EIU, community partner events: July 31 through August 9, 2026
Jul-29-2026
(Charleston, IL) – The following public events are scheduled at Eastern Illinois University and in the Charleston community during the week of July 31 through August 9, 2026.
- Friday, July 31
- 7:30 p.m. – Night Shift: Bats of Warbler Ridge
Explore Warbler Ridge Conservation Area after dark and learn about local bat species, including the endangered Indiana bat, during this guided educational program.
- Saturday, August 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 featuring a historically themed children's book followed by crafts and activities for children ages 5-10. Youth must be accompanied by an adult.
- 11 a.m. – Butterfly Festival
Celebrate local conservation efforts and biodiversity at Lake Charleston with educational exhibits, family activities, native wildlife demonstrations and gardening information. Community members interested in volunteering for this event can email tourism@co.coles.il.us.
- Monday, August 3
- 6:30 p.m. – Carnegie Library Board of Trustees Meeting
The Charleston Carnegie Library Board of Trustees will meet in the Library Board Room.
- Tuesday, August 4
- 9:30 a.m. – AlertEIU Monthly Test
Eastern Illinois University will conduct its monthly AlertEIU emergency notification system test. Students and employees should verify receipt of the email notification.
- 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 McAfee Gym Dance Studio. Participants should bring a yoga mat, towel and water.
- 6:30 p.m. – Charleston City Council Meeting
The Charleston City Council will hold its regularly scheduled meeting.
- Wednesday, August 5
- 3 p.m. – EIU Women's Soccer Exhibition vs. Southern Illinois
The Panthers open exhibition play by hosting Southern Illinois at Lakeside Field.
- Thursday, August 6
- 7 p.m. – Concerts in the Park featuring Dexter and Doty
Bring a lawn chair or blanket to Kiwanis Park for a free outdoor concert featuring Dexter and Doty.
- Saturday, August 8
- 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. – Touch a Truck & Tractor
Families are invited to this free, hands-on event hosted by the Coles County Farm Bureau featuring agricultural equipment, trucks and interactive activities.
- 3 p.m. – EIU Women's Soccer Exhibition vs. Chicago State
Eastern Illinois continues exhibition play against Chicago State at Lakeside Field.
- 4:40 p.m. – EIU Day at the Ballpark: Chicago White Sox
Eastern Illinois University alumni, students, employees and friends are invited to Rate Field in Chicago for EIU Day at the Ballpark. Pregame festivities begin at 4:40 p.m., with first pitch scheduled for 6:10 p.m.
- Sunday, August 9
- 11 a.m. – EIU Men's Soccer Exhibition vs. Lewis & Clark CC
The Panthers host Lewis & Clark Community College in an exhibition match at Lakeside Field.
- 11 a.m. – Jerry Ellis Memorial Bluegrass Jam
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site welcomes musicians and guests for an afternoon celebrating traditional bluegrass music. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets.
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.
