Barbecues, a fiesta and a wrestling match on tap in Springfield this weekend

Tiffani Jackson, State Journal-Register
·3 min read

From celebrations of culture to a WWE-style wrestling match, there's plenty of things to do in Springfield this weekend. Planning for it? Here are five events to check out:

Old Capitol Blues & BBQ

Award-winning blues vocalist/instrumentalist/songwriter Curtis Salgado headlines the Old Capitol Blues & BBQ in downtown Springfield on Saturday.

The festival runs from 5 p.m. to midnight on Friday and 3 p.m. to midnight on Saturday. As in years past, the stage will be at Fifth and Adams streets.

Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal are also on Saturday's bill.

On Friday, blues guitarist Anson Funderburgh will join the Nick Moss Band with Brother John Kattke and Andrew Duncanson.

Salgado, who has spent more than four decades in the business, is supporting his 2021 album "Damage Control."

Salgado, 68, most famously tutored a young John Belushi in the blues while he was in Eugene, Oregon, making "National Lampoon's Animal House." Belushi would later portray "Joliet" Jake Blues on "Saturday Night Live," in "The Blues Brothers" movie and on tour opposite Elwood Blues (Dan Akroyd).

"Damage Control" is the first new record for Salgado, a survivor of both liver and lung cancers in four years.

Rounding out Friday's lineup is the Mary Jo Curry Band and Jason Elmore & Hoodoo Witch.

Eric Cline with The Real Deal BBQ team of Springfield prepares his pork shoulders for the 16th Annual Old Capitol Blues & BBQ on the Old State Capitol Plaza Friday, Aug. 23, 2019.
Eric Cline with The Real Deal BBQ team of Springfield prepares his pork shoulders for the 16th Annual Old Capitol Blues & BBQ on the Old State Capitol Plaza Friday, Aug. 23, 2019.

Kapital Sound also plays Saturday.

Tickets are $15 and are available at the gates each night. For more information visit www.facebook.com/Springfield.Illinois.Usa/

More:The 2022 Illinois State Fair in pictures

Garden club to host 'TableScape Celebration'

The Springfield Civic Garden club will host "A TableScape Celebration" this weekend.

The event will take place at the Washington Park Conservatory, 1730 W. Fayette Ave., from 1 to 5 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sunday.

A showcase, silent auction and 21 creative table settings will be featured. Admission is $10 for adults. Students are free.

For more information visit https://www.scgc-il.org/ or call 217-546-7709

Bridging The Gap BBQ

Mingle with community leaders and first responders at the Bridging the Gap BBQ on Saturday.

The Outlet mentoring group will host the event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Jaycee Park, 2400 E. Monroe St.

There will be music, games and free food. The event is sponsored by The Springfield Police Department, state Sen. Doris Turner, Springfield Park District and Humphrey’s Market.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/theoutletillinois

Latin Nights Fiesta

Dance to Latin rhythms with the Hispanic Women of Springfield during the Latin Nights Fiesta on Saturday.

The event will take place from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Laguna Brava Mexican restaurant, 2466 Wabash Ave.

Mexican cuisine and drink specials will be available for purchase. Dress to impress attire is encouraged.

There is a $10 cover charge.

For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/hwsIL2019 or call 217-572-1347

Micro Wrestling at Weebles

Watch little people wrestle at 6 p.m. Sunday at Weebles Bar and Grill, 4136 N. Peoria Road.

The Micro Wrestling Federation, a professional wrestling organization with members under 5 feet tall, will be featured during the show.

There will be two single matches, a micro brawl and a micro rumble. One belt champion will be announced.

General admission without seating is $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Guaranteed ringside seating is $40. All ages are welcome.

Food and drink specials will be available. For more information visit www.microwrestling.com/events/weeblesbarandgrill

Springfield YMCA Glow Run

Local athletes can participate in a 5K and help out the Springfield YMCA during the Y’s Glow Run on Saturday evening at Southwind Park.

The event begins at 5:45 p.m. with the run/walk starting at 7:45 p.m. It will include music, glow stations and outdoor activities.

Proceeds from the Glow Run will benefit the YMCA Strong Kids Fund.

Sign up at https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Springfield/YMCAGlowRun.

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Old Capitol Blues & BBQ and more on tap this weekend in Springfield