The centerpiece of the six-week series is the array of top-tier family performers from around the northeast, appearing in the Davis Auditorium every Wednesday through Friday at 11 am. This year’s slate includes a mini-residency by the Puppet People, who will perform every Thursday during the Spectacular, as well as shows by family favorites like Mr. G (July 24) and host of others.  Featured performers during the next two weeks of the Spectacular include:

• Wed. July 22  –  West African Music by Akwaaba Drum & Dance Ensemble
• Thu. July 23 – The Last Dragon by The Puppet People
• Fri. July 24  – Grammy-nominated performer Mister G  
• Wed. July 29 – Little Red Riding Hood  by Cactushead Puppets
• Thur. July 30 – The Firebird  by The Puppet People
• Fri. July 31 – ABRAKIDABRA by Mike Bent

Fun and educational presentations are offered every week during the Spectacular, starting with live animal demonstrations by Forest Park’s “Zoo on the Go” program from 1:00-2:00 p.m. every Monday. More live animal programs featuring reptiles from the Springfield Science Museum’s Solutia Live Animal Center take place on Wednesdays and Fridays from noon- 3 pm.

Interactive fun is a hallmark of all family programs at the Museums, and the Summer Spectacular is no exception. Young visitors to the Science Museum can enjoy science, math, and technology activities every Monday through Friday at the “Curiosity Corner,” presented in conjunction with the blockbuster exhibit Curious George: Let’s Get Curious! (additional fee applies). Fans of Curious George can meet the mischievous monkey on Tuesdays from 11 am – 1 pm (check Welcome Center for location).

The six-week Spectacular also features activity and dress-up stations available daily from noon- 4 pm in the Hasbro Games Art Discovery Center at the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum, and a hands-on History Cart with artifacts from years’ past at the Wood Museum of Springfield History on Thursdays from noon – 2 pm. There are also daily planetarium shows (additional fee required) and impromptu science demonstrations by the Roving Scientist at the Museum’s Family Science Adventures Mondays through Fridays from 11 am – 2 pm.

There is a $5 special exhibit fee in addition to museum admission for Curious George: Let’s Get Curious!, which also includes the American Impressionism exhibit at the D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts.