Weekend Planner: Exhausted Edition

Seeking some serenity after a marathon of a weekend? Head to Japan House on Sunday for Children's Day.

I don’t know about you, but just typing the words Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon makes me completely exhausted. It’s appropriate that this is Marathon weekend, because this weekend will be a marathon in all sense of the word; it’s action-packed. Well, look no further, because we can help you wade through all the mega-fun events there are to be enjoyed this weekend. In this edition: Bleacher Bum BBQ; Marathon madness; Ulimate Summer Saturday and Market at the Square in Urbana; the Grand Opening of Mahomet’s Bridle Leash Park; Japan House Children’s Day Celebration; Annual Asian Pacific American (APA) Heritage Month Celebration.

Friday
What: Bleacher Bum Barbeque/Illini baseball vs. Northwestern
When: 5 p.m. gates open; game time is 6:05 p.m.
Where: Illinois Field
How much: Free
Appropriate for: All ages
Free food, tickets and giveaways for the first 1,000 fans. Inflatables for the kids. Let’s just hope the rain stays away.

Saturday
What: Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon
When: all day
Where: all over town
How much: Free
Appropriate for: All ages
If you’re not volunteering or running in the marathon, there’s stills ways to get involved. Cheer on the runners all over town and then head to the 27th mile Celebrate Victory Bash between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. The event will be staged on Kirby Avenue, between First and Oak, right by Memorial Stadium. There will be live music, inflatables (for a fee) and food and drink for sale.

What: Market at the Square
When: 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: Lincoln Square Village parking lot, Urbana
How much: Free
Appropriate for: All ages
It’s opening day at the Market at the Square, hands down our favorite time of the year. Looking forward to seeing our favorite vendors and meeting new ones.

What: Ultimate Summer Saturday
When: 7 a.m. – goes all day
Where: Downtown Urbana
How much: Free (fees for inflatables)
Appropriate for: All ages
Watch the marathon, enjoy live music, buy the kids $5 unlimited wristbands for inflatables.

What: Grand Opening of Bridle Leash Park
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Diane Lane & Raymond Drive, Mahomet
How much: Free (fees for inflatables)
Appropriate for: All ages
Want to avoid the marathon and get out of C-U? It’s a big day in Mahomet, which is celebrating the opening of the new Bridle Leash Park. Sports, inflatables, food and community fun.

Sunday

What: Japan House Children’s Day Celebration
When: 1 to 3 p.m.
Where: Japan House, 2000 S. Lincoln Ave., Urbana
How much: Free
Appropriate for: Aimed at children 3-10
Find serenity (and great kids’ activities) at one of our favorite C-U places, Japan House. Sunday’s activities will celebrate the Japanese holiday of Children’s Day. Kids (aimed at ages 3-10) will get a chance to do traditional activities such as ikebana (Japanese flower arranging), origami and have their names written in Japanese calligraphy. The gardens and ponds surrounding the house are gorgeous as well.

What: Annual Asian Pacific American (APA) Heritage Month Celebration
When: 2 to 4 p.m.
Where: Lincoln Square Village, Urbana
How much: Free
Appropriate for: All Ages
Learn about the rich culture of the local Asian Pacific American community. Booths, live performances, and interactive crafts make this a fun educational choice for the whole family.