This Week in Jacksonville: Key Events Unfold

Saturday

Lincoln Land Bird Banding Association: The bird banding activities in Springfield will carry on until the end of May. To learn more, get in touch with Vern Kleen at vkleen@comcast.net.

Plant Sale Fundraiser: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM at Lynnville Christian Church located at 32 Albion Street; vegetables and houseplants will be sold onsite.

The Walk: 9:00-10:30 a.m., Nichols Park, 110 Holkenbrink Drive | All funds raised will go to support the Pregnancy Resource Center.

Riverside Flea Market: From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Grafton Boatworks (The Loading Dock) located at 401 East Front Street, you can find one of the biggest flea markets in the area featuring over 60 sellers. It’s best to bring cash as some merchants might not take credit cards. To learn more details, check out their website. riversandroutes.com or call 618-556-7951.

Indie Bookstore Day: From 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., stop by Our Town Books at 64 East Central Park Plaza. Every two hours, you'll meet with eight distinct indie authors who will be present. This event aims to raise funds for PAWS of Jacksonville. If you bring along a pet food donation, you’ll receive one complimentary raffle entry. Learn more details by visiting. jacksonvilleil.org .

Sensory Sensitive Storytime: At 10 a.m., visit the Jacksonville Public Library located at 201 West College Avenue. This event is tailored for neurodivergent children or kids who have sensory processing difficulties; however, all family members are invited to join. It’s most appropriate for children aged 3 through 7 years old. Please make sure to sign up beforehand. You can contact Courtney via email at clangdon@jaxpl.org or reach out directly to the library by calling 217-243-5435 to secure your spot.

Story Time: 10:30-11 a.m., Our Town Books, 64 E. Central Park Plaza.| Tales for children along with engaging activities. Happening every Saturday morning.

Easter Egg Hunt at Crisis Center Foundation From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Minnie Barr Park located at 300 East Walnut Street, admission is free for kids aged 12 and younger. The event includes raffles, live music, and tasty food options. In case of rain, the alternative venue will be Spirit of Faith at 106 East Dunlap Street.

Earth Fair: From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Union Square Park in Springfield | Over twenty vendors will be present along with various activities and resources focused on environmental protection. For more details, including a complete event timetable, visit their website. online .

Healthy Kids Day: 1-3 P.M., at the Bob Freesen YMCA located at 1000 Sherwood Eddy Lane. It's free and includes activities like swimming, sports, nutritious eating workshops, interactions with community partners, and much more. For additional details, please visit. jacksonvilleymca.org .

Underground Railroad: From 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Woodlawn Farm Museum located at 1463 Gierke Lane, visitors can make suggested donation contributions of $5 per adult and $3 per child. The event features educational tours showcasing an 1840s farmhouse which served as part of the Underground Railroad. For additional details, please contact 309-678-7716.

Hoogland Education introduces "The SpongeBob Musical Youth Edition": At 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., at Hoogland Center for the Arts located at 420 South Sixth Street in Springfield. | To purchase tickets or for additional details, please contact 217-523-2787 or go online. hcfta.org .

Crash Planet, Master Bastard, and The Complaint Line: 6:30-11 PM, Pizza Records, 59 East Central Park Plaza | Live performances.

Night at the Races: 7 PM, KC Hall, Mount Sterling. Admission: $50 per person; tables of eight for $500. This is a fundraising event for Action Brown County. The doors will open at 6 PM. The ticket price covers a complete buffet and two drink vouchers. You can purchase tickets at actionbrowncounty.org/races .

The Significance of Being Frank 7 PM, at the Springfield Art Association, located at Edwards Place Theatre, 700 North Fourth Street, Springfield. Cost: $15 | It's a comedy play written by Oscar Wilde. To purchase tickets or for additional details, please visit. edwardsplace.org .

UIS Band Concert – UIS Music Department 7 PM, UIS Performing Arts Center, 1 University Plaza, Springfield. Tickets cost $10; students get in for free | To purchase tickets or learn more, call 217-206-6160 or go online. uispac.com .

"Mr. Lincoln": 7:30 PM at Hoogland Center for the Arts located at 420 South Sixth Street in Springfield. Ticket prices range from $20 to $22. To purchase tickets or get additional details, please contact 217-523-2787 or go online. hcfta.org .

Devin Clemons: 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM, at Don's Place located at 207 West Morgan Street. Enjoy live music tonight!

Sunday

Springfield Comic Book Convention: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Route 66 Hotel & Conference Center, located at 625 E. Saint Joseph Street in Springfield. Admission is free. Dealers will be selling an array of both vintage and contemporary comic books, toys, and other collectible items; they also purchase comics you might want to sell. For additional details, reach out to Alan at 309-657-1599 or check their website. epguides.com/comics .

Italian Buffet and Auction: From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., visit Westfair Christian Academy located at 1815 W. Lafayette Ave. Admission costs $10 at the entrance. | The ticket price covers access to the buffet and the auction.

Mushroom Festival: From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., stop by the Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center located at 13653 Lodge Boulevard, Grafton. Entry is free of charge. Enjoy live musical performances, browse through crafts from local artisans, have lunch at their restaurant, sample locally produced wines, participate in goat yoga sessions, and join a mushroom hunting event starting at 1 p.m. For additional details, please visit. riversandroutes.com Or dial 618-786-2331, ext. 338.

Underground Railroad: From 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Woodlawn Farm Museum located at 1463 Gierke Lane. Recommended donation amounts are $5 per adult and $3 per child. | Guided educational visits exploring an 1840s farmhouse which served as part of the Underground Railroad. To learn more, please contact us at 309-678-7716.

Underground Railroad Spring Coach Tour: From 1-5 p.m., at the Illinois College McGaw Fine Arts Center located at 300 Lockwood Place, tickets cost $25 for adults and $10 for children under 10. Guides dressed in 19th-century clothing will lead tours through locations related to the Underground Railroad, sharing historical tales along the way. Please register between 12:30-12:45 p.m. Advance reservations are necessary. For more information, call 309-678-7716.

Hoogland Education introduces "The SpongeBob Musical Youth Edition": 2 PM, Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 South Sixth Street, Springfield. | To purchase tickets or for additional details, please call 217-523-2787 or go online. hcfta.org .

The Significance of Being Frank 2 PM, at the Springfield Art Association, located at Edwards Place Theatre, 700 North Fourth Street, Springfield. Admission is $15 for a play written by Oscar Wilde. To purchase tickets or get additional details, please visit. edwardsplace.org .

Remembering Pioneers and Patriots: From 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Jacksonville East Cemetery located at 600 Myrtle Street, admission is free. Local historian Greg Olson will conduct a guided walk-through offering insights into the cemetery’s past along with stories about notable individuals buried here.

Flora and Fauna Identification Outdoor Event: From 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Western Illinois Youth Camp located at 2244 4-H Club Lane, members of the Morgan County Audubon Society will guide nature walks aimed at identifying various flora and fauna such as wildflowers, birds, and trees. Please dress appropriately according to the current weather conditions. It’s advisable to wear closed-toe hiking footwear. Don’t forget your binoculars; however, if you do not have any, the MCAS can provide some upon request. To learn more about this event, send an email inquiry to anderson.orien@gmail.com.

"Mr. Lincoln": 4 PM, at the Hoogland Center for the Arts within the Peggy Ryder Theatre, located at 420 South Sixth Street, Springfield. Ticket prices range from $20 to $22. To purchase tickets or obtain additional details, please contact 217-523-2787 or go to hcfta.org.

UIS Symphony Orchestra Festival Concert – UIS Music At 4 p.m., at the UIS Performing Arts Center located at 1 University Plaza in Springfield. Ticket prices are $15 for general admission and $10 for students. UIS students can attend for free with their student ID. To purchase tickets or get additional details, you can call 217-206-6160 or go online. uispac.com .

Honor Flight Fundraiser: From 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM at the Nimrod Funk Building located at 401 N. Walnut Street in Winchester, there will be a drive-through pancake and sausage dinner where donations are welcome. The cost for your meal should be a contribution amount as you see fit. This event aims to raise funds for the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight. If you have further questions, please contact us at 217-243-9404.

Monday

Jacksonville Celebration Quilt Contest: The Times Square Sewing Collective, located at 63 East Central Park Plaza, invites you to create a quilt commemorating the bicentennial. Completed quilts should be submitted by July 1st and will be showcased at the River County Quilt Exhibition from July 25th to July 26th. For additional details, please contact us at 217-245-5445.

Walking for Wellness: From 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the JHS Bowl located at 215 South Church Street, participation is free. This event, hosted by Jacksonville Memorial Hospital’s indoor walking program, occurs every weekday when Jacksonville School District 117 is operating. The initiative continues until April 11th. For additional details, please contact 217-479-3928.

Produce and Bakery Giveaway: 9 a.m.-noon, Jacksonville Food Center, 311 E. Morgan St. Free | Available for residents of Morgan County.

Client Choice Food Pantry: 9 a.m.-noon, at The Salvation Army located at 1124 Wall Street | Please arrive by 11:30 a.m. Individuals who are working or attending classes during regular hours can schedule an appointment for later in the day.

Free Lunch: 12:00 - 12:30 PM, The Salvation Army at 1124 Wall Street | Enjoy a newly made hot meal, beverage, and refreshments.

Walking for Wellness: 12:30-3 PM at First Christian Church located at 2106 S. Main St. It's free of charge | An indoor walking program available all year round from Monday through Thursday. For additional details, please contact 217-243-6445.

Faith Spirit Soup Kitchen: 3:30-4 p.m., Spirit of Faith Soup Kitchen, 105 E. Dunlap St. Free | Offering meals to-go for those who need them.

Mindful Movement: 4:30-5:30 PM, at Jacksonville Public Library located at 201 West College Avenue | Jeannie Hemphill instructs participants in the fundamentals of mindful movement. Please bring a mat or towel.

NAACP: 6 p.m., Mayor's Conference Room, Municipal Building, 200 W. Douglas Ave. | Takes place in the Mayor's conference room every fourth Monday of the month.

Tuesday

Walking for Wellness: From 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., at JHS Bowl located at 215 South Church Street, participation is free for Jacksonville Memorial Hospital’s indoor walking program which operates every weekday when Jacksonville School District 117 is in session. This continues until April 11th. Contact 217-479-3928 for additional details.

Produce and Bakery Giveaway: 9 a.m.-noon, Jacksonville Food Center, 311 E. Morgan St. Free | Available for residents of Morgan County.

Client Choice Food Pantry: 9 a.m.-noon, at The Salvation Army located at 1124 Wall Street. Please arrive by 11:30 a.m. Individuals who have commitments during regular working or schooling hours may schedule an appointment for later in the day.

Free Lunch: 12:00 - 12:30 PM, The Salvation Army at 1124 Wall Street | Hot freshly made meals, drinks, and snacks provided.

Walking for Wellness: 12:30-3 p.m., at First Christian Church located at 2106 S. Main St. It's free of charge | An indoor walking program available all year round from Monday through Thursday. For additional details, please contact 217-243-6445.

Faith Spirit Soup Kitchen: 3:30-4 p.m., Spirit of Faith Soup Kitchen, 105 E. Dunlap St. Free | Offering meals to-go for those who need them.

Tuesday Nights at VFW: 5:11 PM - 4:45 PM, Morgan County VFW at 903 VFW Lane | Offering food, beverages, complimentary pool access, and a Monopoly-themed raffle. From 5-8 PM.

Virtual Book Club for Teachers: 6-7:30 p.m., at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum located at 212 N. Sixth St., Springfield. Admission is free for the event titled "Thinking About History" with Sarah Maza. Please register beforehand. You can sign up via the provided link. presidentlincoln.illinois.gov .

Wednesday

Walking for Wellness: From 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., at JHS Bowl located at 215 South Church Street, participation is free as part of Jacksonville Memorial Hospital’s indoor walking program. This initiative runs whenever Jacksonville School District 117 is operating until April 11th. To learn more details, contact them at 217-479-3928.

Produce and Bakery Giveaway: 9 a.m.-noon at the Jacksonville Food Center located at 311 East Morgan Street. This event is free for residents of Morgan County.

Client Choice Food Pantry: 9 a.m.-noon at The Salvation Army located at 1124 Wall Street. Please arrive by 11:30 a.m. Individuals who have commitments during regular working hours may schedule an appointment for later in the day instead.

Storytime: 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., at Jacksonville Public Library located at 201 W. College Ave. | Every Wednesday features stories and craft activities. For additional details, please dial 217-243-5435.

Free Lunch: 12:00 - 12:30 PM, The Salvation Army at 1124 Wall Street | Hot freshly made meals, drinks, and snacks available.

Walking for Wellness: 12:30-3 p.m., at First Christian Church located at 2106 S. Main St. It's free of charge and provides an indoor walking program available all year round from Monday through Thursday. Contact us at 217-243-6445 for additional details.

Faith Spirit Soup Kitchen: 3:30-4 p.m., Spirit of Faith Soup Kitchen, 105 E. Dunlap St. Free | Offering grab-and-go meals for those who need them.

Open Mic Comedy Night: At 6 p.m., head over to Pizza Records located at 59 E. Central Park Plaza. It’s free entry! Sign up between 6 p.m. and get a chance for a 5-minute spot as a comedian, or simply join us as an audience member. For additional details, feel free to call or send a text to 217-200-0896.

How Adults Can Identify Bullying: At 6 p.m., at the Jacksonville Public Library located at 201 West College Avenue, admission is free. The Crisis Center Foundation will talk about recognizing bullying indicators and equip participants with essential skills for managing instances where bullying takes place. Find out more details by visiting their website. jaxpl.org .

Thursday

Walking for Wellness: From 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., at JHS Bowl located at 215 South Church Street, participation is free as part of Jacksonville Memorial Hospital’s indoor walking program, which operates every weekday when the Jacksonville School District 117 is operating. The event continues until April 11th. For additional details, please contact 217-479-3928.

Blood Drive: 8:00 to 11:00 AM, Jacksonville Police Station, located at 200 Douglas Avenue | If you wish to contribute, please reach out to Mary Neulinger via phone at 217-479-3554 or email her at mneulinger@jacksonsvilleil.gov, or stop by in person. bloodcenter.org And utilize code 60161 to find the drive.

Produce and Bakery Giveaway: 9 AM, 12 PM, Jacksonville Food Center, 311 E. Morgan St. Free | For Morgan County Residents.

Client Choice Food Pantry: 9 a.m.-noon, at The Salvation Army located at 1124 Wall Street | Please arrive by 11:30 a.m. Individuals who are working or attending classes during regular hours can schedule an appointment for later in the day.

Free Lunch: 12:00-12:30 PM, The Salvation Army at 1124 Wall Street | Enjoy a newly made hot meal, beverage, and refreshments.

Walking for Wellness: 12:30-3 p.m., at First Christian Church located at 2106 S. Main St. It's free of charge and provides an indoor walking program available all year round from Monday through Thursday. Contact us at 217-243-6445 for additional details.

Faith Spirit Soup Kitchen: 3:30-4 p.m., Spirit of Faith Soup Kitchen, 105 E. Dunlap St. Free | Offering meals to-go for those who need them.

Downtown Jacksonville First Thursday Vendor Fair: 4-8 p.m., Downtown Jacksonville | A selection of handcrafted products, artisanal goods, vintage finds, locally grown produce, and much more. Happening every first Thursday in August.

Teen Advisory Board: 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Jacksonville Public Library, located at 201 West College Avenue | Join us in enhancing the library experience for teenagers. The group convenes every Thursday. For additional details, reach out to Courtney via email at clangdon@jaxpl.org or Brittany at boverby@jaxpl.org, or dial 217-243-5435.

Indivisible Jacksonville: 5:30 PM at the Jacksonville Public Library located at 201 West College Avenue. This meeting is for a grassroots political action group dedicated to advancing democracy and fostering community involvement. The gatherings take place on the first and third Thursdays of every month in the conference room.

Poetry Open Mic: 7 PM, Soap Co. Coffee House, 207 S. Sandy Street. Admission free | Everyone is invited. For inquiries, please dial 217-742-5777.

Friday

Walking for Wellness: From 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., at JHS Bowl located at 215 South Church Street, participation is free for Jacksonville Memorial Hospital’s indoor walking program, which operates every weekday that the Jacksonville School District 117 is operating. This initiative continues until April 11th. For additional details, please contact 217-479-3928.

Produce and Bakery Giveaway: 9 a.m.-noon, Jacksonville Food Center, 311 East Morgan Street. Free | Restricted to Morgan County residents only.

Client Choice Food Pantry: 9 a.m.-noon, at The Salvation Army located at 1124 Wall Street | Get there by 11:30 a.m. to ensure you have enough time to browse. Individuals with regular working hours or attending classes can schedule an appointment for later in the day.

Blood Drive: 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Routt Catholic High School, located at 500 E. College Avenue. For donations, please reach out to Lisa Hall at 217-883-9996 or stop by. bloodcenter.org And utilize code 60072 to find the drive. Donors who qualify will get either a gift card, extra reward points for the loyalty store, or they can choose to have a donation made to a charity of their preference.

Baby Storytime: 10:00 to 11:00 AM, at Jacksonville Public Library located at 201 West College Avenue | Designed for caregivers with infants up to 24 months old. Happening every Friday.

Mississippi Masters Golf Tournament: 11 AM-6 PM, Lockhaven Golf Club & Banquet Facility, located at 10872 Lawrence Keller Drive, Godfrey. Entry fee is $360 per team | It’s a four-player scramble format starting at 1 PM with a shotgun start. Sign up now. graftonilchamber.com .

Free Lunch: 12:00 - 12:30 PM, The Salvation Army at 1124 Wall Street | Hot freshly made meals, drinks, and snacks available.

Five of May Dinner Cruise: 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Grafton Harbor, located at 215 W. Water St. The cost is $55 for a Mexican fiesta hosted by Grafton Oyster Bar. To learn more, check out their website. graftonharbor.com or call 618-786-7678.

ISD Tiger 5K Color Run: 6:30-8 p.m., Illinois School for the Deaf, 125 S. Webster Avenue | The race starts and finishes at the ISD soccer field. Sign up and find additional details here. online , or reach out to Desa Walls at 217-919-2656 or Desa.Walls@illinois.gov.

Passion & Pulse – Illinois Symphony Orchestra: 7:30 PM at the UIS Performing Arts Center located at 1 University Plaza, Springfield. Ticket prices range from $30 to $65. To purchase tickets or for additional details, please contact 217-206-6160 or go online. uispac.com .

To add events to the calendar, visit myjournalcourrier.com and click on "calendar," or send an email to jjcsocial@myjournalcouirer.com. Please ensure your submissions are sent at least two days before the event occurs.