Feb 4 - Feb 6
Central Illinois Jazz Festival
4191 W US Highway 36, Decatur
Put on by Decatur’s Juvae Jazz Society  this celebration of all types of jazz happens is held at the Decatur Conference Center & Hotel. Hundreds of folks come from all around the Midwest to spend the weekend partying  dancing  parading and listening to great jazz musicians with their friends. Book early  as the festival fills up fast!
217-422-8800
www.juvaejazz.com

Feb 4
First Friday Artist Reception
Gallery 510 Arts Guild, Ltd., 160 E. Main Street, Suite 100, Decatur
Wine and Cheese, Punch & Hors d'oeuvres
217-422-1509
www.gallery510.org

Feb 6 - Feb 6
Abraham Lincoln's Birthday Party at Postville Courthouse
914 - 5th Street, Lincoln
Public invited! Postville Courthouse will once again be celebrating Abraham Lincoln's birthday in style. Paul Beaver will be on hand to give two afternoon presentations. Postville volunteers will be conducting tours and will be serving birthday cake and punch. Period music will be playing throughout the event and the Arts and Crafts Guild will have their children's event from 10 am to 12 pm in the historic courtroom. Contest winners will also be announced. An Abraham Lincoln interpreter will be on hand to greet you.
217-732-8930

Feb 11
150th Anniversary Observance of the Civil War
Great Western Depot, Springfield
The 150th anniversary observance of the Civil War will begin on February 11, 2011, exactly 150 years after Abraham Lincoln left Springfield, Illinois on his Inaugural journey as President-elect to Washington, D.C.  Lincoln made an impromptu speech that day from the Great Western Depot before departing Springfield for the last time.  The speech will be re-enacted at that same depot at 11 a.m. Central Standard Time on February 11, 2011 and organizers are inviting people from around the world to join in and simultaneously read Lincoln’s Farewell Address through a variety of live media links that will be set up for that purpose.

Feb 11-12
Abraham Lincoln Symposium and Abraham Lincoln Birthday Banquet
Brookens Auditorium, University of Illinois at Springfield
House of Representatives, Old State Capitol, Springfield
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, Springfield
Crowne Plaza Hotel, Springfield
Events include Keynote Speaker, Michael F. Holt, University of Virginia
For detailed info and cost, 866-865-8500
www.abrahamlincolnassociation.org

Feb 11
Hot 8 Brass Band
Kirkland Fine Arts Center,Millikin University
1184 W Main Street, Decatur
The Hot 8 Brass Band has epitomized New Orleans street music for over a decade.  The band infuses each of their performances with the funk and energy that makes New Orleans music loved around the world.  The members of the Hot 8 Brass Band were born and raised in New Orleans and many began playing together in high school.  What makes the Hot 8 players so special are the sounds they coax from their well-loved, well-worn horns.
www.millikin.edu/kirkland

Feb 16-18
IHSA Individual Wrestling State Championship
University of Illinois Assembly Hall
1800 S. First St., Champaign
Watch top athletes from across the state compete in the ultimate face off at the IHSA Individual State Wrestling Finals.  Held in legendary Assembly Hall, this event will showcase top talent and bring together sports fans everywhere.  Tickets only $10.
www.IHSA.org/SportsActivities/BoysWrestling

Feb 18 –Mar 11
Maple Syrup Time
Lincoln Memorial Garden, Springfield
Visitors can view & participate in the maple syrup making process including tapping trees  collecting sap & boiling it into syrup. Demo at 1  2  & 3pm Saturdays and Sundays only.
217-529-1111
www.lincolnmemorialgarden.org