Billboard Top Latin Songs hit in 1992.The Jose Gobbo Trio, a central Illinois band, will be the opening act.
Sep 12 Thursday
The University of Illinois Springfield Center for Lincoln Studies in partnership with NPR Illinois invites you to attend the Mary and James Beaumont Endowed Lincoln Legacy Lecture Series featuring Steve Inskeep and Dr. Sarah E. Anderson speaking on the topic of Lincoln and Political Conflict.
Steve Inskeep is a cohost of NPR's Morning Edition. His search for the full story behind the news has led him to history. In his new book, "Differ We Must: How Lincoln Succeeded in a Divided America," Inskeep explores how Lincoln navigated political conflict and repeatedly engaged with those who disagreed with him.
Dr. Sarah E. Anderson is a Professor and Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management at the University of California, Santa Barbara. She studies how the public and politics influences policy. Her recent book, "Rejecting Compromise: Legislators’ Fear of Primary Voters," focuses on why legislators reject compromise.
Sep 17 Tuesday
The Springfield 'Un-Debate' and 'Ask a Voter' event will explore reproductive health.
Candidate debates rarely enlighten the electorate. Instead, NPR Illinois, the University of Illinois System Institute of Government and Public Affairs, and the League of Women Voters will explore critical issues likely to motivate voting in the 2024 presidential election.
The main event will be a panel discussion open to the public about the issue of reproductive health. Experts on the issue will lay out the facts and policies with opportunity for civil discourse with attendees with the goal of minimizing misinformation.
A select group of registrants will be selected to participate in the 'Ask a Voter' pre-event. Selected to diversely represent our regional population, invitees on all sides of the issue will civilly engage each other to explore why their vote may be determined by reproductive health. When registering, indicate your willingness to participate in 'Ask a Voter' and complete the questionnaire. A group for 8-12 from each side will be invited then asked to share their experience with during the panel session.
Additional Un-Debates include:Foreign Policy - Urbana - early September 2024Immigration - Chicago - October 3, 2024
Sep 25 Wednesday
Join the UIS Center for State Policy and Leadership for its annual showcase of how it interacts with and affects policies. This year's event is moderated by NPR Illinois' Sean Crawford and will include a live version of State Week looking at the year in Illinois policy and how Illinois may be affected by the 2024 national elections. The Government Public Service Internship (GPSI) awards will also be featured.
Nov 07 Thursday
2024 marks the 19th class of high school seniors NPR Illinois will ask to share what they believe. This I Believe was started by radio journalist Edward R. Murrow in 1951 to allow anyone able to distil the guiding principles by which they lived.
This year, another culminating event will occur, details and location to be announced soon.
NPR Illinois will air the essays in their authors’ voices the last two weeks of October (at approximately 7:45 am and 4:45 pm). The audio will also be streamed at nprillinois.org. Previous essays are available on the website at nprillinois.org under the “Community Voices” tab.
The Rotary Club of Springfield Sunrise has partnered with NPR Illinois since the program began and provides a monetary award to the selected authors. The Illinois Times also provides support to the program by printing the essays in the weekly paper.
Nov 26 Tuesday
Save the date for our annual celebration of you!
Venue, registration, and more posted soon!.
Jul 27 Saturday
Only 1 hour from most suburbsCOME ALONG ON OUR KAYAK TOURS AT THE #1 STATE PARK IN THE MIDWEST REGION WITH 18 CANYONS AND TOWERING ST PETERS SANDSTONE BLUFFSEvery Saturday/Sunday and Holidays 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm,1pm,2pmCOME WITH US & SEE WHAT HIKERS CAN’T SEE!Looking for an unforgettable adventure that combines the thrill of kayaking with the stunning natural beauty of Starved Rock? Look no further than our guided kayak tour! With expert guides to lead the way, you’ll paddle through pristine waters and marvel at breathtaking rock formations as you soak up the sights and sounds of one of Illinois’ most beloved state parks. Whether you’re a seasoned kayaker or a first-time paddler, this tour is an experience you won’t soon forget. So why wait? Book your spot now and get ready to discover the hidden gems of Starved Rock from a whole new perspective!This starved rock tour is not to be missed! Come see Towering St. Peter’s Sandstone Bluffs, soaring Bald Eagles, Pelicans and beautiful Lotus flowers. Our Tour guides will dazzle you with educational points about the area and entertaining tips. If you have been to this wonderful state park you know how beautiful it is. With its majestic St. Peters sandstone bluffs towering over the Illinois river to the canyons carved out deep along the shore line this state park has been consistently rated #1 in Illinois with over 3million visitors a year. For this kayak tour we will be kayaking for approx. 2 hours. The views from your kayak are amazing!Exploring Kayaking and Camping Adventures near ChicagoDiscover Premier Kayaking ExperiencesEmbark on an unforgettable kayaking adventure near Chicago with our high-quality single Perception Carolina 12ft & 14ft touring kayaks.Guided Kayak Tours for Enhanced ExplorationEnhance your kayaking experience with our guided kayak tours, available every Saturday, Sunday, and holidays. These tours offer comprehensive instruction and safety lessons before setting out on the water. Our knowledgeable guides lead small groups to explore the scenic beauty of Chicago’s sandy shores, ensuring a memorable adventure for all participants.Flexible Kayak RentalsFor those seeking independent exploration, kayak rentals are available seven days a week from May 1st to Labor Day. Weekends April, Sept and Oct. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced paddler, our fleet of kayaks caters to all skill levels, providing the perfect opportunity to discover the wonders of Chicago from a unique perspective.Immerse Yourself in Nature with CampingUnwind and recharge after your kayaking adventures with our waterfront camping options along the Illinois River, directly across from Starved Rock State Park. Choose from tent camping, pop-up camping, or tear-drop camping at our Starved Rock location, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding natural landscape.Seamless Integration of Kayaking and CampingExperience the perfect blend of outdoor activities by bringing your own kayak for use on the river. Our kayak-friendly campground ensures that campers can seamlessly transition from exploring the waterways to relaxing under the stars. Please note that all individuals launching from our locations must wear a PFD (life jacket).Accessible Day Trips for Non-CampersFor those interested in a day of kayaking without camping or renting equipment, our location offers convenient access with a $10 launch fee. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a newcomer to kayaking, our facilities provide everything you need for a memorable outdoor adventure near Chicago.
Jul 28 Sunday
Aug 03 Saturday
Aug 04 Sunday
Aug 07 Wednesday
INB and Affordable Shred are hosting a free shred event at INB's North Branch at 2450 N. Dirksen Pkwy. You can bring up to 5 bags or boxes of shred to destroy on site. We'll be accepting monetary donations for WILD Canine Rescue.
Aug 10 Saturday
Aug 11 Sunday
Aug 17 Saturday
Aug 18 Sunday
Aug 24 Saturday