
Almost time to head back to school in Champaign-Urbana but that doesn’t mean the fun is over for the season
Families can choose from many events and activities happening this weekend in Champaign-Urbana
Can you hear the school bells beginning to ring? They’re going to start next week… ready or not, here we come. It will feel like summer in Champaign-Urbana for quite a bit longer but if you are wanting to make the most of the final weekend of summer break, there are lots of things happening. Fairs you can head to, large events at parks, concerts and more, just to name a few. Keep scrolling, because there are fireworks and more fun right around the corner!
Don’t forget to check out all of our back to school articles, presented by Christie Clinic, as we countdown the days until our area kiddos are back at their desks in the classroom. You can find those right here.
Chambanamoms thanks Urbana’s Market at the Square for presenting this list. Market at the Square runs every Saturday through October.
Urbana’s Market at the Square is the place to shop when you want to shop local. Each week the Market features fresh-picked fruits and vegetables (some grown within Urbana City limits), beef, pork, chicken, bison, eggs, fresh flowers, baked goods, and food trucks. The Market also features the work of local makers including jewelry, soap, candles, ceramics, and paintings. There are musical performers and activities for kids each week. Urbana’s Market at the Square is a producer-only market which means everything is grown, made, or produced in Illinois by the people who are selling it.
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.
Find the complete chambanamoms.com event calendar by clicking here now.
Friday, August 7, 2026
Free Back-to-School Health Fair
Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Urbana School-Based Health Center
Irish Fest: Summer Concert Series
Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Allerton Park and Retreat Center
Unbooked | Bingo
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Champaign Public Library
Saturday, August 8, 2026
OUTside in Champaign Forests
Time: 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Middle Fork Forest Preserve
Memorial Stadium Movie Night - FREE
Time: 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Memorial Stadium
St. Joseph Community Festival - Fireworks at Dusk
Time: 9:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Community Sports Complex – Woodard Family Park
Sunday, August 9, 2026
Prairie Dragon Paddlers Family and Friends Day
Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Salt Fork Center, Homer Lake Forest Preserve
Squeezebox Sunday | CU Folk & Roots | Live Music at The Rose Bowl
Time: 3:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The Rose Bowl Tavern
Station Theatre Summer Bash
Time: 3:30 pm - 6:00 pm
The Station Theatre
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 Park District
It’s that time of year again! CU Days is returning to Douglass Park this weekend. Youth Night is on Friday, Family Day is on Saturday, and Gospel Fest featuring Zacardi Cortez is on Sunday! Enjoy this long-standing tradition all weekend long!
For more information: Website

Bluey’s Big Play at State Farm Center
Tuesday, September 1 and Wednesday, September 2
6:30 p.m.
Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show is the first-ever theatrical adaptation of the television series. The play features an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, new music by award-winning Bluey composer Joff Bush and brilliantly crafted life-size puppets and sets.

Simply Chic and Chic Kids
Simply Chic, your favorite store for on-trend women’s resale is now more affordable than ever.
Save on Sales Tax now through August 16th on eligible items plus enjoy 15% off storewide. Many items are now an additional 50% off.
For more information: Website

United Way of Champaign County
FREE developmental screenings are available for children from birth to age five in Champaign County, offering families helpful insights into how their child is growing and developing. These screenings look at areas like communication, social skills, and motor skills and are a simple way to check in on your child’s progress and connect with support if needed.
Offered through a partnership between Birth to Five Illinois, United Way of Champaign County, the Champaign County Home Visiting Consortium, and local schools, screenings are accessible and family-friendly.
Learn more and find out how to schedule a screening that works for you now.
For more information: Website







