Happy weekend, Springfield! In today’s happening-today edition: Presidential road trips talk, vintage car race kickoff, and LGBTQ+ history tour + events worth checking out today & tomorrow.
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01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
New life for downtown venue: After Whiskey Jack's closed, the downtown Springfield spot is being renovated into Bus Stop by local musicians Vinal Luciano and Troy Minton, planning a bar with multiple musical genres -- see the venue makeover.
Explore presidential destinations: Author Bill Clevlen will speak at Springfield’s Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum on June 23 at 6:30 p.m., discussing Presidential Road Trips. Free event with advance registration required -- check the author event.
Leadership change ahead: Terrance Jordan, District 186’s incoming superintendent, says he’s ready. He will take over from Jennifer Gill later this month, as the leadership transition is expected at month’s end -- follow the superintendent transition.
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03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Tune up your swing: Brookhills Golf Club is your low-pressure spot to hit the driving range, roll a few putts, then celebrate small victories at The 19th Hole bar. Perfect for sneaking in practice after work or corralling friends for a quick nine with a side of live-music vibes.
Camp without leaving town: Whether you're breaking in a new tent, giving the RV some exercise, or just craving s'mores and stars minus the long highway slog, Illinois State Fair Campground is an easy, in-town escape. Book a night, wake up somewhere familiar yet different, and call it a mini vacation.
Date-night upgrade, unlocked: If your week needs a win, VELE does modern coastal Italian with confidence… think grilled octopus, spicy seafood spaghetti, and a cocktail list that knows its way around a shaker. For extra points, slip into The Pearl, their intimate back-bar experience that feels delightfully secret.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Around town today & tomorrowOur favorite events going on the rest of this weekend. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
👟 Little Miracles 5K 2026 @ Washington Park | Saturday (6/20) at 9:00 AM – Hit Washington Park for a low-pressure 5K, run or walk, and call it cardio with a heart. Proceeds support the NICU at HSHS St. John's Children's Hospital, so you get fresh air, community vibes, and brunch bragging rights.
🏁 Great Race GREEN FLAG @ Old State Capitol State Historic Site | Saturday (6/20) at 9:30 AM – Swap campaign speeches for carburetors at the Old State Capitol as the Hemmings Great Race drops the green flag right on 6th Street. It’s free to watch, loud in the best way, and packed with vintage beauties, road-trip bravado, and proud tire shine.
🚶 Walk with a Doc - a Monthly Walk @ Southwind Park | Saturday (6/20) at 10:00 AM – Feel like your step counter has trust issues? Springfield Clinic hosts a monthly Walk with a Doc, a free stroll led by physicians where all ages and abilities tag along at a chatty, doctor-approved pace. No co-pay, just comfy shoes, neighborly banter, and friendly accountability.
🏳 Walk With Pride: A Tour of Springfield's LGBTQ+ History @ Lincoln Library | Saturday (6/20) at 10:15 AM – Think you know downtown? Take a free Pride Month stroll from Lincoln Library and see Springfield through rainbow-colored glasses, from Ethel Mars to PrideFest. It’s under 2 miles, questions welcome, light rain shrugged off, registration required, and yes, wear comfy shoes and bring water.
🏛 Capitol Creations @ Old State Capitol Plaza | Saturday (6/20) at 1:00 PM – Saturday afternoons in June at the Old State Capitol mean swapping politics for paint, with a patriotic twist, and yes, you get to touch history. Projects run about $35–$45 with supplies included, plus take-home kits, snacks while it dries, and creative satisfaction.
🎷 Jazz In Bloom 2026 @ Frank Lloyd Wright's Dana-Thomas House | Saturday (6/20) at 6:00 PM – Trade your backyard for the Dana-Thomas House courtyard, where Frank Lloyd Wright’s angles pair nicely with a smooth jazz set, a cash bar, and a silent auction. It is peak Springfield, equal parts culture, cocktails, and people-watching you actually enjoy.
🦁 Fathers Day @ Henson Robinson Zoo | Sunday (6/21) at 10:00 AM – Nothing says Father's Day like Dad getting in free with a paid admission, and letting the zoo animals do the heavy lifting. At Henson Robinson Zoo, kids craft a keepsake in the education room, you stroll with coffee, and everyone wins, except your step counter. Live music & entertainment:
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — The Springfield report Weather forecastToday — High: 84°F — Low: 65°F — Precip: 6%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. West northwest wind around 5 mph. Later: A slight chance of rain showers between 1am and 4am, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 65. East northeast wind 2 to 7 mph. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Tomorrow — High: 79°F — Low: 63°F — Precip: 96%
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7am, then showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 79. South southeast wind 7 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible. Later: Showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. Northwest wind around 13 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible. This house is wildThis Cobblestone Estates home offers nearly 4,000 square feet of finished space across three levels, blending generous room sizes with a flexible layout. The main level features comfortable gathering areas, a stainless-steel kitchen with plenty of storage, and a guest-ready bedroom with nearby full bath. Upstairs, the primary suite adds a walk-in closet and private bath, while the fenced backyard, patio, and 3-car garage round things out nicely.
Take a peek inside → |
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