Calendar – June / July 2024
CHARITY DATEBOOK
Music Bingo – June 20
Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater, 2686 E. Cantrell St. It’s like BINGO, but with songs instead of letters and numbers, several rounds and prizes, proceeds benefit the Decatur Parks Foundation, participants must be 18 years or older, admission is limited to the first 500 guests, 7pm, $, tickets www.devonamphitheater.com, 217-422-5911.
Farm to Table Macon County – July 11
Richland Community College, 1 College Pk. Social tasting experience exploring seasonal dishes, desserts and crafted drinks all by local chefs, bakers, distilleries, wineries and breweries, live music, silent auction and more, proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society, 5:30pm, $, www.farmtotablemaconcounty.com.
A Visit to the Castle – July 18
Staley Office Building (now Primient), 2200 E. Eldorado. Take a tour of the iconic Staley office building. $. Ticket sales start June 18 at www.staleymuseum.com. Proceeds benefit the Staley Museum.
Mac n’ Cheese Fest – July 20
Fairview Park Big Pavilion. Tastings of macaroni and cheese inspired dishes prepared by local restaurants, along with games, raffles, live music, and art vendors. 11 am to 3 p.m. $. Tickets at www.decaturarts.org, 217-423-3189. Proceeds benefit the Decatur Area Arts Council.
ART
Cancer Care Art Exhibits – June & July
210 W. McKinley Ave., center open hours, free, 217-422-1509.
June – Tracey Maras
July – Nicole Christison
Decatur Airport Exhibits – June & July
Main Terminal, Lobby Gallery, 910 S. Airport Rd., airport open hours, free, 217-422-1509.
June – Sue Watts
July – Jan Sorenson Hill
Decatur Public Library Exhibits – June & July
130 N. Franklin St., library hours, free, 217-422-1509.
June – Primrose Retirement Community
July – Barn Colony Artists
Rock Springs Exhibits – June & July
3939 Nearing Ln., M-F 8am-5pm, Sa 9am-5pm, Su 1-5pm, free, 217-423-7708.
June – Celestino Ruffini & Danny Pratt
July – Curt Knapp & Dave Castor
First Friday Gallery Walk – June 7 and July 12
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, artist talks, live music and refreshments in the downtown Decatur art galleries, 5-7pm, free, 217-423-3189.
Gallery 510 Exhibits – June & July
160 E. Main St. General exhibit hours Tu-F 11am-5pm, free, 217-422-1509.
June – Carol Kessler
July – Tina Acciavati
Local Locomotives Exhibit – June 7-July 23
Madden Arts Center, Anne Lloyd Gallery, 125 N. Water St. Railroad, past and present in Decatur and Illinois exhibit, featuring artifacts, photos and relics. General exhibit hours M-F 8:30am-4:30pm, Sa 10am-2pm, free, 217-423-3189.
CONCERTS & LIVE MUSIC
Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater Concerts & Events – June/July
2686 E. Cantrell St., doors open 6pm, concerts 7pm (unless otherwise noted), $, 217-422-5911.
6/1 – Time Machine Band
6/6 – Skillet featuring Icon for Hire
6/7 – Craig Morgan with Drew Baldri
6/8 – Abducted by the 80s
6/14 – That Arena Rock Show
6/15 – uRequest Live
6/26 – REO Speedwagon with Levon
6/28 – Invincible – A Glorious Tribute to Michael Jackson
6/29 – The Little Mermen
7/4 – Imagine That Band, concert 6pm
7/5 – Gym Class Heroes
7/6 – The Docksiders – Yacht Rock Experience
7/7 – Blackberry Smoke
7/11 – Sean Kingston
7/12 – Neal McCoy with Alex Miller
7/14 – Walker Hayes – Same Drunk Tour
7/25 – Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox
7/26 – Mini Pop Kids
7/27 – Ian Munsick
7/28 – Straight No Chaser – “Summer: The 90s” Tour
Decatur Municipal Band Concerts – June & July
167th annual family friendly summer band concerts performed since 1857, featuring traditional and contemporary band music, directed by Jim Culbertson, bring lawn chairs and/or blankets, free, 217-855-3908.
6/2-7/28 – Su’s, Fairview Park, Pavilion #1, 1455 W. Fairview Park Dr., 6pm
6/3-7/29 – M’s, Central Park, Downtown Decatur, 7pm
6/19 & 7/24 – Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater, 2686 E. Cantrell St., 7pm
Summer Concert Series – June & July
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Grab the lawn chairs and enjoy a summer of great music. Free. 7-8pm. 217-423-7708. For the complete schedule, www.maconcountyconservation.org.
Dulcimer Music – June 8, 22 & July 6, 20
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Tranquil music played by the Dulcimer Club, 10am-12pm, free, 217-423-7708.
Acoustic Music Jams – June 9 & July 14
Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Ln. Listen to local musicians or bring your instrument and play along, 1-4pm free, 217-423-7708.
Buon Viaggio Concert – June 9
Saints James and Patrick Parish, 407 E. Eldorado St. Concert preview of the music Opus 24 will be singing in Italy as part of the Great Basilicas of Italy Choral Festival, 3pm, free, 217-454-8709.
B.O.S.S. – July 19-20
Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater, 2686 E. Cantrell St. Quadruple feature of Pajama Party, Update: Earth, School House Rock Jr. and Get in the Game, performers from all over Central Illinois, 6pm, $, 217-422-5911.
Pablo Cruise – July 26
Lincoln Square Theater, 141 N. Main St. Live soft rock concert with local special guests Solid Gold, doors open 6pm, show 7pm, $, tickets at www.Lincolnsquaretheater.com, 217-454-4583.
Ace Frehley – June 29
Lincoln Square Theater, 141 N. Main St. Founding member of the rock band KISS performs with special guests SIIN, doors open 6pm, show 7pm, $, tickets at www.Lincolnsquaretheater.com, 217-454-4583.
COMEDY & THEATRE
Comedian Jonnie W. – June 6
Lincoln Square Theater, 141 N. Main St. Family friendly Christian comedian takes the stage, tickets include popcorn and a drink, presented by the Decatur Regional Chamber of Commerce, doors open 6pm, show 6:30pm, $, 217-454-4583.
HISTORY & MUSEUMS
Bethel School Open Houses – June 1 & July 6
Friends Creek Conservation Area, 13734 Friends Creek Park Rd., Cisco, IL. Tour one of Macon County’s last one-room schoolhouses circa 1890 which served the community for over 50 years, 1-4pm, free, 217-423-7708.
Homestead Prairie Farm Open Houses – June & July
Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Ln. Discover the historic 1860s Decatur farmhouse and the lives of the people who lived there, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Sa’s & Su’s 1-4pm, free, 217-423-7708.
Independence Day 1860 – June 29
Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Ln. Celebrate our nation’s birthday 1860s style with Homestead Prairie Farm tours, see the heirloom vegetable and herb gardens, play with vintage toys and games, performance by the Rock Springs Dulcimer Club (in case of rain, concert moved indoors to Nature Center), bring lawn chairs, 6-8pm, concert 6:30pm, free, 217-423-7708.
Rock Springs Ground Squirrels Vintage Baseball – June 29
Rock Springs Conservation Area, Trobaugh Field, 3939 Nearing Ln. Baseball game played in vintage uniforms with authentic 1858 rules, 12pm, free, 217-423-7708.
James Millikin Homestead Open Houses – June 30 & July 28
125 N. Pine St. Tour the home of James and Anna Millikin circa 1876, one of Decatur’s beautiful historic Victorian mansions, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, 2-4pm, $, 217-422-9003.
Governor Richard Oglesby Mansion Open Houses – June 30 & July 28
421 W. William St. Visit the historic Decatur landmark and beautifully restored Victorian home of Illinois Governor Richard Oglesby, 2-4pm, $, 217-423-7708.
NATURE & GARDENS
Summer of Cicadas – June 8
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. This summer brings the 17- and 13-year cicadas broods emergence to Illinois, hear about the natural history of this insect then go outside to try and find some, 2pm, free, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
Master Gardener’s Garden Walk – June 22
Decatur Public Library, 130 N. Franklin St.; Crossing Healthcare, 320 Central Ave.; Staley Museum, 361 N. College St.; Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Stroll through the charming community gardens listed above, Master Gardener volunteers will be onsite to answer questions and to provide education, 10am-2pm, free admission, 217-877-6042.
Unplug Illinois Day – July 13
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Put away your electronic devices and celebrate the day while meeting some of the Center’s reptiles and amphibians up close, then go outside to search for some wild ones, 2-4pm, $, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
Night Hike – July 20
Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Ln. Take a hike at night and enjoy fun and sensory activities along the Rock Springs-Fairview Bike Trail, 9pm, $, registration required, 217-423-7708.
Backyard Conservation – July 27
Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Ln. Discover how you can make an impact on conservation in your own backyard with ways of enhancing your garden through rain gardens, berms and pollinator patches, 2pm, free, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
Nature Exploration in the Digital Age – July 28
Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Ln. Discover 2 popular apps for wildlife identification – Seek and iNaturalist – then go outside and put them to the test, 2pm, $, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
EVENTS FOR CHILDREN & FAMILIES
Summer Splash Adventurama – June 14
Overlook Adventure Park, Splash Cove and Over the Top Ice Cream Shop, 2501 E. Nelson Park Rd. Bring a teammate for an Amazing Race-style competition, with mini golf, ropes course, Splash Cove and Over the Top Ice Cream Shop, 6pm, $, reservations required, 217-422-5911.
Airport Fun Day – June 15
Decatur Airport, Terminal Building, 910 S. Airport Rd. Park District’s Striker emergency vehicle available to climb aboard, Scovill Mobile Zoo, K-9 demonstration, Experimental Aircraft Association free young eagle flights for kids ages 8-17, 8-11am, flights 9-11am, free, registration required for flights at 8:30am, 217-428-2423.
Dads’ Three Dollar Deal Day – June 16
Scovill Zoo, 71 S. Country Club Rd. Celebrate Father’s Day with $3 per person admission for the entire family, 9:30am-5pm, $, 217-421-7435.
Twilight Tuesday – June 25 & July 30
Scovill Zoo, 71 S. Country Club Rd. Experience the zoo and grounds during the evening hours, gift shop and entrance open until 7pm, zoo open until 8pm, $, 217-421-7435.
All American Circus – June 29
Decatur Civic Center, 1 Gary K. Anderson Plz. Oscar Garcia and Stardust Circus Entertainment presents all the classics of a real family circus, come early before show time to enjoy the Kids Fun Zone featuring their pet pony and dog, doors open 6pm, show 7pm, $, 217-422-7300.
Fourth of July Decatur Park District Events – July 4
Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater, 2686 E. Cantrell St.; Scovill Zoo, 71 S. Country Club Rd.; Overlook Adventure Park & Splash Cove, 2501 E. Nelson Park Rd. Special activities and discounts at the 4 listed venues, Devon Amphitheater, Imagine That Band 6pm, Scovill Zoo, 9:30am-6pm, free admission, Overlook 10am-8pm, Splash Cove 12-6:30pm, fireworks at dusk over Lake Decatur, 217-422-5911.
Ice Cream Safari – July 21
Scovill Zoo, 71 S. Country Club Rd. Stroll the zoo grounds and sample different ice cream flavors throughout the zoo, 1-4pm, $, 217-421-7435.
SPORTS, HEALTH & FITNESS
Midstate Soccer Cup – May 31-June 2
Decatur Soccer Complex, 1 Educational Pk. Featuring U8-U19 boys’ and girls’ club teams from Illinois and surrounding states, times vary, free admission, 217-429-2372.
Moonlight Yoga at the Devon – June 4
Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater, 2686 E. Cantrell St. Public community yoga sessions outdoors led by certified yoga instructor Connie Pease, bring a mat, towel and drinking water, all ages and skill levels welcome, 7-8pm, free, 217-422-5911.
DECU 5K Glow Run for Dove, Inc. – June 27
Forsyth Park, 500 W. Weaver Rd., Forsyth, IL. 7th annual Glow Run, all proceeds benefit Dove, Inc., wear your glow gear, run 8pm, $ for registration, 217-875-2301.
FESTIVALS & EXPOSITIONS
Macon County Fair – June 5-9
3700 N. Westlawn Ave. Annual county fair with harness racing, queen pageant, varied animal shows, rodeo, truck and tractor pulls, demolition derby, kids’ activities, sale of champions, live bands including Marshall Tucker, Pizzaz, and Jake Gill, food, games and more, shuttle service available from St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 1 Bachrach Ct. Th-Su, full schedule and hours at www.maconcountyfair.com, $, 217-875-0135.
Forsyth Fest – June 14-15
Forsyth Park, 500 W. Weaver Rd., Forsyth, IL. Food, music, vendors, fireworks, inflatables, F 4-8pm, Sa 10am-9pm, free admission, 217-877-9445.
35th Annual Seniorama – July 18
Decatur Civic Center Arena, 1 Gary K. Anderson Plz. Coordinating seniors and their families with opportunities and services, entertainment and exhibitors for all ages including health care services, healthy living options, insurance reps, social activities, blood type testing, free BINGO and more, 10am-1pm, free admission, 217-422-7300.
Warrensburg Corn Festival – July 18-20
Downtown Warrensburg , 155 E. Main St., Warrensburg, IL. Family fun street festival with live music, car show, food vendors and more, times and full schedule at www.warrensburgcornfestival.com, 217-672-3222.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Farmers Market – June & July
Central Park, downtown Decatur. Illinois’ oldest farmers market dating back to the late 1800s with sales of farm fresh produce, baked goods, jams, jellies, chocolates, flowers, and more, Sa’s 8am, 217-423-7000.
Mercy Gardens Market – June & July
Preston Jackson Park, downtown Decatur. Good Samaritan Inn brings the bounty of their gardens to market every Saturday from 8am-Noon. Vendors change weekly. Free entertainment. 217-429-1455.
Richland Farmers Market – June & July
Michael D. Andreas Agriculture Building, 1 College Park. Fresh produce, baked goods, meats, locally made products and more, Bistro to Go Food Truck serving dinner, M’s 4-6pm, $ to purchase goods, 217-875-7211 ext. 6442.
Hardy’s Highway Race for the Lake – June 8-9
Lake Decatur. Boat races, arts & crafts, kids’ activities, food and drink vendors, 10am-5pm, free admission, 217-422-5911.
Lighted Boat Parade – June 22
2nd annual parade features decorated boats cruising Lake Decatur around all four basins, assembly in Basin #1 at Lost Bridge at dusk. Register at Fun on Lake Decatur on Facebook.
All American Dog Birthday Party – June 22
Macon County Animal Control & Care Center, 2800 E. Parkway Dr. Open house, refreshments and ice cream truck, adoption specials, 12-3pm, free admission, 217-423-7387.
Rotary Fest – June 22
Central Park, 265 South Park St., downtown Decatur. Features the Wurst Cornhole Tournament Ever from 12-5pm, food trucks, yard games, 50/50 raffle. $. 217-423-7000.
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.
