Entertainment

DINING
With over 150 dining establishments, Springfield offers a wide variety of dining selections. From fine dining establishments to quaint lunch spots, Springfield offers options to suit all convention attendees. Please refer to our restaurant guide for specific information on local restaurants.

BARS, PUBS N’ CLUBS
You can find everything from little neighborhood bars to popular downtown night spots. There is a mix of musical entertainment here as well. If your tastes run more to comedy, you might want to take in The Funny Bone Comedy Club. Additionally, Capitol Teletrack Offtrack Betting Parlor is available, offering year-round wagering on top-quality thoroughbred and harness racing from tracks around the country.

LIVE THEATER

• From Broadway productions to top-name shows, the University of Illinois Sangamon Auditorium plays host to big name entertainment throughout the year.
• The Springfield Muni Opera explores entertainment under the stars with a variety of drama, music and comedy performed each weekend throughout the summer.
• The Prairie Capital Convention Center, located in downtown Springfield, is the site of sporting events, circuses, ice shows and concerts featuring today’s hottest musical stars.
• Catch theater at its best with a variety of entertainment at the Hoogland Center for the Arts.
• Nestled within New Salem State Park, Theater in the Park at New Salem is an outdoor amphitheater surrounded by wilderness – a unique environment for entertaining summer performances for the entire family.

MOVIE THEATERS
The Route 66 Drive-In Theater is an outdoor theater featuring family-oriented classics. Double features are shown on weekends starting 30 minutes after dusk. Concession stand featuring all of your drive in favorites. Additionally, convention attendees can enjoy the best of Hollywood blockbusters at numerous theaters throughout the city.

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
Springfield is host to multiple annual festivals and events – Springfield Air Rendezvous, State Farm Classic (an LPGA tournament), the Old State Capitol Art Fair, Ethnic Festival, Highland Games, New Salem Traditional Music Festival, Taste of Downtown, and the Illinois State Fair are among the wide variety of events held in Springfield.

Many of the sites & attractions host special events at their facilities.