This week also brings us the Illini home opener at Gies Memorial Stadium

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

No matter how you feel about the tradition from summer to fall, we know that many families welcome a day off with open arms (and silenced alarms).

But this weekend is about more than a day off school and work. It’s a time to reflect on those who toiled before us and fought for our rights, like the eight-hour workday. This weekend, as you fire up the barbecues and gather with family and friends to send off summer, let’s take a moment to pause and remember why we have this day on our calendar.

This week also brings us the first official weekend of college football! In Champaign, kickoff is at 8 p.m. Thursday night, so Grange Grove festivities begin at 5 p.m. with inflatables, a balloon artist and face painting. The Marching Illini drumline will perform at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Illini Walk at 5:35 p.m. High five the players on their way into Memorial Stadium. Find the complete list of gameday events here. If you want to simplify your pre-game experience, check out our tips on taking the MTD to Grange Grove for $1 each way!

We have all the tips for you on how to enjoy Illini sporting events, like this Friday’s football game, as a family right here. Go Illini!

Chambanamoms thanks Countryside School for presenting this weekend’s planner

“Discover Countryside” Open House

Come out on Sunday, September 27 from 2 – 4 p.m. Visit their classrooms, chat with their teachers and current students, and ask questions. Interested in Kindergarten? Applications are due October 14. For more information and to register in advance: www.countrysideschool.org/open-house

Countryside School is the area’s first and only ISACS-accredited, independent, K-8th grade school. They offer an accelerated, hands-on curriculum – including world languages (Spanish, Chinese, and Latin), visual arts, performing arts and music. Their mission is simple: “Joy in Learning, Excellence in Education.” They are non-profit, and they offer financial aid.

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. 

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

Opening Night Party – Thursday, Sept. 3, all evening long beginning at 4:30 p.m.

Krannert Center’s Opening Night reflects the diversity found right here in Champaign-Urbana. Come out on Thursday, September 3 for live music, food and drink, family-friendly activities, and lots of fun. Kick off the Opening Night Party with a procession starting in the Student Union Plaza led by Mucca Pazza and the Chicago International Puppet Festival. FREE entertainment continues all night long, with Mucca Pazza, Antibalas, Dr. Nativo, Funkadesi, DJ Silkee and more.

For more information: Website 

Urbana’s Night Market at the Square

Come out for Urbana’s Night Market at the Square. Enjoy food, shopping, and live music. Bring a chair, sit back and relax, and enjoy performances by local and regional bands. The Night Market will take place Thursdays in September from 6 – 8 p.m. Night Market is at the corner of Illinois St. and Vine St. in the SW parking lot of Lincoln Square – right where the Saturday market takes place.

For more information: Website

Land Conservation Foundation

Saturday, September 5, 9 a.m. – noon
Sunday, September 6, 2 – 5 p.m.
Saturday, September 12, 9 a.m. – noon
Sunday, September 13th, 2 – 5 p.m.

Land Conservation Foundation is offering an outdoor, on sight plant sketching class led by local artist and educator, Belinda Beccue. You will learn drawing techniques that enhance your sketches and bring them to life. All materials are included in the registration fee. You will bring home your own artwork while visiting Jasmine Hollow, a Land Conservation Foundation nature preserve in Cerro Gordo.

Price for College and K-12 students is $5.00. Ten spots are available each session, spread over four different dates and times.

Register by emailing Eric Mollahan at ericmollahan@landconservationfoundation.org.

For more information: Website

Beetlejuice

Wednesday, September 16, 7:30 p.m.

It’s showtime! Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. With an irreverent book and a score that’s out of this Netherworld, BEETLEJUICE is “SCREAMINGLY GOOD FUN!” (Variety). And under its uproarious surface (six feet under, to be exact), it’s a remarkably touching show about family, love, and making the most of every Day-O!

For more information and tickets: 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