SPRINGFIELD — While the weather may not be as warm as it was earlier this week, there’s plenty of reasons to get outside this weekend in the Springfield area.
From the Saint Patrick’s Day parade to the opening weekend at the Railyard, there’s something going on for everyone.
Here are five things to do.
Annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
What: The 41st annual Saint Patrick’s Day parade is slated for Saturday. This year’s theme is “A Bridge Across the Centuries” between Springfield and Ireland. The proceeds from the parade have contributed over $40,000 to local charities in the past five years. Last year, a total of $11,500 was donated to the St. John’s Breadline and the Rutledge Youth Foundation. This year’s charity is the Downtown Springfield Heritage Foundation.
When: Noon Saturday
Where: Downtown Springfield
More: Drinking is allowed with the purchase of a $1 wristband outside licensed businesses until 5 p.m.
Opening Week at the Railyard
What: Back for another season, the Railyard on Route 66 is opening their doors for the first weekend of food, music and family fun this season. Vendors this season include El Dorado with Mexican, Best Day Ever Bakeshop with bakery items, Oakview BBQ with smoked meats, Elevated Appetites gourmet eggrolls, Lewis Street Food Co. with street-style corndogs and fried delicacies and The Drinking Well for alcoholic beverages.
This event will have face painting for kids by Paige’s of Parties and musical talents Black Velvet and Joey Honey.
When: 4 to 9 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday
Where: 2242 S. Sixth St., Springfield
More: Music starts at 6 p.m. both nights.
Disaster!
What: Disaster! is a musical and parody of everyone’s favorite disaster movies of the 1970’s, featuring some of the most unforgettable songs of the ’70s. “Knock on Wood,” “Hooked on a Feeling,” “Sky High,” “I Am Woman” and “Hot Stuff” are just a few of the hits. The Hoogland’s production will be directed by Joe-Michael Jackson and Ginny Racette, who recently co-directed the Hoogland’s hit production of Little Shop of Horrors.
When: The first show is Friday at 7:30 p.m. but runs each weekend of March until March 22. Find all listings at hcfta.org.
Where: Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., Springfield
More: Tickets are $23 not including taxes for general admission and can be purchased also at hcfta.org.
Wind chime workshop
What: Hosted by the Springfield Art Association, create handcrafted windchimes using seashells generously donated by a member of the community. Enjoy food, fellowship and really get out of your shell to connect and create with the community – with no previous art skills required.
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday
Where: 700 N. Fourth St., Springfield
More: This is a hot event, so call ahead to the Springfield Art Association to secure a spot.
2026 Train Fair
What: The largest train show in downstate Illinois is chugging into the station for another year of bringing together collectors and train fanatics. Hosted by the Springfield Model Railroad Clubs in the Illinois State Fair Orr Building, hundreds of tables will be set out with both used models and new train sets.
When: Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield
More: Early admission begins at 9 a.m. for $10 and is $5 after 10. Kids under 11 get in for free.
Claire Grant writes about business, growth and development and other news topics for The State Journal-Register. She can be reached at CLGrant@usatodayco.com; and on X (Formerly known as Twitter): @Claire_Granted
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Saint Patrick’s Day parade highlights 5 things to do in Springfield
Reporting by Claire Grant, Springfield State Journal-Register / State Journal-Register
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