You know what time it is? Fair time! That and a whole lot more in this weekend’s planner.
What: Champaign County Fair
When: Opens Friday, July 20; continues through Saturday, July 28
Where: Champaign County Fairgrounds, Urbana
How much: Kids 12 and under free with paying adults; $5 per adult (13 and up); season passes available. Special rate on Sunday before 4 p.m. — car load for $10 (parking is free).
Appropriate for: all ages
Why you should go: Be sure to check out our Champaign County Fair guide on how to make the most of your visit to the Fair (and not spend a mini-fortune). Fun is to be had at the fair anytime. Don’t forget to taste some Culler’s french fries.
What: Bella Bambini Summer Storytime
Indulge in some fair food - the locals swear by Culler's French Fries! Chambanamoms.com photo
When: Friday, July 20, 3:30 p.m.
Where: CU Studio Share, 110 S. Race St., Urbana.
How much: free
Appropriate for: 0-8
Why you should go: We’re excited to see our friends at Bella Bambini back for a summer pop-up store. This event will feature a fun Storytime at 3:30 with a yummy snack and craft for the kids! Class Act will be there to help us enjoy the story, and get your back-t0-school shopping started.
What: Sprouts at the Market
When: Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m.
Where: Market at the Square, Lincoln Square, Urbana
How much: Free
Appropriate for: Kids 3-8
Why you should go: This is a fun, free monthly program that teaches kids about agriculture, farming, and food. July’s event is a scavenger hunt-style workshop with an emphasis on the USDA’s “MyPlate” nutrition guidelines using local foods. Each participant and their caregiver will receive nutrition information while sampling local foods corresponding to this information. We’ll be there, so come say hi!
What: BagelFest
When: Saturday, July 21 (events featured here; event opens July 19)
Where: Peterson Park, Mattoon
How much: entry is free; some events are ticketed and food is for sale.
Appropriate for: all ages
Why you should go: Like a free breakfast? The 27th Annual Bagel Breakfast will be the morning of Saturday, July 21. Free Lender’s Bagels are served 8-10AM at the Demars Center in Peterson Park. Stick around for the parade at 10:30 a.m., carnival and more
What: Meet the Animals
When: Saturday, July 21, 1 to 4 p.m.
Where: Activity Center, Middle Fork River Forest Preserve, 3485 County Road 2700 E, Penfield
How much: free
Appropriate for: all ages
Why you should go: Stop by anytime between 1pm and 4pm to meet and interact with live animals brought by Scovill Zoo’s Mobile Zoo. Free. For further information, call (217) 896-2455 or pleiter@ccfpd.org.
What: The Virginia Theatre News-Gazette Film Series in the Park: “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”
When: Saturday, July 21, sunset (8:15-8:30)
Where: Dodds Park, 1501 N. Mattis, Champaign
How much: Free
Appropriate for: Common Sense Media says 6 and up; movie is 144 min long
Why you should go: Share this classic film with your kids and enjoy a movie in the park! Eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts (Dick Van Dyke) can’t seem to make ends meet. On a seaside outing with his children and girlfriend he spins a fantastic tale of a land where children are outlawed and an eccentric inventor and his magical car must save them. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs as no seating is provided.
What: Back to School Scavenger Hunt at Tanger Outlets
When: Sunday, July 22, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: Tanger Outlet Center, Tuscola
How much: Free
Appropriate for: children entering grades K-8
Why you should go: The Back to School Scavenger Hunt leads children throughout the center to various stores picking up school supplies from each. A FREE BACKPACK with a list of clues will be distributed to the first 600 children at VF Outlet, while supplies last. Participants will get a chance to win a $250 Tanger gift card. Children must be present to receive backpack. Be sure to head there early; these won’t last.
What: John Cheeseman Concert at Urbana Free Library
When: Sunday, July 22, 3 p.m.
Where: Urbana Free Library
How much: Free
Appropriate for: families
Why you should go: Join us for a rollicking concert with local Urbana musician (and U of I Professor of Plant Biology!)John Cheeseman. John has worked extensively with students at Leal School for many years and his music is fun for the whole family.
Weekend Planner features only a few of the wonderful events happening in our area. For a full list, please visit our Events Calendar.
