Calendar

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Porch Pot Workshop
25$ a Planter
Bring your own pot - 16in Max

Plants provided by Garden Path with patriotic accessories

Tickets Available June 1 to June 12
Non-refundable tickets

Rain Date: June 20th

Mini Market Vendors:
Polly Rocks
Scrafts by Laura Harrison
Lindsey the Ladysmith
Whinny Nickers Miniature Ponies
Mt. Zio Blues 4H Club Bake Sale

The Mini Market is free

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.

Food Not Bombs Springfield, IL will be providing a free meal and fresh produce for anyone who wants it until food runs out. Bring reusable containers, travel cups, or grocery bags with you to help reduce plastic waste if you have them, but it is not required. Free plants, clothes, and harm reduction supplies will also be available. All are welcome.

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.