Living

Last weekend was the Old Capitol Art Fair in Springfield Illinois! This free central Illinois event brings art-lovers and artists together at the Illinois Old State Capitol building. The fair featured amenities such as a Children’s Tent, food court and live music.

The art fair, founded in 1961, marked it’s 65^th year on May 16 and 17. The goal of the art fair was to bring Illinois and neighboring states’ artists together, educate the public, create a cultural event for and a civic art collection for the city of Springfield. According to the Old Capitol Art Fair website, the event is one of the most popular juried art fairs in the country. A juried art fair is one where art is selected by a panel of judges in a competition. The art fair’s awards go to best in show, different categories of art, merit and Children’s Tent awards. Each year the event brings more than 30,000 shoppers and viewers interested in all different forms of art. Original works run the gamut from jewelry and watercolors to woodworking, pottery and more. 

The Old State Capitol hosted the Illinois General Assembly from 1840 to 1876 and is currently in the midst of a comprehensive restoration effort.

You can find more upcoming events and information about the Old State Capitol .

A recent report from Time Magazine lists the University of Chicago among the world's top universities, ranking above Ivy League schools like Harvard, Princeton and the University of Pennsylvania, with five other Illinois schools also appearing on the global list.

The University of Chicago came in at No. 5, followed by Northwestern University at No. 85, University of Illinois Chicago at No. 151, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign at No. 235, Illinois Institute of Technology at No. 266, and Southern Illinois University at No. 338.

Want your life journey to be preserved for future generations? As part of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence’s signing, people across Illinois are invited to participate in Illinois Voices 250, a statewide initiative to tell the stories of the people who live there.

Illinois Voices 250 is offered by the Illinois America 250 Commission, Illinois Humanities and StoryCorps Studios. The program will keep its recorded conversations with residents in the U.S. Library of Congress, where they will be preserved for future generations. The conversations discuss what democracy, belonging and civic participation mean in today’s world, and how residents’ experiences have shaped those thoughts.

Illinois residents can attend public community recording events or record their conversations on their own. Either way, there is no fee to participate.

The Illinois America 250 Commission was established by state law to showcase how Illinois represents the Declaration of Independence’s values, and it is assisted by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

The state is also celebrating 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in other ways, including a keepsake tourism passport, public art grants and Illinois United in Service.

To find out more about the Illinois Voices 250 program, visit https://www.il250.org/il-voices.

Since its founding in 1953, World Wrestling Entertainment has become a cornerstone of sports entertainment and a highlight of Monday nights while producing icons that have become household names, like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and John Cena. Over the years, the WWE has evolved into a worldwide phenomenon with a massive and loyal fan base.

In recent years, WWE’s popularity has surged. The company reported more than $1.7 billion in revenue in 2025, surpassing the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Its move to Netflix has further expanded its reach, drawing an average of over 3 million weekly viewers worldwide. This growth signifies WWE’s continued relevance after decades in an increasingly competitive industry.

Now, Chicago is taking part of the action. On February 28, 2026, WWE brought its high-stakes Elimination Chamber event to the United Center, marking the company’s return to the venue after a 32-year hiatus. The last time WWE held a major event at the arena was in 1994, making this comeback a significant moment for the organization and the city’s passionate wrestling fans.

Each winter, Chicago’s Chinatown comes alive with color and celebration as thousands gather for the annual Chinese New Year Parade. Held along Wentworth Avenue, the event is one of the largest Lunar New Year celebrations in the Midwest and a cherished tradition for families across Illinois.

Celebrations take place from February to March, and the parade marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year on the traditional Chinese calendar. With this being the year of the horse. Spectators line the streets to watch vibrant dragon and lion dances, marching bands, cultural performances, and community organizations make their way through the neighborhood. The steady beat of drums and the flash of red and gold decorations create a festive atmosphere, even on the coldest winter day.

The lion and dragon dances are highlights of the celebration, symbolizing good fortune, prosperity and strength in the year ahead. The event not only celebrates heritage but also invites visitors from all backgrounds to learn more about Chinese culture and traditions.

Beyond the parade, Chinatown’s restaurants and shops buzz with activity. Families gather for special meals, storefronts are decorated with lanterns and banners, and local businesses welcome guests exploring the neighborhood.

Chicago’s Chinese New Year Parade reflects the rich cultural diversity that makes Illinois unique. It’s a joyful reminder that even in the heart of winter, communities across our state find meaningful ways to come together and celebrate new beginnings.