May signals the end of the spring semester and the beginning of summer for many. As classes wrap up and the weather gets warmer, spend some time outside this summer to relax and celebrate your hard work during the school year. Champaign-Urbana offers fun activities and events all summer long, so whether you are staying in the CU this summer or just stopping by, here is the Prospectus’ guide to a fun summer in the CU area!
Purchase a plant at Parkland’s Spring Plant Sale
Parkland College’s Horticulture Department will be hosting its annual spring plant sale that started on April 29. Head to the greenhouse anytime up until May 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to check out what the Horticulture Department has been working on and buy your plants for the summer. Annual plants, hanging baskets, houseplants and vegetable plants will be available for purchase. This event is cash or check only, and all proceeds go to Parkland’s Horticulture Department. The sale is located in the Tony Noel Agricultural Technology Applications Center (W Building), so head to the North entrance and enter through the green awning to get your summer plants.
https://m.facebook.com/ParklandCollegeFoundation/
Bring your dog to the Annual Mutt Strut
Calling all dog lovers: grab your four-legged friend for an afternoon you will not want to miss. The Champaign County Humane Society will be hosting the annual Mutt Strut on Sunday, May 5. Test your dog’s sense of smell at the Shell Game or Treat Hide-and-Seek, paint a masterpiece at the Colorfil’s Paw Painting Booth, or coach your furry friend through the agility course. After working up an appetite, grab a bite at one of the many food trucks serving food for both dogs and humans. There will be several opportunities to take home a winning title by entering your dog for contests, including best trick, longest ears, fastest tail wag, the fan-favorite peanut butter licking contest and more. The event will take place Sunday, May 5, in Friendship Grove at Crystal Lake Park from 4-7 p.m. Anyone who makes a donation will also get a free pint from local brewery Triptych Brewing based in Savoy. Head to the Mutt Strut’s Facebook page for tickets and more information.
Pull up to the Monster Truck Wars
Monster Truck Wars is on a national tour and the Midwest show will be hosted in Champaign on Saturday, May 11. See world-famous trucks in America’s wildest monster truck show at the Champaign County Fairgrounds from 12-2 p.m. You can watch Outlaw, Shark Attack, T-Rex, and Sheriff battle in a head-to-head competition and even get a chance to ride in a monster truck and get an autograph from world-famous drivers. Note that food and drink will be available for purchase with cash only. For tickets, go to monstertruck.fun.
Rent a boat at the Lake House at Crystal Lake Park
With a beautiful view of Crystal Lake Park, the Lake House is a great place for family gatherings, anniversaries and graduation parties. The Lake House includes a prep kitchen, ice machine, ceiling projector and more. Another great feature of the Lake House is that kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats are available to rent from May 4 until Labor day.
Listen to local bands at Friday Night Live in Downtown Champaign
Friday Night Live is a great chance to have a fun night out in downtown Champaign while listening to local artists. Starting Memorial Day and going until Labor Day, local bands will be performing in downtown Champaign every Friday from 6-8 p.m. This is a great opportunity to explore the variety of shops and restaurants in this part of Champaign while also enjoying free live music from local bands. There are over 80 local performers slated to perform this summer, with six bands performing each Friday. For more information, visit Friday Night Live.
Watch free movies all summer long
If you are looking to enjoy free movies–whether they be inside or outside–during the summer season, there are many great opportunities in Champaign Urbana. Savoy 16 has free movie showings every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 10 a.m. this summer. If you are looking to watch free movies while enjoying the nice weather, the University of Illinois shows movies for free on the Quad every Thursday at 9 p.m. For more information on these screenings, visit Savoy 16 or Summer Films on the Quad.
Attend the Champaign-Urbana farmers markets
If you are looking for a fun way to spend time outside and engage with the Champaign community, the farmers market would be a great way to spend the day. These markets sell an assortment of fresh-picked fruits and vegetables, baked goods, locally made jewelry, and art pieces. Some of these markets also accept food stamps. The market at the Square in Urbana will be open Saturdays from 7-noon starting May 4 and will go through the end of October, while the Champaign Farmers Market will be open Tuesdays from 3-6 p.m. starting May 14 and through the end of October. These markets can be a great way to spend the day with family and friends while also picking up some fresh produce or locally made art pieces.
Have a great summer, Cobras! Although the school year has come to an end, the Prospectus will continue! Be sure to check out the Prospectus website this summer, as we will be posting articles all summer long.
