Downtown Springfield Celebrates with 'My Heart's Downtown' Event

Family-friendly activities aim to bring people back to the city's downtown area.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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This weekend, Downtown Springfield, Illinois will host 'My Heart's Downtown', a community event featuring special promotions, public art, and a free admission day at the Kidzeum. The event is organized by Downtown Springfield Inc. as an ongoing effort to shed 'positivity' on the downtown area and promote community, connection, and creativity.

Why it matters

Downtown Springfield has faced challenges in recent years, with declining foot traffic and business closures. 'My Heart's Downtown' is a grassroots initiative to revitalize the area by drawing families and locals back to explore the shops, restaurants, and attractions downtown.

The details

The event will include a 7-foot heart sculpture unveiled in the Old State Capitol Plaza, special promotions and extended hours at participating businesses, and Kidzeum's 'Love Day' offering free admission on Saturday. Downtown Springfield Inc. says this is just the start, with plans already in the works for a March follow-up event.

  • My Heart's Downtown takes place this weekend, February 13-15, 2026.
  • The 7-foot heart sculpture unveiling does not have a set date yet.
  • Kidzeum's 'Love Day' with free admission is scheduled for Saturday, February 14, 2026.

The players

Downtown Springfield Inc.

The organization behind the 'My Heart's Downtown' event, working to revitalize and promote Springfield's downtown area.

Jay Shanlee

A representative of Downtown Springfield Inc. who says the event is an ongoing effort, not a one-time occurrence.

Kidzeum

A children's museum in Downtown Springfield that is participating in the event by offering free admission on 'Love Day'.

Elisa Fox

A representative of Kidzeum who expects the free admission day to draw 500 to 1,000 families downtown.

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What they’re saying

“This event wasn't meant to be a one-off. We're already working on what we will do for March.”

— Jay Shanlee, Representative, Downtown Springfield Inc. (capitolcitynow.com)

“The entire community is invited downtown for the Kidzeum Love Day, which is expected to draw an estimated 500 to 1000 families downtown and into local businesses.”

— Elisa Fox, Representative, Kidzeum (capitolcitynow.com)

What’s next

Downtown Springfield Inc. is already planning a follow-up 'My Heart's Downtown' event for March 2026.

The takeaway

By hosting a family-friendly celebration of local businesses, the 'My Heart's Downtown' event aims to revitalize Downtown Springfield and draw residents back to explore the area's shops, restaurants, and attractions.