
More fall festivals happening this weekend
Families can choose from many events and activities happening this weekend in Champaign-Urbana
It is a busy week for fall fun, including fall festivals! You’ll read about some of the ones we highlight in this weekend’s planner below. Also, Halloween activities are ramping up and every weekend for the rest of October will be chock-full of boo-rific fun for your family. Go get some pumpkin treats this weekend, wear your best fall flannel and have a great time making memories.
Chambanamoms thanks State Farm Center for presenting this weekend’s planner
Waitress – Ticket Giveaway!
Meet Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams of a way out of her small town and rocky marriage. When a baking contest in a nearby county — and a satisfying encounter with someone new — show Jenna a chance at a fresh start, she must find the courage to seize it. Change is on the menu, as long as Jenna can write her own perfectly personal recipe for happiness.
This hilarious hit Broadway musical is “a little slice of heaven.”
Enter now to win a two-pack of tickets to see Waitress at the State Farm Center on Monday, Oct. 19!
Complete this three-question form to be entered to win a two-pack of tickets to see Waitress. Submissions must be received by midnight on Sunday, Oct. 11 and winners will be notified on Monday, Oct. 12 by email.
Get more information on Waitress here or buy tickets today!
For more information: Website

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, October 9, 2026
CU Folk and Roots Festival
Time: All Day
Downtown Urbana
Halloween Movie Matinee
Time: 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Rantoul Public Library
Lake Shelbyville Balloonfest
Time: 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Lake Shelbyville
Saturday, October 10, 2026
Savoy Fire Department Open House
Time: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Savoy Fire Department
Dia de las Monarcas (Day of the Monarchs)
Time: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Miller Park Zoo
Illini Hockey and Skate with the Team After the Game
Time: 5:00 pm
University of Illinois Ice Arena
Sunday, October 11, 2026
The Art of Making: Handiwork Market
Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve
Champaign-Urbana Queer Soup Night
Time: 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Phillips Recreation Center
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
Thursday, Oct. 8, 5 – 7 p.m.
Join Champaign Park District TODAY at the Douglass Community Center from 5-7 p.m. for Candyland Family Adventure. This carnival will feature games, crafts, inflatables, and more!
For more information: Website
Girl Scouts of Central Illinois
Girl Scouts offers hands-on experiences that spark curiosity and confidence. From kindergarten through 12th grade, she’ll make new friends, discover new passions, and enjoy fun activities – all supported by a caring community that helps her build lifelong skills to thrive. Become a Girl Scout today and find what’s within!
For more information: Website

Urbana Fall Fusion Festival
Saturday, Oct. 10, 3 – 7 p.m.
40 North and Urbana Arts & Culture Program are taking over downtown Urbana on Saturday, Oct. 10 from 3-7 p.m. for the fourth annual Urbana Fall Fusion Festival.
Enjoy live music curated by CU Folk & Roots Festival, art, performances, live painting, kids’ activities, photo ops, pumpkins, and more! See impressive artistic skills through a variety of techniques from members of Champaign Urbana Spinners and Weavers Guild and view live painting with aerosol and airbrush artists Jose Vazquez, Chris Logan, and Zoot. Stay for the fire performance as CU Circus Collective provides a mesmerizing grand finale to this kickoff of the fall season!
For more information: Facebook

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






