WILL CALL: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Apr. 16 – Apr. 19

Two people dance in front of an audience
Learn about tango dance, music and culture during this weekend's CU Tango Music Festival.

Listen to Kimberly Schofield and Steve Morck talk about weekend events on IPM News AM 580 and FM 90.9 – Wednesdays at 6:45 and 8:45 a.m., and Thursdays at 5:44 p.m.

Thursday, April 16

2026 CU Tango Music Festival
Time:
5:30 p.m.
Location:
Various locations in Urbana, IL
Details:
Celebrate tango, music, and culture throughout the weekend. Runs through April 19.
https://www.cutangomusic.org/schedule

Madagascar: A Musical Adventure Jr.
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location:
Holy Cross School, Champaign, IL
Details:
See a collection of wild animals explore the world. Based on the animated movie.
Holy Cross School’s Annual School Musical Facebook Page

Friday, April 17

Ebertfest: The Last Dance 
Time:
12:00 p.m.
Location: The Virginia Theatre, Champaign, IL
Details:
Enjoy two days of film screenings, community, and conversation. Runs April 17 & April 18.
https://ebertfest.com/ebertfest-0.html

18th Annual Fairy Tale Ball
Time:
5:00 p.m. —  8:00 p.m.
Location: The Urbana Free Library, Urbana, IL
Details: Enjoy an evening of stories, games, crafts and more. Dressing up is encouraged.
https://urbanafreelibrary.libnet.info/event/15821617

Questionable Scenes for Questionable People
Time: 
7:00 p.m.
Location: 
Monticello Theatre Association, Monticello, IL
Details: 
See a collection of short comedic scenes celebrating the chaotic side of humanity. Runs through April 25.
https://monticellotheatre.org/productions/

A Cappella Extravaganza
Time: 
7:00 p.m.
Location: 
Gregory Hall, Urbana, IL
Details: 
Join No Comment A Cappella for an evening of high-energy performances, new music, and more! Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
https://www.instagram.com

Saturday, April 18

CU Girls Soccer Showcase
Time:
9:00 a.m.
Location: 
Demirjian Park, Champaign, IL
Details: 
See a full day of competitive soccer matchups of local high school teams.
https://www.facebook.com/soccerplanetcu/

Earth Day for Everyone
Time: 1:00 p.m. — 4:00 p.m.
Location:
Crystal Lake Park, Urbana, IL
Details:
Celebrate Earth Day with recycled art projects, beautification projects, live music and more!
https://www.urbanaparks.org/news/

Prairie Farm Opening Day
Time:
1:00 p.m.
Location: Prairie Farm, Champaign, IL
Details: Celebrate Prairie Farm’s extended season, including goat and rabbit petting.
https://champaignparks.org/places/prairie-farm/

The Silos 40th Anniversary Tour
Time:
8:00 p.m. — 11:00 p.m.
Location: Rose Bowl Tavern, Urbana, IL
Details: Enjoy this band’s alternative country and Americana sound, with C-U’s own Tractor Kings. Doors open at 7:00 p.m.
https://rosebowltavern.com/

Sunday, April 19

Christie Clinic Presents: Family Time at Soccer Planet
Time:
3:00 p.m. — 4:30 p.m
Location:
Soccer Planet, Urbana, IL
Details:
Enjoy an afternoon of soccer, games, and burning off some energy. This free event is for kids of all ages and their caregivers.
https://facebook.com/events

2026 Krannert Center Debut Artist Recital
Time: 
3:00 p.m.
Location: 
Foellinger Great Hall, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, Urbana, IL
Details: 
Hear jazz saxophonist Andrew Gaffey perform as the 2026 Krannert Center Debut Artist.
https://krannertcenter.com/events/


Some of the groups mentioned here may be financial supporters of Illinois Public Media, but they do not influence who is included on this list.

Event dates and times may change. If you have information about upcoming events, email us before Mondays at 8:00 a.m. at will-call@illinois.edu.

Kimberly Schofield

Kimberly Schofield is the host of Morning Edition and covers arts and entertainment for Illinois Newsroom. When she is not covering the arts, she is performing in plays and musicals or running the streets of CU.