As we wind down the heat of summer, we are soaking up the last bits of summertime fun

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

It isn’t easy to forget about the awesome fall activities coming our way even though we still have summer options (like pool time) on the table. This weekend, we should be able to dine outside, take in some festivals, dip in the pool and enjoy a weekend of fun, while dreaming of corn mazes, apple picking and pumpkin-filled porches. Looking for that perfect balance of summer, fall and everything in between, of course!

Chambanamoms thanks Horizon Hobby, LLC for presenting this weekend’s planner.

Get ready for a full day of RC excitement as RC Fest returns to Eli Field in Monticello, Illinois on August 29! Whether you’re brand new to the hobby or a seasoned RC enthusiast, RC Fest is the perfect opportunity to experience everything the world of radio control has to offer.

Take the controls at their Try-Me Flying Area, Crawler Course, NASCAR Track and Bash Area, where guests of all ages can get hands-on with RC vehicles and aircraft. Watch incredible Airshows featuring warbirds, giant scale aerobatics, and 200mph turbine jets, plus other RC demonstrations, connect with fellow hobbyists, and discover new ways to enjoy the hobby.

Enjoy a full day of activities with an on-site hobby store, food vendors, concessions, and plenty of opportunities to fly, drive, crawl, and explore. Parking is just $10 per vehicle, and every paid parking pass includes a $15 coupon redeemable at the on-site hobby store, making your admission pay for itself and more.

Come experience RC. Fly it. Drive it. Crawl it. Live 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.

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. 

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.

Buy tickets to see Bluey now.

I-Power Gymnastics and Ninja

Fall Kick-Off – Sunday, August 23, 5 – 7 p.m.

Come out for this FREE open gym event in all areas of the gym- main gym, preschool, ninja, and girls rec will be open for play, plus bounce houses! Registration encouraged.

Register now: Website

Chicago Snowballs

Saturday, August 22, 6:30 p.m.

Get ready, Danville! The Chicago Snowballs are taking on the Rocket Squirrels in a baseball experience unlike anything you’ve seen before! Expect great baseball mixed with music, dancing, hilarious antics, and nonstop entertainment for the entire family. Come for the baseball, stay for the show, and get ready to have a BALL with the Snowballs!

For more information: Website

The Illiac

Saturday, August 22, 3 – 9 p.m.

Champaign Park District and The Nicodemus Agency are proud to announce THE ILLIAC, taking place in Hessel Park and Downtown Champaign, Illinois on Saturday, August 22. The third annual installment expands in 2026, kicking off in historic Hessel Park with a free full day of festivities in addition to incorporating Downtown Champaign stages throughout the evening for performances at Neil Street Plaza, Watson’s Shack & Rail, The Space, and Cowboy Monkey.

Once again, The ILLIAC’s centerpiece is Sinfonia da Camera, the in-residence professional chamber orchestra at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, alongside an expansive lineup featuring Tray Wellington’s Heart on the Table, Garrett Boys, David Nance & Mowed Sound, Afro-Caribbean Jazz Collective, Big Daddy Pride and The East Side Five, Meadowhawk, Mariachi Libertad, Brain Sex, Granny Square, Centennial Chamber Orchestra, and Red Heart Revolution.

For more information: Website

iRead ● iCount®

Volunteer one hour weekly to help K–1 students build basic math skills for academic success. This fall’s iCount Program runs October 1–December 11. Choose a school and time that fits your schedule! Application deadline is August 28. To learn more, check out www.champaigncounty.org/iread-icount.

MT Frames Photography

It’s time for family photos!

Whether it’s your whole family, just the kids, or even a solo session, I’m booking fall family sessions now!

Different locations in Champaign, Urbana and Mahomet. Limited dates available!

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