Mom’s Weekend in the Champaign-Urbana Area
Welcome to Champaign-Urbana for Mom’s Weekend 2025! This special weekend is all about celebrating the amazing moms, mother figures, and guardians who support their students every step of the way. Whether you’re here to explore campus, enjoy local dining, getting out into nature, diving into arts and culture, or simply spending quality time together, there’s something for everyone. We hope you make unforgettable memories and feel right at home in our brilliant community. Here’s our guide to some of the weekend highlights!
Kick-off Mom’s Weekend with a Bang
For the moms that like to let their hair down, join the Illini Moms Association for a night of fun, food, and celebration at the Mom’s Weekend Kickoff Party at Jupiter’s at the Crossing on Friday, April 4! This exciting event features a delicious pasta buffet, lively music, DJ, karaoke, and dancing—the perfect way to start the weekend on a high note.
This event is ticketed, so be sure to grab yours early and prepare for a fantastic evening in Champaign!
Take Mom on an Outdoor Adventure
Looking for a refreshing way to spend time with Mom? Treat her to a scenic outdoor adventure filled with nature, delicious food and adorable baby goats!
Head over to Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery for their special Babies & Brunch event. This charming farm experience lets you meet adorable baby goats while indulging in a delicious, farm-fresh brunch featuring local and seasonal ingredients. It’s the perfect mix of relaxation and fun—making for a truly remarkable Mom’s weekend outing.
On Sunday, start your morning with mom at a free Sunday Morning Bird Walk hosted by the Urbana Park District. Held in scenic Busey Woods and Crystal Lake Park, these guided walks are perfect nature lovers, and for those seeking a little solace after a high-energy Mom’s Weekend. Be sure to bring your binoculars (or your camera) and enjoy the peaceful beauty of Urbana’s parks while spotting a variety of local and migrating birds.
An Art-Filled Weekend
Celebrate Mom’s Weekend in Champaign-Urbana by getting immersed in our local art scene with events that showcases our region’s brilliant creativity and craftsmanship!
In the Champaign-Urbana area, art is everywhere you look. From public murals to sculptures, and art exhibits at Krannert Art Museum and Spurlock Museum, mom will be delighted by the vibrancy of our community. The Boneyard Arts Festival presented by 40 North is a three-day community-wide celebration featuring local artists, live demonstrations, and pop-up exhibits in galleries, cafes, and unique venues throughout Champaign-Urbana. Not sure where to start? We recommend visiting 40 North’s website here for a full list of artists, pop-up exhibits and events. From paintings to photography, sculptures to metal-work, and even spoken-word and live music, this festival is a must for both moms and art lovers!
For a touch of tradition and craftsmanship, visit the 21st Annual Festival of Quilts at the Cunninghan Children’s Home in Urbana. This beloved event highlights quilting demonstrations and stunning handmade quilts you won’t find anywhere else.
Wrap up your artistic journey by taking mom to the Boneyard Arts Market at Lincoln Square Mall, where you can browse and shop for one-of-a-kind artisan goods, handmade jewelry, ceramics, artwork, and more. It’s also the perfect place to find a special gift for mom—or yourself!
Innovation, Tech, and Wonder
For a Mom’s Weekend experience that’s both inspiring and innovative, take mom on a tour of cutting-edge research and technology at the Engineering Open House (EOH) and the Beckman Institute Open House at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign!
At EOH, held at the Granger College of Engineering and beyond, you’ll experience student-led projects, hands-on exhibits, and jaw-dropping demonstrations that showcase the future of engineering. From robotic battles to sustainable energy solutions and the highly-anticipated Tesla Coil Concert, this event is a fascinating look at the creativity and ingenuity of Illinois Students. This year features over 200 exhibits, including 10 student startups, and 14 special events such as rocket launches, student-engineered cars, and escape rooms. Be sure to plan ahead and check out the EOH schedule here. Afterward, stop by at the Beckman institute Open House, where you and mom can dive into groundbreaking research in neuroscience, imaging technology, artificial intelligence, and more.
Weekend Brunch, Anyone?
Make Mom’s Weekend 2025 unforgettable with a delightful Brunch and Floral Arrangement Workshop at The Venue CU on Saturday, April 5! Treat mom to a delicious, chef-prepared brunch in an elegant setting, followed by a hands-on floral workshop where you’ll create a beautiful bouquet to take home.
Beyond this special event, Champaign-Urbana’s culinary scene is a food lover’s paradise, offering everything from farm-to-table dining and craft cocktails to award-winning brunch spots and artisanal bakeries. Not sure where to dine out? We have a comprehensive directory full of restaurants waiting for you to try on our website!
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts
Experience a magical evening of music and theater with mom at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts! On April 4–5, witness the magic of Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale, a timeless story of love, betrayal, and redemption brought to life by talented performers. On April 5, enjoy the beautiful harmonies of the University of Illinois Women’s Glee Club, and later that evening, don’t miss the powerful and soulful sounds of the UI Black Chorus, known for its vibrant celebration of African American musical traditions.
Take Mom Out Shopping—Support Local!
Escape the crowds and make Mom’s Weekend extra special by shopping beyond Champaign-Urbana! Explore the charming local shops in nearby towns, where you’ll find unique gifts, handcrafted goods, and cozy boutiques. It’s the perfect way to spend quality time together while discovering hidden gems and supporting small businesses.
Mahomet
Spend a day exploring Patton Drive, packed with unique finds! Set the tone with a cozy breakfast at Whisk Coffee & Wine Bar, then walk right next door to En Route Fashion Boutique for a beautifully curated selection of stylish apparel and accessories. Next, browse Yellow & Co for some of the quirkiest gifts around. Round out your adventure at Hive Honey Beetique, a haven for all things honey—from candles and teas to clothing and skincare.
Monticello
A fun day in downtown Monticello awaits! Start at Hartfield Book Co, where you can browse a charming selection of books, gifts, and cozy finds—perfect for picking out a great read together. Then, head over to Monticello Mercantile, a women-owned shop filled with locally made goods and unique home decor that mom will love. Finish your outing with a sweet treat at Main Scoop Monticello, where you can enjoy delicious ice cream in a variety of flavors. It’s the perfect way to spend quality time and make lasting memories with mom!
Paxton
A shopping trip to Market Street in Paxton is sure to check all your boxes! Start at Blush + Velvet for trendy fashion finds, then browse Ruby Jewelry Antiques & Gifts for unique treasures. Stop by Paxton Mercantile Company for rustic home decor and gifts before satisfying your sweet tooth at Mom & Pop’s Kettle Corn Shop. For lunch, tasty flat breads, ½ lb burgers, and an all-you-can-eat salad bar awaits at Market Street Grill. Grab a coffee at Kino’s Coffee to keep the energy up, and after a day of shopping, unwind with a snack and a glass of wine at Prairie City Wine Room.
Amish Country
Only about a 30 minute drive from Savoy, you’ll venture into Amish Country territory, where you’ll really get a taste of small-town-charm. Amish Country contains historical characteristics including horse and buggies, traditional farming, furniture building, and local businesses you won’t find anywhere else!
Start in Tuscola for a sweet treat at Flessor’s Candy Kitchen, a family-owned confectionery with comfort food, hand-dipped candy, and hand-made drinks from their original soda fountain. Afterward, browse beautiful artwork at the Vault Art Gallery which features the works of over 60 Central Illinois Artists. In Arcola, you’ll be met with an undercurrent of rich hispanic influence, from the historic Walldog Murals to businesses like Panaderia Saldivar, whose traditional Mexican pastries and breads are unmatched. In Arthur, explore Amish craftsmanship at places like Yoder’s Homestead Shop, offering handmade goods and intricate rustic furniture. We also recommend stopping by at Homestead bakery for authentic Amish-style desserts with their whoopie pies, caramel-iced cinnamon rolls, and more.
Before you go, be sure to check out our Calendar of Events for more things to do in the area! We hope you have a fantastic Mom’s Weekend Ahead, and be sure to tag us in our socials on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky!