'Ladies and Gentlemen: The Weekend!' 8 things to do while out and about in Springfield

Tiffani Jackson, State Journal-Register
·4 min read
Mitchell Hudson tosses his son, Caleb Hudson, 7 months, into the air as John Moreland performs in the final concert of the Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series on the Y-Block on Aug. 1, 2019, in Springfield.
Mitchell Hudson tosses his son, Caleb Hudson, 7 months, into the air as John Moreland performs in the final concert of the Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series on the Y-Block on Aug. 1, 2019, in Springfield.

Music, motivation and bonding opportunities highlight what's happening in Springfield this weekend.

No plans and looking for something to do?

Here are eight activities set in the area this weekend to keep in mind while out and about.

Levitt Amp Springfield Music Series

Get your lawn chairs ready for the return of the Levitt Amp music series to downtown this Thursday. Sounds will kick off at the Y Block on Jackson Street between Fourth and Fifth streets at 6 p.m.

The Soul Message band will provide jazz for the evening’s entertainment and there will also be a 30-minute intermission with performances from local and regional dance troupes.

Children's activities provided by Springfield Park District will be available during the concert. Concerts will continue every Thursday at 6 p.m. through Aug. 4 free of cost.

For more information, visit Levitt AMP Springfield on Facebook.

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Artists on the Plaza

The Springfield Area Arts Council is bringing back its Artists on the Plaza series on Fridays. During the series, local artists perform at noon at the Old State Capitol Plaza.

Tom Irwin is the headliner for the first afternoon performance which is family-friendly and free.

This year's concerts, sponsored by Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau, will run every Friday until Labor Day. For more information, visit www.springfieldareaartsco.org

Edgewise Exhibit Tour

Join the Illinois State Museum on Friday for an interactive art and history experience through its Edgewise Exhibit Tour.

The guided tour is part of Downtown Springfield’s History Comes Alive summer series that brings storytelling, performances and a variety of characters together for a trip into the past.

The Edgewise Exhibit highlights women, queer and nonbinary people who’ve championed for causes they care about. The exhibit amplifies their personal stories to showcase how they’ve made their mark in a male-centric society to inspire generations today.

Tours will be held from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and last one hour. For more information, visit www.illinoisstatemueum.org or call 217-782-6044.

Legacy of Giving Music Festival

Explore the downtown nightlife at the Legacy of Giving Music Festival this weekend.

Live performances, vendors, food trucks and more than 60 acts will take over the Old State Capitol Historic site starting Friday from 5 p.m. until midnight.

Performances will run across five stages that will be set up on Fifth Street, Washington Street and The Old State Capitol Plaza. An entertainment area for children will be available.

All proceeds from the festival will be donated to local charities. The Saturday event will run from noon until midnight.

For more information visit www.logmusicfest.org.

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Melanin & Muffins

Get replenished with Black Lives Matter Springfield at its ‘Melanin and Muffins’ brunch fundraiser on Saturday.

The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Luminary Kitchen and Provisions, 3121 Hedley Road.

Mimosas, brunch and a presentation by Dr. Wendi El-Amin of SIU Medicine about PTSD will be provided during the event. A minimum $40 donation is required for admission and a free gift will be given to the first 40 attendees.

For more information, contact the Black Lives Matter Springfield Facebook page.

Mini Golf Classic

The third annual Kiwanis Club of Springfield Downtown mini golf classic returns this Saturday.

The classic will include 18 holes of mini golf for $20, covering a two-person team.

Games will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Knight’s Action Park, 1700 Recreation Drive. All proceeds will go to Kiwanis Club service projects which benefit children of the community.

For more information, contact the Kiwanis Club of Downtown Springfield Facebook page.  

Tea Party

Celebrate National Cancer Survivors Day with a tea party at the Village Tea Room, 3301 Robbins Road, on Sunday.

There will be music, poetry and art. Members of the Lavender Life Cancer and Lupus Foundation will highlight survivors during the event.

Tea party attire is encouraged and food and wine will be available. The event will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. with no cover charge.

For more information, contact the Lavender Life Cancer and Lupus Foundation Facebook page.

Shavuot

Join the Chabad Jewish Center of Springfield for a dairy buffet and ice cream party on Sunday.

The celebration marks the day the Jewish people became a nation and received the Torah in historical times known as the "Shavuot."

The event begins at 1 p.m. and a reading of the Ten Commandments will be included. For more information, visit www.chabadspringfield.com or call 773-870-7770.

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Things to do this weekend in Springfield, Illinois