Mom’s Weekend 2018 is quickly approaching! Besides finally cleaning up your apartment or feeling hyped to have your meals covered by mom for a weekend, there is a lot more that should go into joining in on this fantastic UIUC tradition. If you’re a seasoned mom’s weekender, this list might help you put some fresh plans into the agenda, and if you’re new to the tradition, this list might be the perfect starting point!
The Usual
There is nothing wrong with sticking to tradition. The Illini Union Board and Mom’s Association put a lot of time and effort into planning the annual Mom’s Weekend festivities, and every year, they’re just as enjoyable! These events include:
Mom’s Weekend Craft Fair – Saturday, April 14th at the Illini Union, starting at 10 am – 5 pm
Mom’s Night Out – Saturday, April 15th at the Illini Union, 7 pm – 10 pm
Flowers Galore
Mom’s Weekend perfectly falls on some of the first days of warmer weather in Champaign. What could be better than to enjoy some of the beautiful flowers blooming on Campus! Some floral excursions might include:
Exploring the Arboretum
Japan Garden Open House – Saturday, April 14th at 11 am
63rd Annual Mom’s Weekend Flower Show – Saturday, April 14th, U of I Horticulture Club at 9 am
Feelin’ Artsy
This is a great opportunity to check out some of the amazing artwork we are so lucky to have here at UIUC! Pro Tip: There are multiple cafes inside the Krannert Art Museum, a super relaxing place to hang out with mom!
Krannert Art Museum Open House – Saturday, April 14th at 12 pm
Catch a Show
Mom’s Weekend Malignant Humor Festival – Saturday, April 14th, Illini Union, 9 pm – 11 pm
Much Ado About Nothing – Friday, Saturday, Sunday, St. Andrews Lutheran Church, 7 pm
UIUC Black Chorus Mom’s Day Concert – Saturday, April 14th, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, 7:30 pm
UI Women’s Glee Club Mom’s Day Concert – Saturday, April 14th, Foellinger Great Hall, 2 pm
Comedy Night at Alto Vineyards – Friday, April 14th, Alto Vineyards Champaign 7:30 pm
Feelin’ Hungry
Babies and Brunch – (Baby Animals, that is!) Sunday, April 15th, Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery 9:30 am – 1 pm
The Mom’s Sunday Brunch – Sunday, April 15th at the Illini Union Ballroom, 10 am – 12 pm
Sports!
Baseball vs. Rutgers – UIUC
Friday April 13th, Champaign, 6 pm
Saturday April 14th, Champaign, 3 pm
Sunday April 15th, Champaign, 1 pm
Off-Campus
If you are a seasoned Mom’s Weekender, trying to spice things up by venturing off-campus might not be a bad idea! Check out some of the unique places the Champaign-Urbana area has to offer.
A few places might include:
Common Ground Food Co-Op, Urbana
Bohemia, Urbana
Art Theater, Champaign
Virginia Theater, Champaign
Cream & Flutter, Champaign
Parking
The last thing you want for your lovely mother is for her to get a ticket or towed! Check out the Illini Union Mom’s Weekend page for details on where and when to park.
This list is just a starting point for some of the many things Mom’s Weekend has to offer, both on and off campus. No matter what you decide on, take the opportunity to plan something special for your mom. After all, it is a weekend just for her!