Good morning, Springfield.

A lineup of local weekend events began Friday with Strawberry Field’s Fest at the Railyard plus a Rolling Stones tribute at the Hoogland Center, and today features family races, arts festivals, zoo events plus a post-game fireworks show at Robin Roberts Stadium after the Lucky Horseshoes game.

The Springfield Park District cut the ribbon on the redeveloped Gietl Park in the northeast side this week—featuring a splash pad, park shelter, plazas, walkways, improved lighting, a hammock area, benches, and landscaping.

A $600,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources helped fund the project.

Levitt Amp returns for a summer of free concerts and family fun downtown.

Nine shows are planned—with tonight's event at 6:45 p.m. featuring Americana folk artists Chaos in Red and Chloe Kimes and a new Zydeco act coming late June.

Maid Rite has served Route 66 travelers from a converted caboose drive-thru on Pasfield Street since 1924.

Owner Sam Quasi said the historic business will celebrate Route 66's 100th anniversary this year (with classic cars filling the lot) to mark the occasion.

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum will open a new exhibit titled The Second American Revolution on June 5 that documents post-Civil War rebuilding and backlash until January 17 — part of its 250th birthday celebration.

A video produced by UIS Office of Electronic Media earned a Silver Telly Award for the Illinois State Fair as it announced the 'Miles of Smiles' theme and celebrated 100 years of Route 66.

The production featured classic cars (from the Illinois Route 66 Mother Road Festival) and fair images.

This Saturday, Jacksonville Pride will host a celebration at Twisted Tree Music Hall with 30 vendors, while Springfield hosts a Cultural Arts Festival at Union Square Park from 11AM to 5PM that features children’s activities, food, and art from over twenty artisans.

Both events celebrate community identity amid tough times.

The Ridgley Road bridge on I-55 in Springfield will close for repairs on June 1 — work will continue until mid-August, so motorists should follow detour signs.

Retired Judge Steve Nardulli chairs the new Sangamon County Mental Health Committee — the group will review recommendations from the Massey and county Mental Health Commissions while planning to gather public input on adolescents' mental health needs in both minority and rural communities.

Redfin Real Estate data show that Springfield's median sale price is $187,478 with a 10.7% annual drop & an 8.8% monthly decline, while national prices have edged up, suggesting a gradual market reset if wages rise.

Paint with Ashley Blake

6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Library - Pizza and Sports Bar — Cost covers materials — Enjoy a creative night painting a whimsical library gnome with guidance from Ashley Blake.

Getting Started With Wills & Trusts

3:30 p.m. — Edwards Group LLC — Free entry — Learn the essentials of estate planning in this informative workshop for families.

Foodees Fest

1-9 p.m. — White Oaks Mall — Free entry — Experience a weekend of gourmet food, artisan crafts, and family fun in Springfield.

Little Miracles 5K 2026

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Washington Park — Registration fee applies — Lace up for a fun run to support NICU warriors at St. John’s Children’s Hospital.