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Best events in
Springfield

There's no shortage of events and things to do in Springfield, IL. The city's social calendar is anchored by a walkable downtown core that buzzes with activity from state government workers during the week and a lively crowd on weekend nights. Beyond the capital's center, outdoor amphitheaters and sprawling fairgrounds host major seasonal productions and festivals.

Downtown's compact nightlife centers on a walkable grid of bars and breweries, where spots like Buzz Bomb Brewing offer live music and a rooftop patio.
Major touring acts, Broadway shows, and orchestral performances take the stage at dedicated venues like the Sangamon Auditorium and the Bank of Springfield Center.
Warmer months bring outdoor performances to The Springfield Muni amphitheater near the lake, while the Illinois State Fairgrounds hosts large-scale festivals like the annual Illinois State Fair.

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Popular in Springfield

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The Committee of Springfield IL Candidates' Forum primary image

The Committee of Springfield IL Candidates' Forum

Sunday • 3:00 PM

First Presbyterian Church

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Game Nights at Dana-Thomas House primary image

Game Nights at Dana-Thomas House

Wed, Sep 30 • 5:30 PM + 4 more

Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site

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The Legacy We Lead: Blueprint Summit primary image

The Legacy We Lead: Blueprint Summit

Sat, Oct 3 • 12:00 PM

1100 S Grand Ave E

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Chapter 5 Conference: Celebrating the Respiratory Therapist primary image

Chapter 5 Conference: Celebrating the Respiratory Therapist

Fri, Oct 9 • 7:30 AM

Lincoln Land Community College- Trutter Center

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Vampire's Ball at The Pasfield House primary image

Vampire's Ball at The Pasfield House

Sat, Oct 10 • 7:00 PM

Pasfield House

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2026 SHPA Annual Meeting & Summit primary image

2026 SHPA Annual Meeting & Summit

Mon, Oct 26 • 12:00 PM

President Abraham Lincoln Springfield - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel

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Meet the Mission: Springfield Public Schools Foundation primary image

Meet the Mission: Springfield Public Schools Foundation

Tue, Oct 27 • 5:00 PM

Bloom Wine Bar & Florals

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2026 Illinois Main Street Conference primary image

2026 Illinois Main Street Conference

Wed, Nov 18 • 2:00 PM

Downtown Springfield, IL

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The Committee of Springfield IL Candidates' Forum primary image

The Committee of Springfield IL Candidates' Forum

Sunday • 3:00 PM

First Presbyterian Church

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Game Nights at Dana-Thomas House primary image

Game Nights at Dana-Thomas House

Wed, Sep 30 • 5:30 PM + 4 more

Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site

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The Legacy We Lead: Blueprint Summit primary image

The Legacy We Lead: Blueprint Summit

Sat, Oct 3 • 12:00 PM

1100 S Grand Ave E

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Chapter 5 Conference: Celebrating the Respiratory Therapist primary image

Chapter 5 Conference: Celebrating the Respiratory Therapist

Fri, Oct 9 • 7:30 AM

Lincoln Land Community College- Trutter Center

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Vampire's Ball at The Pasfield House primary image

Vampire's Ball at The Pasfield House

Sat, Oct 10 • 7:00 PM

Pasfield House

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2026 SHPA Annual Meeting & Summit primary image

2026 SHPA Annual Meeting & Summit

Mon, Oct 26 • 12:00 PM

President Abraham Lincoln Springfield - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel

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Meet the Mission: Springfield Public Schools Foundation primary image

Meet the Mission: Springfield Public Schools Foundation

Tue, Oct 27 • 5:00 PM

Bloom Wine Bar & Florals

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2026 Illinois Main Street Conference primary image

2026 Illinois Main Street Conference

Wed, Nov 18 • 2:00 PM

Downtown Springfield, IL

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Online Events

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Marketing Breakthrough: 40X Your Holistic Business [$297 Value] primary image

Marketing Breakthrough: 40X Your Holistic Business [$297 Value]

Sunday • 10:00 AM PDT

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Online Group Reading - September 27 primary image

Online Group Reading - September 27

Sunday • 8:00 PM ADT

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Barnes & Noble and Waterstones Virtually Presents: Madeline Miller primary image

Barnes & Noble and Waterstones Virtually Presents: Madeline Miller

Tuesday • 2:00 PM EDT

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Black Girl Book Fair! Spooky Edition primary image

Black Girl Book Fair! Spooky Edition

Sat, Oct 3 • 12:00 AM CDT

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A Norman stitch-up? The story behind the Bayeux Tapestry primary image

A Norman stitch-up? The story behind the Bayeux Tapestry

Wed, Oct 7 • 7:30 PM GMT+1

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett primary image

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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Lean Global Connection 2026 primary image

Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream primary image

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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Marketing Breakthrough: 40X Your Holistic Business [$297 Value] primary image

Marketing Breakthrough: 40X Your Holistic Business [$297 Value]

Sunday • 10:00 AM PDT

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Online Group Reading - September 27 primary image

Online Group Reading - September 27

Sunday • 8:00 PM ADT

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Barnes & Noble and Waterstones Virtually Presents: Madeline Miller primary image

Barnes & Noble and Waterstones Virtually Presents: Madeline Miller

Tuesday • 2:00 PM EDT

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Black Girl Book Fair! Spooky Edition primary image

Black Girl Book Fair! Spooky Edition

Sat, Oct 3 • 12:00 AM CDT

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A Norman stitch-up? The story behind the Bayeux Tapestry primary image

A Norman stitch-up? The story behind the Bayeux Tapestry

Wed, Oct 7 • 7:30 PM GMT+1

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett primary image

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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Lean Global Connection 2026 primary image

Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream primary image

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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This Weekend

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Autumnal Magic primary image

Autumnal Magic

Saturday • 10:00 AM

2945 Stanton St

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Paint the Town Saturday Night September Trees primary image

Paint the Town Saturday Night September Trees

Saturday • 6:00 PM

Studio on 6th

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2 Days Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) Training in Springfield, IL primary image

2 Days Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) Training in Springfield, IL

Saturday • 9:00 AM

701 E Adams St

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Play an Epic City Scavenger Hunt in Springfield with Operation City Quest primary image

Play an Epic City Scavenger Hunt in Springfield with Operation City Quest

Saturday • 12:00 AM + 1 more

1 SE Old State Capitol Plaza

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The Committee of Springfield IL Candidates' Forum primary image

The Committee of Springfield IL Candidates' Forum

Sunday • 3:00 PM

First Presbyterian Church

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Springfield 2nd Ward Sacrament Program primary image

Springfield 2nd Ward Sacrament Program

Sunday • 11:25 AM

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

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Illinois Governor's Mansion Art Tours primary image

Illinois Governor's Mansion Art Tours

Sunday • 3:00 PM

Illinois Governor's Mansion

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Autumnal Magic primary image

Autumnal Magic

Saturday • 10:00 AM

2945 Stanton St

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Paint the Town Saturday Night September Trees primary image

Paint the Town Saturday Night September Trees

Saturday • 6:00 PM

Studio on 6th

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2 Days Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) Training in Springfield, IL primary image

2 Days Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) Training in Springfield, IL

Saturday • 9:00 AM

701 E Adams St

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Play an Epic City Scavenger Hunt in Springfield with Operation City Quest primary image

Play an Epic City Scavenger Hunt in Springfield with Operation City Quest

Saturday • 12:00 AM + 1 more

1 SE Old State Capitol Plaza

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The Committee of Springfield IL Candidates' Forum primary image

The Committee of Springfield IL Candidates' Forum

Sunday • 3:00 PM

First Presbyterian Church

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Springfield 2nd Ward Sacrament Program primary image

Springfield 2nd Ward Sacrament Program

Sunday • 11:25 AM

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

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Illinois Governor's Mansion Art Tours primary image

Illinois Governor's Mansion Art Tours

Sunday • 3:00 PM

Illinois Governor's Mansion

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Business & Professional events

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2 Days Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) Training in Springfield, IL primary image

2 Days Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) Training in Springfield, IL

Saturday • 9:00 AM + 30 more

701 E Adams St

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2026 SHPA Annual Meeting & Summit primary image

2026 SHPA Annual Meeting & Summit

Mon, Oct 26 • 12:00 PM

President Abraham Lincoln Springfield - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel

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Crawlspaces Done Right | Springfield, IL primary image

Crawlspaces Done Right | Springfield, IL

Tue, Dec 15 • 8:30 AM

Northfield Inn Suites and Conference Center

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2 Days Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) Training in Springfield, IL primary image

2 Days Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) Training in Springfield, IL

Saturday • 9:00 AM + 30 more

701 E Adams St

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2026 SHPA Annual Meeting & Summit primary image

2026 SHPA Annual Meeting & Summit

Mon, Oct 26 • 12:00 PM

President Abraham Lincoln Springfield - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel

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Crawlspaces Done Right | Springfield, IL primary image

Crawlspaces Done Right | Springfield, IL

Tue, Dec 15 • 8:30 AM

Northfield Inn Suites and Conference Center

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Frequently asked questions about Springfield

What are some spots for live music events in Springfield?

Boondocks hosts a regular schedule of local and national musical acts. For a classic tavern atmosphere, The Curve Inn features rock and country bands. Larger concerts can be found at the Bank of Springfield Center or Sangamon Auditorium, while breweries also host performers.

Where's the best area for nightlife in Springfield?

The walkable downtown district is the heart of Springfield's nightlife. The area around the Old Capitol Plaza and along Fifth and Sixth Streets has a high concentration of bars and breweries, creating a compact and lively scene, especially on weekends.

Are there food and drink events in Springfield?

Yes, Springfield has popular farmers markets and food-centric gatherings. The Old Capitol Farmers Market runs twice weekly from May through October, and the Illinois Products Farmers Market offers an evening alternative. Many local festivals also feature a variety of food vendors.

What are some family-friendly things to do in Springfield?

The Illinois State Fairgrounds hosts family-oriented events year-round, including the annual Illinois State Fair. During summer, The Springfield Muni presents four outdoor musicals in its amphitheater, offering an experience for all ages. Community events in parks are also common.

Where can I find outdoor events in Springfield?

The Springfield Muni offers a full season of outdoor musicals by Lake Springfield. Downtown hosts the free Levitt AMP Springfield Concert Series during the summer. Additionally, the Old Capitol Farmers Market provides an open-air experience with local goods and live music.

What kind of art events happen in Springfield?

The Hoogland Center for the Arts is a primary venue for local performing arts events. It hosts a diverse calendar of plays, musicals, and concerts. For visual arts, the annual Old Capitol Art Fair is a major juried event that takes place downtown.

How can I find free events in Springfield, IL?

Many community events in Springfield are free to attend. The Levitt AMP Springfield Concert Series offers a full season of free summer concerts downtown. Browsing local markets or enjoying the atmosphere at street festivals are also great free activities.

What is the downtown event scene like?

Downtown Springfield’s event scene is very accessible due to its walkable layout. The area hosts large annual gatherings like the International Route 66 Mother Road Festival. Its many bars and breweries also feature a regular calendar of smaller-scale events.