Outdoors, indoors, everything in between – we have many options when it comes to enjoying this weekend in Champaign-Urbana

 

 

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

With the start of April underway and the Easter holiday right around the corner, it seems things to do in Champaign-Urbana have exploded in number overnight. Ball games, concerts, and free family fun can be found at every turn. We are officially on “Sakura watch” for the famous cherry blossom trees at Japan House.

This weekend, we have the Beckman Institute Open House and Engineering Open House on the University of Illinois campus. Both great events that many area families make sure to visit each year!

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chambanamoms thanks BAM! Boneyard Arts Market for presenting this weekend planner

NORDEN at home is thrilled to announce the 4th annual BÄM! Boneyard Arts Market!

This market is a two-day event where visitors and patrons can browse & purchase art and well made goods and support their favorite local artists & artisans during 40 North’s Boneyard Arts Festival in Champaign-Urbana.

BAM! Boneyard Arts Market is held on Saturday, April 5 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, April 6 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

For a complete list of the Artists and Artisans you’ll find at Boneyard Arts Market 2025, visit their Facebook event.

For more information: Website or Facebook

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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.

Thank you to Herriott’s Rents, Tents & Events for presenting the chambanamoms events calendar. 

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. 

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Champaign Public Library

Meet the Author! At Evening with Suzanne Selfors

Tuesday, April 8, 6:30 p.m.

Celebrate National Library Week with acclaimed children’s author, Suzanne Selfors, bestselling author of the Wedgie and Gizmo series.

​She has worked as a sales assistant at a television station, as a marketing director at a nonprofit, as a children’s photographer, a retail salesclerk, and an organic flower grower. She wrote her first children’s book in 2005, To Catch a Mermaid, which was published in 2007. As of this update, she has written over 30 books for young readers.

To learn more about Suzanne Selfors, visit her website at suzanneselfors.com

Doors open at 6 p.m. for refreshments.

Part of the Great Authors at the Library series.

For more information: Website or Facebook

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Beckman Institute Open House

Friday, April 4, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, April 5, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Beckman Institute Open House is an opportunity for Champaign-Urbana community members to encounter the science, meet the people, and experience the impact of world-changing discovery. It offers a fun, interactive look at the interdisciplinary research happening at the Beckman Institute on the University of Illinois campus.

Learn more about the Beckman Open House by clicking here.

For more information: Website

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Gameday Spirit Stadium Sale

April 5, 2025 | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Memorial Stadium

This bi-annual sale is BACK! Save up to 80% on Illinois Merchandise and Official Illinois Equipment Room Gear! Follow their Facebook event page for a first look at the gear!

For more information: Facebook event

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Prairie Gardens Spring Open House

Saturday, April 12, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.

You’re invited! Kick off the spring season at Prairie Garden’s Spring Open House. Explore brand-new arrivals for the 2025 garden season, shop exclusive savings, enter for a chance to win one of six incredible garden wishes, attend free garden seminars, sip & taste FREE food sampling and enjoy local food trucks (food available for purchase).

Bring the little ones for kids’ garden activities, including strawberry planting & pot painting! $2 per project.

For more information: Website or Facebook

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Urbana Free Library

On Friday, April 11, The Urbana Free Library transforms into a fairy tale castle for the Fairy Tale Ball! Fairy tale lovers of all ages are invited to an evening of stories, crafts, games, and entertainment. Don your shiny suit of armor or sparkly ball gown, or dress like your favorite fairy-tale character, and join us for an evening of fantasy and frivolity. Learn more at urbanafreelibrary.org,

This program is generously sponsored by Fred Schlipf and Diane Hillard.

For more information: Website, Facebook or Instagram

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Ready, Set, Connect! Free Developmental Screenings

United Way of Champaign County, Birth-5 Illinois, and the Champaign County Home Visiting Consortium are offering free developmental screenings for children from birth to five years old. These screenings assess communication, social, and motor skills to help families track their child’s development. Screenings will be available at multiple locations across Champaign County on the following dates:

• Urbana – Every Tuesday & Friday
• Rantoul –  April 9
• Mahomet – April 9
• St. Joseph – April 23 (Register here)
• Philo – April 24
• Thomasboro – April 28 (Register here)

Please see this flyer with instructions on how to register for the screening that you would like to attend.

For more information: English or French

 

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Smile Doctors

At Smile Doctors, their mission is to create confident smiles by inspiring the best in their patients, each other, and the communities they serve.

Confidence is a beautiful thing. Smile Doctors wants to give you the power to share it with the world through your smile. That’s why from the moment you step into a Smile Doctors clinic, they promise your smile journey will be awesome. They offer affordable monthly payment plans, easy online scheduling, remote care options with your orthodontist and more.

For more information: Website or Facebook or call (217) 356-2222

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Soccer Planet

About Soccer Planet: Lil’ Kickers classes (ages 18 months – 7 years) provide 50 minutes of fun, highly creative, high energy activities that serve as a great introduction to soccer, and help children master developmental milestones, appropriate for their age. Skills Institute classes (ages 5-12) focus on the fundamentals of player development: dribbling, passing, shooting, trapping, and how to use them effectively in a game. Weekly sessions include fundamental skill-building and competitive drills/games to build confidence and competence.

Location: North Willow Road, Urbana

For more information: Website, Facebook or Instagram

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