School is starting — great news for some, yet disheartening for others — but August doesn’t mean the end of summer fun in Champaign-Urbana.
No, there’s still plenty of time left to get outside and make memories. There’s festivals, football, and tons of family fun to be had as summer transitions into fall.
Thanks to Busey Bank for presenting this list.
The Champaign-Urbana Theatre Company presents Shrek, The Musical at the Virginia Theatre for a weekend of performances. Adult tickets are $19.50 but seniors, students and children get discounts.
Clearview Farm and its sunflowers are the stars of the show, but there’s plenty to do for an evening of fun, including live music, ice cream and a food truck.
Crystal Lake Park Art Fair, Aug. 6
The fourth annual event, sponsored by 40 North and the Urbana Park District, features more than 40 local and regional art vendors with paintings, textiles, ceramics, sculpture, photography, jewelry, poetry, glass, mixed media and more.
Comedy Juggler Troy Roark, Aug. 6
Filled with fantastic juggling, miraculous magic, and laugh-you-out-of-your-seat comedy, this 3 p.m. show at Champaign Public Library will be the highlight of your weekend.
The Champaign County Sheriff’s Office is hosting a Back to School BBQ from 4-8 p.m. at Prairie Fields Park in Savoy. There will be free food, entertainment, and a school supply giveaway.
St. Joseph Community Fall Festival, Aug. 11-13
There are many reasons to attend — carnival rides, food vendors, parade, tractor pull, fish fry, etc. — but the highlight likely comes Saturday with the fireworks show. Get the details here.
Champaign-Urbana Days, Aug. 12-13
Celebrate the Chambana community! Enjoy live music, tasty food, children’s activities, senior activities, and more!
Daniel Tiger would like to meet your family! Visit Douglass Park from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. to meet Daniel Tiger, receive dental hygiene kits and socks and enjoy kid-friendly activities. All for free.
Free Movie Night and FamiLLY Day with Illinois Athletics, Aug. 14
A free showing of Spider-Man: No Way Home will be the highlight of a day of activities at Memorial Stadium. Get autographs, enjoy inflatables and kickstart your Illini spirit!
Last Day of Season at Prairie Farm, Aug. 14
If you haven’t made your annual visit to this Champaign Park District staple, your last chance is today, as the farm closes for the season after Aug. 14. Find out more about making the most of your visit here.
Curiosity Cube 2022, Aug. 19-20
The Curiosity Cube® is a retro fitted shipping container that has been transformed into a mobile science lab. Head over to Douglass Park on August 19th and 20th for some hands-on science experiments as you head back to school.
Mahomet Music Festival, Aug. 26-27
Formerly called the Sangamon River Music Festival, the annual event in downtown Mahomet features a parade, carnival rides, vendors, crafters, a bags tournament and lots of free music.
Illini Football and Grange Grove, Aug. 27
Illini football is back, and so is Grange Grove! Celebrate the start of the season — Illinois takes on Wyoming at Memorial Stadium — with the Illini Walk and fun activities at Grange Grove.