Summer is winding down — guess you could say it’s “over,” but that doesn’t officially happen until Sept. 22 — and it’s time to start looking forward to cooler evenings and cool activities. We’ll do our best, as always, to line you up with some interesting things to do this month.
Thanks to Dick’s House of Sport for presenting our list of things to do in September. Click here for a list of Dick’s events in September, including the Tailgate Takeover.
Hoopeston National Sweetcorn Festival, Aug. 29-Sept. 2
If you’re missing the now-defunct Urbana Sweetcorn Festival, Hoopeston’s annual event will certainly be an apt replacement. In addition to the usual festival-type events, the National Sweetcorn Festival features about 50 tons — yep, we said 50 tons — of free, delicious sweetcorn to be distributed to patrons’ bellies. If you’ve never been, we promise you won’t be disappointed.
Champaign County Labor Day Parade and Picnic, Sept. 2
Perhaps better known as the “Candy Parade,” this year the parade is in downtown Champaign. The parade will be followed by live music on Taylor Street. (If you’re a C-U newbie: This parade is known for distributing massive amounts of candy to onlookers.) Make sure you bring a bag. A big, big bag.
Meadowbrook Park Jazz Walk, Sept. 6
This is a super-neat event, featuring a variety of musical acts doing their thing while spaced among the walking grounds of Meadowbrook Park in Urbana. Free! (Rain date is Sept. 7.)
Arcola Broomcorn Festival, Sept. 6-8
It’s not easy to pick a highlight of this annual event, but perhaps it is the unique parade, which features, among other entries, the famous “Lawn Rangers,” a group of folks with lawn mowers. Trust us, you’ll want to check it out.
Country Arbors Nursery Harvest Party, Sept. 7-8
The Urbana nursery offers up a variety of activities to accompany their sale of giant mums. Enjoy food trucks, live music, face painting, various venders and the goats, which are ready to be fed! Get more info here.
Christie Clinic Presents: I-Power Fall Kickoff, Sept. 8 (registration required)
Join Chambanamoms and Christie Clinic at I-Power School of Gymnastics for the Fall Kickoff Open Gym from 3-5 p.m. This event is FREE, but families are asked to register in advance for a time slot to play: https://ipowergymnastics.com/birthday-calendar/ (and navigate to the date of the event!)
Christie Clinic presents the Chambanamoms Kids Zone, Sept. 13
Join Chambanamoms and Christie Clinic at Allerton’s Summer’s End concert from 6-9 p.m. Celebrate the end of the season with an evening of music, food, and vendors. The Chambanamoms Kids Zone, sponsored by Christie Clinic, will also provide fun for the kids, including crafts, bubbles and lawn games. Admission is $5 per person or $10 per family at the door. Bring lawn chairs or blankets.
West Side Arts, Sept. 15
Don’t miss the second annual West Side Arts, presented by the Champaign Park District and 40 North. Artists and art lovers will come together for a free juried art festival. Join the festivities from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to purchase and peruse amazing local and regional art showcasing a multitude of mediums. ALSO: there’s a free Sidewalk Chalk Contest!
CU Pride Fest, Sept. 21
The 15th annual CU Pride Fest hits Main Street in Urbana, with the highlight being the 1 p.m. parade through downtown Urbana. Show your support for the LGBTQ+ community at this free event, brought to you by the UP Center.
Champaign County Hot Air Balloon Festival, Sept. 27-28
The second annual event is slated for Dodds Park in Champaign and features balloon rides and launches, a carnival, kids’ tent, food vendors and balloon glow. Find more details here.
Pumpkin Patches, Corn Mazes and Apple Picking, all month
And, lucky for you, we have all the details right here! Pick some apples, dazzle yourself in a corn maze or find the perfect pumpkin — September and its temperate temperatures are ideal for outdoor fun.