Festivals, markets and live music highlight major events in May
Festivals, markets and live music highlight major events in May
Claire Grant, Springfield State Journal-RegisterWed, May 6, 2026 at 8:40 AM UTC
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SPRINGFIELD – The month of May is providing plenty of things to do around the capital city.
From classic events like the International Carillon Festival to Pridefest, there's something for everyone.
Here are five things happening during the month of May.
Fat Ass 5K
Members of the Wright family from Chatham, Ill., and Farmer City, Ill., navigate their costumes to enjoy mini corn dogs at one of the food stops during the Fat Ass 5K & Street Party for Charity along the streets of downtown, Saturday, May 11, 2019, in Springfield, Ill. The Fat Ass 5K is a race throughout downtown that includes stops for beer, corn dogs, donuts and ice cream and has donated over $2 million to charity since 2008.
What: Started as an idea on a napkin at the Celtic Mist pub, this 5K for charity has donated over $2 million since 2008. The party starts May 8 at the corner of Washington and Seventh streets to pick up packets at the Abraham Lincoln Hotel, with bands food trucks and giveaways. The real race starts on May 9, with bands, booze, ice cream and food trucks along the long road to finishing and benefitting over 30 charities.
When: The race starts at 10 a.m. on Sat. May 9, with last day to sign up on May 6.
Where: Downtown Springfield at 117 S. Seventh St.
More: Tickets for this event are $84 after tax for anyone over 21.
International Carillon Festival
What: The 2026 International Carillon Festival at the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon in Washington Park is bringing carillon artists from around the world to play. A carillon is a 23-set bronze bell musical system housed in a bell tower operating like an organ in a church to produce chimes from the bells in different orders. Springfield’s carillon is one of the few in the world open to the public and currently ranks within the as the eight-largest in the world. The Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon consists of sixty-seven cast bronze bells that ring out from the 132-foot brutalist style tower.
When: 6 to 9 p.m. May 21 to the 24.
Where: 1740 W. Fayette Ave., Springfield
More: For more information about parking and what to bring to this free event, readers can check out carillon-rees.org.
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Pridefest
What: Springfield's annual day to celebrate diversity and inclusivity. With street side vendors for all ages, there’ll be plenty of food trucks and live performances to catch while shopping for the best fan to keep you cool as the weather gets warmer. Hope School will have a sensory tent set up where it’s a little calmer, darker and full of fidgets and fun. Main stage schedules include the Springfield Municipal Band, the cast of Jesus Christ Superstar, Queeraoke and a headlined drag show featuring Jaharia.
When: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on May 16.
Where: Downtown Springfield near the Governors Mansion.
More: Information about booths and drag shows can be found on the Springfield PrideFest Facebook page.
Moonlight Markets
What: Want something to look forward to all month long – and then some? Hosted by Obed & Isaac’s Microbrewery, this local vendor market is a recurring favorite in downtown, worth the drive every first and third Wednesday of the month. Moonlight Market highlights local crafters, artists and makers from around the Central Illinois area, inviting you to sip and shop with live music.
When: 6 to 9 p.m. May 20, June 3, June 17, July 1, July 15, Aug. 5, Aug. 19, Sept. 2 and Sept. 16.
Where: Moonlight Market is held on Jackson Street between Sixth and Seventh streets in front of Obed & Isaac's Microbrewery in downtown Springfield.
Levitt AMP music series
What: The annual music series is returning to Springfield for another season. The free event features live music, food trucks and much, much more.
When: 6 to 9:30 p.m. every Thursday from May 28 to July 30.
Where: Y-Block, outside of the governor's mansion.
More: springfieldartsco.org/levittampspringfield/
Claire Grant writes about business, growth and development and other news topics for The State Journal-Register. She can be reached at CLGrant@usatodayco.com; and on X (Formerly known as Twitter): @Claire_Granted
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Fun runs, markets and more: 5 things to do in May around Springfield
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