The Top Things to Do in May in Champaign-Urbana

Summer’s almost here! Not quite, we know, but May heralds the early signs that the best months of the year are squarely in our sights. Between high school and college graduations, Mother’s Day and Memorial Day, it’s terribly easy for some things to fall through the cracks. We aim to prevent that from happening, so here are the top things to do in May, presented by Dick’s House of Sport.

Thanks to Dick’s House of Sport for presenting this list. Visit the website to view a list of May events at Dick’s Champaign location.

Urbana’s Market at the Square, May 4

It’s Opening Day for the 2024 market and a gorgeous weather day promises a good turnout and plenty of choices of spring products for shoppers. Check out our post on farmers markets. Open 7 a.m.-noon.

Free Comic Book Day, May 4

Wait, what!? Free comic books? Yep. Visit the Champaign Public Library from 9 a.m.-noon — we’d suggest getting there early, if it’s as popular as we’d expect — to pick up a free comic book, while supplies last.

Summer Concert Series: Edison Middle School Bands, May 4

The Champaign Park District kicks off its outdoor concert season with an appearance by Edison Middle School bands at Hessel Park. The music runs from 2-5 p.m. and promises to offer a fantastic backdrop to a day of fun at the park.

Poetry Writing Workshop, May 5

The 2024 Poet Laureate is none other than one of the Black Joy Project curators, Ruby Mendenhall, and the Spurlock Museum is proud to host a poetry-writing workshop in her honor. Learn what inspires Ruby to express herself creatively and hear from her mentors. Then, discover what inspires you! This program includes a youth component starting at age 12. Get more details here.

Touch-a-Truck Day, May 8

Tots, put your toy trucks away – it’s time to touch the real thing! Climb in, hop on, and honk the horns of some really big trucks and other vehicles during Touch-A-Truck Day at Centennial Park in Champaign. Tow trucks, fire trucks, police cars, and more will be available for kids to explore. Note: In case of inclement weather, this event will be canceled.

Mother’s Day, May 12

It’s time to celebrate the moms, and one event that might be a nice gesture is taking mom to shop at Sola Gratia Farm’s annual spring plant sale. The sale runs May 10-19 and offers a wide variety of organically grown vegetables, herbs and some perennial fruits along with locally sources flowers and accompanying features. Need some other ideas for Mother’s Day activities? We just happen to have a few right here.

Summer Reading Kickoff Party at Champaign Public Library, May 19

Join the Champaign Public Library for an all-ages community celebration — with live music, games and robot demonstrations, and fun giveaways! It starts the library’s summer reading program. Get the details here.

Soccer Planet Play Group and Free Developmental Screenings, May 21

This play group is free and open to all children (through age 5) and their caregivers who live in Champaign County. Story time and take-home snack will be provided. If you are interested in a free-developmental screening for your child, register here.

Swimming Pools Open, May 25

Today’s the day we’ve waited for … for, well, a long time. Many area pools reopen this weekend. Find details on your favorite pool in our post.

Prairie Farm Opening Day, May 25

This is undoubtedly one of our favorite days. Opening Day at Prairie Farm promises the sights, sounds — and smells! — of your favorite animals, among other things. Its season runs through Aug. 11. Click here to discover why we love Prairie Farm.

Christie Clinic Presents: School’s Out Snackdown Food Truck Rally, May 30

This Chambanamoms-sponsored event is free to attend, though you’ll want to bring a few bucks to spend at an array of C-U’s finest food trucks. Stick around to play lawn games and schedule your child’s physical for the next school year. From 6-7:30 p.m. at Christie Clinic at the Fields.

Get ready for summer in Champaign-Urbana: