Events in Springfield today

Browse offerings from more than 35 local bakers, makers, farmers, and gardeners. The event takes place regardless of the weather.

Trace the story of Wittenberg, founded in 1845 within the Americanist Lutheran tradition and a mainstay of Springfield for more than 180 years, on a guided walk that highlights campus architecture and heritage. Notable stops include Myers Hall, Recitation Hall, and Zimmerman Library, with a route that winds through rolling, wooded grounds. The tour is led by Dr. Thomas T. Taylor. Admission is 15 dollars for the general public and 12 dollars for members. This program is presented as part of the Summer Tour Series, started in 2004 by Kevin Rose of the Turner Foundation to encourage appreciation of Springfield’s built environment. What began as eight neighborhood walks has grown over two decades into 14 to 20 guided tours across the Greater Springfield Region, planned and managed by a committee of community volunteers. Tours from the Westcott House and Westcott Center for Architecture + Design are designed for a wide audience, including people with disabilities or decreased mobility. Guides keep a relaxed pace with short standing periods at stops, and entering buildings may involve stairs or inclines. This outing is rated Mobility Level 3, which involves considerable walking on varied terrain and may include unpaved sections. Please call or email about wheelchair accessibility. Virtual tours are available with closed captioning.

Join this hands-on workshop to learn how to successfully grow, harvest, and cook eggplant. You’ll cover how to grow this nutritious vegetable, explore its uses and benefits, and then cook and enjoy freshly harvested eggplant using several different techniques.

Operation Hunger, in partnership with Second Harvest, offers a drive-through food pantry so people can receive groceries without leaving their vehicles. There is also an opportunity to help by packing grocery bags ahead of time, with pizza provided for helpers.

The Myers Market open mic night is inviting performers to take part. To reserve a performance spot, send a message to Brothers Pennington.

The Matt Clarkson Band features a Country Southern Rock sound that merges the energy of rock with the soul of country. MCB builds its performance around this blend.

Cowvin, the youngest of the Cow Family, dreamed up a playful corn maze at Young’s Jersey Dairy. Spanning more than three and a half acres with over a mile of winding paths, the cornfield is filled with twists, dead ends, and plenty of surprises. After making it out, families will find a playland where kids can keep the fun going. Admission is $10 for ages 5 and older, and children 4 and under are free. Children 11 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets include a wagon ride to and from the maze and can be purchased at Young’s Farmstead Cheese Marketplace inside The Dairy Store. The maze is open daily, weather permitting.

A community blood drive will be held in the gym at Maiden Lane Church. Appointments are required. The Community Blood Center recommends that donors set aside one hour for the process. Please enter through door B.

This monthly setup at Yellow Springs Brewery features Fat Hammies, with burgers available to pair with a brew.

Chamber Night at the Races is a flagship annual fundraiser from the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce that brings together Chamber members, business leaders, and community supporters for an evening of live harness racing, networking, and fun. As the races unfold, attendees help fund Chamber programs and initiatives that strengthen the local business community. Admission includes one complimentary raffle ticket for a chance to win a prize. Sponsorships offer standout visibility, including recognition during a race and a celebratory moment in the winner’s circle.

Real estate professionals meet at Vallery Farmhouse Bakery for a monthly meetup centered on conversation, connections, and coffee. Participants can network, share insights on the industry, and explore ways to collaborate. The setting encourages learning from peers, expanding professional relationships, and taking a well-earned pause with like-minded colleagues.

These sensory friendly mornings at Young's focus on lowering noise and visual stimulation to create a calmer visit. Cowtherine's Carousel operates without music, with only a quieter safety announcement. One mini golf course has both the music and fountains turned off. Around the batting cages, the music is silenced. In the Dairy Store, lighting is dimmed for a gentler shopping experience. While the aim is a peaceful setting, there may still be occasional noise from a passing tractor, though efforts are made to limit it.

Open Hands Free Pantry is a no-cost resource from the Springfield-Clark Community Initiative that brings neighbors together through food, hygiene items, and caring support. Rooted in faith and powered by volunteers, it strengthens community one box at a time. Guests receive free boxes that can include canned goods, fresh produce, hygiene products, and other essential supplies. The pantry follows a weekly schedule on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please RSVP for the day you plan to attend, and you may sign up for both days. Volunteers are invited to help pack boxes, distribute items, or spread the word. Hosted by the Springfield-Clark Community Initiative at the First Seventh-Day Adventist Church. For questions, contact the Springfield-Clark Community Initiative at (937) 332-3939.

This book club meets on the second Tuesday of every month to discuss the current selection and pick up the title for the following month. Copies are reserved and can be checked out at the library. This month's book is The Witch Elm by Tana French.

Peach’s Grill hosts a weekly open mic led by Kyleen Downes, creating a welcoming setting for live music. Performers of any genre and experience level are welcome to take the stage and connect with the music community. Happy Hour specials are available, and information about the artist lineup, performer sign-ups, and recent session videos can be found online.

Join a Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) sanctioned match featuring courses of fire for a range of rifles, including service rifles, vintage military arms, and modern sporting rifles. The event covers several common CMP formats and welcomes shooters of all skill levels. Plan to bring an eligible rifle per the match rules, ammunition (often 50 to 88 rounds, match-grade recommended), and recommended gear such as a shooting mat, spotting scope, and appropriate prone equipment. Eye and ear protection are required, and you can contact the host for the specific course of fire and registration details.

Young’s Jersey Dairy hosts a Carousel of Good Causes event with Clark-Shawnee Elementary PTO, supporting programs for students and staff.

Participants gather at Lark Overland in Millworks with bikes, then set off together on a laid-back 2 to 3 mile ride through the village. The route concludes at YS Brewery, where there are options for drinks and food from a food truck. These community rides take place on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month when weather permits, and any weather-related cancellations are shared on Facebook and Instagram.

This music bingo session focuses on R&B hits from the 2000s. Families, individuals, and pairs are welcome to take part. Each round names several winners, with prizes such as free drinks, gift cards, and food.

Open Hands Free Pantry provides a friendly, no-cost way for neighbors to receive support with food, hygiene items, and other everyday essentials. Organized by the Springfield-Clark Community Initiative and hosted at the First Seventh-Day Adventist Church, this community effort is rooted in faith and powered by volunteers, with each prepared box helping to strengthen connections across the area. Boxes typically include a mix of canned goods, fresh produce, personal care products, and other necessities. The pantry operates on a repeating weekly schedule with multiple sessions. An RSVP is requested for the specific session you plan to attend, and you may sign up for more than one. Volunteers can assist with packing, distribution, or outreach to help families facing food insecurity. For details, contact the Springfield-Clark Community Initiative at (937) 332-3939.

This fundraiser directs 10 percent of proceeds to Project Woman. Gift cards can be purchased in advance through a member or via Venmo, and using those cards at the event increases the contribution to 20 percent. This provides a straightforward way to support the cause.

Back at Mother Stewart’s Brewing, this casual event centers on pairing a smash-style burger with a brew of choice. Enjoy straightforward, satisfying flavors in a relaxed brewery setting.

Hosted by Caring Kitchen, this recurring gathering brings people together for a free dinner followed by a recovery meeting. Dinner comes first, with the meeting afterward. For details, call 937-653-8443.