Champaign Park District

Art Exhibit Reception: What We Carry Forward
2026-06-25 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Springer Cultural Center, 301 N Randolph St, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
See pieces by artists Nicole Anderson Cobb, Gary Beaumont, and Gene Tanta in What We Carry Forward.

Enjoy refreshments, chat with the artists, and even buy a piece!

Show Dates: June 20 – August 1Exhibit Hours:M-F: 8:30am – 8pm (closed 1-2pm)Sat: 9:30am – 2pm

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(NEW DATE) Movie Night at Sholem – Kung Fu Panda 2
2026-06-24 20:00 - 22:00 | Sholem Aquatic Center, 2307 Sangamon Drive, Champaign, IL, 61821, United States
This event has been rescheduled to June 24!

Come watch Kung Fu Panda 2 while in the pool! The movie will start at sundown ~8:30pm.

Entry is $8 or FREE with a summer pool pass/Silver Sneakers membership.

Register ahead of time to hold your spot, or pay at the front desk if space available! Limited to 300 people.

Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Register Today

Puzzle Wars Championship — Summer Edition
2026-06-22 18:00 - 20:00 | Hays Recreation Center, 1311 W Church Street, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
Race against the clock in this fast-paced, summer-inspired puzzle challenge! Team up in groups of four and compete to be the first to finish the same puzzle alongside participants of all ages and abilities. Enjoy a lively, screen-free experience that builds teamwork, sparks friendly competition, and keeps the fun going. Win prizes, make great memories, and earn ultimate bragging rights. A special Spirit Award will be given to the team that brings the most energy and creativity, from fun outfits to bold accessories.

Registration required. Only one registration per team.

Register Today

Art in the Parks: Bookbinding - Japanese Stab Binding Three Ways
2026-06-22 14:00 - 15:30 | Hessel Park, 1400 Grandview Dr, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
Try your hand at one of three methods of Japanese stab binding to create your own book!

Your finished project will be ready to take home, with instructions on further binding types for continued learning after the session.

Adult supervision for children under 18 is recommended. No registration. Materials provided while supplies last. Seating may be limited, feel free to bring lawn chairs.

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Science and Engineering Saturday: Summer Edition
2026-06-20 11:30 - 13:00 | Martens Center, 1515 N Market St, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
Celebrate the longest day of the year with a hands-on summer solstice STEAM challenge!

Kids ages 8 and up will become Shadow Architects as they design and build creative structures to explore how the sun creates shadows. Through experimentation, measurement, and design, participants will discover how the sun’s position affects the world around us.

Part of our Science and Engineering Saturdays Series – Where learning meets fun!

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Register Now!

Art Exhibit: What We Carry Forward
2026-06-20 08:30 - 2026-08-01 14:00 | Springer Cultural Center, 301 N Randolph St, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
See pieces by artists Nicole Anderson Cobb, Gary Beaumont, and Gene Tanta in What We Carry Forward.

Show Dates: June 20 – August 1

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

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Juneteenth Concert
2026-06-19 18:00 - 20:00 | Douglass Park, 501 E Eureka St., Champaign, 61820
Commemorate Juneteenth with an unforgettable evening of live music! Experience a dynamic lineup of talented artists who blend styles and sounds to create an uplifting, culturally rich experience. These performances will bring together influences from hip hop, jazz, funk, and beyond, inspiring connection and unity across generations. Join us for an evening filled with rhythm, culture, and the spirit of freedom that welcomes music lovers of all ages.

Jump into 3D Printing: Summer Edition
2026-06-16 16:00 - 18:00, 2026-05-28 16:00 - 18:00 | Martens Center, 1515 N Market St, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
Let your child’s imagination take shape.

It’s a hands-on 3D printing event where kids can design, create, and print a summer themed 3D creation as an intro into the world of 3D printing.

Free! Registration required!

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Register Now!

Juneteenth Celebration
2026-06-13 12:00 - 15:00 | Douglass Park, 501 E Eureka St., Champaign, 61820
All Ages

Join us at Douglass Park for a vibrant celebration of freedom, culture, and community! Juneteenth is a historic celebration marking the end of slavery in the United States, which honors African American resilience, culture, and progress. To mark the celebration, Champaign Public Library and Champaign Park District are joining forces to bring family-friendly activities to the community. Visit with vendors or enjoy activities such as games, crafts, and more, all while learning about the holiday.

Whether you’re attending to learn, honor the past, or just enjoy the festivities, this Juneteenth celebration promises a day full of joy and unity.

We will be running a shuttle from Martens Center to Douglass Park for the Juneteenth Celebration. The shuttle will start at 11am and will run every 30 minutes for the duration of the event.

Champaign Public Library website

History of Juneteenth

Juneteenth Concert

Keep the celebration going with a free concert in Douglass Park!

Time: 6-8pmLocation: Douglass Park

Millage Park Playground Ribbon-Cutting
2026-06-04 18:00 | Millage Park, 2802 Cherry Creek Rd, Champaign, Illinois, 61822, United States
Champaign Park District is inviting the public to a special ribbon-cutting to commemorate the new playground at Millage Park. The event will take place on Thursday, June 4, at 6pm.

Millage Park’s playground has been closed for construction since April and recently reopened. The playground redesign prioritized updating outdated equipment and emphasized accessibility through features such as pour-in-place surfacing. Members of the Cherry Hills community helped choose the playground colors during a public meeting in September 2025.

“Millage Park has been cherished by residents of Cherry Hills for more than 30 years,” said Sarah Sandquist, Champaign Park District Executive Director. “We are excited for neighborhood families to join us to enjoy the new play equipment.”

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Moo-vie Night at the Farm: The Lorax
2026-05-29 20:00 - 22:00 | Prairie Farm, 2202 W Kirby Ave, 217-398-2583, 61821, United States
Join us for summer evenings of family fun at Moo-vie Nights at Prairie Farm!

Enjoy concessions, time on the farm, and a family-friendly movie showing under the open sky.

It’s the perfect way to spend a warm night with family and friends, so grab a blanket and settle in for a relaxed movie night at the farm.

No registration required!

Doors open at 8pm. Movie begins at dusk.

May 29: The LoraxJune 26: The Bee MovieJuly 31: Wall EAugust 28: Brother BearSeptember 25: Luca

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Family STEM Night
2026-05-26 17:30 - 19:30 | Martens Center, 1515 N Market St, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
Join us for Family STEM Night, hosted by the Illinois Science Explorers, a science outreach initiative from the University of Illinois.

Bring the whole family for an evening packed with free pizza, hands-on science fun, and interactive experiments! Kids and adults alike will have the chance to explore exciting STEM activities together, sparking curiosity and creativity. Whether you’re building, experimenting, or just curious to learn something new, there’s something for everyone.

Come hungry for pizza and ready to make memories, as we dive into the wonders of science —family style!

Register for the May Family STEM Night

Register for the June Family STEM Night

Register for the July Family STEM Night

Register for the August Family STEM Night

FINDING NEMO, JR, presented by CPD Youth Theatre
2026-05-23 19:00, 2026-05-23 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-05-22 19:00, 2026-05-21 19:00 | Virginia Theatre, 203 W Park Avenue, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
Dive into the next wave of the CPD’s 2026 Youth Theatre season, Big Adventures, Bigger Dreams, with Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr.!

This vibrant underwater adventure brings the beloved Pixar story to life as young performers journey through the deep blue sea in search of courage, friendship, and family. With new music by award-winning songwriting team Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, and featuring colorful characters and heartfelt moments, this musical celebrates the power of perseverance and the joy of exploring the unknown.

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Sholem Aquatic Center Opening Day
2026-05-23 11:00 | Sholem Aquatic Center, 2307 Sangamon Drive, Champaign, IL, 61821, United States
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Buy a Pool Pass

Join us for the opening of the 2026 season at Sholem Aquatic Center!

2026 Admission Rates

Open Swim: $10Twilight Rate (4-7p every day, all day on Fridays): $8Military/First Responder: $82 & Under: Free

Fees & Pool Passes

Pass TypeSale Price through 4/30/20262026 Season Pass Price

Youth (Ages 3-17)$50$55

Adult (Ages 18-54)$75$80

Senior (Ages 55+)$70$75

CU Around the District: Hessel Park - Picnic in the Park
2026-05-22 18:30 - 21:00 | Hessel Park, 1400 Grandview Dr, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
TEENS ONLY! CU Around the District is back!

There will be 3 free, teen-exclusive events happening Friday night, May 22nd, at various Park District locations! All events are drop-in and will include staff supervision.

Come to Hessel Park for Picnic in the Park!

DJ and yard games!

Free sundae bar!

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CU Around the District: Martens Center - Creative Exploration
2026-05-22 18:30 - 21:00 | Martens Center, 1515 N Market St, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
TEENS ONLY! CU Around the District is back!

There will be 3 free, teen-exclusive events happening Friday night, May 22nd, at various Park District locations! All events are drop-in and will include staff supervision.

Come to Martens Center for Creative Exploration!

Use the 3D printers and decorate tote bags with the Cricut!

Play table tennis and tech games!

Free pizza and chips!

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CU at Graduation: 8th Grade Grad Party
2026-05-22 18:30 - 21:00 | Douglass Community Center, 512 E Grove St, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
Congrats Grad!

Celebrate your 8th grade graduation with us at the Douglass Community Center! Enjoy a DJ and free snacks!

Note: We are not allowing bags or re-entry into the building.

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Interested in Donating Clothes?

Help our 8th graders graduate in style!

We are soliciting donations of clothes such as dresses, dress shirts, and ties for our students.

Donations will be accepted at:Douglass Community Center (2:30-6:30pm, Monday-Friday)Douglass Branch Library (Any day during operating hours)Leonhard Recreation Center (Any day during operating hours)Martens Center (Any day during operating hours)Springer Cultural Center (Any day during operating hours)

Clothing drive dates: Now through May 8

Clothing pickup on May 15 at Douglass Community Center.

EXCLUSIVE! Opening Night Pool Pass Party
2026-05-22 17:00 - 19:00 | Sholem Aquatic Center, 2307 Sangamon Drive, Champaign, IL, 61821, United States
Come celebrate the opening of Sholem Aquatic Center with an exclusive party ONLY for Pool Pass holders. The party is from 5-7pm on 5/22 – yes, you read that right – that’s BEFORE opening day!

Come be one of the first people to enter the pool in 2026!

No registration required for this event, but attendees must be pool pass holders.

Purchase Your Season Pool Pass

Jazz in the Park
2026-05-21 18:00 - 20:00 | Clark Park, 900 S McKinley Ave., Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
Experience a relaxing evening filled with live music, good food, and great company! Enjoy the smooth sounds of local jazz musicians as you spread out a blanket or set up your lawn chairs under the summer sky. Explore a variety of food trucks offering tasty options for purchase, or pack your own picnic to share. Unwind, listen to great tunes, and soak up a beautiful evening in the park.

Performances by Mark Tonelli Trio and the Broadmoor Quartet.

Mark Tonelli TrioLed by Mark Tonelli, this dynamic trio brings together three accomplished Illinois musicians with extensive experience in jazz, contemporary improvisation, and international performance. Based in central Illinois, the group features guitarist and composer Tonelli, bassist Max Beckman, and drummer Jay Ferguson. Together, they blend original compositions with innovative improvisation, drawing from backgrounds that include international touring, acclaimed recordings, orchestral performance, and collaborations with renowned artists across jazz, classical, rock, and popular music. The ensemble has performed throughout the country, creating an engaging and modern sound rooted in creativity, musicianship, and collaboration.

The Broadmoor QuartetWith a refined emphasis on melody and a minimalist approach to percussion, The Broadmoor Quartet offers a softer approach to jazz. The result is a mix of the classic jazz trio with vocalist and an ensemble in the spirit of chamber/West Coast jazz artists like Ahmad Jamal, Oscar Peterson, and the Modern Jazz Quartet. You’ll hear a healthy mix of vocal standards, plus some Bossa Nova, Latin arrangements of familiar favorites, and an unexpected pop tune or two.

Kurt Reeder: PianoTroy Robertson III: BassSean Kutzko: Bongos, percussionNancy Livingston: Vocals

Website: TheBroadmoorQuartet.comFacebook/Instagram: @TheBroadmoorQuartet

Food Trucks:

Kona Ice

Toms Coffee

La Paloma

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Art Exhibit Reception: Traces in Time
2026-05-21 17:30 - 19:00 | Springer Cultural Center, 301 N Randolph St, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
See pieces by artists Leslie Barr, Lorraine Graham, Tina Johnson, Kathy Micek, Ann Pimblott, Jeannie Vansickle, and Kelly Warner.

Enjoy refreshments, chat with the artists, and even buy a piece!

Show Dates: May 2 – June 13

Exhibit Hours:

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

Interested in buying a piece from this exhibit? Click below to view the price list!

Facebook Event Page

Traces in Time Price List

Johnston Park Basketball Court Ribbon Cutting
2026-05-16 10:00 | Johnston Park, 701 Goldenview Dr., Champaign, IL, 61821, United States
Champaign Park District is pleased to invite the public to a special ribbon-cutting at the new basketball court in Johnston Park! The ribbon-cutting is to take place on Kids to Parks Day, a national day honoring outdoor play, on May 16, at 10am.

Community members were strong advocates for the construction of Johnston Park’s new basketball courts, which offer another opportunity for neighborhood residents to enjoy time outside and stay active.

“The new basketball courts at Johnston Park are a tribute to community members and the Park District working together to promote the importance of parks and amenities in our neighborhoods,” said Sarah Sandquist, Champaign Park District Executive Director. “We are honored to invite neighbors to this ribbon-cutting to celebrate this achievement.”

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Spring Smash Classic Pickleball Tournament
2026-05-16 09:00 - 2026-05-17 20:00 | Centennial Park, 2200 W Kirby Ave, Champaign IL, IL, 61821, United States
We’re bringing back our spring pickleball tournament for the fourth year in a row! Join us for some fast-paced pickleball action designed for all skill levels.

Dates: Sat, May 16 & Sun, May 17Location: John St Pickleball CourtsEarly Bird Registration (Register before Apr 1): $45/playerAfter Apr 1: $50/playerRegistration Deadline: Sun, May 4

Register Today

Touch-a-Truck
2026-05-13 16:00 - 19:00 | Centennial Park, 2200 W Kirby Ave, Champaign IL, IL, 61821, United States
All ages welcome.

Explore, climb, and discover at our Touch-a-Truck event! Families, kids, and adults of all ages are invited to get up close with trucks, emergency vehicles, construction equipment, and more. Meet the people who operate these machines, ask questions, and even get inside for a hands-on experience. This is a fun, interactive, and educational day where all are welcome to play, learn, and explore!

Weather Advisory: This event is weather-dependent and will be canceled in case of inclement conditions.

PARKING UPDATE: No parking in the lot just south of Jefferson Middle School on Sangamon Dr. near Crescent Dr. It is owned by the school and cars are subject to tow.

Questions: morgan.pittman@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3807

Marshmallows & Melodies (MOVING INDOORS)
2026-05-07 18:00 - 20:00 | Martens Center, 1515 N Market St, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
THIS EVENT IS MOVING INDOORS TO MARTENS CENTER!

Experience a relaxing and fun-filled evening at Martens Center with Midwest Dueling Pianos & Marshmallow Roasting!

Whether you’re in the mood for a toasty s’more or ready to sing along, enjoy the lively sounds of talented pianists as they take audience requests and perform your favorite songs in an interactive, high-energy show for all ages.

Bring a blanket or lawn chairs, gather with family and friends, and soak in a memorable night under the stars filled with music, laughter, and great company.

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Hazel Park Tree Planting
2026-05-04 09:00 | Hazel Park, 1209 N Neil St, Champaign, Illinois, 61820, United States
Hazel Park neighbors and Champaign Park District staff will work together to plant 4 trees in the park. Volunteers are welcome to attend.

The tree planting will offer increased shade and natural weather shelter for parkgoers.

Art Exhibit: Traces in Time
2026-05-02 08:30 - 2026-06-13 20:00 | Springer Cultural Center, 301 N Randolph St, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
See pieces by artists Leslie Barr, Lorraine Graham, Tina Johnson, Kathy Micek, Ann Pimblott, Jeannie Vansickle, and Kelly Warner.

Show Dates: May 2 – June 13

Exhibit Hours:

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

Interested in buying a piece from this exhibit? Click below to view the price list!

Facebook Event Page

Traces in Time Price List
