WILL Call: What’s Happening in Champaign-Urbana Aug. 08 – Aug. 11

Listen to Kimberly Schofield 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 8

Illinois State Fair in Springfield
    Time: 7 a.m.
     Location: Springfield, IL
     Details: The fair runs through Sunday, August 18th, featuring farm animal shows, live music, rides, and the famous butter cow. The Twilight Parade kicks off Thursday evening, and the Gin Blossoms perform at the Grand Central Stage at 8 p.m. For more information, visit statefair.illinois.gov.

Champaign Park District Youth Theatre Presents: Seussical Jr. at the Virginia Theatre in Champaign
     Time: 7 p.m.
      Location: Virginia Theatre, Champaign
      Details: The story follows a child’s journey through the imagination, guided by the Cat in the Hat, and weaves together over 20 Dr. Seuss books. Performances are at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday.


Friday, August 9

Champaign-Urbana Days (CU Days) at Douglass Park in Champaign
    Time: 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
     Location: Douglass Park, Champaign
     Details: This community celebration continues on Saturday, August 10th, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., featuring live music, local food, face painting, balloon animals, vendors with free school supplies, a senior luncheon, and a basketball tournament.


Saturday, August 10

Farm Olympics at Sola Gratia Farm in Urbana
     Time: 11 a.m.
     Location: Sola Gratia Farm, Urbana
     Details: Enjoy farm-based activities, including ‘dress like a farmer,’ balloon herding, races, and more. The free event concludes with closing ceremonies at 1 p.m. For more details, visit solagratiacsa.com.

St Joseph Community Festival in St. Joe
     Time: 8 p.m.
     Location: Downtown St. Joseph
     Details: Live music and drinks with Highway 615 playing country music until midnight, and fireworks at dusk.

Keith Urban with Mackenzie Porter at the Illinois State Fair
     Time: 8 p.m.
     Location: Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield
     Details: Part of the grandstand concert series at the fair.

Champaign Whiskey Fest GALA Event in downtown Champaign
     Time: 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
     Location: Downtown Champaign
     Details: A special event for whiskey enthusiasts, featuring tastings and educational events. Attendees can taste twelve rare cellar selections, with local participants including Watson’s, Punch, and Big Grove. There is a tasting event on Friday, August 9th, and the Gala Tasting is on Saturday. For more information, visit champaignwhiskeyfest.com.


Sunday, August 11

Back-to-School Piano Party at the Urbana Library
     Time: 2 p.m.
     Location: Urbana Library, Urbana
     Details: Hosted by VIRTUOSO Piano Lessons! This event is geared for elementary children ages 5-11 and includes free mini piano classes, piano crafting activities, and micro piano concerts.

Alex Winton