Everything you need to plan your weekend — fast.
This weekend is packed with live music, family festivals, community celebrations, theater, and even a visit from the world’s largest operating steam locomotive. Whether you’re heading to the fair, catching a show, enjoying some sweet corn, or checking out Springfield’s Route 66 attractions, there’s something for everyone.
Top Picks This Weekend
- Union Pacific Big Boy 4014 rolls into Springfield on Saturday
- Chatham Sweet Corn Festival returns for a full weekend of family fun
- Wyatt Flores & Blake Whiten at the Menard County Fair
- Route 66 Kidzeum Birthday Celebration with free admission
Friday
Wyatt Flores and Blake Whiten
Menard County Fair, Petersburg
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Chatham Sweet Corn Festival
Chatham Community Park
Friday & Saturday
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The Prince of Egypt
The Muni
8:30 PM
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Me and My Girl
The Legacy Theatre
7:00 PM
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America 250: Illinois’ Lasting Impact on the Nation
Illinois State Capitol Complex
FREE
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America 250 Movie Series: Hamilton
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum Union Theater
6:30 PM
FREE (advanced registration required)
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Dead Letter Office: An R.E.M. Tribute
Danenberger Family Vineyards
8:00 PM
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Saturday
Chatham Sweet Corn Festival
Chatham Community Park
Food, entertainment, rides, and family fun all day long
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Route 66 Kidzeum Birthday Celebration
Kidzeum of Health and Science
Free admission during regular hours
Route 66-themed activities as Kidzeum celebrates its 8th birthday
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Union Pacific Big Boy 4014 on Display
Amtrak Station, Downtown Springfield
10:45 AM – 11:15 AM
The world’s largest operating steam locomotive
FREE
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House in the Field
Duncan Park
Noon – 8:00 PM
Chicago-style house music, dancing, and community
FREE (reservation required)
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WQLZ Band Battle Night
The Library Pizza & Sports Bar
WQLZ live broadcast begins at 4:00 PM
Blue Iris at 6:00 PM
Dysfunctional Family at 8:00 PM
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America 250: Illinois’ Lasting Impact on the Nation
Illinois State Capitol Complex
FREE
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Me and My Girl
The Legacy Theatre
7:00 PM
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Chicago Farmer
Danenberger Family Vineyards
8:00 PM
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The Prince of Egypt
The Muni
8:30 PM
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Sunday
Me and My Girl
The Legacy Theatre
2:00 PM
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Wrap-Up
From county fair concerts and community festivals to live theater, local music, Route 66 celebrations, and a once-in-a-generation opportunity to see Big Boy 4014 in Springfield, this weekend offers plenty of reasons to get out and explore Central Illinois.