Thank you to Urbana Park District for sponsoring this edition of the Weekend Planner.
We thank you for a great outdoor pool season. Remember, Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center is open for swimmers year round! Be sure to enjoy lap swimming water fun for the whole family no matter how cool it gets this fall and winter!
It’s a long weekend in Champaign-Urbana, and there is plenty to do to as we say goodbye to summer! It’s the last weekend for many area swimming pools before they close for the season. Wondering what is Open and Closed this Labor Day in C-U? We have a guide for that too. And did someone say festivals and PARADES?
Thanks again to our friends at Urbana Park District for sponsoring our Weekend Planner.
Our picks for Labor Day Weekend Fun:
What: Hoopeston National Sweet Corn Festival
When: August 30- Sept. 3. Thursday and Friday – only open after 5 p.m.; Saturday, Sunday, Monday, all day.
Where: McFerren Park, Hoopeston
How much: Thursday – Monday $3; 7 and under, FREE
Appropriate for: All ages
Why you should go: A parade, petting zoo, FREE sweetcorn and more! The Sweet Corn Festival Grand Parade begins Downtown Main Street on Saturday, Sept. 1 at 10:30 am.
What: Dawgapalooza
When: Friday, August 31, 4:30- 7:15 p.m.
Where: Mahomet Seymour High School
How much: Wristbands are $8, food for sale. Proceeds go to MHS Music and Athletic Boosters.
Appropriate for: All ages
Why you should go: It’s time for Friday Night Lights, and Mahomet rolls out their season in style. Live music, inflatables, food, face painting, a pep rally and much more make this event one that the whole town enjoys.
What: Arthur Amish Country Cheese Festival
When: Saturday, Sept. 1 – Monday, Sept. 3
Where: Downtown Arthur
How much: FREE admission; special attractions may be ticketed
Appropriate for: All ages
Why you should go: Eat a corn dog, sample the free cheese, take in a tractor pull, watch a parade, listen to some music, visit an Amish farm shop, shop the sales in town. There is a special Kids Zone dedicated just to the little ones, with pony rides, inflatables, clowns, games and activities. The famous cheese games include special divisions for just the kids, and other cheese games are perfect for including the whole family! The parade is typically at 3:45 p.m. on Saturday afternoon. For more family fun in Arthur and the Amish Area, see our post.
What: Grange Grove and Fighting Illini Walk
When: Saturday, Sept. 1. Grange Grove opens at 7 a.m. Activities start at 8:00 a.m. (three hours before the 11 a.m. game kickoff against Kent State) and the Fighting Illini Walk is 8:30 a.m.
Where: Grange Grove is located in the area previously known at lot 36, just west of Memorial Stadium
How much: FREE, no ticket is required to enter Grange Grove. Food and merchandise are available for purchase.
Appropriate for: All ages
Why you should go: It’s the first Illinois football game of the year, and Grange Grove and the Fighting Illini Walk kicks off the fun! The football team, cheerleaders, and Marching Illini all make an appearance and families are treated to free music and activities like inflatables, face painting, and more! See our Mom Review of Grange Grove here. For tips on making the most of Illini Sports as a family, see our guide. And don’t forget that Memorial Stadium has a new clear bag policy, which we walk you through.
What: Sholem Aquatic Center Labor Day Weekend Swim Sale
When: Saturday, Sept. 1, Sunday, Sept. 2 and Monday, Sept. 3, 11 a.m.- 7 p.m.
Where: Sholem Aquatic Center, Champaign
How much: $3 residents; $4.50 non-residents
Appropriate for: All ages
Why you should go: Get your last taste of summer this Labor Day weekend at the pool for half off the cost of regular admission all weekend long. The Oasis concession stand will have food and drink deals. Some of the attractions might not be up and running due to staffing, so call ahead if you are counting on a certain attraction. Want more swim time? Urbana’s Family Aquatic Center also offers discounted rates and military get in free this weekend.
What: Champaign County Labor Day Parade (The Candy Parade!)
When: Monday, Sept. 3, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Lincoln Square to Prairie Park, Urbana
How much: FREE
Appropriate for: All ages
Why you should go: Our kids look forward to this parade all year long! Local unions, community organizations, politicians and high school bands treat parade goers to music, fun, and candy! A picnic at Prairie Park immediately follows the parade with free food, games for kids, a softball tournament, and more.
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.
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