Enjoy the weekend, here are 5 things to do in and around Springfield

Staff Report
·2 min read

Here are a variety of entertainment options to get you and your family out of the house this weekend. From a family-friendly circus to music and films, there's plenty to do in Springfield.

The circus comes to town

Load the family in the car and head to the Bank of Springfield Center for the Ansar Shriner's Circus. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday; and 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Sunday.

Admission is $7 for children ages 2-12 and $14 each for age 13 and older. Buy tickets at the door or in advance at the BOS Center or at ticketmaster.com.

In concert

Country singer and songwriter Phil Vassar will be in concert with Colton Chapman at 7 p.m. Friday at Boondocks Pub, 2909 N. Dirksen Parkway.

Vassar is a 2021 Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame nominee. Tickets for his Springfield performance are $25 in advance at www.philvassar.com/live.

All about jazz

If country isn't your thing, make your way to Boone's, 301 West Edwards Street, where the Springfield Area Arts Council again will host Uptown Friday Night, a jazz concert series from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. There is no cover charge to enjoy the sounds of the Smooth and Blue Band. Food and drink, however, will be available for purchase.

More: Dozens attend first public outdoor ice skating rink in downtown Springfield in years

Take in a documentary

The University of Illinois Springfield Performing Arts Center will present the screening of the documentary Gen Silent. Follow the lives of six LGBT seniors living in the Boston area who must choose if they will hide their sexuality in order to survive in the long-term health care system.

Showings are at 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free but registration is required. Go to uispac.com/events/gen-silent-film-screening to register and see COVID-19 requirements. or call AgeLinc at 217-787-9234.

Drink wine, listen to music

Taste wine and listen to live music performed by Ocean State at It's All About Wine, 1305 Wabash Ave., 3-6 p.m. Sunday. The wine shop and wine bar welcomes back the jazz playing group. If you get hungry, a selection of meat and cheeses are available to purchase but you can also pack a snack to bring or have food delivered. Call 217-546-9463 for details.

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Things to do this weekend in Springfield, IL: Circus, Colton Chapman