SPRINGFIELD – Spring is in full swing across the capital city, and there are plenty of things to do whether you’re looking for comfort or want to try something new.
Consider shopping at one of Springfield’s fanciest markets or check out the zoo.
Don’t know where to start? Check out these five things to do around town this weekend.
Zoo opening weekend
What: Get ready for a wild adventure at the Henson Robinson Zoo. The zoo’s reopening date is this weekend, after a long winter keeping the animals inside.
When: 10 a.m. Saturday to 5 p.m.
Where: 1100 E Lake Shore Drive, Springfield
More: The cost for adults is $7.50 per ticket, with seniors and kids age three to 12 discounted to $5.50.
Spring Brinkerhoff Market
What: The spring market at The Brinkerhoff Mansion returns this weekend. This beloved annual market is suited for all ages and features live music, delicious treats, local shopping from vendors in central Illinois and a fun relaxed atmosphere inside the beautiful Brinkerhoff. Keep an eye out for Pasta Al Dente by Keila, a local Italian food vendor who recently opened up shop on the north side.
When: 9 a.m. Saturday
Where: 1500 N. Fifth St., Springfield
More: For more information, look to thebrinkerhoffmansion.com.
Meet up at the Main Gate
What: Head on down to the Main Gate Bar and Grill this weekend for a show highlighting Black artists, all on the north side. Join host Kennon Penn in a local artist hip-hop show for all ages. With free entry so no worry about cover, see artists like “RunitupPaII”, “City FME” and “2v Lil Semi” give everything they’ve got for hip-hop.
When: 8 p.m. Friday doors open
Where: 2143 N. 11th St., Springfield
More: This event is for all ages, but customers must be 21 to drink.
Diamond Ball: A Regency-inspired experience
What: Take a step back in time and enter an age of wealth, gilded halls and splendid letters sent to entice to a night of dancing, tarot and revelry rather than a quick text message. Springfield Area Arts Council will host the first ball of the season, the Diamond Ball, in honour of their 50th anniversary. It is requested that guests arrive in costume befitting the Regency Era, as the evening’s Bridgerton theme calls for nothing less than the most elegant attire for such an occasion.
When: 6 p.m. Saturday
Where: The Pasfield House, 525 S. Pasfield St., Springfield
More: Tickets are $50 for general admission and $75 for couples on the springfieldartsco.org, with overnight packages available for those who wish to sleep overnight in the historic inn. All proceeds will go toward the Springfield Area Arts Council.
No Petty at the Butternut Hut
What: Cover band Not Petty returns to the Hut for two full sets of Tom Petty music with a short middle set featuring original songs. Listen to the live music with good libations and way too many Tom Petty songs from the tribute duo, who will play plenty of B-side rarities through the night.
When: 6 p.m. Friday
Where: 106 W. Jefferson St., Springfield
More: The Butternut Hut is a bar and requires guests to be at least 21.
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: Zoo reopens, Spring Brinkerhoff Market and more to do in Springfield
Reporting by Claire Grant, Springfield State Journal-Register / State Journal-Register
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