There’s tons of ways to show your school spirit this weekend, whether it’s for a local high school or the Illini. Central, Urbana, and Unity all celebrate homecoming this weekend. The Illini football team is at home, as is the volleyball team and soccer teams (entry free to soccer).
What: Watch a Homecoming Parade – Central and Urbana
When: Friday, Sept. 21, 3 p.m.
Where: Champaign and Urbana (see directions below)
Appropriate For: All Ages
How Much: Free
Why You Should Go: Because who doesn’t love a parade? Show your school spirit and support our local high schools as they celebrate homecoming! This week it is Central, Urbana, and Unity. The Central parade will begin at 3 p.m. near the school, travels down Lynn to John (assuming construction doesn’t get in the way), and then swings around and back to the school using New. The Urbana Parade route is as follows: Beginning at Race Street and Iowa Street, North on Race Street to Main Street, East on Main Street to Vine Street, South on Vine Street to Washington Street, West on Washington Street to the Broadway Avenue and the High School parking lot. There will be traffic stoppages, so be aware.
What: Decatur Lake Fest
When: Friday, September 21 , 3 – 8pm; Saturday, September 22, Noon – 8 pm; Sunday, September 23, Noon – 8pm
Where: Nelson Park, Decatur
Appropriate For: All Ages
How Much: Free admission; some activities may have a fee
Why You Should Go: For something completely different! Professional bass fishermen hit Lake Decatur for the Bassmaster Elite Series All-Star Event, and there’s plenty of fun for kids and grownups alike. There will be plenty of live music. For the little ones, there will be a kids pavilion with a petting zoo, storytellers, straw maze, and much more; many activities are free but others (face painting, rock wall for example) may have a nominal fee. On Saturday from noon – 3, kids 7-14 can participate in a fishing competition just for them.
What: Railroad Days
Learn about Brazilian culture this weekend at the Champaign Public Library’s Brazil Fest. Photo: morguefile.com
Where: Monticello Railway Museum
When: Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 22-23, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Appropriate For: All Ages
How much: unlimited ride tickets – $18 adults, $10 kids
Why You Should Go: Unlimited rides, including Motorcar rides; experience the rails just like maintenance workers of the past.
What: Brazil Fest at Champaign Public Library
When: Saturday, Sept.22 2 to 4 p.m.
Where: Champaign Public Library
How much: free; food for sale.
Appropriate for: all ages
Why you should go: Join in an all-ages celebration of Brazilian culture, which is alive and well here in CU! On Sat., Sep. 22, the event begins with a concert by the fantastic Samba Soul at 2 pm. Then kids can get hands-on with games, crafts, and stories starting at 3 pm. Come to either event or both. Read more.
What: Illini Street Fest
When: Saturday, Sept. 22, 4 to 7 p.m.
Where: First Street between Kirby Avenue and Irwin Drive
Appropriate For: All Ages
How Much: Free
Why You Should Go: Even if you don’t have a ticket to the game, you’ll get a kick (pun intended) out of this event. Atlantic Records country music recording artist and Paris, Ill., native Brett Eldredge will perform live at Illini Street Fest prior to Illinois’ night game against Louisiana Tech on September 22. Street Fest is located on First Street between Kirby Avenue and Irwin Drive, and will open at 4 p.m. for the primetime matchup. The Brett Eldredge concert, which is presented by WIXY 100.3, will begin at 5 p.m., two hours before the Illini and Bulldogs kick at 7 p.m. In addition to the concert, Illini Street Fest will feature several family-friendly, free activities such as inflatable games, a mini golf course and face painting.
As always, find more family-friendly events at our events calendar. What are your plans?
