Good morning, Springfield.

The Sangamon County Fair for 2026 has ended, giving local residents a chance to enjoy community events and celebrate longstanding traditions (photos capture key moments from the season).

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum will offer free admission on July 4 as part of a block party celebrating the nation’s 250th birthday.

The event held at Union Square Park features a kids’ and pets’ parade at 3:30 p.m. + concerts starting at 4:15 p.m. and food trucks offering treats.

Vault 66 Pinball has partnered with Dumb Records to extend its hours for local pinball fans.

The collaboration charges a $10 fee for access to both arcades and will add more machines while planning leagues and tournaments downtown.

Gov. JB Pritzker, campaigning today, highlighted major investments including a $250 million soybean processing plant in Gilman (set to become the nation’s largest), a $103 million modernized ADM headquarters in Decatur, and Komatsu’s new $28 million headquarters in Peoria, promising new jobs statewide.

Springfield shoppers can try Signal Step (a drug-free shoe insert) designed to ease foot discomfort in hours; many users report improvement within 24 hours.

The product is on sale for $149, down from $199, offering a simple solution for tired feet.

Sacred Heart Griffin senior lineman Evan Phillips discussed his verbal commitment to join Western Illinois football Saturday — he announced on Friday that he was headed to Macomb after transferring from Williamsville High School.

Emma Kaisa Bunch and Cameron Huss clinched their titles at the Annika Tour and APT Tour OSF Championships on Sunday, June 28th.

Huss earned a $35,000 purse while Bunch, remaining an amateur, finished 15 under and local finisher Ethan Brue tied for tenth at 16 under.

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.

Midnight Reading Paint Night

6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Library - Pizza and Sports Bar — Relaxing paint night — Unwind while creating a moody midnight scene with guidance from Ashley Blake.

Karaoke Night at Somewhere Else Lounge

8:30 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. — Somewhere Else Lounge — Free entry — Enjoy a lively karaoke night with a great crowd and an extensive music catalog.

House in the Field

12-8 p.m. — Duncan Park — Free entry — Experience a vibrant day of soulful Chicago-style house music and community celebration.

Cub/Card Paint Night with Ashley Blake

2-4 p.m. — Harvest Market — Cost TBA — Unleash your inner artist in a relaxed paint night creating cool cub or card paintings.

Nike Basketball Camp at Lanphier High School

July 20-24 — Lanphier High School — Pack your lunch — Improve your game with professional coaching focusing on skills, conditioning, and team play.

Levitt AMP Springfield Music Festival featuring Attic Salt

6:00-9:15 p.m. — Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series — Ticketed event — Enjoy a night of alternative rock with Attic Salt under the stars.

Saving Abel Concert at The Stadium

6-10:30 p.m. — The Stadium Smokehouse Bar and Grill — All ages welcome — Experience the Multi-Platinum Southern Rockers known for their hit 'Addicted' alongside special guests Claudey Blue and Death Do Us Part.