Good morning, Springfield.

Final preparations for the Illinois State Fair show that the event will feature a pickleball tournament with youth and adult divisions and a two-day craft beer competition judged by fairgoers – the fair will also offer daily story time for kids, parades with Budweiser Clydesdales, and a naturalization ceremony planning to double last year's 200 new citizens to 400 while providing reduced admission on several days.

The Springfield Police Department’s Pro-Active Crime Unit arrested Gary E.

Freeman, a 49-year-old resident, on July 29 after executing search warrants at his home, vehicle and storage unit — officers seized suspected fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and cash.

Illinois head football coach Bret Bielema, his wife Jen and the football team have launched the FamILLy First Backpack and School Supply Drive by donating 150 backpacks to local Champaign-Urbana schools+ marking the second year of the initiative.

Fans will donate school supplies at FamILLy Movie Night on Saturday, August 9 at Memorial Stadium to receive a free popcorn bucket+ while area teachers are offered free game tickets for the Sept 13 contest.

The UIS men's and women's tennis teams earned ITA All-Academic Team status for the 2024-25 academic year since their GPAs exceeded the 3.2 minimum, with the women's team posting a 3.89 and the men's team a 3.64.

Twelve players reached the 3.5 GPA mark and were named ITA Scholar-Athletes.

Springfield Watch & Clock Show and Sale

11 AM – 2 PM — Casey's Pub — Free entry — Explore a variety of timepieces at this local watch and clock exhibition and sale.

National Button Society Convention 2025

11 a.m. — Crowne Plaza Springfield - Convention Ctr by IHG — Cost varies — Explore a unique collection of vintage buttons at this year's National Button Society Convention.

Monster Truck Destruction Tour

7:30-9 p.m. — Illinois State Fairgrounds — $64-$88 — Experience the thrill of the Monsters of Destruction live and feel the adrenaline rush.

The Black Crowes Live Performance

8 PM — Illinois State Fairground — Ticket prices vary — Experience the raw energy of The Black Crowes in an electrifying rock & roll show.

Megan Moroney Concert

8 p.m. — Illinois State Fair Grandstand — $47-$122 — Critically acclaimed country artist Megan Moroney performs hits from her latest album Am I Okay?.

Snoop Dogg Concert

5:30-9:30 p.m. — Illinois State Fairground — Requires Pre-Show Party and Concert ticket — Enjoy an exclusive pre-show party before Snoop Dogg takes the stage.

Ask a Library Techie

2:30-3:30 p.m. — Lincoln Library — Free entry — Get one-on-one tech assistance with your devices from knowledgeable staff members.

Def Leppard Concert

5:30-9:30 p.m. — Illinois State Fairground — Ticket prices vary — Rock out with the legendary British heavy metal band known for their iconic anthems and powerful performances.

Vachel Lindsay Home Guided Tour

9:45-10:15 a.m. — Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site — Free entry — Explore the legacy of poet Vachel Lindsay with art displays and a chance to win his collected works.

Balloons Over 66 5K

8 AM – 12 PM — Lincoln Community High School — Registration required — Enjoy a morning 5K run with friends and family in a vibrant community setting.