It’s one of our favorite annual events in Champaign-Urbana, and it’s almost here. This Friday night, July 13, pack up a picnic basket, get out some chairs and a blanket, and head out to the University of Illinois Research Park for one of the FREE concert events of the summer. Be prepared to dance! Friday’s headliner is Nation Beat, which combines sounds of northeastern Brazil and the Deep South of the United States for a multi-ethnic, eclectic sound. The opener, community favorite the Bow-Dacious String Band, starts at 6:30 p.m.
OUTSIDE at the Research Park is presented by the lovely folks at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. It is located in the area across the street from the iHotel, and behind the Atkins Building. Ample free parking is located; enter the parking lots from Oak Street. Food and drink will be for sale. Thanks to Krannert Center for the Performing Arts for sponsoring this week’s Weekend Planner. See you there!
Here is what else is on our radar this weekend: 
What: Fisher Family Fair
When: continues through July 14
Where: Fisher Fairgrounds (click for directions)
How much: Thursday – $2 admission for Adults & children (6-13); Friday: Adults $8 & children (6-13) $3; Saturday Adults $10 Children $3 (6-13)
Appropriate for: all ages
Why you should go: There are events all day, but the main attractions take place in the evening. Don’t miss the Heath’s Lawn Mower Demolition Derby, hosted by WIXY’s Holstein & Company Morning Show, which starts at 7 p.m. Friday. Armbands for unlimited rides on the midway will be for sale Friday; $1 rides Thursday.
What: Historic Farm Days
Where: Penfield, Illinois (located east of Rantoul on 136)
When: July 12-15
How Much: $10 per person, kids age 12 and under are free
Good For: All ages
Why You Should Go: A daily parade, live music and tractor pulls are just a few of the fun activities your family can enjoy.
What: Friday Night Live in Downtown Champaign
When: Friday, July 13, 6-8 p.m.
Where: Walnut & Chester (in front of 10,000 Villages), Neil and Park (next to Christopher’s Fine Jewelry Design); Neil & Church (One Main Plaza):
How much: Regular matinee prices apply
Appropriate for: all ages
Why you should go: Live rock, jazz, folk, blues, belly dance troupe, a Dixieland band, a fire breather and more! Check out the link above for specific times/groups.
What: Fly-In / Drive-In at Paxton Airport
When: Saturday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. (rides 9-3)
Where: Paxton Municipal Airport (on Illinois 9 west of Paxton).
How much: Free
Appropriate for: All Ages
Why you should go: Kids love planes? Head up to Paxton for this special event. Sponsored by the Paxton Airport Association, the event will include EAA Young Eagles free airplane rides for kids ages 8 to 17. Also, there will be a classic car show and cruise-in and demonstrations with radio-controlled planes. Breakfast and lunch will be available for purchase.
What: Musicfest
When: Saturday, July 14, 5 p.m. to midnight
Where: Free (concessions will be for sale)
Appropriate for: All Ages
Why you should go: More free music! From 5-6 pm Carrie Lyn Infusion (American Root); 7-9 p.m Paige Dechausse (former American Idol contestant 2009); 10-12 a.m. GreenSugar (Rock)
What: Champaign Park District Cardboard Cup
When: Sunday, July 15, 2-5 p.m. (register entries from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.)
Where: Sholem Aquatic Center, Champaign
How much: Standard Sholem Aquatic Center entry rates apply; free to enter the races
Appropriate for: spectators, all ages; kids under 7 not allowed to participate in boats; under 12 requires an adult in the boat
Why you should go: Who wouldn’t want to watch people try to power a cardboard boat in Sholem’s lap pool? Should be an afternoon of raucous fun!
Looking for more family-friendly things to do this weekend? Check our events calendar.
