While some October staples remain under modifications because of the pandemic, for the most part you can still partake in some of your favorite activities at this time of year: Pumpkin Patches, Corn Mazes and Apple Picking are happening; Halloween Events and Activities are on the calendar; and you can attend a Fall Festival near you.
Beyond that, we’re here to list a few things you can do in October to make this fall feel slightly more typical.
Thanks to Busey Bank for presenting our list of the top things to do in October in Champaign-Urbana.
The Great Pumpkin Hunt, Oct. 1
Are you ready to find some pumpkins? The Champaign and Urbana park districts have teamed up to concoct a cool event for kids that involves a bit of sleuthing and a lot of fun. The adventure begins Oct. 1 and runs through the month.
FrightFest Family Weekend at Harvest Moon Drive-In, Oct. 1-2
Showings of family friendly “scary” movies — such as The Addams Family 2 — are the highlights of this special weekend at the Gibson City drive-in movie house. (The following two weekends also feature scary flicks, but they are a bit less family friendly.)
The Champaign County AMBUCS brings back its popular event to Urbana’s AMBUCS Park. Included in the fun: barrel train rides, hay rack rides and a flea market, among other things.
Rescheduled from July, Tolono’s signature summer event makes a fall appearances with some 7 p.m. fireworks! (Seriously, what’s better than fall fireworks? You don’t have to wait until 9 p.m. for it to get dark — awesome!)
We are unabashed fans of this annual event sponsored by the University of Illinois’ College of Veterinary Medicine. If you have experienced it, you know what we’re talking about. If you haven’t, think of it this way: It’s like an interactive fair with animals. Trust us, your kids will love it.
Family Bike Parade at Crystal Lake Park, Oct. 3
It’s Open Road Day, as both lanes of Park Drive at Crystal Lake Park in Urbana will be closed to traffic for a bike parade of all ages. The free events — including bike decorating — begin at 2:30. Details here.
Carving out Time for Fun, Oct. 8
Stop by Mahomet’s Crowley Pumpkins to pick up a pumpkin and carving stools, stencils and LED candles to transform it into a spooky (or friendly) jack-o-lantern. Quantities are limited so don’t delay.
University of Illinois Homecoming Parade, Oct. 9
Celebrate all things Illini with the annual event that begins at 11 a.m. behind the Student Union. At 2:30, the Illini take on Wisconsin at Memorial Stadium, so venture over the Grange Grove for the festivities there in the interim.
Disney’s Moana Jr. Presented by the Champaign Park District Youth Theatre, Oct. 14-16
Kids’ plays are back at the Virginia Theatre! We can’t wait for this one, a lovely story that your family will enjoy amidst the unmistakable ambience of the Virginia. Multiple showings over the weekend.
C-U Folk & Roots Festival, Oct. 21-23
Downtown Urbana is the site for this festival of music and culture, and if you’re like us, you can’t wait to see it return. Click here for the list of performers and be prepared to get your groove on.
Patient Appreciation Event, Oct. 23
All Smiles Family Dentistry is hosting a free event — open to everyone — highlighted by Kona Ice (yes, it’s free!) and a petting zoo. Talk about a fun afternoon!
This is one of our favorite events of the entire year, courtesy of the Champaign Park District. Visit Hessel Park to see some things you just don’t see every day — the lumberjack show will leave you slack-jawed, we promise. Plus food trucks, music, art, crafts, and a lot more.
Trick-or-Treating, Oct. 31
First things first: Pray it doesn’t rain (or, heaven forbid, snow). Second, bust out your favorite costume. Third, collect that candy! Check out Chambanamoms.com for all of the relevant Halloween content, including trick-or-treat times.