As summer dawns, Springfield is set to host a variety of vibrant festivals celebrating art, music, food, and community spirit.
This array of events, from PrideFest to AbeFest, signifies a resurgence of cultural activities, offering unique opportunities to support local talent and charities.
Embrace the season by immersing yourself in these spectacular festivals and experiencing the best of Springfield’s summer offerings.
Your unforgettable summer starts here.
Unveiling Springfield’s PrideFest
Springfield’s PrideFest, sponsored by the Phoenix Center, is set to kick off with a parade at Fifth and Allen Streets at 11:30 a.m., offering a day filled with renowned performances, a kids’ area, and an array of food vendors.
The event promises a vibrant celebration of diversity and inclusion, presenting a rich tapestry of cultures and identities.
Entertainment at the Y Block is set to include performances by The Deep Hollow, Thornhill, and Bluewater Kings.
A particular highlight is a Drag Show featuring an exciting lineup of performers.
This festival is a testament to Springfield’s commitment to creating an inclusive community, offering everyone a safe and welcoming space.
It serves as a beacon of freedom, inviting all to come and experience the joy of unity in diversity.
Rediscovering the Old Capitol Art Fair
After a two-year hiatus, the Old Capitol Art Fair is set to return, featuring over 150 juried artists in various mediums.
This prestigious event, steeped in rich tradition, is a beacon of artistic freedom and innovation.
From the vibrant colors of oil paintings to the intricate designs of handcrafted jewelry, the fair offers an immersive journey through the creative minds of local and national artists.
The fair also provides a platform for emerging artists, with a dedicated children’s tent selling authentic artwork.
Additionally, attendees can enjoy a variety of musical entertainment and food vendors.
The fair runs from Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering an enriching weekend of artistic exploration and cultural appreciation.
Embracing Local Produce at the Old Capitol Farmers Market
Embracing Local Produce at the Old Capitol Farmers Market opens the door to a vibrant community hub.
It is the largest producer-only farmers market in the area, bringing together local vendors offering a diverse array of products grown, raised, or handmade by them.
This cherished event is held every Saturday morning and is a testament to the values of sustainability, healthy living, and community support.
The market welcomes everyone, from seasoned foodies hunting for fresh, organic ingredients to families enjoying a wholesome day out.
The atmosphere at the market buzzes with the friendly chatter of farmers sharing their passion and knowledge.
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Here, one can indulge in the freedom of choosing locally sourced goods, knowing they support the local economy. In addition, the market also accepts federal SNAP benefits, making it accessible to all.
The Old Capitol Farmers Market is where locals can celebrate and support the community.
Music and Fun at the Levitt AMP Springfield Series
Music and Fun at the Levitt AMP Springfield Series offers a diverse lineup of free concerts featuring genres ranging from jazz to rock, Afro-rock to Zydeco, and even Indian music, providing an inclusive and accessible platform for community engagement.
The open-air series transforms the Y Block into a vibrant, musical, communal space each Thursday evening.
The Dance Intermission showcases local and regional dance troupes, adding an energetic and expressive dimension to the event.
A range of children’s activities hosted by the Springfield Park District further enhances the family-friendly atmosphere.
The grand finale on August 4th, a dazzling fireworks display, promises to be a memorable experience. The Levitt AMP Springfield Series promotes musical diversity and fosters a spirit of unity, freedom, and celebration.
Enjoying Free Concerts With Artist on the Plaza
Enjoying free concerts with Artist on the Plaza provides a family-friendly atmosphere, featuring performances each Friday at noon, sponsored by the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Set amidst the historic backdrop of the Old State Capitol Plaza, these gatherings inspire a sense of community and shared enjoyment of diverse musical expressions.
To be announced, the lineup promises various performances catering to various musical tastes.
Running between Memorial Day and Labor Day, these events offer a reprieve from daily routines and an opportunity to engage in the lively local music scene.
So, pack a picnic, invite friends, and plan to make Artist on the Plaza a staple in your summer schedule.
With freedom in the air and music on the plaza, Springfield’s summer promises to be truly unforgettable.
Giving Back at the Legacy of Giving Festival
The Legacy of Giving Festival, with over 60 bands performing on five stages, offers entertainment and activities and an opportunity to contribute to local charities.
From June 3-4, downtown Springfield will come alive with music of all genres, enticing food vendors, and a lively arts and crafts market.
Children can enjoy a dedicated entertainment area while adults explore the local talent and vibrant vendor stalls.
The festival’s stages will be set up on Fifth Street, Washington Street, and the Old State Capitol Plaza, ensuring an immersive experience for attendees.
The event celebrates local culture and talent and is a testament to Springfield’s community spirit, as proceeds go towards supporting local charities.
Blues and BBQ at the Old Capitol Festival
Marking its return on August 26-27, the Old Capitol Blues & BBQ will host a traditional blues performer on Friday and a crossover blues act on Saturday, providing attendees with a rich blend of musical talent and mouth-watering barbecue.
Nestled at the intersection of Fifth and Adams streets, the event promises an atmosphere of soulful blues tunes and the tantalizing aroma of barbecued delicacies.
The festival will also feature the Illinois Central Blues Challenge, a platform for emerging talents to showcase their skills.
The line-up for the event remains under wraps, ensuring a surprise element for patrons.
Embodying the spirit of freedom, this festival offers an unmissable fusion of music and food, creating a memorable experience for all blues and BBQ enthusiasts.
Celebrating Local Talent at the Downhome Music Festival
Scheduled for July 29-30 at Seventh and Washington streets, the Downhome Music Festival celebrates local bands, offering a platform for Springfield area musicians to showcase their talent.
The festival is a testament to the area’s rich and diverse music scene, featuring rock, folk, jazz, and blues genres.
This event is a forum for artists to share their passion and an opportunity for the community to come together to appreciate local music.
The lineup announcement is eagerly anticipated, with ticket purchases directly supporting the participating musicians.
As the summer sunsets, let the rhythm of local music fill the air, embodying the spirit of freedom and unity that the Downhome Music Festival seeks to promote.
Rocking Out at Springfield’s AbeFest
AbeFest, slated for July at the Bank of Springfield (BoS) Center Plaza, promises an electrifying lineup of bands, including headliners John Waite and Filter, who have significantly contributed to the rock scene.
A dynamic blend of rock, alternative, and pop, these iconic bands will ignite the plaza with their timeless hits.
Waite, best known for his chart-topping hits like ‘Missing You’ and ‘Change,’ and Filter, renowned for classics like ‘Hey Man Nice Shot’ and ‘Take A Picture,’ will be complemented by a host of other talented performers.
Celebrate freedom and community at AbeFest, revel in the summer’s warmth, and lose yourself in the energetic rhythms of rock.
It’s more than a festival; it’s a testament to Springfield’s vibrant music scene.