The Fourth of July has (almost) arrived

Families can choose from many events and activities happening this weekend in Champaign-Urbana

There’s a lot to keep track of this weekend and we’re sure your plans are underway. Whatever makes the Fourth of July special for your family, we have info on what you want to know. Here’s a round-up of key Fourth of July information for Champaign-Urbana families. We will send this out to you one more time before the actual Fourth of July happens.

• Champaign-Urbana Area Fourth of July Fireworks
• Summer Parades in the Champaign-Urbana Area
• How to Celebrate the Fourth of July in Champaign-Urbana

We know fireworks are definitely top of mind, so we have included a schedule of all of the displays we know of this weekend right here for easy reference. Have a wonderful and safe week ahead!

Chambanamoms thanks Champaign Public Library for presenting this weekend’s planner.

Beginning July 11, the Champaign Public Library will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays! They are thrilled to be welcoming back Friday evening hours to the library!

With the restoration of Friday evening hours, new library programming will be offered on Friday evenings.

From 6–8 p.m., adults can join their new event series, Unbooked. This will include rotating activities of Trivia, Puzzles, Card Games, Bingo, and quarterly live music.

Families with children can attend Unbooked Kids for drop-in crafts and activities from 6–8 p.m.

The Studio will be open on both Thursday and Friday evenings from 5–8 p.m. On Friday evenings in The Studio, library staff will have beginner-friendly crafts to create at your own pace. Visit champaign.org/events for more info.

For more information: Website, Facebook or Instagram

A few events to check out this weekend

Looking for something to do with your family? You’ve come to the right place! Our events calendar aggregates family-friendly events happening in the Champaign-Urbana metro area. We know you’re busy and looking for a bang for your buck, so we put an emphasis on including free and low-cost events that you can plan to attend on the fly. Please note that events are subject to change without notice.

Thank you to Herriott’s Rents, Tents & Events for presenting the chambanamoms events calendar. 

Find the complete chambanamoms.com event calendar by clicking here now.

Remember, many sporting events and outdoor activities are subject to change without notice or at the last minute. Check with event organizers when in doubt before heading out to an event. 

Champaign-Urbana Theatre Company presents: Mean Girls – High School Edition

Thursday, June 26, 7 p.m.
Friday, June 27, 7 p.m.
Saturday, June 28, 7 p.m.
Sunday, June 29, 2 p.m.

For the first time in Central Illinois, experience Mean Girls: High School Version brought to life by an incredible cast of talented teens from across Champaign-Urbana and the surrounding area!

Expect the hilarious lines you quote on the daily, high-energy songs, fierce choreography, and unforgettable characters — all delivered by some of the most talented young performers in the region.

Don’t miss this fetch production — it’s going to be so not a regular show. It’s a cool show.

Note: This production is rated PG-13 for language, innuendo, and content that accurately reflects the challenges and humor of real high school life.

For more information: Buy tickets now or Facebook

Prairie Gardens Pollinator Family Day in the Greenhouses

Saturday, June 28, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Bring the whole family and come celebrate the beauty and importance of pollinators during National Pollinator Month—with lots of fun, a little garden inspiration, and more to explore!

Shop a greenhouse full of pollinator plants & finds, get festive with face painting by Kari Keller ($5), food trucks and a kids planting station, where you can plant a zinnia and paint a pot ($2).

You can also see the magic of butterflies up close with a small live caterpillar-to-butterfly display, snap a pic at the butterfly photo-op and grab some free pollinator-themed coloring pages.

Enjoy a fun Saturday where kids can spread their wings and help support our pollinator friends!

For more information: Website, Facebook or Instagram

Prairie Dragon Paddlers

Ready for some racing? Come out on June 29 to Homer Lake to meet the Prairie Dragon Paddlers and learn more about their mission to inspire hope, health, and camaraderie among local breast cancer survivors. See their new dragon boat, join them in the boat on the lake, and enjoy local food and music. Donations made during this day-long event will go to the Prairie Dragon Paddlers as they promote breast cancer awareness, empower survivors, and support groundbreaking research.

For more information: Website, Facebook or Instagram

Top Tier Lessons

Top Tier Lessons believes that lessons are more than just learning skills. Top Tier believes every child deserves more than a coach, they deserve a mentor and a role model. Top Tier Lessons was created to do that by partnering with current student-athletes at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign who are passionate about inspiring the next generation of athletes. Your coach may be an All-American, national champion, or even an Olympic contender. Every time a lesson is booked through Top Tier Lessons, you are helping support local college athletes. Their teaching team is composed of current student-athletes, who understand the demands of college athletics and are committed to helping you in any way possible.

For more information: Website or Facebook