WILL CALL: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Nov. 27 – Nov. 30

A group of people run on pavement.
Enjoy the Urbana Park District's 58th annual Turkey Trot at Crystal Lake Park.

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, November 27

58th Annual Turkey Trot
Time:  Check-in at 8:00 a.m.; Race at 9:00 a.m.
Location:
The Lake House, Crystal Lake Park, IL
Details: Get in some fresh air and exercise on Thanksgiving morning.
https://www.urbanaparks.org/calendar/events/free–58th-annual-turkey-trot

A Very Bentley’s Thanksgiving Party
Time: 9:00 p.m.
Location: 
Bentley’s, Champaign, IL
Details: Enjoy drinks and music with DJ Belly.
https://www.bentleyspub.com/events/2025/11/27/thanksgiving

Friday, November 28

Turkey Skate
Time: 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: 
University of Illinois Ice Arena, Champaign, IL
Details: Come by after your Black Friday shopping or burn off some turkey from Thanksgiving dinner!
https://calendars.illinois.edu/list/2924

Riggs Christmas Market 2025
Time:
5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location:
Riggs Taproom, Urbana, IL
Details:
Explore a German style outdoor Christmas market with local vendors, hot spiced wine, holiday cheer, and more every weekend until Christmas.
https://www.riggsbeer.com/

Soul, Power, & Wonder: A Tribute to Stevie Wonder & Chaka Khan
Time:
Doors at 7:30 p.m.; Show at 8:30 p.m.
Location: Rose Bowl, Urbana, IL
Details: Hear THER’UP.Y play and honor Stevie Wonder and Chaka Khan.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/therupy

Saturday, November 29

CU Holiday Market at the Fair
Time:
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. 
Location:
Champaign County Fairgrounds, Urbana, IL
Details: 
Shop local businesses on Small Business Saturday.
https://www.facebook.com/events

Teddy Bear Ornament Kids Workshop
Time:
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location:
Home Depot, Champaign, IL
Details:
Head to Home Depot the first Saturday of each month between 9 am – 12 pm for free in-person Kids Workshops, while supplies last. Advance sign-ups are encouraged.
https://www.homedepot.com/c/workshops#store/1984

25th Annual Parade of Lights
Time:
5:00 p.m.
Location:
Downtown Champaign, IL
Details:
Ring in the season with twinkling floats, festive tunes, and more.
https://champaigncenter.com/parade-of-lights/

Sunday, November 30

Wreath Making Workshop
Time:  11:00 a.m.
Location: Fire Doll Studio, Champaign, IL
Details: Learn basic wreath building and design techniques with locally-sourced supplies. 
https://www.delightflowerfarm.com/

Messiah Sing-along
Time:
4:00 p.m.
Location:
First Baptist Church, Savoy, IL
Details:
Join the Baroque Artists of Champaign-Urbana singing Handel’s choruses.
https://www.baroqueartists.org/

Twinkling Lights and Cocoa
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Location: Prairie Farms Petting Zoo, Champaign, IL
Details: Enjoy an evening of lights, free cocoa, free face painting, and a hat and mitten drive.
https://www.facebook.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.