ART
Decatur Airport Exhibit – August
Decatur Airport, Main Terminal, Lobby Gallery. Featuring Mike Delaney’s watercolor paintings, airport lobby open hours, free, 217-422-1509.
Library Exhibit – August
Decatur Public Library, Art Gallery, 130 N. Franklin St. Featuring Sharon Zimmerman’s paintings, library open hours, free, 217-422-1509.
Rock Springs Exhibits – August
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Featuring Sue Watts’ paintings in the North Gallery and Jerry Sievers photographs in the South Gallery, Nature Center open hours, free, 217-423-7708.
First Friday Gallery Walk – August 14
3 Downtown Art Galleries: Madden Arts Center’s Anne Lloyd Gallery and Blue Connection Gallery, 125 N. Water St., and Gallery 510, 160 E. Main St. Visit each for a variety of art experiences, artist talks, hors d’oeuvres, and beverages, 5-7:30pm, free, 217-423-3189.
Gallery 510 – August 14
160 E. Main St. First Friday opening reception featuring Shirley Buescher’s watercolor paintings, refreshments, 5-7:30pm, artist talk 6:30pm, free. General exhibit hours Tu-F 11am-5pm, Sa 11am-3pm, free, 217-422-1509.
Madden Arts Center – August 14
Anne Lloyd Gallery, 125 N. Water St. Playland Exhibit – August 5-29
First Friday opening reception of Doug Goessman’s mixed media works. 5-7:30pm, hors d’oeuvres and beverages, free. General exhibit hours M-F 8:30am-4:30pm & Sa 10am-2pm, free, 217-423-3189.
Decatur Airport Exhibit – September
Decatur Airport, Main Terminal, Lobby Gallery. Featuring Shirley Buesher’s watercolor paintings, airport lobby open hours, free, 217-422-1509.
Library Exhibit – September
Decatur Public Library, Art Gallery, 130 N. Franklin St. Featuring Mike Delaney’s watercolor paintings, library open hours, free, 217-422-1509.
Rock Springs Exhibits – September
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Featuring photography by Curt Knapp in the North Gallery and David Staff in the South Gallery, Nature Center open hours, free, 217-423-7708.
First Friday Gallery Walk – September 4
3 Downtown Art Galleries: Madden Arts Center’s Anne Lloyd Gallery and Blue Connection Gallery, 125 N. Water St., and Gallery 510, 160 E. Main St. Visit each for a variety of art experiences, artist talks, hors d’oeuvres, and beverages, 5-7:30pm, free, 217-423-3189.
Madden Arts Center – September 4
Anne Lloyd Gallery, 125 N. Water St. Woodcuts Exhibit – September 3-29
First Friday opening reception of Jerry B. Walters’ large scale woodcut prints. 5-7:30pm, hors d’oeuvres and beverages, free. General exhibit hours M-F 8:30am-4:30pm & Sa 10am-2pm, free, 217-423-3189.
Gallery 510 – September 4
160 E. Main St. First Friday opening reception featuring Leta Burch’s mixed media works, refreshments, 5-7:30pm, artist talk 6:30pm, free. General exhibit hours Tu-F 11am-5pm, Sa 11am-3pm, free, 217-422-1509.
Arts in Central Park – September 19-20
Central Park, Downtown Decatur. Juried fine arts fair featuring over 70 artists’ works for sale in varied media, live musical entertainment, family friendly, Sa 10am-5pm, Su 10am-4pm, free admission, 217-423-3189.
LIVE MUSIC
Dulcimer Music – August 1, 15, 29 & September 12, 26
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Listen to the Nature Center volunteers play old time music, 10am-12pm, free, 217-423-7708.
Decatur Municipal Band Concerts – August
Family-friendly summer band concerts featuring traditional and contemporary band music, some seating available or bring lawn chairs, free, 217-422-9168.
8/2 – Fairview Park Large Pavilion, 6pm
8/3, 10, 17, 24 – Downtown Decatur, Central Park, 7pm
8/8 – Downtown Decatur, Central Park, 12pm
8/19 – Hickory Point Golf Course, 7pm
Decatur Celebration Kickoff Concert – August 6
Decatur Civic Center Arena, 1 Gary K. Anderson Plaza. Featuring country a cappella band and champions of NBC’s The Sing-Off, Home Free, along with country rock band LOCASH, doors open 6pm, concert 7pm, $, www.showclix.com/event/DC15HomeFreeLoCash or 888-718-4253.
LSB Music Events – August & September
Lock Stock & Barrel, 129 S. Oakland Ave., outdoor events are weather permitting, 217-429-7411.
Wednesdays – Billy Gault acoustic guitar, on patio, 7-9pm
8/7 – Ashley Riley, 9pm-1am
8/14 – Chris Bradley & Jen Hood, on patio, 6-9pm
8/14 – Men of Essence, 9pm-1am
8/15 – Misconduct, 9pm-1am
8/22 & 9/19 – Oakwood Block Party
8/28 – Third Shift, 9pm-1am
8/29 – Bonedogz, 9pm-1am
9/12 – Sugar Tree, 9pm-1am
Bluegrass Music Jams – August 9 & September 13
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Enjoy old time tunes played by area musicians, 1-4pm free, 217-423-7708.
Blues in Central Park – August 20
Downtown Decatur, Central Park. The 15th year of free outdoor concerts presented by Decatur Magazine, Memphis’ Southern Hospitality performs the summer finale concert, bring a lawn chair, BBQ, food and beer vendors open 6pm, free concert 7-10pm, more information here.
Labor Day Pops Concert – September 7
Nelson Park, Lakeside Amphitheatre, 200 Nelson Blvd. Celebrate summer’s end with the Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra’s 19th annual family concert on the lake, boaters welcome to listen from the water, 6pm, free, 217-424-6318.
Brass Transit – September 12
Kirkland Fine Arts Center. Toronto’s dynamic, crowd-pleasing, studio-tight Chicago band tribute! The show includes all the hits from Chicago’s golden age, 1969-1976. 7:30 PM. $25-$40, School Age $5 www.brasstransit.com
Matt Vollmar & The Great Romance – September 12
Decatur Civic Center, 1 Gary K. Anderson Plaza. Worship/rock band from the St. Louis area performs, time TBD, $, 217-422-7300.
Opening Night Concert – September 26
Millikin University, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1184 W. Main St. Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra’s season opener with masterpieces from the early 20th century, featuring mezzo-soprano Andrea Frakes Pope in the Mahler 4th, 7:30pm, $, 217-424-6318.
THEATER & DANCE
Legally Blonde! Jr. – August 1-2
Decatur Civic Center Theatre, 1 Gary K. Anderson Plaza. Stage performance by B.O.S.S., Sr., a group of young actors ages 12-18, Sa 7pm, Su 2pm, $, 217-422-5911.
Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark – August 1
Decatur Civic Center Theatre, 1 Gary K. Anderson Plaza. Stage performance by B.O.S.S., Jr., a group of young actors ages 6-11, 2pm, $, 217-422-5911.
Summer Mainstage Shows
Little Theatre on the Square, 16 E. Harrison St., Sullivan, dates and show times vary, $, www.thelittletheatre.org or 217-728-7375.
7/29-8/9 – The Addams Family, rated PG
8/12-23 – Driving Miss Daisy
Theatre for Young Audiences
Little Theatre on the Square, 16 E. Harrison St., Sullivan, 10:30am, dates and times vary, $, www.thelittletheatre.org or 217-728-7375.
7/31-8/8 – The Princess & the Pea
Swing Night – September 4
Nelson Park, Pavilion #1, 200 Nelson Blvd. Swing into fall at the Decatur Park District’s Swing Night, free dance instruction 6-6:45pm, dance 7-9pm, free, 217-422-5911.
Rough Magic – September 30 – October 4
Albert Taylor Theatre. Shakespeare and comic books collide in this darkly funny action comic fantasy from playwright Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (TV’s Glee, Broadway’s Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark, Marvel Comics). Sept 30 – Oct 3 @ 7:30; Oct 4 @ 2:00. Tickets $12-$14. 217-424-6318
HISTORY & MUSEUMS
Bethel School Open House – August 1 & September 5
Friends Creek Conservation Area, NE of Argenta, off Rt. 48. Tour one of Macon County’s last one-room schoolhouses circa 1890, 1-4pm, free, 217-423-7708.
Homestead Prairie Farm Open House – August & September
Rock Springs Conservation Area, Homestead Prairie Farm, 3939 Nearing Ln. Tour the 1860s Trobaugh-Good house, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Sa’s & Su’s 1-4pm, free, 217-423-7708.
The Power & Popularity of Civil War Music – August 2
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Music historian and author Dr. Christian McWhirter speaks about the impact of Civil War music on popular culture, 2pm, free, 217-423-7708.
Governor Richard Oglesby Mansion Open House – August & September
421 W. William St. Visit the historic Decatur landmark and beautifully restored Victorian home of Illinois Governor Richard Oglesby, every W & Sa in August and 8/30 & 9/27, 2-4pm, $, 217-423-7708.
Vintage Baseball – August 8
Rock Springs Conservation Area, Trobaugh Field, 3939 Nearing Ln. The Rock Springs Ground Squirrels challenge the Cyclones during a home baseball match using authentic 1858 rules and vintage uniforms, 11:30am, free, 423-7708.
Forts & Blockhouses of Early Illinois – August 16
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Presented by author and historian Bill Wilson, 2pm, free, 217-423-7708.
James Millikin Homestead Tours – August 30 & September 27
125 S. Pine St. Tour the beautiful historic Victorian mansion that belonged to one of Decatur’s leading citizens, circa 1875, last Sunday of the month or groups by reservation any day, 2-4pm, $, 217-767-1050.
The Search for Ice Age Mammals in Central Illinois – September 6
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Dr. Dennis Campbell, professor of biology and zoology at Lincoln College, discusses various fossil discoveries in Central Illinois, 2pm, free, 217-423-7708.
Prairie Celebration – September 19-20
Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Ln. Demonstrations of skills, crafts, and techniques of trappers and traders for creating goods and services during the 1700 and 1800s, wagon rides, games, food available for $, 12-4pm, free admission, 217-423-7708.
NATURE & GARDENS
Aquatic Critters – August 2
Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Ln. Collect crayfish, frogs, and small fish from the ponds and streams, $, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
Family Hikes and Nature Programs
Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Ln., free or $ as indicated, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
8/9 – Night Hike, ages 8 +, 10-11:30pm, $
8/13 – Frog & Toad Show, 5:30-7pm, $
8/29 – Prairies in Bloom, 10am
Shower of Stardust – August 11
Griswold Conservation Area, 9896 Meridian Rd., Blue Mound. Experience a meteor shower as it appears across the constellation Perseus, toast marshmallows, 10pm-12am, free, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
Midnight Fishing – August 14 & September 18
Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Ln. Fish the Cattail Ponds at night, lit bobbers and worms for bait recommended, ages 8 and older, fishing licenses required for ages 16 and older, 10pm-12am, $, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
Astronomy Jamboree – August 22
Friends Creek Conservation Area, 13723 Friends Creek Park Rd., Cisco. Stargaze through telescopes, create astronomy themed crafts, and hear Greek and Native American stories, 7-9pm, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
Garden Club of Decatur Flower Show – August 28-29
First Church of the Nazarene, 1177 W. Hickory Point Rd. Reflections of the Past: A Standard Judged Floral Show with design and horticulture exhibits, F 1-5pm, Sa 9-11am, $, 217-330-6614.
Into the Wild: Wild & Wonderful Wetlands – September 5
Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Ln. Hike to the ponds and collect aquatic critters to identify, tools and instructions provided, 10am, free, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
Monarch Madness – September 13
Rock Springs Conservation District, 3939 Nearing Ln. Discover majestic Monarch butterflies and explore ways to assist them, sponsored by University of Illinois Extension and the Macon Country Conservation District, 2-4pm, free, 217-877-6042.
EVENTS FOR CHILDREN
Family Golf Pro Tips Night – through August 5
Hickory Point Golf Course, 727 W. Weaver Rd. Join golf professionals for tips on the driving range and putting green, for all skill levels, unlimited range balls, W’s 6-7pm, $, 217-421-7444.
79th Annual Lantern Parade – August 5
Fairview Park, Dreamland Lake, 1455 W. Fairview Park Dr. Enjoy a picnic, music by the Greater Decatur Youth Band, children’s activities, and lantern parade celebrating 79 years of summer fun, 5-9pm, 217-422-5911.
Annie – Movie in the Park – August 12
Fairview Park, Pavilion #1 parking lot, 1455 W. Fairview Park Dr. Bring blankets, lawn chairs and snacks, movie on a 36-foot screen at dusk, free, www.decatur-parks.org for weather updates, 217-421-6648.
YMCA Backpack Attack and Kids Fest – August 15
Decatur Family YMCA, 220 W. McKinley Ave. Students in K-6th grades in need of school supplies are welcome to pick up a backpack filled with supplies, children must be present to receive a backpack, 9am-12pm, free, 217-872-9622.
Family Campout – August 21
Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Ln. Campout at Rock Springs with hot dogs, drinks, s’mores, and campfire provided, play games and take a night hike, bring your own tent or use Rock Springs’, must have at least one adult per tent, 7pm-10am, $, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
Grease Fest 2015 – August 29
Fletcher Park, 400 S. Henderson St., Mt. Zion. Family back-to-school bash with cheerleaders, drumlines, games, ’50s style concessions and more, poodle skirts and leather jackets encouraged, sponsored by Mt. Zion School Organizations, gates open 6pm, movie “Grease” shown at dusk, $, 217-864-5424.
Mini Golf Grandparent’s Day – September 7
Overlook Adventure Mini Golf, 2401 E. Nelson Park Rd. Grandparents golf free with a paying child, 10am-10pm, 217-422-2316.
Zoo Grandparent’s Day – September 13
Scovill Zoo, 71 S. Country Club Rd. Family-friendly activities with cake walks, games and more, 1-4pm, $, grandparents free with paying child, 217-421-7435.
SPORTS, HEALTH & FITNESS
Tuesday Night Park Runs – through August 4
Fairview Park, Pavilion #1, 1455 W. Fairview Park Dr. Weekly family event includes half-mile Tot Trot, one-mile fun run, or various distance runs, for all ages and skill levels, prize drawings, Tu’s, registration 5:30pm, runs 6pm, $, 217-429-3472.
USTA/Ursula Beck Pro Tennis Classic – August 1-9
Fairview Park, Tennis Complex, 1640 W. Monument Hill Dr. Male tennis players from more than 20 countries compete for ATP World Ranking Points and $15,000 in prize money, for match schedules go to www.ursulabecktennis.com, free, 217-421-7432.
Community Yoga – August 2 & September 6
Nelson Park, Pavilion #1, 200 Nelson Blvd. Outdoor yoga led by instructors from the Decatur Park District and area studios, 10-11:30am, free, 217-422-5911.
3D Animal Archery – August 15 & September 5
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Rotate through life-like 3D targets, basic instruction provided for less experienced archers, use provided equipment or bring your own, for ages 10 and older, 8/15 4-7pm, 9/5 2-4pm, $, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
Canoe the Sangamon River – September 26
Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Ln. All equipment provided for a paddle down the river, must have at least one adult per canoe, 1-4pm, $, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
FESTIVALS, FOOD & FAIRS
Decatur Celebration – August 6-9
Downtown Decatur, 22 blocks. Illinois’ largest free family street festival featuring show stages with national headliners and emerging music artists, carnival, three blocks of arts and crafts vendors, more than 60 food items, street attractions, Razzle-Dazzle Good Times Parade (Sa 10am), Family Night at the Carnival Th 4-11pm, festival hours F 5-11pm, Sa 11am-11pm, Su 11am-9:30pm, free admission, www.decaturcelebration.com or 217-423-4222.
Mari-Mann Party Q – August 17
Mari-Mann Herb Farm, 1405 Mari Mann Ln. A meal for all to enjoy, including BBQ and char-grilled geranium chicken thighs, 6-8pm, $, reservations required, 217-429-1555.
Women, Wine & Wellness – August 21
Decatur Civic Center, 1 Gary K. Anderson Plaza. Featuring wine sampling, beauty products, style show, live entertainment, health screenings and more, 5-9pm, 217-422-7300.
Decatur Train Fair – September 18-19
Decatur Civic Center, 1 Gary K. Anderson Plaza. Rare model train memorabilia, model train layouts in varied scales, 35-40 vendors, Sa 10am-4pm, Su 11am-4pm, $, 217-454-2528.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Farmers Market – through October 31
Downtown Decatur. Illinois’ oldest farmers market, with farm fresh produce grown by local farmers, other goods available, Sa’s 8am-12pm, free admission, $ to purchase goods, 217-428-3380 or 217-520-5098.
Saturday Produce Market – through September 26
Richland Community College, under the wind turbine, 1 College Park. Fresh fruits and vegetables for sale, grown by students and local farmers, managed by Richland Student Farms, Sa’s 8am-12pm, free admission, $ to purchase goods, 217-875-7211 ext. 577.
Scrappin’ Saturday – August 15 & September 19
Fletcher Park, Recreation Center, 400 S. Henderson St. Scrappin’, crop and craft, bring your crafting supplies, snacks and drinks provided by the Park and Recreation Department, 10am-10pm, $, 217-864-5424.
Charity Datebook
Tour de Paws – August 15
Nelson Park, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr. A 25, 43, or 61 mile bike ride, family fun ride, adoptable dogs from the Macon County Animal Shelter and more, proceeds benefit the Animal Shelter Foundation and the Decatur Parks, 7am-1pm, $, 217-423-7387.
Central Illinois Jazz Festival Mini Fest – August 16
Decatur Conference Center and Hotel, 4191 W. US Highway 36. Featuring The St. Louis Rivermen Six with special guest Bob Draga, plus Ragtime Pianist Paul Asaro, proceeds benefit the annual Central Illinois Jazz Festival 2016, music 2-6pm, buffet dinner 4pm, $, reservations recommended, www.juvaejazz.com or 217-877-4527 or 217-546-1363.
A Zoo-rific Evening – August 22
Scovill Zoo, 71 S. Country Club Rd. Decatur Parks Foundation’s event featuring food and beverage stations, animal encounters, circus entertainment, specialty drinks and hors d’oeuvres, auction under the Big Top, proceeds benefit upcoming renovations to the center of Scovill Zoo, 5pm, $, 217-422-5911.
Dog Days of Summer – August 29
Beach House Restaurant, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr. Music by Kidd Kaddilac and The Continentals, food, drinks, silent auction, proceeds benefit Homeward Bound Pet Shelter, a no-kill pet facility and job training program for people with disabilities, must be 21 or older, 5-9pm, $, 217-875-1910.
Used Book Sales – August 15 & September 6-7
8/15 – Decatur Public Library, 130 N. Franklin St., 9:30am-12:30pm
9/6 & 7 – Decatur Civic Center, #1 Gary K. Anderson Plaza, Su 11am-5pm, M 9am-3pm
Friends of the Library used book sales, 60,000 books, CDs, albums, and DVDs, proceeds benefit Decatur Public Library programs, free admission, 217-424-2900 ext. 133.
Furry Scurry – September 12
Fairview Park, 1455 W. Fairview Park Dr. Fun run, pets welcome, costume contest, and children’s activities, proceeds benefit the Animal Shelter Foundation, 8-11am, $, 217-423-7387.
Hilltop Roundup – September 12
Nelson Park Pavilion, 2301 E. Lakeshore Dr. Enjoy music, food, and fun to benefit Children’s Museum of Illinois, must be 21 or older, time TBD, $, reservations required, 217-423-5437.
Brew Ha Ha – September 26
Madden Arts Center, Outside, 125 N. Water St. A rousing event celebrating Bavarian culture, ethnic food and beverages, Bavarian music, performing arts, and more, proceeds benefit Decatur Area Arts Council programs, Bavarian costumes encouraged, for ages 21 and older, 6:30-11pm, $, reservations suggested, 217-423-3189.
Kickin’ It Country – September 26
Decatur Conference Center and Hotel Pavilion, 4191 W. US Highway 36. A country-themed family event with bags tournament, honky-tonk games, food, and line dancing lessons, proceeds benefit Independence Pointe, a Macon Resources, Inc. program, country attire suggested, 4-7pm, $, 217-875-1910.
Prairie Pedal Bike Ride – September 27
Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Ln. Fundraiser includes a 20, 40, or 62 mile bicycle ride along quiet country roads, presented by the Macon County Conservation Foundation to support the natural preservation projects at Macon County conservation areas, helmets required, 7am, $, 217-423-7708.
For information on how to include your fund-raising event in the Charity Datebook, contact Cultural Arts Editor Terrie Potter by email: ArtsEdit@aol.com or call 217-423-0422.