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 Busey Bank.
CU Ballet Presents The Little Mermaid, May 6-7
Hosted by the Virginia Theatre, The Little Mermaid presents some of C-U finest dancers in a historic, timeless setting. Performances span both days, with tickets available for $24 for adults and $12 for kids. Performance is one hour, 45 minutes with an intermission.
Urbana’s Market at the Square, May 7
It’s Opening Day for the 2022 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.
Summer Concerts in the Park with Edison Bands, May 7
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.
Free Comic Book Day, May 7
Wait, what!? Free comic books? Yep. Visit the Champaign Public Library from 9 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 (10 a.m.-1 p.m.) and at the Urbana Free Library (11 a.m.-1 p.m.).
Illini Softball’s World’s Largest Tailgate, May 7
Come check out the Illini softball team against Penn State on Senior Day (1 p.m.) and enjoy the World’s Largest Softball Tailgate, featuring inflatables, face painters, balloon artists, music and more. Don’t forget to bring your grill and other tailgate amenities.
Mother’s Day, May 8
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 6-15 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.
Champaign Park District Youth Theatre Presents Matilda Jr., May 12-14
Third- through sixth-graders will perform the inspiring tale of a girl who dreams of a better life and gives the grownups all they can handle! Slated for the Virginia Theatre, with multiple performances. Tickets are on sale through the Virginia.
Read-a-Palooza! Summer Reading Kickoff Party with Champaign Public Library, May 22
Join the Champaign Public Library for an all-ages community celebration — with live music, Take & Make crafts, and fun giveaways! Sign up starting May 15 for the summer reading challenge. Click here for details.
13 Thursdays, May 26
School’s out! That means it’s time for the rest of us to head to Campustown, of course. The Champaign Center Partnership invites the public to explore Campustown this summer during the return of 13 Thursdays, the annual 13-week promotion featuring deals and discounts at participating Campustown
Swimming Pools Open, May 28
Today’s the day we’ve waited for … for, well, a long time. Many area pools reopen this weekend, with precautions in place, of course. Find details on your favorite pool in our post.
Prairie Farm Opening Day, May 30
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.