Champaign Park District

Story Time at the Farm
2025-09-13 14:30 - 15:15, 2025-09-20 14:30 - 15:15, 2025-09-27 14:30 - 15:15, 2025-10-04 14:30 - 15:15, 2025-10-11 14:30 - 15:15, 2025-10-25 14:30 - 15:15 (America/Chicago) | Prairie Farm, 2202 W Kirby Ave, 217-398-2583, 61821, United States
Saturday at 2:30 PM, Story Time at Prairie Farm, invites kids to dive into a fun and interactive storytelling experience. Each week, we’ll feature a new animal through an engaging story that brings the world of animals to life. After the story, children will have the chance to meet the featured animal up close!

This is a FREE activity for all! No registration is required.

West Side Arts
2025-09-14 10:00 - 17:00 | West Side Park, 400 W. University Ave, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
Mark your calendars for September 14th, as West Side Arts event is set to take place at West Side Park.

Presented by the Champaign Park District and 40 North, this free juried art festival is a celebration of local and regional talent. Art enthusiasts and curious minds alike are invited to immerse themselves in a diverse array of mediums, as artists showcase their masterpieces available for purchase. It’s a golden opportunity to engage with the artistic pulse of the region while supporting its talented creators.

Don’t miss out on this enriching experience that promises to ignite inspiration and appreciation for the arts!

Scroll down for more information on all the fun activities happening at this event!

West Side Arts Map

Food Trucks

StangoBurrito KingJurassic GrillBennets EggrollsThe Main Scoop

Make-and-Take Art Workshops

Air Dry ClayPainting Tote BagsRock PaintingHomemade WindchimesNatural Collages

Meet the Artists!

For more information, contact Kelly White, Executive Director, at kwhite@40north.org.

Take a Look at the 2025 West Side Arts Artists

Kids Sidewalk Chalk Contest

Who? KIDS! (pre-K thru 8th)When? Sunday, September 14th (check-in 10am-12pm, finish by 4pm)Where? West Side Park, Champaign Why? FREE! CASH prizes awarded in all 3 age categories!How? Pre-register below by 8pm, Saturday, September 13th (not required, but strongly recommended, walk-ups are limited)

Bring the kids to West Side Arts for a FREE Kids Sidewalk Chalk Contest! It’s the perfect fun and family-friendly way to celebrate the arts in a beautiful park setting! Chalk will be provided.

Pre-registration is strongly recommended, but not required. Walk-ups will be limited.

Contact Elsie at ehedgspeth@40north.org or 217.351.9841 for any questions.

Register for the Kids Sidewalk Chalk Contest

Rules:1. Must only use provided chalk.2. Parent/Guardian may accompany but not assist with artwork.3. Age category determined by what grade entered this fall.4. Must check-in no later than 12pm to compete (your space will be re-assigned after 12pm.) Artwork must be completed by 4pm.

Volunteer!

We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help ensure this event runs smoothly!

Volunteer at West Side Arts

Music Meets Developmental Milestones
2025-09-17 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-09-24 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-10-01 10:00 - 11:00 | Martens Center, 1515 N Market St, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
Join Crisis Nursey for a FREE music class designed to support your child’s developmental milestones! This class combines singing, dancing & instrument play with sign language to support all areas of child development.

For children ages 0-3 years old.

For questions or to RSVP, call the Nursery at 217-337-2730 and ask for Sarah!

Beginners Pickleball Drop-In Class
2025-09-17 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-10-15 18:00 - 19:30 | Pickleball Complex, 2203 W. John Street, Champaign, IL, 61821, United States
Ages 15+

New to pickleball or looking to sharpen your skills? Join our fun and friendly monthly drop-in workout at the John Street Courts!

This class is perfect for beginners and first-timers, with a focus on building essential skills like serving, ball placement, and court movement. No commitment needed—just drop in, learn the basics, and enjoy the game!

Registration

CANCELLED: S'mores and Stars
2025-09-21 20:00 - 22:00 | Robert C. Porter Family Park, 2310 S Rising Rd, Champaign, IL, 61822, United States
This event has been cancelled.

Spend a magical evening under the night sky! Gather around the fire at Porter Park as a local astronomer shares insights on the New Moon, Saturn, and other stars! We invite you to bring your own food to roast over the open fire (s’mores, hot dogs— the sky’s the limit).

Don’t miss this chance to enjoy s’mores, shooting stars, and stellar stories with friends and family. Bring a blanket, your curiosity, and get ready for an unforgettable night!

S’mores and Stars

Art Exhibit: Beneath The Sky
2025-09-27 00:00 - 2025-10-25 23:59 | Springer Cultural Center, 301 N Randolph St, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
Beneath The SkyBy Katie Batkiewicz

Show Dates: September 27 – October 25Location: Springer Cultural Center

Reception: Thursday, October 2, 5:30 – 7pm

Exhibit Hours:

M-F*: 8:30am – 8pm (closed 1-2pm)Sat: 9:30am – 2pm

Prairie Farm Barn Bash
2025-09-27 18:00 - 20:00 | Prairie Farm, 2202 W Kirby Ave, 217-398-2583, 61821, United States
Get ready for a night of down-home fun at the Prairie Farm Barn Bash! Bring the whole family for an evening filled with live country music, dancing under the stars, and classic farm activities for all ages.

Enjoy delicious local eats, hop on a hayride, visit the petting zoo, and try your hand at barn games and crafts. Whether you’re boot-scootin’ on the dance floor or roasting s’mores by the fire, there’s something for everyone!

Admission is just $5 per person, and registration is required for each participant (on-site registration available).

Prairie Farm Barn Bash Registration

A Walk for Education
2025-10-02 17:00 - 18:30 | Martens Center, 1515 N Market St, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
Join Champaign Park District with UIUC’s National Society of Black Engineers for A Walk for Education at Martens Center! This FREE event will provide fun, engineering themed activities for kids that could inspire future careers. Put the E in STEAM on October 2nd at Martens Center (1515 N Market St, Champaign).

Presented by The National Society of Black Engineers.

Registration is required.

A Walk for Education Registration

Art Exhibit Reception: Beneath The Sky
2025-10-02 17:30 - 19:00 | Springer Cultural Center, 301 N Randolph St, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
View this art exhibit at Springer Cultural Center then stop by the reception on October 2 from 5:30-7pm to enjoy refreshments, speak to the artist, and have the opportunity to purchase a piece!

Cena y Ciencias: Serving Up Science One Meal at a Time
2025-10-06 17:30 - 19:30, 2025-11-03 17:30 - 19:30 | Martens Center, 1515 N Market St, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
Ven con tu familia y aprende sobre diferentes ciencias. Este programa es apto para niños de kínder a quinto grado. Cena y Ciencias es un programa colaborativo de divulgación científica en la comunidad bilingüe. Disfruta de una comida gratuita después. Todos son bienvenidos, pero ten en cuenta que este programa se imparte completamente en español.

Familias con niños de kínder a qunito grado

Grab your family and come learn about different sciences. This program is suitable for children in Kindergarten through 5th grade. Cena y Ciencias is a collaborative scientific outreach program in the bilingual community. Enjoy a free meal afterward. Everyone is welcome, but please note that this program is spoken completely in Spanish.

Families with children ages Kindergarten-5th grade

Wicked & The Wiz
2025-10-11 11:00 - 13:00 | Douglass Community Center, 512 E Grove St, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
A spellbinding Halloween celebration for all ages!

Step into a world of wonder and whimsy at Wicked and The Wiz, a Halloween event inspired by magical tales, fantastical characters, and a touch of Broadway flair.

Whether you’re team good witch or feeling a little wicked, you’re invited to dress up, dance, and dive into a day filled with festive fun.

Magic, mischief, and surprises await—come experience Halloween like never before!

Activities

Beauty Bar

Slime Potion Making Station

Emerald Arts Station

Coloring Station

The Wiz Glow Room

Cauldron Toss

Yellow Brick Road Scavenger Hunt

Broom Ball

Face Painter

Ballons

Dan Wild

Kids New Winter Clothing Drive
2025-10-15 00:00 - 2025-12-01 23:59
The Champaign Park District is collecting new winter clothing (with tags) for children ages 0-17 to help keep them warm this winter! Donations will be accepted from Oct 15 – Dec 1, 2025, at multiple drop-off locations around the district, including:

Martens Center

Springer Cultural Center

Leonhard Recreation Center

Halloween Funfest
2025-10-15 17:00 - 19:00 | Market Place Mall, 2000 N Neil St, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
Join the Halloween tradition that’s been delighting families for over 30 years!

Presented by the Champaign and Urbana Park Districts and Market Place Mall, Halloween Funfest is your one-stop spot for safe, family-friendly fun.

This event will feature:

– Trick-or-treating for kids 12 and under throughout the mall– Festive games– A costume contest

It’s festive, it’s free, and it’s all indoors—so rain or shine, the fun goes on!

Don’t miss this spooktacular celebration!

Intro to 3D Printing "Fall Edition"
2025-10-16 17:45 - 19:00 | Martens Center, 1515 N Market St, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
Join us at the Martens Center for an exciting Introduction to 3D Printing event! Discover how 3D printers work and explore your creativity by making fall-themed 3D prints. Perfect for beginners, makers, and curious minds—learn the basics and spark your imagination with this hands-on, informative session. All ages welcome!

Registration

Future Stars Skills Basketball Camp
2025-10-18 14:30 - 17:00 | Leonhard Recreation Center, 2307 Sangamon Dr, Champaign, IL, 61821, United States
Join DH Workouts, a premier Chicagoland basketball training group, and the Champaign Park District for the Future Stars Skills Camp — featuring Illini men’s basketball players, and other special guest coaches!

Each participant will have the chance to meet the players for photos and autographs after the camp, and each participant will receive take home items from camp sponsors while supplies last. We are asking all participants to wear their favorite Orange and Blue Illini apparel!

Raffle tickets will also be available for purchase to win a signed Terrance Shannon Jr. Jersey.

Use discount code “ILL” FOR $10 off at checkout until October 14!

Ages | 7 – 17Deadline to Register | October 11

DH Future Stars Skills Camp

CANCELLED: Fright Night at Prairie Farm
2025-10-18 17:00 - 22:00 | Prairie Farm, 2202 W Kirby Ave, 217-398-2583, 61821, United States
This event has been cancelled due to impending thunderstorms.

Join us for a spooky good time at Fright Night at Prairie Farm — a Halloween celebration for ghosts, goblins, and ghouls of all ages!

Enjoy a full evening of fall fun including:• Hayrack rides• Pumpkin decorating• Bonfire & s’mores• Costume contest• Trick-or-treat stations• And a special outdoor screening of Hotel Transylvania to end the night!

Flannel Fest
2025-10-25 11:00 - 18:00 | West Side Park, 400 W. University Ave, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
West Side Park turns into fall’s ultimate hangout as Flannel Fest takes over with high-energy fun, fierce competitions and cozy autumn vibes. Rock your flannel and get ready for a day packed with nonstop entertainment.

Countdown to Flannel Fest!

Volunteer at Flannel Fest!

Join us for a day of fall fun at Flannel Fest and make a difference in your community by volunteering! Volunteers are essential to making this event a success. Whether you’re helping with activities, or event set up and tear down, your support ensures that everyone has a great time. Plus, volunteering is a great way to meet new people and be part of the Champaign Park District family!

Volunteer at the Champaign Park District

Event Schedule

11am – 1pm: Rockingham Rd

12 – 12:30pm: Lumberjack Show

12:30pm: DJ

1pm: Hot Pepper Contest

2pm: Lumberjack Show

2:30pm: DJ

3pm: Mustache Contest

4pm: Lumberjack Show

4:30pm: DJ

5 – 6pm: Band/Other Entertainment

Food Vendors

Burrito King

The Main Scoop

The Sugar Plum 365

Daro Coffee Company

Mike’s Smokey Meathouse BBQ & SOUL LLC

Patty Daddy’s

Hot Pepper Eating Contest

Can you beat the heat? Test out your spice tolerance at our Hot Pepper Eating Contest! Each round the peppers will get hotter & hotter, and to win, you must be the last one standing.

Time: 1pmFee: $10

Hot Pepper Eating Contest Registration

Mustache/Beard Contest

Get your mustaches and beards ready for the Flannel Fest Mustache Contest! Whether home grown or crafted, show off your facial hair in this fun competition. People of all ages are encouraged to enter!

Time: 3pmFee: FREE!

CATEGORIES DESCRIPTIONBest MustacheA moustache is composed of facial hair above the upper lip.Best Partial BeardA partial beard is any facial hair that is neither a full beard nor a moustache.Best Full BeardA full beard consists of hair on the upper and lower lip, the chin, the cheeks, and the sideburns.Free StyleGet creative, waxes, hairspray etc. Reckon you can create a thistle from your beard? Go for it. Real hair only.NaturalFree of products and all natural.FantasyAll genders, made of natural or creative hair pieces and materials.Youth (ages 4+)For the young ones to get creative and show us their facial hair creations.Baby (ages 0-3)Itty bitty babies always look cute with facial hair.OverallBetter than all the rest.

Ongoing Activities

Pumpkin Smashing

Hayrack Rides

Looking to Be a Sponsor?

BECOME A SPONSOR

DOUBLE FEATURE SATURDAY

It’s a Double Feature Saturday! 🍂📽️

Swing by West Side Park for a day filled with FREE Fall Activities at Flannel Fest (11am – 6pm) and then head over to The Virginia Theatre for a special 50th Anniversary screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show (7pm) for only $7!

Rocky Horror Picture Show Tickets

Art Exhibit: In the Moment
2025-11-01 00:00 - 2025-12-13 23:59 | Springer Cultural Center, 301 N Randolph St, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
In the MomentBy Judith Baker-Barrows, Debra Bolgla, Beth Chasco, Rashmi Kapoor, Melinda McIntosh, Melissa Merli, Pat Baron Monigold, Lynn Hawkinson Smith, Sara Taber, Sharon Wenda, and Martha Willi Blacker

Show Dates: November 1 – December 13Location: Springer Cultural Center

Reception: Thursday, November 6, 5:30 – 7pm

Exhibit Hours:

M-F*: 8:30am – 8pm (closed 1-2pm)Sat: 9:30am – 2pm

Día de los Muertos Celebration
2025-11-01 11:00 - 15:00 | Martens Center, 1515 N Market St, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
Get ready for a day filled with music, memories, and Latinx pride as we celebrate Día de los Muertos like never before!

This event will feature:

– A community offering altar– Live music– Cultural activities– Health and Wellness activities provided by the students of Carle Illinois College of Medicine– Mexican Cuisine

With family-friendly activities, powerful storytelling, and the magic of togetherness, this night is all about celebrating life and those who came before us.

Bring your family and friends to help celebrate what it means to be part of a beautiful, living tradition. ¡Todos son bienvenidos!

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WHAT IS DIA DE LOS MUERTOS?

Location: Martens Center (1515 N Market St. Champaign, IL 61821)

Coco (2017)

After our celebration join us at the Virginia Theatre to watch Coco (2017)!

Rated PG105 MinDoors open 45 min prior to showtime.

Despite his family’s generations-old ban on music, young Miguel dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol Ernesto de la Cruz. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead.

After meeting a charming trickster named Héctor, the two new friends embark on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history.

Coco (2017) Tickets

Activities

Balloon maker

Character artist

Face painting

Inflatables

Crafts

Medical education activities provided by students of Carle Illinois College of Medicine

Food Vendors

SweeTeaz

Juanitos

& More TBA!

Music Schedule

11am-12pm – DJ Carlos Giles

12-12:30pm – Grupo Illini

12:30-1pm – DJ Carlos Giles

1-2pm – Mystical Melodies Band

2-2:30pm –Grupo Illini

2:30-3pm – DJ Carlos Giles

APPLY TO BE A VENDOR

What is Día de los Muertos?

The Day of the Dead (el Día de los Muertos), is a Mexican holiday where families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives for a brief reunion that includes food, drink and celebration.

What is Día de los Muertos?

Add Your Offerings to the Altar

Do you have loved ones you would like to honor? Bring their photos, favorite candies, and other items to the altar at Martens Center! The altar is open to the public from October 17 to November 2 during Martens Center’s open hours.

Volunteer at Día de los Muertos!

Join us for a fun and rewarding volunteer experience at Día de los Muertos! Volunteers are essential to making this event a success. Whether you’re helping with activities, or event set up and tear down, your support ensures that everyone has a great time. Plus, volunteering is a great way to meet new people and be part of the Champaign Park District family!

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS VOLUNTEER SIGN UP

For Event Inquiries:

For Volunteer Inquiries:

CUSR Cupcake 5K
2025-11-02 09:00 - 12:00 | Carle at the Fields Trail, 3310 Fields S Dr, Champaign, IL, 61822, United States
All Ages

Join us for the 13th Annual CUSR Cupcake 5K! This is a timed, accessible race ending with a delicious cupcake. Funds raised will go into CUSR’s Scholarship Fund, which supports individuals who need financial assistance to access CUSR programs and services. Runners, walkers, and registrants who use a wheelchair are welcome. All registrants must provide a valid email address in order to receive crucial prerace information. Updated information will also be posted on the CUSR’s Facebook page. Register early for this sweet race!

After the 5K at 10am, there will be a 100m Dash for kids ages 10 & under.

This event will go on rain or shine unless unsafe weather conditions exist. No refunds if cancellation due to unsafe weather conditions. All proceeds go directly to CUSR’s scholarship fund.

CATEGORY | FEERunners | $35Walkers | $35Rollers | $35Kids 100m Dash | $10

Register for Cupcake 5K

After Party at The Landing

Join us at The Landing (4503 Legends Dr) for free food and drinks after the race!

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Want to be a Sponsor?

Sponsorship Opportunities

Art Exhibit Reception: In the Moment
2025-11-06 17:30 - 19:00 | Springer Cultural Center, 301 N Randolph St, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
View this art exhibit at Springer Cultural Center then stop by the reception on November 6 from 5:30-7pm to enjoy refreshments, speak to the artists, and have the opportunity to purchase a piece!
