Calendar – February / March 2025
CHARITY DATEBOOK
Mardi Gras Casino Night – February 15
Mt. Zion Convention Center, 1400 Mt. Zion Pkwy., Mt. Zion, IL. Fundraiser for Dr. Chili Park, must be age 21 or older, 6-11pm, $, reservations required, 217-864-5424.
Trivia Night Fundraiser – February 22
Richland Community College, Shilling Center, 1 College Pk. Teams of up to 8 people compete in a fun evening of questions and answers, prizes, raffle, table games and more, proceeds benefit the Decatur Area Arts Council, 6-10pm, $, reservations required, 217-423-3189.
Fine Arts at the Homestead – February 23 & March 30
James Millikin Homestead, 125 N. Pine St. Proceeds benefit the James Millikin Homestead, 1-3pm, $, 217-422-9003.
2/23 – Poetry readings by Anastasia Lindsey and Decatur area high school students, art from Decatur Barn Colony Artists
3/30 – Reading from author Mary Lynn, harp performance by Stefanie Pansch
Mardi Gras at the Museum – March 4
Children’s Museum of Illinois, 55 S. Country Club Rd. Fund raising event with delicious food, live music, beer wine and fun, Mardi Gras festive attire encouraged, proceeds benefit the Children’s Museum of Illinois, must be age 21 or older, 6:30-9pm, $, reservations required, 217-423-5437.
ART
Madden Arts Center Exhibit – January 31-February 21
Anne Lloyd Gallery, 125 N. Water St. Showcasing the beautiful nature of the ocean in colored pencil, oils and oil pastels. Opening reception 1/31, 5-7pm, free. General exhibit hours M-F 8:30am-4:30pm, Sa 10am-2pm, free, 217-423-3189.
First Friday Gallery Walk – February 7 and March 7
3 Downtown Art Galleries: Madden Arts Center’s Anne Lloyd Gallery & Blue Connection Gallery, 125 N. Water St.; Gallery 510, 160 E. Main St. An evening of unique art and artist talks in downtown Decatur art galleries, 5-7pm, free, 217-423-3189.
Gallery 510 Exhibits – February & March
160 E. Main St. First Friday opening receptions 2/7 & 3/7, 5-7pm, free. Exhibit hours W-F 11am-5pm, Sa 11am-3pm, free, 217-422-1509.
February – Danielle Bruns
March – Pam Marty
Cancer Care Art Exhibits – February & March
210 W. McKinley Ave., center open hours, free, 217-422-1509.
February – Jan Sorenson Hill
March – Jim Mosley
Decatur Airport Exhibits – February & March
Main Terminal, Lobby Gallery, 910 S. Airport Rd., airport open hours, free, 217-422-1509.
February – Carol Kessler
March – Greggory Pratt
Decatur Public Library Exhibits – February & March
Art Gallery, 130 N. Franklin St., library open hours, free, 217-422-1509.
February – Greggory Pratt
March – Lyle Salmi
Rock Springs Exhibits – February & March
3939 Nearing Ln., M-F 8am-5pm, Sa 9am-5pm, Su 1-5pm, free, 217-423-7708.
February – Decatur Camera Club in South Gallery/Wonders of Series: Griswold in North Gallery
March – Katherine Unruh in North Gallery/Jane P. Koenig in South Gallery
School of Art & Creative Media Faculty Biennial – February 3-28
Kirkland Fine Arts Center, Perkinson Gallery, 1215 N. Kirkland Dr. Exhibit of faculty works from their own artistic journeys as professional, working artists, exhibit viewing M-F 12-5pm when school is in session, free, 2/6 reception 4-6pm, free, 217-424-6318.
Street Art Exhibit – March
Anne Lloyd Gallery, Madden Arts Center, 125 N. Water St. Showcasing work by the leaders of street art such as Shepard Fairey, Tristan Eaton, Buff Monster, Kozik and Decatur’s own Godfather of Street Art, Ron English. Opening reception 3/7, 5-7pm, free. General exhibit hours M-F 8:30am-4:30pm, Sa 10am-2pm, free, 217-423-3189.
CONCERTS & LIVE MUSIC
The Silhouettes – February 7
Millikin University, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1215 N. Kirkland Dr. From the hit show America’s Got Talent The Silhouettes bring light, color, video, photographs, dance, acting and mime commanding the stage with visual stories filled with depth, intrigue, beauty and mystique, 7:30pm, $, 217-424-6318.
Acoustic Music Jams – February 9 & March 9
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Tunes played by local musicians, listen or bring your instrument and play along, 2-4pm, free, 217-423-7708.
Valentine’s Gala – February 14
Decatur Club, 158 W. Prairie Ave. Join Millikin University’s Jazz Band I and Millikin’s jazz vocalist Angel Spiccia ’03 for an evening with dinner and jazz favorites, doors open 5:30pm, dinner 6:15pm, $, reservations required, 217-429-4200.
Percussion Ensemble: Synergy – February 15
Millikin University, Shilling Hall, Albert Taylor Theatre, 1184 W. Main St. Showcasing the distinctiveness of Millikin University’s interdisciplinary alliances through a collaborative concert, 7:30pm, $, 217-424-6318.
Mid-Day Music – February 19 & March 26
Madden Arts Center, Anne Lloyd Gallery, 125 N. Water St. Short mid-day musical boosts performed by Millikin University music faculty, 12:15-12:45pm, free, 217-423-3189.
2/19 – Aubrey Hawkinson, mezzo-soprano
3/26 – Dr. Pei-I Wang, Rachmaninoff on piano
Masterworks III: For the Young and Young at Heart! – February 22
Millikin University, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1215 N. Kirkland Dr. Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra performs featuring the annual Concerto/Aria Competition winners and favorites inspired by the young, 7:30pm, $, 217-423-6318.
Vocal Jazz Showcase – February 28
Decatur Brew Works, 102 E. William St. Millikin University’s vocal jazz ensembles OneVoice and BluBop present selections from the tap to the stage, 7pm, free, 217-424-6318.
Millikin Symphonic Wind Ensemble III: Folklore – March 1
Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1215 N. Kirkland Dr. Highlighting how tuneful folk music melodies sung and played by everyday people can inspire great works of art, 7:30pm, $, 217-424-6318.
Hungrytown – March 1
Decatur Public Library, Madden Auditorium, 130 N. Franklin St. Rebecca Hall and Ken Anderson, having received extensive worldwide radio airplay and appeared on several television shows, perform their own music ranging from light to dark, blending Celtic, Americana and psychedelia for a unique experience, 2-4pm, 217-424-2900.
M J The Illusion: Reliving The King of Pop – March 1
Lincoln Square Theater, 141 N. Main St. Selling out theaters nightly in Branson, MO, this Michael Jackson tribute show and band perfects every minute detail in looks, costumes and musicianship, doors open 6pm, show 7pm, $, 217-454-4583.
Faculty Recital Series III: Love & Life – March 2
Millikin University, Perkinson Music Center, Kaeuper Hall, 1184 W. Main St. A celebration of love, life and song with Aubrey Hawkinson, mezzo-soprano and Andy Rauff, piano, 4pm, free, 217-424-6318.
Celtic Salute – March 12
Doherty’s Pub, 242 E. William St. & Millikin University, Shilling Hall, Albert Taylor Theatre, 1184 W. Main St. Millikin University’s TrueBlue chorale and Treble Choir pair with the Broken Brogue Irish Band for a boisterous evening of Celtic Music, optional pre-concert buffet dinner at Doherty’s Pub 5:30pm, show 7:30pm, $, 217-424-6318.
Sound and Vision – March 14
Central Christian Church, 650 W. William St. An evening with the movie organ and Clark Wilson organist, 7pm, free, 217-428-4336.
Michael Charles & His Band – March 24
Pop’s Place, 4335 W. Main St. Chicago Blues Hall of Fame and Australian born musician Michael Charles and His Band stop in Decatur on their Guitars, Music and Miles 2025 tour performing their high energy rock and soulful ballads, 3-6pm, free admission, 708-330-6546.
MDSO Chamber Series Concert – March 30
Central Christian Church, 650 W. William St. Millikin University’s University Choir and Collegiate Choral ensembles joined by strings and brass performing works by O’Regan and Telemann, 4pm, free, 217-423-3189.
COMEDY & THEATRE
The Savannah Sipping Society – February 22-23, 28 & March 1-2
Decatur Civic Center, 1 Gary K. Anderson Plz. A laugh-a-minute comedy starring four unique Southern women in a touching story about friendship and living in the moment, presented by Theatre 7, F’s & Sa’s 7:30pm, Su’s 2pm, $, 217-422-6161.
Clybourne Park – February 27-March 2
Millikin University, Center for Theatre & Dance, Virginia Rogers Theatre, 1184 W. Main St. A community showdown takes place in a new wave of gentrification pitting race against real estate with the home as a battleground, Th-Sa 7:30pm, Su 2pm, $, 217-424-6318.
Alice in Wonderland Jr. – March 21-23
Millikin University, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1215 N. Kirkland Dr. Fall down the rabbit hole with Alice as she navigates the curious world of Wonderland on a journey of self-discovery, presented by the Decatur Park District Best of Winter Stock, F & Sa 7:30pm, Sa & Su 2pm, $, 217-421-6648.
HISTORY & MUSEUMS
Second Saturday Guided Tour – February 8 & March 8
Hieronymus Mueller Museum, 420 W. Eldorado St. Guided tour of exhibits led by museum staff telling unique stories about the artifacts on display, for ages 12 and older, limited space, 2-3pm, $, 217-423-6161.
Fun and Pastimes in Early Decatur – February 23
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Discover how early Decatur citizens enjoyed their leisure time from the 1820s to the 1870s, 2pm, free, 217-423-7708.
Women in Conservation and Forestry – March 15
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Hear about women who have shaped the fields of conservation and forestry and how you can help continue their legacies with a panel of local women who have made significant contributions in our community,10am, free, 217-433-7708.
NATURE & GARDENS
Nature Programs & Family Hikes – February & March
Rock Springs Nature Center (RSNC), 3939 Nearing Ln.; Sand Creek Conservation Area (SCCA), 4314 S. Franklin St. Rd., dress for the weather, $, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
2/8 – Winter Raccoon Candy Cane Hunt, RSNC, 10am
2/22 – Owl Prowl, SCCA, 8pm
3/8 – Owl Prowl, SCCA, 8pm
3/22 – Night Hike, RSNC, 8pm
Maple Syrup Programs – February 15
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Sample maple syrup and see how it is produced by tapping a tree, dress for the weather, 11am, 12pm or 1pm, $, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
Urban Homesteading – March 30
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Discover ways to be more self-sufficient in the world by preparing your own garden and canning, get seeds to take home, 2pm, $, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
EVENTS FOR CHILDREN & FAMILIES
Meet the Education Animals – February 2
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Discover the day-to-day lives of snakes, turtles, frogs, a rabbit and more who call Rock Springs home, help staff with their feedings, 2pm, $, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
Mommy/Son Play Night – March 7
Decatur Indoor Sports Center (DISC), 1295 W. Wood St. Boys ages 5-10 and their moms enjoy a night of active play with music, bounce house, rock wall climbing, photo booth, pizza, prizes and giveaways, 6-9pm, $, reservations required, 217-429-3472.
SPORTS, HEALTH & FITNESS
FESTIVALS & EXPOSITIONS
FARMERS MARKETS
SPECIAL EVENTS
Rolling Back Time – February 7-9 and 14-16
Fairview Park Pavilion. Decatur Park District roller skating experience, skate rentals $3 for kids through adult size 14, admission $6, hot chocolate, snack food & drink, $. 217-422-5911.
Decatur Public Library 150th Events – February 15 – March 22
130 N. Franklin. 217-424-2900. Decaturlibrary.org
Feb. 15: Trivia night, with a focus on Decatur and library fun facts.
March 1: Back by popular demand, a performance in the Madden Center by indie folk duo Hungrytown.
March 22: TikTok librarian and now PBS librarian Mychal Threets leads a conversation about the incredible impact of libraries.
Argenta Ice Fest – February 8
Village of Argenta, 330 N. Warren, Argenta, IL. 9th annual festival with world-class ice sculptures carved by Olympic Gold Medalist Ice Carver Aaric Kendall and other artists, live ice carving demonstrations, beer stein holding competition, games for kids, food and more, event 11am-4pm, demonstrations 11am, 1pm & 3pm, flag retirement ceremony 12pm, beer stein competition 2pm, free admission, 217-423-0422.
Senior Luncheons – February 11 & March 11
Scovill Park West Activity Center, 3909 W. Main St. Enjoy a catered meal with friends and games of bingo, exciting prizes, must be age 50 or older, 12pm, free, reservations required, 217-429-7750.
Village of Mt. Zion Spring Craft Show – February 28-March 1
Mt. Zion Convention Center, 1400 Mt. Zion Pkwy., Mt. Zion, IL. Spring craft show with many unique vendors, F 6-9pm, Sa 9am-2pm, free admission, 217-864-5424.
Ice Tour 2025 – March 8
Decatur Civic Center, 1 Gary K. Anderson Plz. World Championship Ice Racing – The Razor Edge Ice Tour, 7pm, $, 217-422-7300.
Mychal Threets In Conversation – March 22
Decatur Public Library, Madden Auditorium, 130 N. Franklin St. Join the Tik Tok and Instagram star who began creating social media videos spreading “library joy” in 2020 reaching millions and sharing a love for libraries, books and community, 2-3pm, 217-424-2900.
For information on how to include your event on the calendar, contact Cultural Arts Editor Terrie Potter by email: ArtsEdit@aol.com or call 217-423-0422.