Say this much for October: It might be one of the busiest months of the entire 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. That’s just the beginning.
Beyond that, we’re here to list a few things you can do in October in the Champaign-Urbana area.
Thanks to Busey Bank for presenting our list of the top things to do in October in Champaign-Urbana.
Halloween Weekends at Harvest Moon Drive-In, all month
On weekends in October, Harvest Moon Drive-In in Gibson City will show various Halloween-themed or horror films. Click here for the schedule. Not all are family-appropriate, of course, but several are fit for kids, especially older kids.
C-U Pride Parade and Fair, Oct. 1
This is one of the coolest, and most unique, events you’ll experience in C-U. The Pride Parade brings together a kaleidoscope of cultures, with sights and sounds that dazzle the imagination. The parade is 11 a.m. with the fair from noon-4 p.m.
Martens Center & Human Kinetics Park Grand Opening, Oct. 1
Join Champaign Park District from noon-3 p.m. for the ribbon cutting (noon) and grand opening of the much-anticipated Martens Center and renovated Human Kinetics Park (1515 N. Market Street, Champaign). This free event will feature tours of the new, innovative facility, giveaways, and fun games and activities.
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.
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.
Allerton Family Campout, Oct. 8-9
Spend the weekend exploring Allerton Park’s Natural Areas with the whole family at the Allerton Family Campout. This hassle-free camping experience in the Meadow will provide families the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and learn about nature. Details here.
Christie Clinic Presents: Family Afternoon at Soccer Planet, Oct. 9
University of Illinois Homecoming Parade, Oct. 14
Celebrate all things Illini with the annual event that begins at 5:30 p.m. behind the Student Union. The next day, the Illini football team takes on Minnesota at 11 a.m. at Memorial Stadium. Don’t forget to venture over to Grange Grove for the festivities there.
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.
C-U Folk & Roots Festival, Oct. 20-22
Downtown Urbana is the site for this festival of music and culture, and if you’re like us, you can’t wait to get your groove on.
Christie Clinic Presents: Costume Parade at Lincoln Square, Oct. 23
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; trick-or-treat times coming soon.