Guide to holiday events in Springfield, Illinois, including markets, Zoo Lights, concerts, Santa visits, historic tours, and family activities in November and December.
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- Ecology Action Center
Join Friends of EverBloom for a full moon paddle at Evergreen Lake on Saturday, Sept. 26, with free canoe use and optional no-cost group camping.
- Ecology Action Center
Join Grand Prairie Bird Alliance for a fall bird walk Sept. 26 at the Parklands Foundation Moon Preserve near Lake Bloomington. Loaner binoculars available.
- Ecology Action Center
Join the Grand Prairie Bird Alliance for a fall migration bird walk at 8 a.m. Saturday, September 19, at Hidden Creek Park in Normal. Loaner binoculars available.
- Ecology Action Center
Join the Grand Prairie Bird Alliance for a guided fall bird walk at 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at Hidden Creek Park, 100 W. Sycamore, Normal.
- Ecology Action Center
Join the Grand Prairie Bird Alliance for a fall bird walk at 8 a.m. Sunday, October 4, at Ewing Park II in Bloomington. Loaner binoculars are available.
- Ecology Action Center
Learn backyard composting basics, including materials, monitoring and tools, plus pricing and registration details for the Ecology Action Center workshop.
Learn backyard composting basics, including materials, monitoring and tools, plus pricing and registration details for the Ecology Action Center workshop.
Learn how leaving and managing fall leaves in your yard can protect garden plants while providing vital winter habitat for insects, birds and other wildlife.
Many Illinois animals migrate seasonally, from monarch butterflies and songbirds to bats, traveling long distances to find food, warmer weather, and winter habitat.
Family event at Comlara Park on Sept. 19 features guided hikes, owl pellet exploration, kids’ activities, youth fishing, and a raptor presentation.
Indiana University Northwest online student Gabriel Ashbach found community and leadership on campus as SGA president while pursuing a digital media degree.
Join Queer Coalition for bowling, food, and community at the Redbird Game Complex from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, August 27; register by Tuesday, August 25.
Illinois Wesleyan students, faculty and alumni gained professional theater experience close to home through roles onstage and behind the scenes at the Illinois Shakespeare Festival.
- Illinois State University
Singer-songwriter Avery Anna will headline an Illinois State University Homecoming concert at Braden Auditorium, with alum Dan Hubbard ’06 opening the show.
- Parkland College
Giertz Gallery at Parkland College presents the 2026 Art and Design Faculty Exhibition, with a public reception Aug. 20 and the show running through Sept. 26.
- Normal IL
Normal Theater in Normal, IL hosts Wet Hot American Summer Fest on Aug. 15 with camp games, food trucks and a film screening, plus additional showtimes Aug. 14-15.
- Ecology Action Center
Join the 2026 Friends of EverBloom LakesFest on July 31 for a casual Lake Bloomington paddle, with limited canoes available and possible boat sticker requirements.
- Provided
- City of Bloomington
Bloomington Parks & Recreation and IOAA will host a free Arts Family Activity Fair on Aug. 9, 2026, at Miller Park Pavilion with games, art activities and nonprofit booths.
- Ecology Action Center
Learn backyard composting basics, get a repurposed 55-gallon drum compost bin, and explore tools and techniques to monitor piles and manage jumping worms.
- Ecology Action Center
Enjoy a casual two-mile lily pad paddle at Clinton Lake with free use of six aluminum canoes, paddles, and life vests available by reservation.
- Ecology Action Center
Learn how to compost food scraps with worms at a $35 vermicomposting workshop, including materials, setup, troubleshooting guidance and accessibility support.
- Ecology Action Center
Backyard composting workshop from the EAC covers compost basics, jumping worm identification and tools, plus take-home bins and equipment for attendees.
- Ecology Action Center
Learn indoor vermicomposting to recycle food scraps. A $35 workshop covers materials, setup, benefits, harvesting castings and troubleshooting, with limited space.
- Indiana University Northwest
Tribute to jazz pianist and educator Billy Foster, highlighting his teaching, performances, radio work and impact on Gary and IU Northwest over decades.
- Ecology Action Center
Learn indoor vermicomposting to reduce food waste. A $35 workshop covers materials, setup, harvesting castings and troubleshooting, with registration required.