Events Upcoming
New Members
This February, downtown Springfield is leaning into love, community, and connection with My Heart’s Downtown, a family-friendly Valentine’s weekend initiative designed to celebrate local businesses and bring people back downtown.
Running February 13–15, My Heart’s Downtown brings together downtown businesses, special promotions, public art, and family-centered experiences to create a welcoming, vibrant atmosphere throughout the district.
“2026 is going to be a big year for downtown,” said Karen Conn of Conn Hospitality Group.
The initiative was created as a collaborative response to recent challenges facing downtown. Rather than focusing on uncertainty, My Heart’s Downtown highlights creativity, hospitality, and the shared goal of making downtown a place where people want to spend time.
“This campaign kicks off with a Valentine’s Day focus, but this is a long-term initiative,” said Leah Wilson, Executive Director at Kidzeum. “It’s about people who care about downtown coming together to change its trajectory. And it’s about connecting with the community in joyful, authentic ways that restore optimism and pride in downtown. Downtown will make a comeback, and we’re excited to be a part of making it happen.”
Weekend Highlights Include:
●Kidzeum Love Day, offering free admission and drawing an estimated 500 to 1,000families downtown and into the streets of your businesses
●Family Date Night experiences, including downtown carriage rides from 5:00 to 7:00pm
●Unveiling of a 7-foot heart sculpture at Old State Capitol Plaza, creating a newdowntown photo opportunity
●Special promotions, extended hours, and experiences hosted by participatingdowntown businesses
Participating businesses receive a package of visual and marketing support, including LED heart window displays, campaign decals and stickers provided by Downtown Springfield Inc., inclusion on a dedicated campaign, and coordinated media and social promotion. Businesses may also opt into wholesale merchandise opportunities and approved logo use.
A kickoff meeting for businesses will be held Wednesday January 28 at 5:30 pm at Kidzeum, where participants can learn more, share ideas, and get involved.
The Springfield Downtown Heritage Foundation, which is a 501c3, is accepting donations to support this campaign. Donations can be made at https://www.heritagefoundationspi.org/.
For more information or to get involved, email myheartsdowntown@gmail.com or attend the kickoff meeting on January 28.
My Heart's Downtown Campaign Committee:
Cainan Bartlett, Isringhausen
Karen Conn, Conn's Hospitality Group
Elisa Fox, Kidzeum
Jay Shanle, Downtown Springfield, Inc.
Scott Troehler, Springfield Downtown Heritage Foundation
Leah Wilson, Kidzeum
