The Fighting Illini Women’s Basketball Team is having one last camp this summer! Sign up now! Photo Provided.
The Fighting Illini Women’s Basketball Team is having one last camp this summer before it says Au revoir and heads to France! Please join the Illini Aug. 5-6 from 5-8 p.m. at the Ubben Basketball Complex for skill development, competition, and lots of fun! This camp is open to first grade through eighth grade girls.
Click here for more information and to register for camp.
Thanks to the Fighting Illini women’s basketball team for sponsoring our Weekend Planner!
It’s the last weekend in July! Make sure you don’t miss the Champaign County Fair opening this weekend, and check off one of our 13 Things to Do in CU Before You’re 13. Want to visit a local community fair before you dive into the county fair? Sidney has just the thing for you, and it’s also the location of one of our favorite summer time treats and C-U Essential: The Sidney Dairy Barn. Yearning for some Outdoor Summer Concert fun? There are a couple of those this weekend as well, and they are FREE.
It’s another busy summer weekend in Champaign-Urbana. Our picks:
What: Fifth Annual Manga Mini-Con
Where: Urbana Free Library, Urbana
When: Friday, July 24, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
How Much: Free
Appropriate for: Teens
Why You Should Go: Has your teen ever wished he or she could go to a manga convention? Tell them to wish no more! Teens are invited to the library’s Fifth Annual Manga Mini-Con to hang out with others who enjoy anime, manga, and Japanese culture. There will be a Cosplay contest, trivia quiz, speed drawing competition and more! This event sounds super-fun for your Manga loving teen!
What: Sidney Fun Daze
Where: Sidney, a small town in southeast Champaign County. Take 130 south of Urbana and look for the signs.
When: Friday, July 24, late afternoon/evening; Saturday, July 25, from 7 a.m. to midnight (carnival hours – 5-10 p.m. Friday, noon-10 p.m. Saturday)
How much: Free; some tickets ticketed and food for sale
Appropriate for: All ages
Why you should go: There is a kiddie bike parade at 9 a.m. on Saturday, followed by a community parade at 11 a.m. Kiddie tractor pull for various age groups on Saturday at 12:30 p.m., with registration at noon. Car Show, bags tournament, pancake breakfast Saturday morning.
What: Champaign County Fair
Where: Champaign County Fairgrounds, Urbana (behind Carle Foundation Hospital). Free parking is available.
When: Friday, July 24 through Saturday, Aug. 1. Hours vary by the day, but admission is charged starting at 2 p.m. on weekdays.
How much: How much: $5 per adult 13 and over; children 12 and under free; season pass for adults $25
Appropriate for: All ages
Why you should go: It’s time for the Champaign County Fair! Haven’t been yet? Now is your chance. Make sure you ride the Ferris Wheel! Visit our preview for the lowdown on all things Champaign County Fair, including animals, a parade, preschool day, and family day!
What: Take Me Fishing at the Champaign County Forest Preserve
Where: Lake of the Woods, Mahomet
When: Saturday July 25, 9-11 a.m.
How much: Free
Appropriate for: 2 and up
Why you should go: Did you know that fishing promotes healthy minds and bodies? Bring the family and friends out for some free fishing fun! First-timers and experienced anglers alike welcome. There will be kids’ activities, prizes, and more! Basic fishing instruction will be available. The Illinois fishing license requirement has been waived for this event. Cane poles are available to borrow, but you are welcome to bring your own. Bait provided. Adult supervision of children is required. We love this family-friendly fishing event!
What: Music on the Lake Concert Series
Where: Walnut Hill Shelter, Homer Lake Forest Preserve, Homer
When: Sunday, July 26, 5-7 p.m.
How much: Free, food and drinks available for purchase
Appropriate for: All ages
Why you should go: Join the folks at the Champaign County Forest Preserve District for an evening of music with a view at the beautiful Homer Lake Forest Preserve! Rebecca Regos and the Trainmen, an Americana folk band, will play a selection of original music while you relax and enjoy refreshments from local vendors. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. FREE! For more info: (217) 586-2612 or kriopelle@ccfpd.org
What: Sounds at Sunset: Elsinore
Where: Scott Park, Champaign
When: Sunday, July 26, 6-8 p.m.
How Much: Free
Appropriate For: All ages
Why You Should Go: The Champaign Park District is coming to your neighborhood! This summer gather your friends, family, and neighbors as it hosts the Sounds of Sunset events throughout Champaign. Each event will include an array of activities such as live music, inflatables and more! Best of all – these events are free! Participants may bring lawn chairs and refreshments.
Weekend Planner features only a few of the wonderful events happening in our area. For a full list, please visit our Events Calendar, sponsored by Busey.