A few weeks ago, we declared the weekend to be the biggest, baddest Chambana weekend we’d ever seen. Well, this one comes pretty close, but we’re giving it a different moniker – big, fat and juicy! (Perhaps I shouldn’t have had that burger last evening). If you like being busy, well, this is the weekend for you!
Without further ado, here’s our picks:
What: Disney’s Little Mermaid Jr.
When: Thursday and Friday, Oct. 4 and 5, 7 p.m.
Where: Centennial High School, 913 S. Crescent, Champaign
How much: $5 tickets
Appropriate for: all
Why you should go: This is a 60-minute show — perfect for the little people in your life. All your favorite Disney Little Mermaid characters!
This is a great weekend to see all kinds of animals in Champaign, Urbana and Savoy! Chambanamoms.com photo
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: all
Why you should go: This is the last Sprouts of the season! This month’s events will focus on – what else – pumpkins. Chambanamoms.com will be there!
What: ObMob Junior and Art/Bike Safety Clinic
When: Saturday, Oct. 6, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Where: Centennial Park, Crescent Drive & Kirby Avenue, Champaign
How much: Free
Appropriate for: 3-12
Why you should go: This Champaign Park District event kicks off with a 1/2 mile obstacle race designed just for kids . (Parents, we encourage you to run with your child, especially those small enough to need assistance). Then stay, play, and learn as we spend the rest of the morning doing fun art projects with the wonderful staff of the Springer Cultural Center and learning about bicycle safety with the awesome folks from CU Safe Routes to School! All art supplies will be provided. Feel free to bring your own bikes and helmets, or use ours. We have bikes to fit all ages and abilities. Register for the race by October 4 to guarantee your spot. Onsite registration available if we still have openings. No registration required for art activities or the bicycle safety clinic.
What: Buddy Walk
When: Saturday, Oct. 6, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (click above link for full schedule)
Where: Champaign County Fairgrounds, Urbana
How much: FREE (food available for purchase)
Appropriate for: all ages
Why you should go: October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month — and an opportunity to show how we are more alike than we are different. The one-mile Buddy Walk is just one way to participate in the day’s events — there is no registration fee and no donation is required. There also will be FREE entertainment including inflatables, inclusive picnic games, live entertainment and raffle prizes.
What: Youth Literature Festival’s Community Day
When: Saturday from 10 to 3 p.m.
Where: iHotel in Champaign, St. Mary’s and First Street.
How much: Free
Appropriate for: all ages
Why you should go: Join the U of I College of Education and the Center for Education in Small Urban Communities for a fun-filled day of entertainment for children and adults of all ages. Highlights include readings by popular children’s book authors, musical performances, storytelling, puppetry, book signings, and panel discussions featuring Festival authors and illustrators.
What: Pet Fair at Prairieland Feeds
When: Saturday, Oct. 6 9-4; Sunday Oct. 7 11-4
Where: 303 S. Dunlap Ave, Savoy
How much: Most exhibits free, free balloon artist; charges for pony rides, facepainting
Appropriate for: all ages
Why you should go: This is one of our favorite fall family-friendly events. See exotic animals (even in the petting zoo) including a rescued tiger; rescued birds from the UI’s Wildlife clinic; and much more. Your kids might enjoy the opportunity to ride a draft horse or a pony, a fundraiser for Crosswinds Equine Rescue.
What: Midtown Fall Festival
When: Saturday, Oct. 6, noon to 7 p.m.
Where: along the banks of the Boneyard Creek in the heart of the Midtown District, Champaign
How much: Free (some items may have a fee/food for sale)
Appropriate for: All ages
Why you should go: This inaugural event will be a celebration of fall right in the heart of Midtown, at the Boneyard! Join in for a fun day that will include: Scarecrow decorating contest for grades 1-3; pumpkin decorating contest for grades 4-adult; Halloween costume fashion show; Halloween makeup demonstrations; Face painting; Pumpkin toss; Costume contest for pets; Music; Food, prizes and more!
What: Vet Med Open House
When: Sunday, Oct. 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: U of I College of Veterinary Medicine, 2001 S. Lincoln Avenue, Urbana
How much: Free
Appropriate for: All ages
Why you should go: One of our favorite events of the year, Vet Med Open House is the time when your family can milk a cow, see (and pet) various types of animals in one place, look into a cow’s stomach, and much more. New this year: bring in your teddy bears to get fixed, ala Doc McStuffins. Don’t miss this one!
Looking for more family-friendly things to do this weekend? There are plenty more options – including a special Star Wars event at Barnes and Noble and Streb at Krannert — so check our events calendar.
Wings of Wonder Avian Rescue is a non-profit, all volunteer organization who works closely with the U of I vets. Some of our parrots will be at Prairieland Feeds in Savoy on Saturday/ Sunday. Let’s hope its not too cold to bring our birds! We will also be at the U of I Vet Med Fair on Sunday. Hope to see you!