Summer’s almost here! Not quite, we know, but May heralds the early signs that the best months of the year are squarely in our sights. Between high school and college graduations, Mother’s Day and Memorial Day, it’s terribly easy for some things to fall through the cracks. We aim to prevent that from happening, so here are the top things to do in May, presented by the Community Foundation of East Central Illinois.
Thanks to the Community Foundation of East Central Illinois for presenting this list of top things to do in May.
The foundation will present the workshop “Raising Kids to be Generous Adults” at 7 p.m. on May 9 at the Champaign Public Library. There are so many things we want for our children – good health, meaningful work, great life partners, and loyal friends. We also want our children to be active and generous participants in their communities and the world. In this workshop, we will consider early influences, family values, and activities to encourage generosity. Together, we will explore ways to build generosity in our children through their formative years while diversifying their experiences and strengthening their family bonds.
For more information or to register, click here. Learn more about the Community Foundation of East Central Illinois here and here.
Urbana’s Market at the Square, May 6
It’s Opening Day for the 2023 market and a gorgeous weather day promises a good turnout and plenty of choices of spring products for shoppers. Check out our post on farmers markets. Open 7 a.m.-noon.
Free Comic Book Day, May 6
Wait, what!? Free comic books? Yep. Visit the Champaign Public Library from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. — we’d suggest getting there early, if it’s as popular as we’d expect — to pick up a free comic book, while supplies last. Also available at the Douglass branch.
Champaign Park District Summer Concerts: Edison Middle School Bands, May 6
The Champaign Park District kicks off its outdoor concert season with an appearance by Edison Middle School bands at Hessel Park. The music runs from 2-5 p.m. and promises to offer a fantastic backdrop to a day of fun at the park.
Touch-a-Truck Day, May 10
Tots, put your toy trucks away – it’s time to touch the real thing! Climb in, hop on, and honk the horns of some really big trucks and other vehicles during Touch-A-Truck Day at Centennial Park in Champaign. Tow trucks, fire trucks, police cars, and more will be available for kids to explore.
Big Ten Softball Tournament, May 10-13
Illinois’ Eichelberger Field will be the site of the Big Ten Softball Tournament for the first time, hosting a 12-team, single-elimination, four-day event. The winner gets an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. Find ticket info here.
Mother’s Day, May 14
It’s time to celebrate the moms, and one event that might be a nice gesture is taking mom to shop at Sola Gratia Farm’s annual spring plant sale. The sale runs May 12-21 and offers a wide variety of organically grown vegetables, herbs and some perennial fruits along with locally sources flowers and accompanying features. Need some other ideas for Mother’s Day activities? We just happen to have a few right here.
PJ Library Hands-On Afternoon of Music, May 21
Join Champaign-Urbana Jewish Federation at the Spurlock museum for a hands-on musical afternoon for kids ages 1 and up. Activities include an instrument petting zoo, crafts, & dancing. Open to the general public, all families are welcome. The event is part of CUJF’s Violins of Hope concert and workshop series.
Bee Creative! Summer Reading Kickoff Party at Champaign Public Library, May 21
Join the Champaign Public Library for an all-ages community celebration — with live music, games and crafts, and fun giveaways! It starts the library’s summer reading program. Get the details here.
Swimming Pools Open, May 27
Today’s the day we’ve waited for … for, well, a long time. Many area pools reopen this weekend. Find details on your favorite pool in our post.
Prairie Farm Opening Day, May 29
This is undoubtedly one of our favorite days. Opening Day at Prairie Farm promises the sights, sounds — and smells! — of your favorite animals, among other things. Click here to discover why we love Prairie Farm.