EIU, community partner events: August 21 through 30, 2026
Aug-19-2026
(Charleston, IL) – The following EIU and/or public events are scheduled at Eastern Illinois University and in the Charleston community during the week of August 21 through August 30, 2026.
Friday, August 21
- 8 a.m. – Charleston Historic Preservation Commission Meeting
Members of the Charleston Historic Preservation Commission will meet in City Hall Council Chambers.
- 1:30 to 3 p.m. – Booth Library Welcome Party
Students and community members are invited to explore Booth Library during Panther Quest with a scavenger hunt, "Stump the Librarian," refreshments, and prizes.
Saturday, August 22
- 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. – Farmers Market on Courthouse Square
Local growers and vendors will gather from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Charleston's historic downtown square.
- 11 a.m. (gates open) – Thunder on the Prairie
Nitro cars return to the Coles County Dragway, located at 4700 West State Street in Charleston. The event features fuel altereds, nostalgia gassers, heads-up drag racing and more. Admission is $20 for spectators or $50 per carload; children 12 and under are admitted free.
Sunday, August 23
- 10:30 a.m. – Worship Service at Christian Campus House
Christian Campus House hosts its weekly worship and community service across from Lawson Hall on 4th Street. Christian Campus House hosts a post-service pizza lunch for attendees beginning at noon.
- 1 to 4 p.m. – Basket Weaving Workshop
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site hosts a hands-on, guided basket-weaving workshop led by Bonnie Rideout of Bonnie's Baskets ($50 fee includes materials and light refreshments; advance registration required).
Monday, August 24
- 5 p.m. – EIU Volleyball Black/Blue Scrimmage
EIU Volleyball hosts its Black/Blue scrimmage at Gardella Family Court in McAfee Gym.
- 6 p.m. – Scavenger Hunt & Bonfire
Christian Campus House hosts an evening of group scavenger hunts, s’mores and fellowship.
Tuesday, August 25
Wednesday, August 26
- 6 p.m. – Free Dinner at Christian Campus House
Christian Campus House, located behind Lawson on 4th Street, will host a free dinner and fellowship. Worship and singing begin at 7 p.m. with an ice cream social to follow.
- 6:30 p.m. – EIU Night Out in Chicago: Lakefront Fireworks Dinner Cruise
EIU alumni, friends and community members are invited to an EIU Night Out in Chicago aboard the Spirit of Navy Pier. The Lakefront Fireworks Dinner Cruise will feature skyline views, dinner and fireworks over Lake Michigan.
Thursday, August 27
- 8 a.m. – Charleston Tree Commission Meeting
Members of the Charleston Tree Commission will meet in the second-floor conference room at City Hall.
- 1 p.m. – EIU Women’s Soccer vs. Indiana State
EIU Women’s Soccer hosts Indiana State at Lakeside Field as part of a doubleheader with EIU Men’s Soccer.
- 4 p.m. – EIU Men’s Soccer vs. Wright State
EIU Men’s Soccer hosts Wright State at Lakeside Field as part of a doubleheader with EIU Women’s Soccer.
- 7 p.m. – Concerts in the Park featuring Chat Noir
Bring a lawn chair or blanket to Kiwanis Park Daum Amphitheater for a free outdoor concert featuring Chat Noir, sponsored by Consolidated Communications/Fidium Fiber.
- 7 p.m. – Charleston Board of Zoning Appeals & Planning Meeting
Members of the Charleston Board of Zoning Appeals & Planning will meet in City Hall Council Chambers.
Friday, August 28
- 6 to 9 p.m. – Game Night at Christian Campus House
Christian Campus House hosts a night of games, fellowship and fun.
Saturday, August 29
- 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. – Farmers Market on Courthouse Square
Local growers will gather from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Charleston's historic downtown square.
- 7:30 p.m. – Une Soirée au Cabaret: An Evening at the Cabaret
The SHARP Dance Company presents an evening inspired by the cabarets of early 1900s France at Doudna Fine Arts Center. The performance features original choreography by Artistic Director Diane Sharp-Nachsin, live vocals, immersive visual art and a blend of pastiche, parody and wit. General admission is $30; senior/EIU employee admission is $25; and student/youth admission is $15.
- 9 p.m. – Une Soirée au Cabaret VIP Party: VIP ticket holders can join performers following the cabaret for a private party in the Doudna Fine Arts Center Black Box featuring additional singing and dancing. Tickets are $50, with limited availability.
Sunday, August 30
- 10:30 a.m. – Worship Service at Christian Campus House
Christian Campus House hosts its weekly worship and community service across from Lawson Hall on 4th Street. A newcomer lunch begins at noon following the service.
- Noon – EIU Men’s Soccer vs. St. Thomas
EIU Men’s Soccer hosts St. Thomas at Lakeside Field as part of a doubleheader with EIU Women’s Soccer.
- 3 p.m. – EIU Women’s Soccer vs. Purdue Fort Wayne
EIU Women’s Soccer hosts Purdue Fort Wayne at Lakeside Field as part of a doubleheader with EIU Men’s Soccer.
For additional information on upcoming EIU and other community partner events, visit the EIU Events Calendar. For EIU Athletics events, visit the EIU Athletics calendar.
EIU prepares students to accomplish their life goals through a combination of quality academics, personal relationships, and both on-campus and online learning opportunities. For more information about Eastern Illinois University, including its broad array of academic and career readiness programs, community-based services and opportunities, visit eiu.edu or call EIU's Public Information Office at (217) 581-7400.
# # #
MEDIA QUICKLINKS
Eastern Illinois University — eiu.edu
EIU Calendar — eiu.edu/calendar
EIU Athletics Calendar — eiupanthers.com/calendar
