Listen to Kimberly Schofield and Adelyn Mui 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 30
The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Cobb Auditorium, Urbana High School, Urbana, IL
Details: A sci-fi horror comedy about a town overtaken by a mysterious “musical pandemic.” Performances run through May 3, with a 2:00 p.m. show on Sunday.
https://uhstheatre.ludus.com/index.php
West Point Brass Quintet Performance and Presentation
Time: 7:30 p.m. — 10:00 p.m.
Location: Studio Theatre, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, Urbana, IL
Details: Enjoy a performance and presentation from the West Point Brass Quintet.
https://krannertcenter.com/events/jazz-week-ron-bridgewater-combo
Friday, May 1
FOREST: Sunrise May Day Forest-Planting-Procession
Time: 5:30 a.m. — 7:30 a.m.
Location: Japan House & Illinois Arboretum, Urbana, IL
Details: Join a sunrise procession featuring music, mask-making, and planting thousands of trees as part of an immersive art and environmental event.
https://kam.illinois.edu/
Bluebell Festival
Time: 9:00 a.m. — 8:00 p.m.
Location: Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Monticello, IL
Details: Celebrate spring with a plant sale, live music, food trucks, and a spring market. Festival runs May 1–3.
https://allerton.illinois.edu
Super 5K
Time: Registration at 5:00 p.m.; race begins at 6:00 p.m.
Location: Temple Plaza, Danville, IL
Details: Part of First Fridays, this Mario-themed 5K invites runners, walkers, and families for an evening of fun. Enjoy a costume contest at 5:30 p.m., themed race zones, prizes, and community activities.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F44ACAF2DA3FEC43-63390029-super#/
Friday Night Contra Dances
Time: 7:30 p.m. — 11:00 p.m.
Location: Phillips Recreation Center, Urbana, IL
Details: Enjoy beginner-friendly contra dancing with live music.
https://urbana-contra.org
Saturday, May 2
Sheep to Yarn to Quilts
Time: 9:00 a.m. — 3:00 p.m.
Location: Illinois Amish Heritage Center, Arthur, IL
Details: Experience sheep shearing, weaving, quilting, and other hands-on heritage activities for all ages.
https://www.illinoisamish.org/special-events
Free Comic Book Day 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m.
Location: The Urbana Free Library, Urbana, IL
Details: Pick up free comics and enjoy activities for all ages while supplies last.
https://urbanafreelibrary.libnet.info/event/15705982
Seventh Annual Jigsaw Puzzle Competition
Time: 1:00 p.m. — 3:00 p.m.
Location: Mahomet Public Library, Mahomet, IL
Details: Compete in teams to complete a 500-piece puzzle the fastest. Registration required.
https://mahometpubliclibrary.org/event/seventh-puzzle-competition/
Ragtime Auditions
Time: Audition slots available throughout the day starting at 2:00 p.m.
Location: CUTC Rehearsal Space, Champaign, IL
Details: Audition for this Tony Award-winning musical, opening July 30. Auditions and dance call also on Sunday, May 2.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508054BA5A82CA2FC1-63507503-cutcs
Illinois Student Film Festival
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Knight Auditorium, Spurlock Museum, Urbana, IL
Details: Celebrate student filmmaking with screenings of short films from University of Illinois students, plus additional programming.
https://www.spurlock.illinois.edu/events/event.php?ID=2731
Sunday, May 3
Lincoln & The Light of the Declaration of Independence
Time: 1:30 p.m. — 2:30 p.m.
Location: C.H. Moore Homestead & DeWitt County Museum, Clinton, IL
Details: Catch a special presentation with historian and author, Guy Fraker, about Abraham Lincoln’s interpretation of the Declaration of Independence and how it shaped him as a leader.
https://chmoorehomestead.org/
The Big Pitch: Young Entrepreneur Competition
Time: 2:00 p.m. — 5:00 p.m.
Location: Champaign Public Library, Champaign, IL
Details: Watch local high school students pitch business ideas for a chance to win $5,000.
https://champaign.org
Mutt Strut
Time: 4:30 p.m. — 6:30 p.m.
Location: Burwash Park, Savoy, IL
Details: Celebrate dogs at the Champaign County Humane Society’s 2026 Mutt Strut, including games, contest, and giveaways.
https://secure.qgiv.com/event/mutt2026/account/2305549/store/
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.