Good morning, Springfield.

The Weekender lists a busy Labor Day weekend with Friday high school football games at 7 p.m. on local radio and today’s picnic and block party at Duncan Park—along with Springfield Mile races on Sunday and Labor Day celebrations on Monday.

The guide offers clear times and free community events to welcome the fall season.

Robin Roberts Stadium, built in 1925 by the Springfield Fans who raised $30,000 for the park, is now 100 years old and will be owned by a new nonprofit foundation—marking its return as a community baseball venue.

Starting October 7, American Airlines will offer an early morning flight from Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport to give Springfield travelers easier access to Chicago O'Hare.

The airline will use a new 65-seat Embraer 170 jet that boosts capacity by 30% and connects them to over 150 destinations.

Illinois lawmakers passed Senate Bill 407 this spring to create a task force that will study how the COVID-19 pandemic led to chronic absences among K‑12 students — the group will work to develop strategies for families, teachers, principals and superintendents, and the law takes effect Monday.

The University of Illinois Springfield Center for State Policy and Leadership will host Constitution Day events Sept.

16-17 featuring a community panel at Lanphier High School and two panels at the UIS Student Union on constitutional principles and press freedom. Registration is required—food and signed book copies will be provided.

Illinois law took effect this month to let a task force study community land trusts that aim to expand access to housing loans, grants, and other aids to help homeowners avoid financial threats—lawmakers said the model may boost long-term affordability in the state.

Jason Hurst has been named as the new field manager for the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes for the 2026 Prospect League season.

He brings extensive baseball experience and will recruit top talent—he aims to build a winning team.

The UIS women’s golf team announced its fall schedule today under first-year coach Josh Edison, starting with the UIndy Fall Invitational on Sept.

8-9 in Henryville, Indiana. They will host the Dan Salisbury Memorial Invitational on Sept. 15-16 at Piper Glen Golf Course in Springfield & then play in tournaments in Missouri and Kentucky, with their season ending on Oct. 20-21 in Caseyville.

River City Construction announced that its Bags Tournament returns to Springfield soon, with local teams set to compete—reviving a well-loved local event.

Illinois Prairie Pastel Society 'Pastel Play' Member Show

10 a.m.-5 p.m. — Athens Municipal Library — Free entry — Explore vibrant pastel artworks during this engaging member exhibition.

Tour de Heartland

8 AM – 1 PM — Historic Marbold Farmstead — Registration fee applies — Enjoy a bike ride fundraiser supporting the Historic Marbold Farmstead Association.

Illinois Senior Games

9 AM – 6 PM — Iles Park — Registration open — Compete in various sports including pickleball during this exciting senior Olympics event.

Art Spectacular

10 a.m.–5 p.m. — Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon — Free admission — Celebrate 20 years of art and music at Central Illinois' premier fine art fair featuring local and regional artists.

Book Discussion: Thinking Fast and Slow

10 AM – 12 PM — Lincoln Library — Free entry — Engage in a thought-provoking discussion on behavioral finance inspired by Daniel Kahneman's insights.

Pumpkin Spice Gnome Paint Night with Ashley Blake

1-3 p.m. — Harvest Market — Cost includes materials — Paint a cozy Pumpkin Spice Gnome and enjoy fall vibes with fellow art lovers.