March ushers in the Madness — and not just the basketball kind. Yes, there are basketball tournaments that tend to claim our attention on some days, but even if you’re not a hoops fan, you don’t need to look far to find things to do, even in a pandemic world. Here are our top picks for family friendly fun in March:
Thanks to Busey Bank for presenting our March list of things to do.
Champaign Park District Youth Theatre Presents Footloose, March 3-5
Seventh- through 12-graders will perform at the Virginia Theatre, and the subject is — if you’re of a certain age — a familiar one. Remember the Kevin Bacon film “Footloose”? Here it is performed on the stage — all material is age-appropriate, by the way — by talented youngsters through the CPD program. Performances available Thursday through Saturday.
Illini women’s gymnastics vs. Michigan, Boise State and Northern Illinois, March 4
The Illini women hit the gym for some exciting 7 p.m. action at Huff Hall. Admission is free. (Keep in mind, under recent changes it is no longer mandatory to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test to attend indoor events.)
Land of Lincoln Short Track Regional Speedskating, March 5-6
This is a short track speedskating competition at the UI Ice Arena, and if you’ve never seen it — perhaps you caught some on TV during the Olympics — you’re missing out. It can be terribly fun to watch. Fast, exciting, crashes (people rarely get hurt) — it makes for a cool viewing experience.
Illini baseball vs. Eastern Illinois, March 8
Baseball! Yes, the Illini open their home season on Tuesday — weather permitting, of course. Game time is 4 p.m. and admission is free.
IHSA Boys Basketball State Tournament, March 10-12
Once a C-U staple, the state tournament returns to the State Farm Center for the first time since the 1990s. In addition to great on-court action, don’t forget about the KidsZone, presented by Chamabanamoms, featuring plenty of fun inside the SFC for kids of all ages.
Spring Break Activities, March 10-20
If you’re looking for something to do during spring break — which, for Champaign schools runs March 10-20, but can vary for other districts — we just happen to have a list of more than 50 ideas. You can find it here.
Illini softball vs. Missouri, March 15
The Illini take on the rival Tigers for a doubleheader starting at 2 p.m. Admission is free but the fun you’ll have is priceless! Again, as always, double-check fightingillini.com to make sure weather hasn’t impacted the game’s status.
A Shamrockin’ Glow at Allerton, March 17
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a unique treat at Monticello’s Allerton Park. Allerton is painting GLOW green from March 17-20. Shimmy your way through the park after dark while listening to Irisih tunes. A celebratory bonfire will be lit at 6:30 p.m. A $10 per car donation is requested.
After going virtual last year, this popular event is back in-person! The first 300 kids will receive a book bag and free book. At Lincoln Square Mall in Urbana.