Community Festivals

A thriving community with FESTIVE FUN for Everyone

Our longest-running festival – the Summer Arts Festival – is also our most recognized and loved. This free, month-long celebration of music and fun has been taking place between the scenic cliffs along Buck Creek for nearly 50 years and draws attendees from across the region and state.

MUSIC • HISTORY • HOBBIES • HOLIDAYS • AND MORE

SUMMER ARTS FESTIVAL | JUNE & JULY CONCERTS UNDER THE STARS

———— ———— In what might be likened to a modern observance of the summer solstice, rows of lawn chairs start appearing shortly after sunup between the limestone cliffs of Veterans Park from mid-June through mid-July. It’s the time-honored method for reserving a prime spot for that evening’s performance at the Springfield Summer Arts Festival. The admission-free festival has something for everyone — from those whose tastes run from ribs to Rachmaninoff. Tribute bands annually attract the likes of Parrotheads and Deadheads. Home-grown talents John Legend and Griffin House might drop by. Staples include the Springfield Symphony Orchestra and musicals showcasing local and touring talent. All play out as the sun sets on the beautiful and well-appointed Veterans Park Amphitheater. springfieldartscouncil.org

$0

The admission fee to all events in the Springfield Summer Arts Festival.

FAIR AT NEW BOSTON | SEPTEMBER A REVOLUTIONARY GATHERING

———— ———— Step 200 years back in time at the Fair at New Boston! This quality event - from historical re-enactments to time period vendors and food - creates the illusion of time travel to 1790 - 1810.

Each Labor Day, history lovers and re-enactors from across the country migrate to George Rogers Clark Park for the Fair at New Boston. Held near the grounds of the Battle of Peckuwe, the largest Revolutionary War battle fought west of the Allegheny Mountains, the event transports attendees to the 18th century, where tinsmiths, blacksmiths and tatters display their wares between taverns, and ruffians do their best to avoid detection by constables on patrol. The regular firing of the 6-pound cannon near the stockade helps moderns hear echoes of the Ohio past while General George Rogers Clark patrols the grounds. fairatnewboston.org

AUGUST

WAKE THE LAKE

———— ———— This one-of-a-kind event features F1 Powerboats racing from 0 to 120 MPH in a matter of just three seconds on the Clark County Fairgrounds lake! The side-by-side racing includes 90-degree hairpin turns, no brakes, and lots of action. You’ll also enjoy a beer garden, great food and live music.

JUNE INDIECRAFT

———— ———— This event debuted in 2019 and was an overwhelming hit! IndieCraft occupies the intersection of Indie music and craft brewing. We bring together great bands and great brews for a weekend full of fun centered around multiple downtown venues, bars and brewpubs.

SEPTEMBER MUSTARDFEST

———— ———— This Oktoberfest-themed event includes sampling of Woeber Mustard products, seasonal beers from Mother Stewart’s, German music, and the legendary Champion City Wiener Dog races. A great family event that just gets better every year!

TOURING TIP no. 4

FUN ON THE FARM Drive 6.4 miles south of Springfield on Route 68 to Young’s Jersey Dairy for ice cream, food and farm-based family fun.

FEBRUARY - OCTOBER FIRST FRIDAYS

———— ———— Come visit the Hatch Artist Studios. 32+ artists will open their studios to the public to shop for unique one of kind items. You will find local artists that specialize in woodworking, ceramics, painting, fiber art, glass and jewelry to mention just a few art mediums. Come visit and experience all this talent in one building!

OCTOBER CHALK FEST

———— ———— Spend the afternoon listening to live music as chalk artists chalk the streets in downtown Springfield and compete for top honors. Attendees will also enjoy offerings from vendors, food trucks, and kids activities. They can create their own chalk art masterpiece and engage in other free, fun activities.

AUGUST SPRINGFIELD JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL

———— ———— The already vibrant Springfield music scene grooves into third gear with the brand new, Springfield Jazz and Blues Music Festival for 2022! Presented by the Springfield Kiwanis Club, the festival features 18 local, regional and national artists converging on two stages in the heart of downtown.

DECEMBER HOLIDAY IN THE CITY

———— ———— This production of the Greater Springfield Partnership is a fiveweek, downtown holiday celebration that includes an outdoor ice rink, appearances by Santa, the Grand Illumination of downtown, and more!

In Greater Springfield it’s not a question if something’s happening, it’s just a question of when! To find our what’s going on in and around our community, just click on VisitGreaterSpringfield.com. The events calendar will keep you up to date on everything from antique shows and symphony performances, to festivals and historic walking tours. You’ll also find plenty of info on local attractions, dining and lodging options.

FAMILY. FUN. FESTIVALS ANTIQUING IN SPRINGFIELD

MAY | SEPTEMBER EXTRAVAGANT EVENTS

———— ———— On the third Friday in May and September, a traveling army of antiques dealers, pickers and flea market aficionados from around the globe descend on the Clark County Fairgrounds for the nationally known Springfield Antique Show & Flea Market Extravaganza. The Extravaganza is world-renowned as one of the largest and best antique shows in the country. 2000+ vendors are setup indoors and outdoors throughout the Clark County Fairgrounds for this epic weekend which also includes great food! springfieldantiqueshow.com

2,500

The number of dealers at the May and September Springfield Antique Show & Flea Market Extravaganzas.