What's Happening?

Springfield, IL (May 17,2026).  If you’re looking for something to do this week, then you’ve come to right place to keep your days full.  This week proves to be full practically every day.

On Tuesday, May 19^th, Springfield Pridefest will be conducting a Black Pride Community Meeting to discuss future LGBTQIA+ celebrations from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Innovate located at 1100 S Grand East, Springfield IL.  Discussion will center on Pridefest ideas specifically to the black/brown LGBT+ community.

On Wednesday, May 20^th, the Illinois Department of Human Rights will be holding a “Human Rights Community Coffee Talk” at the Lincoln Library Carnegie Room from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.  Come grab an afternoon treat, meet community members, and learn more about your rights and the people working for equality in Illinois.  There will be representatives from CORAL, IDHR, Equality Illinois, Phoenix Center and more who work to support our friends and neighbors. 

Later that same evening, the Fifth Street Renaissance/SARA Center will be holding their annual meeting at Erin’s Pavilion at 6:00 p.m.  They will be recognizing special people who have provided support to them in the past year as well as reporting what they accomplished and what are their goals for the upcoming year.  Refreshments will be provided. 

On Thursday, May 21^st, Equality Illinois will be having their annual LGBTQ Advocacy Day at the Illinois State Capitol.  LGBTQ+ Illinoisans and allies will come together in Springfield to advance equality and send a clear message to elected officials: that our lives are worth protecting.  Individuals from across the state of Illinois will be coming together to lobby and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.  Meals will be served to those who have registered for the event.  Register today by clicking on the link here: https://shorturl.at/SuMF

Later that evening, Planned Parenthood of Illinois will be holding an event titled as “Care Continues.” The topic will be how to access care for immigrant and trans people care and how it’s currently being affected.  There will be a paint & sip activity as well and refreshments will be available.  To register, go to bit.ly/carecontinues-may21

On Saturday, May 23^rd, The Central Illinois Resource Center will be holding a Community Care Fair at the Lincoln Library Carnegie Room from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  The event will focus on mental health, wellness, and community support services. 

Also on Saturday, the Springfield Families Against Bullying will be holding a rally event at The Soul Shoppe, located at 598 E Jefferson from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. The event is an effort to help bring awareness to this growing problem.  They are hoping to provide a place for families to come, be seen, share their stories, and a chance to come together as a community to show support against this issue.