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The magical holiday tradition of “Vespers” returns on Dec. 5 and 6, signaling the start of the season with a sumptuous evening of carols, choirs, and candlelight. Songs from centuries past combine with familiar favorites to create an unforgettable evening for the entire family. Single-ticket sales for “Vespers” go on sale Tuesday, November 3.

Next, Kirkland brings the global stage to Central Illinois, with “Cirque Kalabanté — WOW_World of Words,” an immersive experience exploring the transmission of knowledge, the meeting of cultures, and the magic of shared respect. Between ancestral rituals and aerial innovations, WOW erases boundaries and builds bridges between tradition and modernity, all presented by artists specializing in the African arts.

Then, in March, Kirkland partners with the Decatur Park District for “Peter Pan JR.,” the timeless Broadway classic that promises to whisk you away to that place where dreams are born and no one ever grows up. Featuring the iconic songs “I’m Flying,” “I’ve Gotta Crow,” “I Won't Grow Up" and "Never Never Land," “Peter Pan JR.” is the perfect show for the child in all of us.

And in May, Kirkland is proud to welcome “Are You Ready For It? A Taylor Experience,” recreating Taylor Swift’s biggest hits as part of this nationally touring production that starsaward-nominated vocalist Traci Marie. The performance features show-stopping costume changes, dynamic choreography, a live band, immersive multimedia, and unforgettable sing-along moments that span Swift’s entire career.

“Kirkland Fine Arts Center plays an essential role in the life of �鶹Լ�� University, serving as a place where our students, the College of Fine Arts, visiting artists, and the greater Decatur community come together through the arts,” said Bryan Diver, Director of Kirkland Fine Arts Center.

“This season reflects our commitment to offering a diverse range of experiences that entertain, inspire, and create meaningful connections. From showcasing the extraordinary talents of our students and faculty to welcoming nationally and internationally recognized artists to our stage, Kirkland provides opportunities that enrich both the University and our community. We want Kirkland to be a place where everyone feels welcome, and we look forward to bringing people together to experience all that the Arts at �鶹Լ�� have to offer throughout this exciting season.”

In addition to this fantastic lineup, the season includes a full calendar of plays, classical and contemporary music, dance, opera, and art exhibits at �鶹Լ��’s many venues — Kaeuper Hall in the Perkinson Music Center, Albert Taylor Theatre in Shilling Hall, the Virginia Rogers Theatre in the Center for Theatre & Dance, and the Perkinson and Crowder Galleries in Kirkland Fine Arts Center.

On Sept. 4, �鶹Լ��’s School of Art & Creative Media (SOACM) unveils its exhibit season with an opening reception honoring their Crowder Summer Residency artist Maddie Tomblin Mazzola. This is followed by “Wonders of Watercolor” (opening reception Sept. 10), SOACM’s Faculty Biennial (Dec. 3), “Organic Architecture & Design Archive: Book Arts” (Feb. 4), and “Robert Crowder: Master of Still Life” (April 1-30). SOACM’s spotlight exhibit is “In the Presence of Black Life,” which brings together work by nationally renowned Black artists exploring identity, memory, intimacy, and representation. The show, opening Feb. 4, also features work by Decatur-native and �鶹Լ�� alumnus Preston Jackson.

Highlights from the include the Faculty Recital Series in Kaeuper Hall, the 18th annual Percussion Ensemble’s Halloween concert, choral concerts at Central Christian Church and St. Patrick Church, concerts from the �鶹Լ�� Symphonic Wind Ensemble, the opera “Amelia al Ballo,” and the prestigious Winner’s Recital for the Hollis Prize on April 3. First awarded in 2003, the Hollis Prize represents the highest form of recognition bestowed upon a vocal or instrumental performer at �鶹Լ�� University. The Hollis Prize is unique among undergraduate music competitions for its recital performance format and rigorous audition process.

Incredible performances from the School of Theatre & Dance this season include upcoming stagings of “Ordinary Days” (Sept. 11-12), “Blithe Spirit” (Oct. 8-11), “Cabaret” (Nov. 12-15),“Solstice: A Concert of Dance” (Dec. 10-12), “POTUS, or Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive” (March 11-14), and “Urinetown” (April 23-25).

Additionally, Albert Taylor Theatre will host two unforgettable performances. From Sept. 11-13, “Come From Away,” co-produced with Theatre 7, explores one of the ways that Sept. 11, 2001, changed the world. This musical takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them.

And, on Oct. 10, join us as we welcome back School of Theatre & Dance alumnus Justin Kimball as part of “Comedy Dance Chicago.” This live performance company combines sketch comedy, physical humor, and high-energy dance to create an unforgettable entertainment experience.

The �鶹Լ��-Decatur Symphony Orchestra (MDSO), led by Music Director & Conductor Matthew Sheppard, kicks of their season with Labor Day Pops at the Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater on Sept. 7. Four Masterworks concerts follow — “Pictures and Poetry” on Oct. 17, “Beethoven and the Blues” on Nov. 7, “Heroes and Heroines” on Feb. 27, and “Music and Magic” on April 10.

“It really is a magical season for the Arts at �鶹Լ��. There is something for everyone — to educate and uplift, to entertain and engage, and to bring people together through the power of shared artistic experiences. From extraordinary music, theatre, dance, and visual art created by our students and faculty to nationally and internationally renowned artists taking our stages and filling our galleries, this season reflects the remarkable breadth and vitality of the arts at �鶹Լ��,” said Cameron Jackson, Dean of �鶹Լ��’s College of Fine Arts.

“Just as importantly, it celebrates our connection to the Decatur community through partnerships and experiences that invite everyone to be part of what we do. Whether you come to be challenged, inspired, moved, or simply entertained, there is a place for you here. This is what the arts can do at their very best — and I can’t wait for you to experience the magic of this season.”

For a full list of season events, visit .

How to Purchase Tickets

Single ticket sales for all 2026-2027 events, excluding Vespers, go on sale Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026. Vespers tickets go on sale on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. Friends of Kirkland receive up to 25% off tickets and enjoy early access to Vespers tickets! Find out how to renew or join by contacting Bryan Diver at 217.424.3925.

Tickets can be , over the phone, or in person at the ticket office between 12:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., Tuesday-Friday.

Discounted tickets for children, seniors, veterans, �鶹Լ�� faculty and staff, and Richland faculty, staff, and students are not available online. Please visit the ticket office, between 12:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., Tuesday-Friday.

Patrons seeking accessible seating are also advised to call the ticket office to speak with a representative, so that we can find the seats that work best for you in our historic building.

Group purchases of 10 or more tickets to a single performance receive a 10% discount. Family Series Packages are also available, which include all shows appropriate for children in the season. Call 217.424.6318 to learn more.

For further inquiries, contact the Kirkland ticket office or visit our website.

• | 217.424.6318
• Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1215 W. Kirkland Drive, Decatur, Ill., 62522
• Ticket Office Hours: Tuesday through Friday, noon to 4:30 p.m.

Events at Kirkland Fine Arts Center are partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.