Spring Festivals and Special Events in Springfield, Illinois

Springfield, IL – Plan your trip to Always Legendary Springfield, IL to take part in unique special events during April and May. Maybe you’ll decide to run a half marathon dressed as Abraham Lincoln or walk your way through the Fat Ass 5-K. You can also sip wine and shop for art in historic downtown or learn about life on the Illinois prairie at the Clayville historical site. No matter what you choose, Springfield offers educational and entertaining events for all ages and tastes.

April 4: Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon. Immerse yourself in Abraham Lincoln history and enjoy a scenic run past the only home he ever owned, his law office and his final resting place in Oak Ridge Cemetery. The USATF certified course starts and ends at the historic Old State Capitol.  The Lincoln sites and Springfield’s hospitality make this a destination race for the whole family. www.runabe.srrc.net. 

April 19:  10th Anniversary Celebration at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. With a stunning combination of scholarship and showmanship, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum immerses you in Lincoln’s world and time. Journey from a rustic log cabin to the Executive Mansion in the nation’s capital; follow the fate of America’s 16th president and share the joys and sorrows of the family – and of a nation. Free Admission all day in celebration of the 10th anniversary and special activities and programs throughout the day. www.tenyearslincoln.com.

May 1 – 3:  Lincoln Funeral Re-enactment. A re-enactment of Lincoln’s funeral procession will follow the historic route to Oak Ridge Cemetery where clergy will present the eulogy, speeches and salutes at the old public receiving vault. Don’t miss a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to honor President Abraham Lincoln in Always Legendary Springfield, Illinois this spring. http://lincolnfuneralcoalition.org.

May 8-9: Fat Ass 5-K. The race route for this one-of-a-kind charity event includes beer, ice cream, donut and corn dog stations as well as live entertainment and surprises throughout. You can run the entire course, or take the 1/10 mile detour straight to the Celtic Mist Pub. The Friday night street party includes a pig roast and live music. www.fatass5k.com.

May 15: 2nd Annual Komen Springfield Race for the Cure. This Friday evening run/walk for breast cancer research and awareness starts at the Illinois State Capitol and winds through historic downtown Springfield. Organizers invite you to paint the capitol pink by coming out to participate in this event.

May 16: The Art of Wine Garden. Sample a variety of wine and food pairings and listen to live music in a garden-like setting at 5th and Jefferson Streets in historic downtown Springfield. www.downtownspringfield.org.

May 16-17: Old Capitol Art Fair. Set against the backdrop of the Old State Capitol, art lovers find the Springfield Old Capitol Art Fair to be the jewel of the Midwest. Free to the public, the juried fair is dedicated to top quality and media variety, keeping the more than 30,000 eager buyers coming back each year. www.socaf.org.

May 16-17: Clayville Spring Festival.  Clayville is an historic stagecoach stop on the Illinois prairie. The spring festival will feature vendors, family fun, crafts, artisans, tours, music and games recreating pioneer life. www.clayville.org.

To plan your visit to Springfield visit www.visitspringfieldillinois.com or for a list of all of the events going on in Springfield visit www.visitspringfieldillinois.com/Things-To-Do/Events.