WILL Call: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Aug. 28 – Aug. 31

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, August 28

Grand Reopening Celebration of the Krannert Art Museum
Time: 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Krannert Art Museum, Champaign, IL
Details: Celebrate the reopening of the museum, including a ribbon-cutting, new exhibitions, and a live performance by Peruvian Quechua hip-hop artist Liberato Kani.
http://kam.illinois.edu/event/grand-reopening-celebration-2025-fall-opening-night

81st Annual Hoopeston Sweetcorn Festival
Time: 5:00 p.m.-10 p.m.
Location: McFerren Park, Hoopeston, IL
Details: Enjoy carnival rides, live music, vendors, sweet corn, and more. Runs through Monday, September 1.
https://hoopestonjaycees.org/festival/history/default.html

August Color Splash
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Danville Art League, 320 N Franklin St, Danville, IL
Details: Join instructor Carol Garver to paint a fall scene.
http://danvilleartleague.com/

Friday, August 29

Casey Popcorn Festival
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Location: Fairview Park, Casey, IL
Details: Enjoy live music, a carnival, and free popcorn through Labor Day weekend. Runs through Monday, September 1.
http://popcornfestival.net/

Peoria Blues & Heritage Music Festival
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Location: Peoria Riverfront, Peoria, IL
Details: Celebrate 35 years of music by the river with legendary musicians, including Tommy Castro and the Painkillers and Ruthie Foster. Also on Saturday, August 30.
http://pbhfest.com/tickets/

Fighting Illini vs Western Illinois University
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Memorial Stadium, Champaign, IL
Details: Kick off football season at the Fighting Illini’s first home game.
http://fightingillini.com/sports/football/schedule/2025

Auditions for Fade
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Location: Station Theatre, Urbana, IL
Details: Seeking Latine actors for this two-person play, which features a behind-the-scenes look into Hollywood’s writers’ room.
http://stationtheatre.com/

Shrek the Musical Jr.
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Urbana High School, Urbana, IL
Details: Presented by The Penguin Project and CUTC, see this production performed by artists with developmental disabilities and their mentors, who bring the comedic tale of the animated film to life. Saturday and Sunday performances at 3:00 p.m. Runs through Sunday, Aug. 31. 
http://cutheatreco.org/tickets

Saturday, August 30

Amish Country Cheese Festival
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location: Arthur, IL
Details: Visit and explore Amish Country during this three-day festival, including free cheese, a tractor pull, a parade, live music and more. Runs through Monday, Sept. 1.
http://arthurcheesefestival.com/

All White Party
Time: 10:00 p.m.
Location: Neil St. Blues, Champaign, IL
Details: Celebrate Labor Day Weekend in your freshest white clothing for this 6th annual event featuring live comedy, music, dancing, and food.
http://neilstblues.com/events/labor-day-6th-annual-all-white-party

Sunday, August 31

Mooseapalooza III
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Location: Rose Bowl Tavern, Urbana, IL
Details: Rock out with a variety of bands.
http://rosebowltavern.com/

Sunday Wine Down with Blue Iris
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Alto Vineyards, Champaign, IL
Details: Enjoy music from this rock band, originally from Normal, Illinois, as they deliver raw, emotional songs that speak to healing and the beauty in scars.
http://altovineyards.net/events-champaign/sunday-wine-down-w-blue-iris