Good morning, Springfield.

After the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade raised record funds, $10,000 was allocated to the Downtown Springfield Heritage Foundation through the My Heart’s Downtown initiative — organizers say the boost will further downtown marketing and collaboration to increase foot traffic.

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is hosting The Second American Revolution exhibit—curated by historian Manisha Sinha—which explores post-Civil War transformation.

The exhibit, featuring artifacts such as the museum's copy of the 13th Amendment, opens today and runs until Jan. 17.

Pioneer Days kicks off today at New Salem State Historic Site near Petersburg as costumed interpreters show 1830s life with blacksmithing, quilting and open-hearth cooking, and a free round-trip shuttle departs from Springfield at 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. (registration required).

Graduating high school seniors in District 186 will get their diplomas at Bank of Springfield Center on Saturday.

Lanphier’s ceremony begins at 11 a.m., Springfield Southeast starts at 2 p.m. and Springfield High at 5 p.m., and each event is streamed (via @SPS_District186).

The University of Illinois Springfield Center for Lincoln Studies is partnering with Juneteenth Inc. & the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum to host Nikole Hannah-Jones on June 15 to explore the legacy of 1619 and racial justice; tickets are required for free entry.

City Water Light and Power will host an open house at its water plant on Monday, June 15 from 4 to 7 p.m. at 3100 Stevenson Dr — visitors can join walking tours at 4:15, 5:15 and 6:15 p.m. and meet staff for giveaways and learn about water conservation.

Gallagher is a reserved 6-year-old grey tabby available for (foster or adoption) at the Animal Protective League located at 1001 Taintor Road in Springfield.

The shelter welcomes visitors daily from noon to 5 p.m.

SJ-R readers have chosen Springfield's best all-around restaurants, highlighting local spots known for quality food and service.

The undefeated Pleasant Plains girls soccer team beat Johnsburg 5-1 on Thursday in the IHSA Class 1A state semifinal at North Central College.

The team (26-0-2) will face Glen Carbon Father McGivney in the championship game Saturday at 2:30 p.m.

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.

Teen Art Collage

2-3 p.m. — Lincoln Library — Free entry — Create a summer-inspired junk journal collage on canvas and embrace the messiness of art.

Sponge with Order of The Machine Concert

6:30-10:30 p.m. — The Stadium Smokehouse Bar and Grill — Free entry — Enjoy a night of 90’s alternative rock with Sponge and local favorites.