Listen to Sam Rink and Lyric Roy 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, September 3
KCPA Opening Night Party: Centering Community
Time: 4:30 p.m. — 10:00 p.m.
Location: Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, Urbana, IL
Details: Enjoy a night of music, food and drink, activities and more celebrating the 2026-2027 KCPA season. Performers include Dr. Nativo, Funkadesi and DJ Silkee.
https://krannertcenter.com/events
‘A.I. Artificial Intelligence’ (2001) with Isaac Felberg (Ebert Center for Film Studies)
Time: 7:00 p.m. — 9:45 p.m.
Location: Knight Auditorium at Spurlock Museum, Urbana, IL
Details: Join the Ebert Center’s first screening of the season to watch A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001) directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Jude Law and Haley Joel Osment. The film follows a highly advanced robotic boy longing to become “real” to regain the love of his human mother. The event is free and open to the public. Food trucks and concessions will be available at 6:00 p.m.
spurlock.illinois.edu/events
Friday, September 4
Fall Migration Bird Hikes
Time: 9:00 a.m. —11:00 a.m.
Location: Allerton Park & Retreat Center, Monticello, IL
Details: Learn from Allerton’s Natural Areas Managers on this morning adventure to discover what bird species are migrating through the park. As the birds migrate south for the winter, the variety of species in the park will change each week. Continues every Friday through October 30.
allerton.illinois.edu
Crystal Lake Candlelight Serenade
Time: 8:30 p.m. — 10:00 p.m.
Location: Crystal Lake Park Lakehouse, Urbana, IL
Details: Spend a magical evening at Crystal Lake on a 30 minute boat ride while a symphony ensemble plays on the deck. This event is 21+
https://www.urbanaparks.org
Saturday, September 5
Skate Fest 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. — 4:00p.m.
Location: Health and Wellness Center, Urbana, IL
Details: Whether you are a veteran skateboarder, or new to the sport entirely, celebrate the joy of movement with the Urbana Park District. Enjoy a day of guided sessions and friendly challenges with a side of music, games and good vibes. Open skate continues on through September 7.
urbanaparks.org
3rd Annual Cardboard Boat Regatta
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: Harry L. Swartz Campground, Middle Fork Forest Preserve, Penfield, IL
Details: Build your own cardboard boat on-site or bring a pre-made watercraft and compete against other all-ages teams in this free event.
https://www.champaignforests.org
Sunday, September 6
Apple Tasting Lab
Time: 3:00 p.m. — 4:00 p.m.
Location: Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch, Champaign, IL
Details: Join horticulturist and agricultural educator, Heather Miller, for a free lesson about apples, with a chance to sample a variety of apples currently available at the orchard. All ages welcome, but the event is geared towards ages 12 and up.
curtisorchard.com/events-calendar
Cornstock: An Agrarian Exposition
Time: 3:00 p.m. — 10:00 p.m.
Location: Rose Bowl Tavern, Urbana, IL
Details: The Council of the Corn King presents an evening of music, games, immersive storytelling, a corn cook-off and more at this festival satire where you may just catch a glimpse of the Corn King himself.
https://www.corn-king.com/
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.