EIU, community partner events: July 3 through July 10, 2026
Jul-01-2026
(Charleston, IL) – The following public events are scheduled at Eastern Illinois University and in the Charleston community during the week of July 3-10.
Friday, July 3
- (All day) Independence Day Holiday
- Eastern Illinois University will be closed in observance of Independence Day, an official University holiday.
- 6:30 p.m. – Red, White, and Blue Days Concert
- The annual Red, White, and Blue Days celebration begins with a free concert at Morton Park. Chi-Town, a Chicago tribute band, and Shining Star, an Earth, Wind & Fire tribute band, will perform beginning at 6:30 p.m. Food vendors open at 3 p.m. Visit the Charleston Red, White, and Blue Days website for a complete schedule of activities.
Saturday, July 4
- 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.
- 10 a.m. – Saturday Story Series at Lincoln Log Cabin
- Lincoln Log Cabin will host its monthly Saturday Story Series beginning at 10 a.m. Children ages 5-10 and their families are invited to enjoy a historically themed story followed by activities and crafts. Adult supervision is required.
- 10 a.m. – Red, White, and Blue Days
- Charleston's annual Red, White, and Blue Days celebration continues with a parade, food vendors, children's activities, a pet parade and additional family-friendly entertainment throughout the day. Visit the event website for a complete schedule.
- 2 p.m. – Coles County Fireworks and Airshow
- Gates open at 2 p.m. at Coles County Memorial Airport for an afternoon and evening of family activities, including a car, motorcycle and truck show, food vendors, children's activities and helicopter rides. A twilight airshow will be followed by a drone show and fireworks celebrating America's 250th anniversary. Shuttle service will be available from multiple Charleston and Mattoon locations throughout the event.
Monday, July 6
- 6:30 p.m. – Charleston Carnegie Library Board of Trustees
- The Charleston Carnegie Library Board of Trustees will meet at 6:30 p.m. in the library board room.
Tuesday, July 7
- 9:30 a.m. – AlertEIU Monthly Test
- Eastern Illinois University will conduct its monthly AlertEIU emergency notification system test. Employees and students should receive an email notification and are encouraged to enroll in AlertEIU text messaging if they have not already done so.
- 12:05 p.m. – Yoga, Summer Edition
- Faculty and staff are invited to participate in a guided yoga session from 12:05 to 12:50 p.m. in the Dance Studio of McAfee Gym. The class, led by Raven McBride, includes modifications for beginners and experienced participants and concludes with a brief meditation. Participants should bring a yoga mat, towel and water.
- 6:30 p.m. – Charleston City Council Meeting
- The Charleston City Council will meet at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. Meeting agendas are available through the city's online agenda portal.
Thursday, July 9
- 7:30 p.m. – Charleston Community Band Concert
- The Charleston Community Band will perform at 7:30 p.m. at the Daum Amphitheater in Kiwanis Park, located at Harrison and Division streets in Charleston. The concert concludes the band's 49th season of free summer performances.
For additional information on upcoming EIU and other community partner events, visit the EIU Events Calendar at eiu.edu/events. For EIU Athletics events, visit eiupanthers.com/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 Eastern Illinois University or call EIU's public information office at (217) 581-7400.
