EIU Media Relations

EIU, community partner events: July 25 through August 1, 2026

(Charleston, IL) – The following public events are scheduled at Eastern Illinois University and in the Charleston community during the week of July 25 through August 1, 2026.

Saturday, July 25

• 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.
• 7 p.m. – Theatre in the Park: Farmer's Market the Musical
• Theatre in the Park concludes its weekend run of Farmer's Market the Musical with a 7 p.m. performance. 

Sunday, July 26

• 11:15 a.m. – EIU Day at the Ballpark: St. Louis Cardinals
• Eastern Illinois University alumni, students, employees and friends are invited to enjoy Panther Pride at Busch Stadium as the St. Louis Cardinals host the Cincinnati Reds. The special ticket package includes access to EIU party suites with food and beverages beginning at 11:15 a.m., followed by the 1:15 p.m. first pitch.

Monday, July 27

• 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Mental Health First Aid Training
• Eastern Illinois University will host Mental Health First Aid training from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The evidence-based program teaches participants how to recognize, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges while connecting individuals with appropriate resources.

Tuesday, July 28

• 9:30 a.m. – Charleston Firefighters' Pension Fund Board of Trustees Meeting
• The Charleston Firefighters' Pension Fund Board of Trustees will meet beginning at 9:30 a.m.
• 10:30 a.m. – Charleston Police Pension Fund Board of Trustees Meeting
• The Charleston Police Pension Fund Board of Trustees will meet beginning at 10:30 a.m.
• 12:05 p.m. – Yoga, Summer Edition
• EIU 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.

Thursday, July 30

• 7 p.m. – Charleston Board of Zoning Appeals and Planning Meeting
• The Charleston Board of Zoning Appeals and Planning will meet beginning at 7 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, as needed.

Saturday, Aug. 1

• 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 free Saturday Story Series beginning at 10 a.m. The program features a historically themed children's book followed by crafts and activities designed for children ages 5-10. Youth must be accompanied by an adult.
• 11 a.m. – Butterfly Festival
• The Butterfly Festival begins at 11 a.m. at Lake Charleston, celebrating local conservation efforts and biodiversity through educational exhibits, family activities, native wildlife demonstrations and gardening information.

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 eiu.edu or call EIU's Public Information Office at (217) 581-7400.