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 29
Hoopeston National Sweet Corn Festival at McFerren Park
Date: August 29 – September 2
Location: McFerren Park, Hoopeston
Details: This festival features carnival rides, vendors, and a demolition derby, along with the unique tradition of cooking approximately 50 tons of sweet corn with an antique steam engine, which is then distributed for free.
Fighting Illini Football vs. Eastern Illinois University at Memorial Stadium in Champaign
Time: Kickoff at 8 p.m.
Location: Memorial Stadium, Champaign
Details: Cheer on the Fighting Illini as they take on Eastern Illinois University in their home opener.
Friday, August 30
Westville Labor Day Celebration
Time: 10 a.m – 9 p.m. from August 30 to September 2
Location: Westville
Details: Enjoy a weekend of festivities with a carnival, food trucks, and fireworks on Sunday evening. Don’t miss the longest-running Labor Day Parade in downstate Illinois on Monday!
Ruby Mendenhall Closing Art Reception at Gallery.artbar
Time: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Location: Gallery.artbar, Urbana
Details: Join Urbana’s poet laureate Ruby Mendenhall for an artist talkback and poetry performance at her closing art reception, featuring special guest artists.
Doublewide at Huber’s in Champaign
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Huber’s, Champaign
Details: Enjoy an evening of blues, southern rock, honky tonk, and soul with Doublewide at Huber’s.
Saturday, August 31
Dark History and Horror Con X at The Orpheum Theater
Time: 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 31; Sunday until 5 p.m.
Location: The Orpheum Theater, Champaign
Details: Celebrate 10 years of true crime and horror at this convention featuring authors, experts, vendors, celebrities, and tattoo artists.
PBS at the Rose Bowl Tavern in Urbana
Time: 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: Rose Bowl Tavern, Urbana
Details: Groove to the sounds of PBS, a local band known for their three-part harmonies and driving rock and funk rhythms.
Candlelight Serenade: Symphony Edition
Time: 8:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Location: Crystal Lake Park, Urbana
Details: Enjoy a magical evening of candlelit paddleboat rides serenaded by a symphony quartet, presented by the Urbana Park District, City of Urbana Arts and Culture Program, and CU Symphony.
Clothing and Vinyl Swap with Live DJs and Vendors at Gallery.artbar
Time: 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Location: Gallery.artbar, Urbana
Details: Bring and trade your vinyl records and clothes on the patio while enjoying live DJs and vendors. Second-hand clothing racks will also be available.
Arthur Amish Country Cheese Festival
Time: 9 a.m. – Festival Opens
Location: Arthur
Details: Explore the charming Amish country during the annual cheese festival, featuring local cheese vendors, food, and family-friendly activities. The festival runs through Monday, September 2.
Sunday, September 1
Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch Opening Day in Rantoul
Time: 1 p.m.
Location: Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch, Rantoul
Details: Celebrate the opening day by tackling a maze through 10 acres of corn and visiting the reindeer at Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch.
Sunday Winedown with Billy Galt at the Alto Vineyard in Champaign
Time: 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Alto Vineyard, Champaign
Details: Unwind with the blues sounds of Billy Galt, a seasoned guitarist and vocalist who has been performing professionally since 1980.