Events in Springfield today

Let young children move and play in the gym during Gym Explorers at SGC. This program welcomes both members and non-members, and the cost is $15 per child. Sign up at the door, through the app, or online.

This free trivia night at Obed & Isaac's The Cidery features seven rounds of questions designed to test your knowledge and keep the laughs coming. Prizes are awarded to the winners.

Choose local at the Old Capitol Farmers Market, presented by HSHS St. John’s.

Spend an evening of board games with family and friends inside the historic Dana-Thomas House. Participants bring their favorite games, and a table will be provided in one of the home’s historic rooms for groups to play together. Non-alcoholic drinks and light snacks may be brought. This free, all-ages gathering requires reservations because space is limited.

Boone's presents a weekly Wednesday night open mic hosted by Joel Honey and Silas Tockey. It goes on rain or shine. A full bar is available, and the kitchen stays open until 9.

Team Shelby Great Lakes marks the 100th anniversary of Route 66 with a multi-day driving celebration headquartered at the Crowne Plaza Springfield Convention Center in Springfield, Illinois. The itinerary showcases classic Illinois Mother Road landmarks, from towering roadside Muffler Men and the Pink Elephant to preserved cobblestone sections and picturesque historic gardens, all enjoyed in true Shelby fashion. Festivities begin with welcome and registration inside the Long 9 Lounge at the Crowne Plaza, including a relaxed meet and greet with complimentary hors d'oeuvres and snacks. A full day on the road follows as participants caravan along historic Route 66, visiting famed roadside giants and those original brick and stone stretches. That evening features a massive 1,200-car cruise held in conjunction with the International Route 66 Mother Road Festival, capped by dinner at Motorheads, the local car-themed restaurant and museum. The next day brings another scenic cruise, a group lunch in Cisco, Illinois, and the annual community toy drive. The afternoon heads to Allerton Park to see highlights like the Sun Singer statue and the Fu Dog gardens. The night concludes back at the Crowne Plaza with the premier Annual Banquet, offering fine dining, silent auctions, guest speakers, and special surprises. The weekend wraps with a farewell breakfast. With Route 66 running the length of Illinois, attendees are encouraged to avoid the interstates on the way home, follow the original highway, and discover a few more historic stops along the Mother Road.

Enjoy a free, family-friendly bike series presented by the Springfield Park District and the Springfield Bicycle Club. The rides focus on safety and are ideal for beginners, offering an easygoing pace, community connection, and experiences that welcome all ages. This edition at Centennial Park features an introduction to cyclocross in a supportive setting. Helmets are required for all participants.

Springfield's Silly Little Book Club brings together a friendly mix of readers to explore books across genres and enjoy conversation in a relaxed setting, often with café cats providing a cozy backdrop. Each meeting is free and centered on connecting with fellow book lovers. Drinks are available for purchase, and participants are welcome to bring their own beverages and snacks to share. Those who cannot attend in person can connect through the club’s Discord server to chat about the latest chapters remotely. The next title is announced at the end of each gathering to keep the reading list fresh.

A headlining Pre-Fest performance opens the 100 year celebration of the Route 66 Mother Road Festival. This kickoff event marks the start of the festivities.

Recognized by Illinois Times as Best Trivia Night in 2024 and 2025, this pub quiz at Anvil & Forge features eight rounds and 40 questions that lean toward pop culture with a bit of academia mixed in. Each week brings a mystery theme, a speed challenge, visual and audio questions, and a round chosen by the previous week’s third place team. Players also pick the category for Round 8. Beer and dishes from Foundry Kitchen are available while you play, and weekly hints are shared in a Facebook group.

A fundraising event dedicated to autism takes place at the Route 66 Hotel and Conference Center. The focus is on raising financial support for autism.

Designed for those enjoying retirement, easing into semi-retired life, or simply seeking meaningful connections, this complimentary gathering at a cat café offers an easygoing, no-pressure setting for people around 56 and wiser to connect. Community members of all backgrounds can relax with the resident cats, share conversation, and cultivate lasting friendships. While attendance is not limited strictly by age, the meetup is curated for peer groups to help strengthen local networks. Participants are kindly asked to be respectful of both fellow guests and the feline residents. It offers a calm space to unwind, enjoy good company, and discover new favorite human and cat friends.

Historic downtown Springfield becomes a showcase for classic cars, live music, and the nostalgia of Route 66 as the celebration marks its 25th year. This anniversary edition also honors a full century of the iconic highway, with a few extra surprises in store. Revel in Red delivers a high energy show built for crowd connection, spanning five decades of favorites from artists like Van Halen, Journey, P!nk, and Bruno Mars. Alongside the familiar hits, keep an ear out for brand new original songs as the band begins sharing its own material on the road.

Cast a line for a cause at this charity catfish tournament supporting the Springfield Veterans Shelter. The entry fee is $220. Each participant may weigh up to five fish, with blue, channel, and flathead catfish all eligible in any combination, and there are no minimum or maximum length requirements. Registration takes place across from the beach house, followed by a captains meeting at the guard shack. Fishing concludes with an official weigh-in at Lindsay Bridge.

At Dream Center Sangamon County, the outreach ministry of Destiny Church hosts a free distribution of clothing and food. Support is available for anyone experiencing need, with no conditions attached. To receive food, bring your ID and be ready to complete the required paperwork.

Bring a BMW to Isringhausen for a relaxed meet with coffee and pastries. Parking will be in the Volvo lot on Washington, placing the gathering within the festival area. After checking out the lineup of BMWs, attendees can head into the RT 66 Mother Road Show in downtown Springfield.

Out of the Darkness Community Walks are AFSP's primary fundraising walks that bring people together nationwide to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention. Money raised supports research, advocacy, and educational programs in Illinois, reaching schools, workplaces, and communities. For questions, contact Rachel Rodriguez at 620-767-9912 or afspspringfieldilwalk@gmail.com.

A relaxed crafting get-together at the Springfield Masonic Center welcomes scrapbookers, card makers, and anyone working on personal projects. Each participant receives a dedicated table, dinner, a Stampin’ Up! goodie bag with about $20 in products, and access to coordinating stamps and dies to add extra detail to creations. Registration is $70, with a single-day option available for $40. Bring your favorite projects and supplies, plus any snacks or drinks you prefer. Small coolers are allowed, and a microwave is available for heating food. Power strips and extension cords are recommended for tools that need electricity. For details or to register, contact Michelle at shllbll1@yahoo.com or 217-415-9953.

Get ready for a high-octane set from The Joey Tenuto Band at the Butternut Hut. This 4 to 5 piece group mixes rock, blues, reggae, and country favorites with original songs for a show that aims to shake the walls. Expect dancing, loud singalongs, and cold drinks as the big sound and good vibes keep the party going well past just one more song.

Experience a high-voltage arena rock showcase with Chicago Rockhouse, featuring soaring vocals, blazing guitars, and a set packed with classic anthems from legendary rock artists.

Experience MTG gameplay in the Commander format. Participation is free, and prizing is random. Suitable for both casual fun and competitive play.

Rochester Library Farmers Market comes back in 2026 with support from Gregurich Beef Company. Set in the library parking lot, it features locally grown produce, baked goods, and handcrafted pieces from local artisans, plus activities for kids. The 2026 season includes multiple market days, with updates on participating vendors and weekly activities shared ahead of each event. Vendor and volunteer opportunities are available.

At Boone's, Twin City Trivia brings seven rounds designed to challenge teams and spark some laughs. Participation is free, there is no entry fee, and no app is needed. Prizes are awarded to the top teams, so gather friends, claim a table, and see how your crew stacks up.