Hello Springfield! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
Today's riddle: What has 2 arms and a neck but no head? 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
Today's Springfield Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. After investing billions to light up their network from big cities to small towns, T-Mobile is America's Best Mobile Network in the US according to Ookla Speedtest®. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 1H 2026. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Springfield Patch AM possible.
Find a T-Mobile store near Springfield.
1. New program director hired at Springfield Area Arts Council (sj-r.com) — Springfield residents have a new leader for the Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series and other major arts programs, as Andrew Schneider steps in as program director at the Springfield Area Arts Council. He'll help shape projects like the Y Block amphitheater, First Night Springfield, and local arts grants, tying creative events to downtown redevelopment and Route 66-related investments.
2. UIS Friday Night Star Parties return for fall season (springfieldherald.news) — Springfield residents can enjoy free Friday Night Star Parties at the University of Illinois Springfield Observatory from 8–10 p.m. on select dates through October, with walk-up access and no registration needed. Special nights will honor founder Charles Schweighauser, celebrate a Tsukimi Harvest Moon, and tie into UIS Homecoming, with weather updates available by phone and social media.
3. Springfield Mile returns to Illinois State Fairgrounds this weekend (capitolcitynow.com) — Springfield racing fans can catch the iconic Springfield Mile at the Illinois State Fairgrounds this Saturday and Sunday, featuring high-speed dirt-track motorcycle races up to 140 mph. As the final two rounds of a national flat-track series, the weekend includes youth activities, smaller competitions, and ticketed main events that cement Springfield's reputation as a premier racing destination.
4. Water main break floods Springfield bar hours before grand opening (wandtv.com) — A downtown Springfield bar called The Bus Stop saw its basement flooded by a Monroe Street water main break just 23 hours before its planned grand opening, forcing cancellation and major losses. Alderwoman Lakeisha Purchase is helping organize a Friday evening fundraiser so the owners can replace damaged equipment, restore electricity, and decide whether they must relocate.
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
Ok Springfield! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A shirt (Thank you Dianna H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Springfield Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.