The calendar may say June 20 is the official start of summer, but a host of music festivals and other series and celebrations get underway in earnest after Memorial Day.
TheLevittAMP Springfield Music Series, presented by PNC Bank, returned to downtown Springfield for a fifth season on May 30 while one of the longest-running commemorations of Juneteenth, or Freedom Day, adds a big-time entertainment act who happens to be a Springfield native.
Here's what to know.
Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series
What: Haitian singer and multi-instrumentalist Paul Beaubrun, a touring member of the band Arcade Fire, kicked off the 10-week free music festival Thursday. Among the acts coming are Kyshona (June 27), Tyler Bryant and the Shakedown (July 4) and The Cactus Blossoms (July 25). There's a dance intermission, free kids' activities and food trucks available.
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When: Thursdays, May 30 through Aug. 1. All shows begin at 6 p.m.
Where: North Mansion Block (Jackson Street between Fourth and Fifth streets)
Of note: Concert-goers should bring lawn chairs or blankets. Food trucks and beverages will be available for purchase on-site.
More: Visit heritagefoundationspi.org.
Irish Days Picnic and Homecoming
What: The celebration in the Montgomery County town of Farmersville has branched out from its Irish traditions in its 113-year history. There are still Irish dancers (June 1), but festivalgoers can also watch or participate in a hillbilly golf tournament (May 31) and the festival parade (June 1). Deja Voodoo (May 31) is among the musical acts.
When: May 30-June 1
Where: City Park, 504 Nobbe St., Farmersville
Of note: The coronation of Little Miss and Little Mister Irish Days is set for 7 p.m. May 30.
More: Visit the Irish Days Celebration Facebook page.
Little Flower Parish Heritage Days Summerfest
What: It's a street party at Little Flower Parish, 800 Stevenson Drive There are carnival rides, food and beer, a three-on-three basketball tournament and music by Sushi Roll (May 31), Gracia Harrison (June 1), Lick Creek (June 1) and Stefan Huffman (June 2).
When: May 31-June 2
Where: Little Flower Parish, 800 Stevenson Dr.
Of note: You can win $25,000 in a mega raffle.
More: Visit the Little Flower Catholic School Facebook page.
Artist in the Park
What: The Springfield Area Arts Council is shifting its “Artist on the Plaza" program to “Artist in the Park,” in partnership with the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. In addition to a variety of musical performers, there will be lawn games and food trucks at the new location: Union Square Park.
When: "Artist in the Park" happens every Friday (beginning May 31 through Labor Day weekend) from noon to 1 p.m.
Where: Union Square Park, 500 E. Madison St.
Of note: In case of inclement weather, performances will be held in Union Station.
More: Visit springfieldartsco.org.
International Carillon Festival
What: Carillonneurs from around the world have played the festival in Springfield and this year is no exception, with players from the Netherlands and Canada, in addition to the U.S. There will be fireworks at dusk (around 9:15 p.m.) on June 7.
Where: Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, Washington Park, 1740 W. Fayette Ave.
When: June 6-9
Of note: There's a thematic carillon concert series at Washington Park at 6:30 p.m. on Fridays from June 14 to Aug. 9.
More: carillon-rees.org
Legacy of Giving (LoG) Music Festival
What: Over 60 bands will perform on five different stages in downtown Springfield. The lineup includes Fireside Relics, Chris Camp and His Blues Ambassadors, Harlem Hayfield, Blacklight Orchestra and Drew Cagle and The Reputation. There will be plenty of vendors and arts and crafts.
Where: Downtown Springfield
When: June 7 (5 p.m. to midnight) and June 8 (noon to midnight)
Of note: Bands will be playing for 10 different charities.
More: Visit logmusicfest.org.
Juneteenth Celebration
What: Juneteenth has officially been marked in Springfield for 30 years and this year it expands to a full week of events. Freedom Day honors the emancipation of enslaved individuals and celebrates the rich history and culture of African Americans. It includes a Mr. and Miss Junior Juneteenth Pageant on June 14 (Southeast High School, 7 p.m.) and a free concert by Morris Day & The Time ("Jungle Love") on June 15 (Comer Cox Park, 7 p.m.)
Where: Different venues in Springfield
When: June 12-19
Of note: Day, a Springfield native, is officially retired from touring.
More: Visit juneteenthinc.org
Positively Summer Music Festival
What: The all-ages free show features music from Positively 4th Street, Ben Bedford, Chickadee Sermon and Buckhart Road. All-ages show.
Where: Long Bridge Golf Course, 1055 W. Camp Sangamo Road, Springfield
When:June 16, 1 p.m.
Of note: Reviewer Mike Davies called Bedford's "Valley of Stars" album "a magical musical folk tale."
More: Visit the Positively Summer Music Festival Facebook page.
Contact StevenSpearie: 217-622-1788; sspearie@sj-r.com; X, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie.
