Looking for something to do this weekend? Here are six choices to entertain about anyone

State Journal-Register
·3 min read

There's something to keep just about everyone entertained this weekend. From St. Patrick's Day celebrations and wine tasting to character performances and shopping, check out these five fun things to do.

The Emerald Underground plays at Amber's Place on St. Patrick's Day
The Emerald Underground plays at Amber's Place on St. Patrick's Day

The Emerald Underground at Amber's Place

Springfield's Celtic fusion band The Emerald Underground ushers in St. Patrick's Day with a 7 p.m. set Friday at Amber's Place, 410 W. Maple Ave.

The sextet -- made up of Lori McMcKenzie (vocals, percussion), Bill McKenzie (bass, vocals), Nat Radwine (drums, percussion), Joe Kath (fiddle, vocals), Chas Blythe (electric guitar, vocals) and Steve Meyers (acoustic guitar, vocals) -- covers music from Gaelic Storm, Dropkick Murphys, The Pogues, Young Dubliners, Big Country and more.

There is a $5 cover.

Members of The St. Andrew’s Society of Central Illinois play their bagpipes and drums to mark the start of the Fat Ass 5K & Street Party in downtown Springfield.
Members of The St. Andrew’s Society of Central Illinois play their bagpipes and drums to mark the start of the Fat Ass 5K & Street Party in downtown Springfield.

St. Andrew's Society Bagpipers

What's St. Patrick's Day without the St. Andrew's Society of Central Illinois bagpipers and drummers?

Friday's pub crawl kicks off at D'arcy's Pint, 661 W. Stanford Ave., at 8:30 a.m., with other appearances at D'arcy's at 1:15 and 6:45 p.m.

The rest of Friday's schedule includes Lime Street Cafe, 951 S. Durkin Dr., at noon and 8 p.m.; The Butternut Hut, 215 N. Second St., at 3:15 p.m.; Shamrock Tavern, 1703 W. Monroe St., at 4 p.m.; Franny's, 2136 N. Eighth St., at 4:30 p.m.; The Corner Pub and Grill, 3271 W. Iles Ave., at 5 p.m.; The Bird Tavern, 1451 W. Jefferson St., at 6 p.m. and Home Plate Bar & Grill, 2571 Koke Mill Rd., at 7:30 p.m.

More:Springfield celebrates with the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade

Shrek on ice

The Springfield Figure Skating Club's Spotlight on Ice features costumed performances from Mary Poppins, Shrek, Showstoppers and 42nd Street.

Shows at Nelson Recreation Center (at Lincoln Park) are at 2 and 7 p.m. on Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Tickets are available from club members, at the door, or online through Eventbrite.

Old Farmer's Market returns

Spend your Saturday morning shopping at the Winter Old Capitol Farmer's Market. The market returns off-season to Springfield Union Station, 500 E. Madison St., 8 a.m. to noon.

Choose from various vendors selling local meats, produce, Illinois wine, and other creations.

The next market will be on April 1.

Have wine and play music bingo

Get a group of friends and head out to It's All About Wine Saturday for music bingo.

Come early and grab a spot for the fun that starts at 7 p.m., at 1305 Wabash Ave., Suite M, in Springfield. Players who match an artist and song with corresponding numbers can win $10 gift certificates.

Variations of wine by the glass and bottle will be available for purchase along with 18 craft beers, selections of bourbons, and non-alcoholic beverages. You can also bring your own food.

Fantastical folk jam

Grab some folks for Buzz Bomb's Fantastical Folk Jam on Sunday.

Starting at 4 p.m., a musical assortment of country, western, bluegrass, and more will be featured at the 406 E Adams St. location. Attendees are invited to bring their own instruments.

Contact Steven Spearie: 217-622-1788, sspearie@sj-r.com, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie.

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Here are six fun things to do this weekend in Springfield