PrideFest, Art Fair among 5 things going on in Springfield this weekend
If your calendar isn’t filled out yet already that’s a miracle in itself – with two of the cities larger attractions of the year happening this weekend.Springfield is prepping for a busy weekend in downtown that’ll see it colored rainbow with Springfield’s Pride Festival and paintings will line the streets at the annual Old Capitol Art Fair. There’s plenty more to do, however.
Here are five things we found to do.
Annual Springfield Old Capitol Art Fair
What: For the 62nd year, downtown Springfield will be painted all shades and strokes outside the Old State Capitol building, which is still under renovations. The two-day art event goes all out providing opportunities to purchase original art in a wide variety of mediums and help invest in next-generation artists through local art contests and scholarship awards. As one of the nation’s top art festivals, eventgoers will be able to meet and buy from local, regional and national artists while snacking on plenty of food provided by regional food trucks with live music. Parents have the chance to drop by the children’s tent and let their little one pick out an art piece of their own choice.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: The fair is a couple of blocks north of Monroe Street, between 5th and 6th streets and surrounds downtown.
More: Parking is available on the streets and public parking lots for the event; more information can be found on the website at socaf.org.
PrideFest and parade
What: With this year’s theme "Enjoy the Journey", Illinoisians are set to fill the crowds at the annual Springfield PrideFest on Saturday and parade through the city for celebration of representation. The free event is back once again and this year, over 100 vendors have signed up to attend the event for locals to peruse before hitting the stage and watching talent shows for all ages at this family friendly event. There will be a drag show in the evening as well at 7:30 p.m.
When: Festivities begin at 11:30 a.m. Saturday
Where: 5th Street and Capitol Avenue in downtown.
More: Founded by the Phoenix Center of Central Illinois, parade route info can be found online at springfieldpride.org. There is street parking and parking ramps at 5th and Capitol and 7th and Monroe.
A step into the 1968 Poor People's Campaign
What: A major new exhibit opening Friday at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum illuminates an often-overlooked protest against poverty and economic inequality that redefined social justice and activism in America. "Solidarity Now! 1968 Poor People’s Campaign" tells the story of thousands of people who built and inhabited a 15-acre “city of hope” on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., bringing together all nationalities and socio-economic status figures and demonstrators. The exhibition will feature a 3D map of the city with photographs and the oral history from organizers of the vent.
When: The exhibition opens May 17 and runs through August 18 in the museum’s Illinois Gallery and is free with regular museum admission.
Where: 212 N. 6th St., Springfield
More: For more information, visit PresidentLincoln.illinois.gov.
Poor People's Campaign: Fight against poverty: Illinoisans to rally outside the state capitol this weekend
Armed Forces Day at the Henson Robinson Zoo
What: Organized by the Springfield Park District and the Henson Robinson Zoo, military members and veterans will have a free day at the zoo to celebrate Armed Forces Day, which is celebrated on the third Saturday of May every year. To score free tickets, just show a valid military ID to the staff for admission. The day honors all Americans who are or have served in the military and has been commemorated since 1950 and was made a national holiday by former President Harry S. Truman.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday
Where: The Henson Robinson Zoo at 1100 E. Lake Shore Drive, Springfield
More: For information, the zoo requests questions be directed to 217-585-1821.
Indie rock at Dumb Records
What: Looking for bumping music but not the large crowd? Go indie at the record shop with Dumb Records, who presents four regional artists at their only non-hardcore rock show of the month. Local artist Crash Planet joins Cairo Jag of Indiana, The Blank Stairs of Peoria and MARTYR of Glenwood are set to take the small stage and have some fun with the crowd.
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Dumb Records at 418 E. Monroe St., Springfield
More: Cover is $10 at the door to the event.
Claire Grant writes about business, growth and development and other news topics for the State Journal-Register. She can be reached at CLGrant@gannett.com; and on X (Formerly known as Twitter): @Claire_Granted
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: PrideFest, Old Capitol Art Fair among 5 things to do in Springfield
