Events

See the events calendar

The Arts Council provides opportunities for everyone at a wide variety of events and programs. There is truly something for everyone, and nearly all of our events provide revenue to fund our other programs and services including grants to organizations and placing artists in schools.

Uptown Friday Night:

For 18 years, the Springfield Area Arts Council has partnered with Archer Bailey and Robbie’s Restaurant on Old State Capitol Plaza South to present a weekly jazz and blues performance series. Held weekly from 5:30 – 7:30 PM, attendees enjoy fine food, beverages and great music. There is no cover charge but a 50/50 raffle is held with proceeds benefiting the programs of the Arts Council. 

December 31, 2011  “First Night Springfield”

A Celebration of the Arts on New Year’s Eve with featured performances held in downtown Springfield. A program of free children’s activities takes place from 1 – 4 pm at Springfield High School. Fireworks will kick-off the evening at 4th & Capitol Streets. Click on the First Night Page selection (near the top of this page) for current information.

Artist On The Plaza:

This summertime program takes place on the South Plaza of the Old State Capitol at noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Free performances range from singer/songwriters, to musical ensembles, to dancers, and the casts of local musical theater productions. It’s a great way to break up the work day or simply enjoy the sights and sounds of Downtown Springfield.

A huge thank you to all of our sponsors for the 2011 Artist on the Plaza summer season. Please patronize theirbusinesses when possible and tell them thanks for sponsoring Artist on the Plaza.

Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau, The Feed Store, Augie’s Front Burner, Brown, Hay & Stephens,Chatterton Apartments, Cold Stone Creamery, fwai architects inc., Illinois Community College Trustees Association, Illinois Times, Joe McMenamin-Alderman Ward 7, McGladrey, Myers Commercial Real Estate, Paul O’Shea, Oxtoby Properties, Prairie Archives, Prairie Center Against Sexual Assault, Recycled Records, United States Electric, Z Bistro, Robbie’s, Uptown Garages

On My Own Time

On My Own Time, a visual arts exhibit and competition, is open to employees of local businesses, educational and medical institutions, and governmental agencies. The intent of On My Own Time is to encourage and display artwork of talented employees whose work is created “on my own time,” not at the workplace.

We hope On My Own Time artists join us in 2013. If you are interested in participating in the future, your business, governmental agency, educational or medical institution needs to register with the Springfield Area Arts Council. Call (753-3519) or email (office@springfieldartsco.org) for further information.

The Springfield Area Arts Council thanks the National Museum of Surveying, 521 E. Washington, for hosting the 2011 OMOT City-wide Visual Arts Exhibit. Be sure to visit the Museum and its Science on a Sphere exhibit. Their Second Floor space, looking out on the Old State Capitol, is great for exhibits, receptions or meetings. Contact them at (217- 523-3130) for more information.