Events in Decatur, IL

The Spotlight Series brings central Illinois bands to the Historic Lincoln Square Theater for a concert-style experience with full sound and lights. Thirteen groups will perform across the season, and the band with the most ticket sales by season’s end, verified by the box office, earns a $10,000 cash prize, a $6,000 advertising package, and an opening slot for a national act in their genre at the theater during the following season. The champion also returns with bragging rights and a chance to defend the title. This installment features 90’s Daughter from Urbana, Illinois. Every participating band receives fair exposure, marketing, and advertising, and each act is encouraged to get creative in promoting themselves since ticket sales decide the outcome. Presented by McDonalds, Speed Lube, Air King, McLeod Trucking, and Cromwell Media.

Enjoy a Trunk or Treat hosted by Central Christian Church.

Protege celebrates Halloween with a rock party full of festive energy and a focus on rock music. A lively celebration of the season awaits with a Halloween twist at the center of it all.

A free educational program, offered in partnership with Decatur Memorial Hospital, focuses on practical support for managing diabetes. Taking place in Classroom C at Decatur Memorial Hospital in Decatur, IL, the session covers ways to choose foods that help meet blood sugar goals, highlights community diabetes services that are often overlooked, and includes dedicated time for questions with diabetes professionals. A simple recipe suited to a diabetes-friendly eating plan will be available to taste. Presented by the College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences with cooperation from the University of Illinois, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local Extension councils. Illinois Extension provides equal opportunity in programs and employment. For reasonable accommodation requests, call 217-877-6042, and make requests as early as possible so access needs can be met.

This community event pairs a fundraiser with a packing party in support of Operation Christmas Child. The goal is to raise $4,500 to purchase items for 150 shoeboxes, culminating in a packing session to assemble them. All funds are dedicated to the contents that go inside each box.

Settle into a restorative sound bath at Decatur Wellness Collective. Crystal singing bowls, gentle drumming, and resonant gongs create a soothing soundscape that encourages deep relaxation and a sense of balance. Bring a comfortable mat or blanket and find a cozy spot to unwind. No prior experience is required. Many people seek sound baths for stress reduction, improved sleep, mindful relaxation, and overall well-being. Admission is $25. Registration is available, and drop-ins are welcome.

Bring your pumpkins for a lively community gathering filled with games, challenges, and plenty of pumpkin-smashing fun. Try creative ways to smash, squish, and break down your pumpkin, then explore family-friendly activities that keep the energy going. Learn what happens after the smashing wraps up, including how pumpkins can be turned into nutrient-rich compost instead of heading to the landfill. Discover simple steps that help reduce waste, protect natural resources, and care for the planet. Please remove candles, ribbons, paint, and any other non-organic materials before you arrive. All pumpkins will be transported to a composting facility after the event. Presented in cooperation with the College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Local Extension Councils. Illinois Extension offers equal opportunity in its programs and employment. For reasonable accommodation requests, call 217-877-6042, and please reach out early so there is enough time to meet access needs.

The food pantry will be open for distribution. Please bring your own bags or boxes to carry items. A brief devotion is available for those who wish to take part, and participation is optional.

The USA Softball of Illinois Hall of Fame Banquet 2026 gathers the softball community at the Decatur Conference Center and Hotel to honor athletes, coaches, umpires, and supporters whose commitment has shaped the sport throughout Illinois. The evening features a seated dinner and a program recognizing the newest Hall of Fame inductees, with shared reflections that celebrate the game’s history, achievements, and enduring spirit. For questions, contact the Decatur Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at 217-423-7000 or Jessica@DecaturCVB.com.

Echoes of Pompeii returns after strong demand with a tribute to Pink Floyd. It features live performances that closely mirror the band's studio recordings, paired with an accompanying laser show. The production has expanded each year and highlights the signature sights and sounds associated with Pink Floyd in concert. For more information, call 217-454-4583.

Show #12 of the Spotlight Series features X-KRUSH from Champaign, Illinois. This concert is part of a new program presented by McDonalds, Speed Lube, Air King, McLeod Trucking, and Cromwell Media that highlights central Illinois talent while inviting fans to help decide the season champion. Thirteen bands share equal marketing and advertising support and perform on the historic Lincoln Square Theater stage with full concert sound and lighting. The band with the highest verified box office ticket sales by season’s end earns a grand prize that includes a $6,000 advertising package, a $10,000 cash award, and an opening spot with a national act in their style during the next season at the Historic Lincoln Square Theater. The winner is crowned King of the Hill, returns for a sophomore year with bragging rights, and can claim the title again. Questions can be directed to 217-454-4583.

At Perkinson Gallery, the closing reception celebrates an exhibition where area high school teachers curate standout art and media by their most accomplished students and also present examples of their own professional work. The showcase reflects an ongoing commitment to highlight the creativity of young Central Illinois artists within the local community. During the reception, awards and scholarships will be presented.

Lincoln Square Theater presents a Spotlight Series concert headlined by Decade of Decadence, celebrating the sound and spectacle of classic 80s rock. The set draws from hits made famous by Guns N’ Roses, Poison, Def Leppard, Mötley Crüe, Bon Jovi, Journey, Aerosmith, Whitesnake, and more. A large LED video wall fills the stage with vintage MTV-style clips and retro visuals, creating an immersive throwback packed with big sing-along moments and high-energy production. The night opens with Taylor Bruninga & The Bandits, bringing originals and covers that span outlaw country, 90s country, modern country, and Southern rock and roll. Two bands share the spotlight for a cross-generational mix of riffs and roots that keeps the party moving.

Enjoy an evening of dancing that carries on late into the night.

A flow yoga session at Fleet Feet welcomes all experience levels, from newcomers to longtime practitioners. Enjoy a calm, supportive setting centered on mindful movement and a little time for yourself. The cost is $5, and please bring your own yoga mat. Instructors include Lori Barrett, Jess Rhodes, Cheri Timmons, Amanda Stonecipher, and Megan Schniederjan.

Set at the Decatur Conference Center and Hotel, this Midwest taekwondo championship showcases competition across forms, sparring, board breaking, and weapons.

Opus 24 celebrates 35 years with an afternoon of music. Tickets can be purchased at the door.

Set inside the Staley Museum's historic home, this cozy Christmas market highlights handmade goods from local vendors and supports local history as well as small businesses. The complete list of vendors and other information will be announced soon.

A reception accompanies the School of Art and Creative Media Faculty Biennial, presenting professional work by faculty in design, printmaking, photography, film, video, and sound. The exhibition showcases their creative range and expertise, offering a look into the practices of working artists and highlighting the strength of the Art and Media programs. Each work reflects a distinct approach, coming together in a varied presentation of contemporary creative expression. Featured among the works is Ed Walker’s digital design 'Mining Diamonds', measuring 16 by 24 inches.

Historic Lincoln Square Theater presents Jackyl with special guest Jonny Vodka, courtesy of Coziahr Harley-Davidson, for a high-energy rock and roll showcase. The multi-platinum band from Georgia features Jesse James Dupree on vocals and guitar, Jeff Worley on guitar, Chris Worley on percussion, and Roman Glick on bass. Jackyl first roared onto the scene in 1992 with a double platinum Geffen Records debut anchored by “The Lumberjack,” famous for Dupree’s chainsaw solo, along with “I Stand Alone” and “Down on Me.” Notable moments include a standout set at Woodstock ’94, a free-speech protest performance outside a K‑Mart, and sharing stages with Aerosmith, KISS, and ZZ Top. The group holds two Guinness World Records and recorded a unique duet with AC/DC when Brian Johnson lent his voice to “Locked and Loaded.” Their momentum continues with relentless touring, collaborations that reach into hip-hop with Rock & Roll Hall of Famer DMC of Run‑D.M.C., and a raucous spirit rooted at the Full Throttle Saloon in Sturgis. With millions of streams for “The Lumberjack Song” and the release “Jackyl 30 Coming In Hot,” the band keeps championing straight-ahead, road-tested rock. Their catalog includes Jackyl, Push Comes to Shove, Cut the Crap, Stayin’ Alive, Relentless, When Moonshine and Dynamite Collide, Best in Show, Rowyco, and Jackyl 30 Coming In Hot.

Protege is back at VFW Post 99 Camouflage Bar, bringing an evening of rock and roll. The band returns to the Camouflage Bar stage for another live show.

Shop for toys that will be donated as part of a Christmas giving effort. More details will be announced soon.

Settle into a calm atmosphere at Decatur Wellness Collective for a sound bath featuring crystal singing bowls, soft drum rhythms, and resonant gongs. The gentle waves of sound are intended to ease stress and encourage a sense of balance while inviting deep relaxation. Bring a mat or blanket to get comfortable, and no prior experience is required. Many participants seek benefits such as improved sleep, mindful calm, and overall well-being. Admission is $25, and drop-ins are welcome.

Three actors swap out A Christmas Carol for a whirlwind tour of other favorite holiday stories. Santa, Rudolph, the Grinch, and more pop up in a fast-paced comedy that revels in festive silliness and keeps the laughter rolling into the new year. The show takes place at the Decatur Area Arts Council.

This food pantry event asks attendees to bring their own bags or boxes to carry items home. A brief devotional time will be offered, and taking part is completely optional.

Not Petty makes a return to Rocco's Bar with a night built around two full sets celebrating the music of Tom Petty. Between those sets comes a short interlude featuring the duo’s original songs and a few covers that are not Petty. As a Tom Petty tribute duo, they pack the show with many of the biggest hits while also slipping in B sides and rarities for listeners who enjoy the deep tracks. Formed in October 2021, Not Petty has played more than 700 shows across Illinois, the Midwest, and beyond.

The Historic Lincoln Square Theater welcomes the return of The Ace Frehley Band with special guest SIIN for a tribute to the life and music of Ace Frehley in downtown Decatur. A Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Ace was the original lead guitarist for KISS and the designer of the band’s logo. Known as the Spaceman or Space Ace, he earned a lasting reputation for blues-driven hard rock solos and unforgettable riffs, with recognition that includes his 2014 Hall of Fame induction and a place among Guitar World’s greatest metal guitarists. The Official Ace Frehley Band features his longtime touring and recording musicians, presenting a faithful celebration of his legacy. Ace performed at this theater in 2024, with SIIN opening that show as well, and a planned return the following year did not occur following his passing. This concert focuses on the songs, sound, and spirit that defined his career.

The Homestead is decked out for Christmas with festive decor, complimentary cookies, and a sing along of classic Christmas carols led by local musician Zach Garrett. Admission is free, and donations are appreciated.

Celebrate the new year a little early with a laid back show. Admission is by donation, and the gathering is potluck style, so bringing a snack is encouraged. The event is hosted by Allison Reynolds Beyers and friends.

The Greater Decatur Chorale presents its 42nd winter concert, True Colors, at the Johns Hill Magnet School Auditorium. This ensemble features adult singers from the community and performs under the direction of Ted Hesse with accompanist Anita Gifford. General seating costs $10, and tickets are available by calling 217-422-5911.