As summer in Champaign-Urbana makes its swan song, live it up with a weekend full of old-fashioned fun – free concerts, carnivals, a parade, Illini football, what else?
Champaign's Prairie Farm closes for the season on Aug. 12, so put a visit on your weekend plan. Chambanamoms photo
What: St. Joseph Community Festival
When: Thursday- Saturday, Aug. 9 -11 (starts at 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday, all day Saturday)
Where: Downtown St. Joseph
How much: Free; food available for purchase
Appropriate for: all ages
Why you should go: The tour of small town festivals in Champaign County continues! Head to St. Joe for a parade at 3 p.m. Saturday (begins at the Middle School.) and stay for the fireworks at dusk, which we believe are still a go. Carnival rides, talent show, pancake breakfast, walk/run, mutt show, streetdances, bingo and a whole lot more.
What: Prairie Farm
When: open daily until Aug. 12, from 1:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Where: 2202 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign (near Kirby and Crescent)
How much: Free
Appropriate for: all ages
Why you should go: No swans here - only geese – but if you’ve been waiting to visit this fun place to see cows/chickens/llamas/turtles/goats in Champaign-Urbana, there’s no time like the present. Prairie Farm will be open through Sunday, and then Poof! The animals will be gone until next summer. Petting zoo open 3-5 p.m.; remember closed-toe shoes.
What: CU Days
When: Saturday, Aug. 11 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sunday, Aug. 12 4- 8p.m.
Where: Douglass Park, 512 E. Grove St., Champaign
How much: Free admission; food and merchandise will be for sale
Appropriate for: all ages
Why you should go: A festival that is all about community building – we can go for that! Live entertainment, food, talent show, and more.
What: Downtown Streetfest
When: Saturday, Aug. 11; 7 p.m. to midnight
Where: Downtown Champaign (stage at corner of Neil and Main)
How much: Free
Appropriate for: all ages
Why you should go: It’s an old-fashioned street party. Get out there and boogie. From 7-9 pm Threebird (Eclectic Cover Band) and 10-midnight Ryan Ideus & Feudin’ Hillbillys (Country).
What: Illini Football Fan Appreciation Day
When: Sunday, Aug. 12; 5-6 p.m.
Where: Memorial Stadium, Champaign
How much: Free admission
Appropriate for: all ages
Why you should go: University of Illinois football fans will have an opportunity to meet and get autographs from the 2012 Fighting Illini on Sunday, Aug. 12, from 5-6 p.m. on the field at Memorial Stadium. Admission for the event is free and parking will be available in the northwest lot of Assembly Hall free of charge. Enter on the west side of Memorial Stadium starting at 4:45 p.m. Team posters will be available for players to sign, but fans also can bring their own items to be autographed (limit of 2 per person). In addition to autographs, the first 100 kids will receive an Illinois mini football and all kids will have the opportunity to kick a field goal and play catch on the field at Memorial Stadium.
What: Second Sunday Garden Concert Series
Where: Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, 600 N Lombard, Mahomet
When: Sunday June 12, from 5-6 p.m.
How Much: Free
Appropriate for: all ages
Why You Should Go: Bring your picnic dinner, blanket or chairs, and enjoy an hour of old-fashioned community atmosphere. Free popcorn and lemonade! St. Joseph Jazz Band will perform. Concert takes place in the Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden, behind the Museum of the Grand Prairie (formerly Early American Museum). Free.
Weekend Planner features only a few of the wonderful events happening in our area. For a full list, please visit our Events Calendar.
