Calendar

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) plays a critical role in supporting households, but it works best alongside a strong network of community partners, including food banks, pantries, faith-based organizations, and government agencies. With high food prices across the country, food banks and their partners are faced with unprecedented demand for food assistance. The Citizens Club invites you to hear a panel discussion that brings together perspectives from each of these sectors to discuss how SNAP impacts our communities, the role each organization plays in supporting neighbors, and how collaboration can strengthen food assistance. Panel members include: Pam Molitoris, Executive Director, Central Illinois Food Bank; Dr. Jessie Herring, Senior Pastor and co-founder of Table of Life Ministries; Sharon Brown, Executive Director, Kumler Outreach Ministries; and, Nicole Moore, Illinois Department of Agriculture.

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.

Fossils In and Out covers the formation and preservation of fossils: traces of ancient life. We focus primarily on mold-and-cast fossils: fossils where the original structure is completely dissolved after burial, leaving a void of material where the object was called a Mold. Over time, groundwater can deposit mineral grains and fill in the fossil mold, creating a Cast of the organism. Museums copy this model to create lifelike replicas of fossils for display in museums, and so will we! Materials will be provided for an activity in which visitors will make their own mold of a fossil to stamp and take home!

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.

Welcome to Abe Lincoln's home town! The Lake Springfield area is a gorgeous setting and we love the dock swim start, the bike on quiet country roads, and the run is interesting and fun. And Abe himself will race with you, top hat and all, and hand you your medal! Find all of the details and updates here: https://www.mseracing.com/lake-springfield-triathlon

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.

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

Food Not Bombs Springfield, IL is sharing free produce with the community. Bring reusable bags or feel free to use bags provided. No documentation required. All are welcome. Solidarity, not charity.

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.