Calendar – June / July 2016
ART
Decatur Airport Exhibit – June
Decatur Airport, Main Terminal, Lobby Gallery, 910 S. Airport Rd. Featuring Jessica Disbrow’s watercolor paintings, airport lobby open hours, free, 217-422-1509.
Library Exhibit – June
Decatur Public Library, Art Gallery, 130 N. Franklin St. Featuring Judy Kimmons’ paintings, library hours, free, 217-422-1509.
Rock Springs Exhibit – June
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Featuring Alan and Chris Perry’s photography in the North Gallery and Kattina Williams in the South Gallery, Nature Center open hours, free, 217-423-7708.
CUBA! – June 3-July 28
Opening Cultural Event – June 3
Madden Arts Center, Anne Lloyd Gallery, 125 N. Water St. Exhibit comes alive with Sally McGuire’s and Virginia Kickle’s photographs, Cuban art along with musical instruments, artifacts and more. Family-friendly opening event 6/3 with live music from Los Guapos, dancing by Jose Serrano and Erica Maya, Cuban food by The Beach House, easy dance steps shared, 5-7:30pm, free. General exhibit hours M-F 8:30am-4:30pm & Sa 10am-4pm, free, 217-423-3189.
First Friday – June 3
Gallery 510 Exhibit – June
Gallery 510/NOVA Framing, 160 E. Main St. First Friday 6/3 opening reception featuring Sharon Zimmerman’s watercolor and acrylic paintings, refreshments served, 5-7:30pm, artist talk 6:30pm, free. General exhibit hours Tu-F 11am-5pm, Sa 11am-3pm, free, 217-422-1509.
Decatur Airport Exhibit – July
Decatur Airport, Main Terminal, Lobby Gallery, 910 S. Airport Rd. Featuring Jim Clark’s works, airport lobby open hours, free, 217-422-1509.
Library Exhibit – July
Decatur Public Library, Art Gallery, 130 N. Franklin St. Featuring Sharon Zimmerman’s paintings, library hours, free, 217-422-1509.
Rock Springs Exhibit – July
Rock Springs Nature Center, Exhibit Hall, 3939 Nearing Ln. Featuring Sue Watts’ nature watercolors in the North Gallery and David Staff’s photography in the South Gallery, Nature Center open hours, free, 217-423-7708.
First Friday – July 8
Gallery 510 Exhibit – July
Gallery 510/NOVA Framing, 160 E. Main St. First Friday 7/8 opening reception featuring Doug Bergeron’s photographs, refreshments served, 5-7:30pm, artist talk 6:30pm, free. General exhibit hours, Tu-F 11am-5pm, Sa 11am-3pm, free, 217-422-1509.
First Friday Gallery Walk – July 8
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. Art, artist talks, live music and refreshments, families welcome, 5-7:30pm, free, 217-423-3189.
LIVE MUSIC
Blues in Central Park – June 16 & July 21
Downtown Decatur, Central Park. Free outdoor Blues concerts presented by Decatur Magazine, enjoy great blues, BBQ and beer, food and beverage vendors open 6pm, concert 7-10pm, for more information click here.
6/16 – Jim Skinner and the Wall to Wall Blues Band from Nashville, TN
7/21 – Lazer Lloyd and his trio from Israel
Chill on the Hill – Summer Concert Series – June & July
Fletcher Park, 400 S. Henderson St., Mt. Zion. Concert in the park, concessions available for $, no outside food, drinks and/or pets allowed, 7-10pm, $ unless otherwise noted, 217-864-5424.
6/3 – Feudin’ Hillbilly’s, Cromwell Radio Listener Appreciation Night, free
6/9 – Imagine That Band
6/16 – MissConduct
6/23 – Mary Jo Curry & Tombstone Bullet
6/30 – Bygone’s
7/7 – Hitmen
7/14 – Kilborn Alley Blues
7/21 – Hurricane Ruth
Bells in Motion – June 5
Central Christian Church, 650 W. William St. Springfield-based progressive ensemble performs, a Sanctuary Concert Series performance, 4pm, 217-428-4336.
Decatur Municipal Band Concerts – June & July
The 159th annual summer band concerts, limited seating available or bring lawn chairs and/or blankets, free.
6/5-7/31 – Su’s, Fairview Park’s Large Pavilion, 1455 W. Fairview Park Dr., 6pm
6/5-7/31 – M’s, Central Park in Downtown Decatur, 7pm
6/22 – Overlook Adventure Mini Golf, 2501 E. Nelson Park Rd., 7pm
7/6 – Millikin University Quad, 1184 W. Main St., 7pm
95Q Fan Appreciation Concert – June 10
Nelson Park, Lakeside, 2301 E. Lakeshore Dr. Concert featuring Nashville country artist Drake White and others, rain venue Nelson Park Pavilion, 6:30pm, free, 217-423-9744.
Shake the Lake Concert Series – June 24 & July 4 & 22
Nelson Park, Rock Garden Parking Lot, 2301 E. Lakeshore Dr. Concerts featuring up-and-coming country music performers, 6pm, free, concessions available for $, 217-422-5911.
Youth Band Concerts – July
Decatur Park District’s Greater Decatur Youth Band performances by students in grades 4-10, 6pm, free, www.millikin.edu/bands or 217-424-6309.
7/6 – Millikin University Quad, 1184 W. Main St.
7/20 – Kiwanis Park Ice Cream Social, 407 S. Redwood Ln.
7/27 – Cresthaven Park, 4051 Arthur Ct.
THEATER, COMEDY & DANCE
Summer Mainstage Shows
Little Theatre on the Square, 16 E. Harrison St., Sullivan, dates and show times vary, $, 217-728-7375.
6/1-6/12 – Shrek, The Musical
6/15-6/26 – How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
6/29-7/10 – Chicago
7/13-7/24 – All Shook Up
7/27-8/7 – Sister Act
Gilbert Gotfried LIVE – June 5
Decatur Civic Center, Hickory Point Bank Arena, 1 Gary K. Anderson Plaza. Stand-up comedy performance, for ages 18 and older, doors open 6pm, show 7pm, $, 217-421-7452 or 217-422-7300.
Annie KIDS – July 15-16
Decatur Civic Center Theatre, 1 Gary K. Anderson Plaza. Performance by the B.O.S.S., Jr. actors ages 6-11, F 7pm, Sa 2pm, $, reserved seating, 217-422-5911.
Xanadu – July 16-17
Decatur Civic CenterTheatre, 1 Gary K. Anderson Plaza. Performance by the B.O.S.S., Sr. actors ages 11-18, Sa 7pm, Su 2pm, $, reserved seating, 217-422-5911.
HISTORY & MUSEUMS
Homestead Prairie Farm Tours – June & July
Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Ln. Tour the historic 1860s home and farm, Sa’s & Su’s 1-4pm, free, 217-423-7708.
Bethel School Open House – June 4 & July 2
Friends Creek Conservation Area, 13734 Friends Creek Park Rd., Cisco. Tour one of Macon County’s last one-room schoolhouses circa 1890, 1-4pm, free, 217-423-7708.
Dulcimer Music – June 4, 18 & July 2, 16, 30
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Presented by the Dulcimer Club, 10am-12pm, free, 217-423-7708.
Pioneers, Patriots, and Inventors: A Brief History of Decatur – June 4
Macon County History Museum, 5580 N. Fork Rd. Dr. Dan Guillory, author and Professor Emeritus at Millikin University, presents an overview of important local figures, book-signing at conclusion, 1:30pm, $, 217-422-4919.
Spinning Wheel – June 5
Rock Springs Conservation Area, Homestead Prairie Farm, 3939 Nearing Ln. Mary Turner’s demonstration of a unique spinning wheel, 2-4pm, free, 217-423-7708.
Blue Grass Music Jams – June 12 & July 10
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Enjoy old time tunes by local musicians, 1-4pm free, 217-423-7708.
Independence Day 1860 – June 25
Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Ln. Celebrate our nation’s birthday 1860s style with Homestead Prairie Farm tours, historic toys and games, concert by the Prairie Aires from Mason City, and ice cream social, 12-4pm, free, 217-423-7708.
Governor Richard Oglesby Mansion Open House – June 26 & July 31
421 W. William St. Tour the restored Victorian home of the Illinois Governor, 2-4pm, $, 217-423-7708.
James Millikin Homestead Tours – June 26 & July 31
125 S. Pine St. Tour the beautiful historic Victorian mansion, circa 1875, that belonged to one of Decatur’s leading citizens, 2-4pm, $, 217-422-9003.
Decatur’s Checkered Past – July 23
Macon County History Museum, 5580 N. Fork Rd. A presentation of vice, crime and corruption in Depression-era Decatur, 1:30pm, $, 217-422-4919.
Through the Eyes of a Child: Remembering Abraham Lincoln – July 24
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Guest speaker and Lincoln historian Kim Bauer presents a largely unknown side of Lincoln’s life, 2pm, free, 217-423-7708.
NATURE & GARDENS
Family Hikes
Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Ln., 10am, free, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
6/4 – National Trails Day
6/11 – Wildflowers
Frog and Toad Shows – June 9 & July 7
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Naturalist will show several species, 5:30-7pm, $, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
St. Louis Zoo Trip– June 19 & July 24
Depart Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Transportation provided, 10am-6pm, $, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
Botanical Garden Tour – June 21
Presented by the Garden Club of Decatur, tour Luthy Botanical Gardens in Peoria, including lunch and a Garden Club meeting, time TBD, $, reservations required, 217-864-1371.
Pollinators – June 23
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Learn about pollinators in our ecosystem, then take a hike for a closer look, 5pm, $, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
Garden Walk – July 19
Hickory Point Pavilion, 727 W. Weaver Rd., Forsyth. Stroll two local gardens, followed by social hour, meeting and dinner outside, presented by the Garden Club of Decatur, walk 4pm, social 5pm, meeting 5:30pm, dinner 6pm, free, reservations required, 217-864-1371.
Hummingbird Festival – July 19
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Adopt a hummingbird, witness the banding process and help release it back into the wild, 4-7pm, free admission, $ to adopt hummingbirds, 217-423-7708.
Bats in the Barn – July 30
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Learn about bats, then carpool to Sand Creek Conservation Area to observe them fly out for a night of hunting, 7pm, free, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
EVENTS FOR CHILDREN & FAMILIES
Free Zoo Admission Thursdays – June 2-July 28
Scovill Zoo, 71 S. Country Club Rd. Free admission every Thursday in June and July, Th’s 9:30am-6pm, free, 217-421-7435.
Theatre for Young Audiences
Little Theatre on the Square, 16 E. Harrison St., Sullivan, 10:30am, dates vary, $, 217-728-7375.
6/3-6/11 – The Legend of Robyn Hood
7/1-7/9 – How I Became a Pirate
7/29-8/6 – James and the Giant Peach
Hooked on Fishing – June 5
Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Ln. Afternoon of free fishing, bait and cane poles provided, no fishing license required on this special Illinois Free Fishing Day, 2pm, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
Movies in the Park – June 8 & July 13
Enjoy a movie at dusk, free, 217-422-5911.
6/8 – Overlook Adventure Mini Golf, 2501 E. Nelson Park Rd.
7/13 – Fairview Park, 1455 W. Fairview Park Dr.
Fletcher Park Movie Night – June 10 & July 22
Fletcher Park, 323 Fletcher Park Blvd., Mt. Zion. Enjoy a family movie outdoors at dusk, free, 217-864-5424.
6/10 – Fifty First Dates
7/22 – The Peanuts Movie
Lego Party – June 18
Madden Arts Center, 125 N. Water St. Annual event to build, race and play with Legos along with pizza and snacks, games, movies, art activities, 1-3:30pm, $, reservations required, 217-423-3189.
Dads’ Day Dollar Deals – June 19
Scovill Zoo, 71 S. Country Club Rd. Celebrate Father’s Day with $1 deals on admission, train and carousel rides, 9:30am-6pm, $, 217-421-7435.
Evening Campfire – June 24 & July 22
Hear stories, play games and roast marshmallows, 8-10pm, $, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
6/24 – Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Ln.
7/22 – Fort Daniel Conservation Area, 4975 Fort Daniel Rd.
American Girl Doll & Friends Tea Party – July 9
Madden Arts Center, 125 N. Water St. Bring your American Girl doll or other friend to this tropical tea party, enjoy tropical food, art activities, games and movie, 1-3:30pm, $, reservations required, 217-423-3189.
Children’s Tea – July 9
James Millikin Homestead, 125 N. Pine St. Bring your favorite stuffed animal, doll or action figure for tea, cold beverages and treats, activities, crafts, for children of all ages along with their adult friends, 11am-1pm or 1:30-3:30pm, $, 217-454-7220.
Ice Cream Safari – July 17
Scovill Zoo, 71 S. Country Club Rd. A wild safari through the zoo and ice cream samples at various stations, presented by Prairie Farms Dairy, 1-4pm, $, 217-421-7435.
Family Campout – July 29-30
Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Ln. Campout with hot dogs, drinks, s’mores and campfire provided, play games and take a night hike, bring your own or use one of Rock Springs’ tents, must have at least one adult per tent, F 7pm-Sa 10am, $, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
Minecraft Party – July 29
Madden Arts Center, 125 N. Water St. Minecraft art activities and games, movies, popcorn, prizes, pizza and snacks, for ages 6 and older, under age 6 must be accompanied by an adult, 6-8:30pm, $, reservations required, 217-423-3189.
SPORTS, HEALTH & FITNESS
Family Golf Pro Tips Night – June 2-9 & 23-30
Hickory Point Golf Course, 727 W. Weaver Rd. Join golf professionals for tips on the driving range and putting green, all skill levels, unlimited range balls, Th’s 6-7pm, $ with family rates available, 217-421-7444.
Food, Fun, and Fitness for Your Family – June 4
County Market, 1175 W. Grand Ave. Hands-on learning opportunities and activities, giveaways, food samples and more, 10am-1pm, free, 217-221-5629.
Community Yoga – June 5 & July 3
Nelson Park, Pavilion #1, 2301 E. Lakeshore Dr. Outdoor yoga led by Decatur Park District and other instructors, limited number of mats available, 10-11:30am, free, 217-422-5911.
Tuesday Night Park Runs – June 7-July 26
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, all ages and skill levels, prize drawings, Tu’s, registration 5:30pm, runs 6pm, $, 217-429-3472.
Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body – June 8
St. Mary’s Hospital, 1800 E. Lake Shore Dr. Program offered by the Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Illinois Chapter, tips from the latest research, 10-11:30am, free, registration required, 847-726-5184.
Canoeing Big Creek – June 12 & July 17
Cannon Park, 3125 S. Baltimore Ave. All equipment provided for a paddle down Big Creek, must have at least one adult per canoe, 5-8pm, $, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
Eating Through the Aisles – June 14
County Market, 1175 W. Grand Ave. Learn about selecting healthy options, reading labels and planning meals, 5:30-6:30pm, free, reservations required, 217-428-0382.
3D Animal Archery – June 18 & July 16
Rock Springs Conservation Area, Homestead Prairie Farm, 3939 Nearing Ln. Life-like targets, basic instruction provided, bring your own equipment or use the Nature Center’s, ages 10 and older, 5-7pm, $, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
Staley Firecracker Road Run/Walk – July 4
Nelson Park, Rock Garden Parking Lot, 2301 E. Lakeshore Dr. Annual 4-mile or 8-mile run, 2-mile fun run/walk, or ½ mile kids run, register by 6/22 to guarantee a Firecracker Tech T-shirt, check-in 6:30-7:15am, Kids Run 7:30am, race 8am, $, 217-429-3472.
Rodney T. Miller Lakeside Triathlon – July 9-10
Nelson Park, 2301 E. Lakeshore Dr. Swim. Bike. Run. Remember. The 10th annual triathlon for individual athletes or teams, new duathlon course available, adults and kids divisions, $, for information and to register www.decaturtriathlon.com
Relay for Life of Macon County – July 15-16
Richland Community College, 1 College Park. Annual overnight relay-team event to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, to remember loved ones lost, and to fight the disease, funds raised benefit the American Cancer Society, Opening Ceremony 6pm, $, 217-523-4503.
FESTIVALS, FOOD & FAIRS
Macon County Fair – June 7-12
Macon County Fair Grounds, 3700 N. Westlawn Ave. The 160th Fair anniversary with pageants, carnival, Go Cart Racing, Truck and Tractor Pulls, Demolition Derby, concerts, animal shows, Adorable Baby Contest and more, Tu-F gates open 5pm, Sa & Su gates open 1pm, $, www.maconcountyfair.com or 217-875-0135.
Blue Ribbon Night – July 3
Fletcher Park, 400 S. Henderson St., Mt. Zion. Live music by MissConduct Band, food vendors, fireworks at dusk, park opens 6pm, music 7pm, free, 217-864-5424.
4th of July Festivities – July 4
Nelson Park, 2301 E. Lakeshore Dr. Decatur Park District Independence Day celebration, family friendly activities, B.O.S.S., Annie KIDS & Xanadu previews 5pm, Shake the Lake Concert, 6pm, dusk fireworks display, free, 217-422-5911.
Macon County 4-H Show Open House – July 21
Richland Community College, Salons, 1 College Pk. Members’ projects on display, 4:30-5:45pm, free, 217-877-6042.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Community Prayer Breakfast – June 1
Decatur Conference Center & Hotel, 4191 US Highway 36 West. The 8th annual event for prayer and fellowship, guest speaker John Groce, Illini head basketball coach, 7-8:30am, $, reservations required, 217-422-2200.
Farmers Market – June 4-October 29
Central Park, Downtown Decatur. Fresh produce grown by local farmers, Sa’s 8am-12pm, $ to purchase goods, 217-428-3380 or 217-520-5098.
Saturday Produce Market – June 4-September 24
Richland Community College, under the wind turbine, 1 College Park. Fresh fruits, vegetables, plants and flowers grown by students and local farmers, Sa’s 8am-12pm, $ to purchase goods, 217-875-7211.
Paint, Stain and Varnish Collections – June 8, 22 & July 13
Macon County Environmental Management, 1750 N. 21st St. Bring old and discarded paints, stains and varnishes for proper disposal, latex or oil based paints, varnishes and stains accepted, residential items only, 6/8 & 7/13 12:30-5:30pm, 6/22 3-7pm, free, 217-425-4505.
Business After Hours – June 9
Soy Capital Bank, 455 N. Main St. Networking opportunity, sponsored by the Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce, 5-7pm, free, 217-422-2200.
Adult Bingo – June 15 & July 20
Fletcher Park Recreation Center, 323 Fletcher Pk. Blvd., Mt. Zion. Bingo, prizes and treats 10-11am, free, 217-864-5424.
Scrap and Crop – June 25 & July 30
Fletcher Park Recreation Center, 323 Fletcher Pk. Blvd., Mt. Zion. Bring your scrapbooking supplies, lunch, dinner and snacks, also bring extra clearly marked scrapbooking supplies to sell, 10am-10pm, $, registration required 7 days prior, 217-864-5424.
Yes! You Can – June 29
U of I Extension Office Macon County, 3351 N. President Howard Brown Blvd. Program on preserving produce with freezing and dehydration methods, 1-3pm, $, reservations required, 217-877-6042.
Outdoor Cooking & Recipe Exchange – July 10
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Bring camping recipe to share; grilling and cast iron cooking techniques demonstrated, 2pm, free, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
LOFT 125: Word Play! – July 15
Madden Arts Center, 3rd Floor, 125 N. Water St. Hollywood Game Night, bring your friends and drinks (none provided), must be 21 or older, 7:30-9:30pm, $, 217-423-3189.
