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
👉 More Information
Chatham Sweet Corn Festival
📍 Chatham Community Park
🌽 Friday & Saturday
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The Prince of Egypt
📍 The Muni
🕣 8:30 PM
👉 More Information
Me and My Girl
📍 The Legacy Theatre
🕖 7:00 PM
👉 More Information
America 250: Illinois’ Lasting Impact on the Nation
📍 Illinois State Capitol Complex
🎟️ FREE
👉 More Information
America 250 Movie Series: Hamilton
📍 Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum Union Theater
🕡 6:30 PM
🎟️ FREE (advanced registration required)
👉 More Information
Dead Letter Office: An R.E.M. Tribute
📍 Danenberger Family Vineyards
🕗 8:00 PM
👉 More Information
Saturday
Chatham Sweet Corn Festival
📍 Chatham Community Park
🌽 Food, entertainment, rides, and family fun all day long
👉 More Information
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
👉 More Information
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
👉 More Information
House in the Field
📍 Duncan Park
🕛 Noon – 8:00 PM
🎵 Chicago-style house music, dancing, and community
🎟️ FREE (reservation required)
👉 More Information
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
👉 More Information
America 250: Illinois’ Lasting Impact on the Nation
📍 Illinois State Capitol Complex
🎟️ FREE
👉 More Information
Me and My Girl
📍 The Legacy Theatre
🕖 7:00 PM
👉 More Information
Chicago Farmer
📍 Danenberger Family Vineyards
🕗 8:00 PM
👉 More Information
The Prince of Egypt
📍 The Muni
🕣 8:30 PM
👉 More Information
Sunday
Me and My Girl
📍 The Legacy Theatre
🕑 2:00 PM
👉 More Information
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.
