Entertainment & Events

The Illinois State Fair is a major annual festival that centers on the theme of agriculture and has been held in Springfield each August since 1853. Experience exciting rides, animal shows, racing, food vendors and concert performances from leading artists!

The Sangamon County Fair is an annual event hosted by Sangamon County each June for families and friends to enjoy concerts, rides, animals, games and more.

Old Capitol Farmers Market - produced by Downtown Springfield Inc. (DSI) since 1999, this market strives to support small farms and local growers by providing a venue to directly market their goods.

Illinois Products Farmers Market - Held at The Shed across from the Lincoln stage at the state fairgrounds, this market is produced by the Illinois Department of Agriculture and features local growers and area wineries, often with live music entertainment.

Bites on the Boulevard is a food truck pop-up event in the parking lot of local shops on MacArthur Boulevard in Springfield, with great food, drinks, and music.

Juneteenth is a two-day event held every third Saturday and Sunday of June. Activities include the annual kick-off parade down Martin Luther King Drive, the Marla Jean Hunter Memorial Basketball tournament, a double-dutch contest, and a tennis clinic.

Springfield Pridefest is a family-friendly street festival that celebrates the LGBT community and equality.

Set against the backdrop of the Illinois Old State Capitol building, the Old Capitol Art Fair brings artists and shoppers from across the country flocking to downtown Springfield for a two-day outdoor art gallery.

Run where Lincoln walked! The Midwest’s premier half marathon takes participants past Springfield's major Lincoln sites, including his home and tomb.

Old Capitol Holiday Walks
Spending time in the downtown district allows you to create holiday magic with your family from late November until Christmas. Experience the annual holiday parade, shopping and other fun activities each year.

Light Up the Park: Chatham Community Park
Large-scale, hand-built display fills the park with over 100,000 lights that set the park a glow.

Illinois State Military Museum: Christmas at the Front
Living historians share how soldiers celebrated Christmas during four conflicts: Revolutionary War, Civil War, World War I and World War II. Holiday carols are sung by local school choirs, and cookies and hot beverages are served.

Clayville Candlelight Christmas
Step back to the 1820s with tours of the decorated Broadwell Inn, Batterton Cabin, White cabin, Schoolhouse, and Ag Museum.

Luminari Sunday: Dana-Thomas House
The exterior of the home will be lined with 1,000 candles and guests can take a silent tour of the beautiful interior accompanied by holiday music.