Decatur Area Living - Best Version Media

MARCH EVENTS!!

Thu, Mar 5
Keith Anderson with special guests Wreckless Whiskey
Square Theatre
The Historic Lincoln Square Theater and 98.1 GRIZ FM, are excited to announce that country music star, Keith Anderson will perform with special guests: the acoustic duo of ‘Wreckless Whiskey’.
Time:7 pm
lincolnsquaretheater.com/

Fri, Mar 6 & Sat, Mar 7
Decatur Christian School Presents: Annie
Civic Center
Join us for this beloved musical classic! "Annie" tells the heartwarming story of a young orphan girl's search for her parents during the Great Depression. With memorable songs like "Tomorrow" and "It's the Hard Knock Life," this timeless production brings hope, joy, and the spirit of optimism to the stage.
Time: Fri - 6:30 pm, Sat - 1 pm & 6:30 pm
decaturciviccenter.org

Sat, March 7
Decatur Polar Plunge
House
Be brave and take the Plunge into the frigid waters of Lake Decatur to benefit Special Olympics Illinois! All Plungers will raise a minimum of $100 for Special Olympics to take the Plunge. Post Plunge meal provided. Last minute registrations welcome.
Time: Noon
plungeillinois.com

Fri, March 13 - Fri, March 20
School's Out Day Camp
Indoor Sports Center
Enjoy fun activities and exciting field trips with the DISC’s School’s Out Day Camp! Kids aged Kindergarten – 8th grade will be well supervised during the camp day with a 12:1 student to staff ratio.
Time: 6:30 am - 6 pm
decaturindoorsportscenter.com

Sat, March 14
Razor Edge Ice Racing 2026
Civic Center
Ice Speedway racing is arguably the craziest form of motorcycle racing, as it requires highest levels of skills and bravery. Taking place within the bounds of a hockey rink, these riders force their high-octane motorcycles and quads out of the corners at 60 mph to reach 80 mph and better in the straights.
Riders from across the nation compete to earn points in a series of races sponsored by International Championship Events (ICE), World Championship Ice Racing. Decatur is but one stop in a series of races that will ultimately crown a champion.
Time:7 pm
decaturciviccenter.org

Sat, March 14
St. Patrick's Day Parade & Celebration
Decatur
The parade will be followed by a family-friendly party at The Hall at Five-Twenty featuring delicious food, drinks, music and kids' activities.
Time: Parade at 11am, Celebration to follow
facebook.com/TheHallAtFiveTwenty

Thu, Mar 26 - Sun, Mar 29
Men's Great Banquet
Church
The Men's Great Banquet is a 3-day experience for men looking for spiritual growth, inner healing, Christian friendships, food, and fellowship. Call 428-8839 for more information.
Time: 7pm Thu-7pm Sun
lampstandpc.org

Fri, Mar 27
POWER OF LOVE – The Premier Huey Lewis & The News Tribute Concert
Square Theatre
As part of our 2026 Tribute Concert Series, the Historic Lincoln Square Theater is excited to welcome, for the first time, ‘Power of Love’ – The Premier Huey Lewis & The News Tribute concert. The POWER OF LOVE is a group of masterful, extremely talented musicians performing the greatest hits of one of the most beloved and iconic 1980s acts in music history, “Huey Lewis and the News”.
Time:7 pm
lincolnsquaretheater.com/

Sun, March 29
Fine Arts at the Homestead
Millikin Homestead

Fine Arts will be from 1-3 pm ($10 Admission) Then a Public Open House will follow from 3-5 pm ($5 Admission for Ages 12+, Under 12 are Free) Also, if you pay the $10 admission for the Fine Arts portion, your open house is free. Featured Poet: Randy Stewart II, Also featured: Decatur Camera Club
Hosted by photographer, Bill Hoffman, the Decatur Camera Club will present: "A photographer's view of Central Illinois Historical Sites," as viewed and taken by members of the Decatur Camera Club.
Time: 1 pm - 5 pm
jamesmillikinhomestead.com/events

The March issue is hitting mailboxes! Say hello to the Johnsons!

For Valentine month we welcome the Nevitts!!

Happy New Year! And with the new year we introduce you to the Hendricks Family!

JANUARY EVENTS!!

Wed, Dec 31
Happy Noon Year for Kids!
's Museum of IL
Your kids can ring in the new year twelve hours early! Lots of family fun around the museum in addition to their ever-popular balloon drop at noon!
Time:10am-2pm
cmofil.org

Wed, Dec 31
New Year's Eve on Ice
Civic Center
Ring in the New Year with ice skating at the Decatur Civic Center!
Time: 7pm-12:30am
decaturciviccenter.org

Wed, Dec 31
New Year's Eve Gala
Conference Center & Hotel
Start the New Year in style with delicious food, great company, an entertaining DJ and cash bar! Call 422-8800 for reservations or details.
Time: 7:30 pm - 12:30 am

Sat, Jan 10
Space Oddity - The Quintessential David Bowie Experience
Square Theater
Kickoff of the 2026 Tribute Concert Series with David Brighton’s SPACE ODDITY – The Quintessential David Bowie Tribute Experience. Space Oddity is credited as being the world’s best David Bowie theatrical concert experience. “David Brighton has the voice, moves, and look to actually step in for David Bowie if he were unavailable, and few would ever know." Harry Maslin, the Producer of David Bowie’s Young Americans and Station to Station albums.
Time: 7pm
lstevents.com

Sat & Sun, Jan 10th & 11th
Winter Chorale Concert
Hill Magnet School Auditorium
Join the Greater Decatur Chorale as they sing through the decades, highlighting a music repertoire from the past 100 years.
Time: 2 pm
decatur-parks.org

Fri, Jan 16
Satisfaction: The International Rolling Stones Tribute Show
Square Theater
Here comes the most incredible Rolling Stones Experience you’ve ever saw, without attending an actual Rolling Stones Concert! ‘SATISFACTION’ is credited as the most accurate rendition to Mick Jagger & The Rolling Stones on the planet! Tickets often range from $300-3000 each for “real” Rolling Stones tickets, and are definitely worth it to see the real thing, however, many people can’t afford or catch a concert in their area, so here is your chance to see the next best thing!
Time: 7 pm
lstevents.com

Sat, Jan 17 - Mon, Jan 19
Boy's Awakening
Church
The Awakening is a weekend designed to help high school students hit pause, take a breath, and see what life with Jesus can REALLY be. It’s an opportunity to hear God speak to them personally.These weekends are open to all high school students of any denomination or background. Grab a friend to bring with you and get signed up today!
Time: 11:30 am Sat - 6:30 pm Monday
lampstandpc.org/awakening

Sat, Jan 17
Spotlight Series 2026 Concert #1: Captain Quirk
Square Theater
Show #1 in the “SPOTLIGHT SERIES” focuses on the local talent but has a huge reward in the end for the band and the fan! The first season will showcase 13 bands from the central Illinois area. The band that has the most ticket sales at the end of 2026, per box office report, will ultimately be the winner! Show #1 – ‘Captain Quirk’ – based out of Peoria. For more information on Captain Quirk, go to their website: captainquirkrocks.com & like and follow them on FB.
Time: 7 pm
lstevents.com

Sun, Jan 18
Millikin University Choir Tour Finale
Patrick Church
The University Choir presents its full thematic concert in top form after two weeks of regional touring performances.
Time: 2pm-4pm
millikin.edu

Sat, Jan. 24
Princess Ball
Banquet Facility
This popular event is perfect for young ladies aged 5-12 and their grown up! Call for reservations at 422-5911.
Time: 5-9pm
decatur-parks.org

**DECEMBER EVENTS!!

Wed, Dec 3
Downtown Decatur Christmas Walk
Decatur
Bring the family out to welcome the holiday season and enjoy holiday treats, music, activities, and shopping! Ride the free trolley throughout downtown, listen to festive music, visit Santa in the Transfer House, celebrate the lighting of the Christmas tree at the Decatur Civic Center, and more!
Time: 5-8 pm
decaturchamber.com

Wed, Dec 3 - Sun, Dec 14
Trees on the Tees
Point Golf Course
A festival of trees with a twist! Walk or ride on a golf cart to experience this enchanting path of beautifully decorated trees. Advance tickets needed.
Time: 5-9 pm
Cost: $6 walking, $9 riding
decatur-parks.org

Fri, Dec 5
The Star - Family Movie Night & Live Petting Zoo
Church
Bring the kids to enjoy a fun animated Christmas movie with a star-studded cast, plus an exciting indoor petting zoo! The petting zoo will feature a camel, mini cow, mini donkey and more. Link to movie trailer below. $10 per ticket, $30 for a family of 3 or more.
Time: Doors 5:30 pm, Movie 6:30 pm
tinyurl.com/thestartrailer

Fri, Dec 5
The Nutcracker Presented by Decatur Community Dance
Schilling Auditorium
29th Annual production presented by Decatur Community Dance. A fun and lovely production of Tchaikovsky's music and classical ballet choreography. All local talent of all ages from Decatur and held at Richland Communty College.Tickets $15 ($12 for under ten and over 55). Reserved seating.
Time: 7 pm
decaturcommunity.dance

Fri, Dec 5 & Sat, Dec 6
Rudolph's Village Market
Village Park
Join Forsyth for Rudolph's Village Market. This year, they will also be showing The Polar Express Movie under the side tent! Bring your blanket!
Time: Fri (after tree lighting) approx 6:30 pm, Sat 6 pm
forsyth-il.gov/events

Sat, Dec 6
Polar Express Movie
Civic Center
Join us for a Magical showing of Polar Express! Come dressed for a cozy evening filled with hot cocoa and all the fixings. Be whisked away into the Magic of Christmas, where dreams take flight, bells ring, and the spirit of the season shines bright.
Time: 1 pm & 6 pm
decaturciviccenter.org

Sat, Dec 6
Decatur Christmas Parade
Decatur
Join us in Downtown Decatur for a Decatur holiday staple filled with fun floats, lights, great music, local celebrities, delicious candy, and more.
Time: 4 pm
decu.com/christmasparade

Sun, Dec 7
Santa Shuffle

Santa returns to the DISC! Kids will race with their age group on the indoor track, play games, and jump on the inflatables. All kids will get a medal, cookie, and photo with Santa.
Time: 3 - 6 pm
decatur-parks.org

Fri, Dec 12
Sidewalk Prophets Great Big Family Christmas
Square Theater
Gather your loved ones and step into a magical, melody-filled evening at the Great Big Family Christmas with Sidewalk Prophets! This Christmas concert promises more than just music—it’s a heartwarming celebration of hope, joy, and togetherness. Doors open at 6:00 PM.
Time: 7 pm
lstevents.com

Sat, Dec 13
12 Bars of Christmas
's Pub & Pins (starting location)
5Kings invites you to their annual holiday bar crawl through downtown Decatur and surrounding bars! Celebrate the season, compete in fun holiday games, and support local charities and venues. Transportation bus service provided between all bars. Dress up in your ugly sweaters, Santa hats, or your most festive holiday gear—it’s time to crawl, compete, and spread holiday cheer while making a difference for local charities!
Time: 10 am - 8 pm
facebook.com/5kingscharity.org

Sun, Dec 14
Cookies and Carols at the Homestead / Christmas Open House
Millikin Homestead
Come see the Homestead all dressed up for Christmas, in the evening when the lights glow! Join in singing Christmas carols with the Memory Keepers Chorus, all while you enjoy some cookies, all for free! (Monetary contributions to the Homestead are always welcome)
Time: 4-6 pm
jamesmillikinhomestead.com/events