April is here flooding our town with events and things to do. Whether you are wanting to immerse yourself in local art, enjoy a “runner’s high”, or keep the wine glass half full, there’s a little something for everyone this month. So, put away that umbrella and let yourself get washed with all the local happenings. Keep reading to check out our curated list of things to do in Champaign.
What better way to kick off the month of April than to celebrate the people that bring a little splash of color to our lives with their work – our local artists! Starting April 1st and running through April 3rd, Champaign County will be showing off their artistic flair by showcasing literally hundreds of local artists’ work for the 20th anniversary of the Boneyard Arts Festival. Everyone from actors to weavers will be putting their talents on display to demonstrate how their medium plays a role in the breathtaking, cultural mural that is the Champaign art scene.
Are you in need of an embroidery hoop with the words ‘Be Awesome’ stitched on it or how about an orange and blue hand knit scarf? Well, you are in luck! In conjunction with Mom’s Weekend at the U of I, the Illini Union Board Craft Fair is here with all your unique and kitschy needs. Come by the Illini Union on Saturday, April 2 from 10 am – 5 pm and peruse the dozens of booths showcasing a wide variety of diverse items. And hey with it being Mom’s Weekend and all, you might as well pick your mom up a knick-knack or two – Mother’s Day is only a month away!
You can be the change that you want to see in this world easily this month when you participate in the Boneyard Creek Community Day in Scott Park on April 9th. Join your eco conscious friends and neighbors as they don their galoshes and try to right some of the wrongs our society has done to our poor mother earth. And don’t worry, if the weather tries to put a kibosh on our day of good deeds, there’s a rain date lined up on April 23. No excuses!
Whether you are Team Red, Team White or #idrinkeverything there will be a glass waiting for you during the Downtown Champaign Wine Walk. This Easter weekend, swap your water for wine and take a stroll with us! We’ll venture around various downtown Champaign businesses to sample a velvety selection of premium wines. Once you have sampled each wine and found your new favorite (or favorites) be sure to head over to Big Grove or The Literary and purchase a bottle so you can continue sampling in the comfort of your own home. There is limited tickets to this event so be sure to grab yours HERE before they are all gulped up.
Roll out the red carpet – Hollywood is heading to the city of Champaign! The annual Eberfest is back at the Virginia Theatre! For three days, in honor of the late University of Illinois alum Roger Ebert, the public will have a chance to get a look at twelve films that the critics and mainstream overlooked. Alongside the University of Illinois College of Media, the film’s producers, actors, and directors will host a number of on-site academic panel discussions following the showing of each film. So bust out your most glamourous attire and get ready to enjoy the show. Stay up to date with scheduling by heading to www.eberfest.com/film-schedule *
On your marks, get set, go! And they’re off, the thirteenth annual Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon races into the city of Champaign on April 30th. This five-race event runs across two days leading up to the big marathon on Saturday. If running isn’t exactly your thing though, there are tons of ways to get involved without having to lace up your tennis shoes including, volunteering, cheering on the runners and a roster full of sideline musicians. So whether you are running, volunteering, or cheering there’ll be a spot for you at the Illinois Marathon.
Friday, April 29, 2022
- Green Street Mile – 6:10 pm – Green St. and First St.
- 4th Mile – 6:00 – 10:00 pm – Kirby Ave between First St. and Fourth St.
- 5K Walk/ Run – 7:30 pm wave start – Oak St. South of St. Mary’s Rd
Saturday, April 30, 2022
- Wheelchair half marathon – 7:31 am – First St. and St. Mary’s Rd
- 10k , Marathon Relay, Half Marathon – 7:33 wave start – First St. and St. Mary’s Rd
