Say this much for October: It might be one of the busiest months of the entire year. Pumpkin Patches, Corn Mazes and Apple Picking are happening; Halloween Events and Activities are on the calendar; and you can attend a Fall Festival near you. That’s just the beginning.
Beyond that, we’re here to list a few things you can do in October in the Champaign-Urbana area.
Thanks to Dick’s House of Sport for presenting our list of the top things to do in October in Champaign-Urbana.
C-U Pride Fest, Oct. 1
It’s the final day of C-U Pride Fest, highlighted by the brunch, Drag Circus and Sideshow. Find more details here.
Vet Met Open House, Oct. 1
We are unabashed fans of this annual event sponsored by the University of Illinois’ College of Veterinary Medicine. If you have experienced it, you know what we’re talking about. If you haven’t, think of it this way: It’s like an interactive fair with animals. Trust us, your kids will love it.
Monster Mash Weekend at Harvest Moon Drive-In, Oct. 6-7
See a triple feature on each screen of classic monster movies like Frankenstein on Oct. 6-7 at the Gibson City drive-in. Not all films are necessarily family-appropriate, of course, but several are fit for kids, especially older kids.
Urbana Fall Fusion Festival, Oct. 7
This inaugural event features live music, art, professional pumpkin carving demo, kids’ activities, photo ops and more. From 4-8 p.m. in downtown Urbana.
C-U Folk & Roots Festival, Oct. 12-14
Downtown Urbana is the site for this festival of music and culture, and if you’re like us, you can’t wait to get your groove on. More than 80 — yep, EIGHTY — folk performances and activities will be on the schedule for the 15th annual event.
Allerton Family Campout, Oct. 14-15
Spend the weekend exploring Allerton Park’s Natural Areas with the whole family at the Allerton Family Campout. This hassle-free camping experience in the Meadow will provide families the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and learn about nature. Details here.
Flannel Fest, Oct. 14-15
This is one of our favorite events of the entire year, courtesy of the Champaign Park District. Visit Hessel Park to see some things you just don’t see every day — the lumberjack show will leave you slack-jawed, we promise. Plus food trucks, music, art, crafts, and a lot more.
Illinois Marching Band Championship, Oct. 14
Dozens of high school marching bands will compete in six classifications in this event at Memorial Stadium, which also features a performance by the Marching Illini. Local bands confirmed to participate are Champaign Central, Monticello, Blue Ridge, Mattoon and Mahomet-Seymour.
University of Illinois Homecoming Parade, Oct. 20
Celebrate all things Illini with the annual event that begins at 5:30 p.m. behind the Student Union. The next day, the Illini football team takes on Wisconsin (time TBA) at Memorial Stadium. Don’t forget to venture over to Grange Grove for the festivities there.
Scarecrow Festival, Oct. 21
The Champaign County AMBUCS brings back its popular event to Urbana’s AMBUCS Park. Included in the fun: barrel train rides, hay rack rides and a flea market, among other things.
Christie Clinic Presents: Costume Parade at Lincoln Square, Oct. 22
Join Christie Clinic and Chambanamoms from 3-4:30 p.m., for an afternoon of Halloween-themed family fun! Families are invited to this free indoor event in the High Court (south hallway) at Lincoln Square Mall. Come dressed in costume and participate in our parade through the mall. We’ll pass out candy and freebies.
Trick-or-Treating, Oct. 31
First things first: Pray it doesn’t rain (or, heaven forbid, snow). Second, bust out your favorite costume. Third, collect that candy! Check out Chambanamoms.com for all of the relevant Halloween content; trick-or-treat times coming soon.