EIU Media Relations

EIU, community partner events: September 27 through October 4, 2026

(Charleston, IL) – The following public events are scheduled at Eastern Illinois University and in the Charleston community during the week(s) of September 24 through October 4, 2026.

Thursday, September 24

• ALL DAY – Food Service Worker Day
  • National Food Service Workers Day will be recognized at all on-campus dining locations.
• 8 to 9 a.m. – Charleston Tree Commission Meeting
  • Members of the Charleston Tree Commission will meet in City Hall's second-floor conference room, 520 Jackson Avenue, Charleston.
• 10 a.m. to noon – Panthers “Donut” Haze Prize Cab
  • Enjoy complimentary donuts, purple ribbons and educational handouts from the Athletics golf cart. Locations: South Quad and Library Quad.
• 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Writing Center in-person and online appointments
  • Free Writing Center appointments are available to all students at any stage in the writing process. Book in-person or online appointments at eiu.edu/writing or drop in to the Center on the third floor of Booth Library.
• 5 to 7 p.m. – EIU Night Out in Indy
  • Panthers in Central Indiana are invited to EIU Night Out in Indy at Fresco Italian Café for an evening of food, conversation and Panther camaraderie. Advanced registration is required.
• 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. – Neighborhood Week Boat Race
  • The Residence Hall Associations annual Neighborhood Week Boat Race will feature residence halls and Greek Court teams racing cardboard-and-duct-tape boats across the Campus Pond. The event is a friendly competition between halls.
• 5:30 to 8 p.m. – Charleston Baptist College Ministry Group Night
  • The College Ministry program from Charleston Baptist Church hosts a weekly student group/game night every Thursday at 5:30 p.m. for students to eat food, learn from the Bible and play games with other students from the community. Location: 2800 University Drive, Charleston.
• 7 to 8 p.m. – Charleston Board of Zoning Appeals & Planning
  • Members of the Charleston Board of Zoning Appeals & Planning will meet in City Hall Council Chambers, 520 Jackson Avenue, as needed.
• 7:30 to 9 p.m. – Jazz Showcase
  • Enjoy an evening of jazz at Doudna Fine Arts Center. Free.
• 8 to 9 p.m. – Hello Dali Improv Comedy Show
  • Join Hello Dali for a free improv comedy show at Doudna Fine Arts Center. Free, donations accepted.

Friday, September 25

• ALL DAY – Quesadilla Day
  • Quesadilla Day will be observed at the Stevenson Tower Deli.
• ALL DAY – Social Media Contest: Panthers Say No to Hazing
  • Stop hazing and raise awareness by posting on Instagram with @eiu #PanthersAgainstHazing and tagging @eiudeanofstudents. Posts should include why participants stand up against hazing or take a pledge to prevent hazing. The student organization with the best post will win a prize for the entire group.
• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Writing Center in-person and online appointments
  • Free Writing Center appointments are available to all students at any stage in the writing process. Book in-person or online appointments at eiu.edu/writing or drop in to the Center on the third floor of Booth Library.
• 11 a.m. to noon – Panther Communication (Student-Run Public Relations Agency) Meeting
  • Panther Communication, EIU's student-run PR agency, is recruiting new members for the fall semester. All majors and experience levels are welcome. Location: Buzzard Hall 2521.
• 12:05 to 12:50 p.m. – Yoga! for Every Body
  • Join Raven and Sammie from Just Breathe Den for a free yoga class. Beginners through advanced yogis are welcome. Bring a mat and water bottle. Location: McAfee Gym Dance Studio.
• 6 to 8 p.m. – Eastern Illinois University Volleyball vs. Southern Indiana
  • Eastern Illinois University Volleyball vs. Southern Indiana at Gardella Family Court at McAfee Gym.
• 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. – Faculty Flute Recital
  • EIU resident flute professor Rebecca Johnson and Ball State University faculty member Cara Chowning will perform music for flute and piano by Valerie Coleman, Elaine Fine, Geraldine Green, Florence Price and Yuki Uebayashi. Location: Doudna Fine Arts Center Recital Hall. Free for all audiences.

Saturday, September 26

• 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. – Farmers Market on Courthouse Square
  • Local growers gather on the historic downtown square.
• 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Pink Panther Open Tryouts
  • A one-day tryout event will be held in preparation for basketball season. Participants will learn a brief routine, review the material and participate in an afternoon tryout session. Location: McAfee Gym Basement Dance Studio.
• 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – EIU Comic Fest returns to Booth Library
  • EIU Comic Fest is free and open to the public. The event includes comics, escape rooms, games, Artists Alley, a costume show/cosplay contest, trivia games, hands-on activities, exhibit displays and more. EIU alumnus Kofi Bazzell-Smith will deliver a keynote presentation, workshops and a gallery show of his art, while returning keynote presenter and alumnus Craig Titley will discuss the entertainment industry and connections to Coles County. Location: Booth Library.
• 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Harvest Frolic at Lincoln Log Cabin
  • Celebrate autumn at the Harvest Frolic. Activities at both the Lincoln and Sargent farms include children's crafts, food preservation, hearth cooking and artisan demonstrations, including spinning, pottery, blacksmithing, embroidery and more. Live music, storytelling and food trucks will also be featured. Location: Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, 402 South Lincoln Hwy Rd., Lerna.
• 10:45 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. – EIU Panther Marching Band Festival
  • Twenty-six high school bands will perform competitive field shows at O'Brien Stadium. EIU's Panther Marching Band will perform in exhibition at 6:15 p.m. Admission is $5 for students and $10 for adults. Location: O'Brien Field, 100 Grant Ave., Charleston.
• 1 to 4 p.m. – Eastern Illinois University Baseball vs. Bradley
  • Eastern Illinois University Baseball vs. Bradley at Frost Field at Coaches Stadium.
• 2 to 4 p.m. – Eastern Illinois University Men's Soccer vs. Western Illinois
  • Eastern Illinois University Men's Soccer vs. Western Illinois at Lakeside Field.
• 4 to 6 p.m. – Eastern Illinois University Volleyball vs. Southern Indiana
  • Eastern Illinois University Volleyball vs. Southern Indiana at Gardella Family Court at McAfee Gym.
• 6 to 8 p.m. – Black Alumni Network Social
  • Join fellow Panthers for an evening of connection, celebration and community at the Black Alumni Network Social at Avondale Bowl, 3118 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago. Advanced registration is required.

Sunday, September 27

• ALL DAY – Fill In The Bun Final Day for Submissions
  • Sept. 27 is the final day to submit entries for the Fill in the Bun contest at the Food Court.
• 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Harvest Frolic at Lincoln Log Cabin
  • Celebrate autumn at the Harvest Frolic. Activities at both the Lincoln and Sargent farms include children's crafts, food preservation, hearth cooking and artisan demonstrations. Live music, storytelling and food trucks will also be featured. Location: Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, 402 South Lincoln Hwy Rd., Lerna.
• 10:30 a.m. to noon – Worship Service
  • Join us for a time of worship and community each week at the Christian Campus House across from Lawson on 4th Street.
• 5 to 9 p.m. – Writing Center Online-Only Appointments
  • Free Writing Center appointments are available to all students at any stage in the writing process. Book online appointments at eiu.edu/writing.

Monday, September 28

• 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Writing Center in-person and online appointments
  • Free Writing Center appointments are available to all students at any stage in the writing process. Book in-person or online appointments at eiu.edu/writing or drop in to the Center on the third floor of Booth Library.
• 5 to 6 p.m. – Bite Size Study Night – Be an Empowered Researcher
  • Join Booth Library, Academic Success and The Writing Center for a one-hour session each Monday from 5 to 6 p.m. Snacks and plenty of help will be available in the Collaboration Commons area next to the Research Help Desk on the 3000 Level of the library.
• 6 to 7 p.m. – EIU Asian Pacific Islander Association Meeting
  • Weekly meeting of EIU APIA. Topics vary from Asia-Pacific cuisine, culture, history and language.
• 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. – Guest Percussion Recital, Dr. Andrea Venet
  • Percussionist Dr. Andrea Venet will perform a concert of original and classic works for marimba and percussion. Dr. Venet is professor of percussion at the University of North Florida and an acclaimed composer and performer. Location: Doudna Fine Arts Center Recital Hall.

Tuesday, September 29

• 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Writing Center in-person and online appointments
  • Free Writing Center appointments are available to all students at any stage in the writing process. Book in-person or online appointments at eiu.edu/writing or drop in to the Center on the third floor of Booth Library.
• 12:05 to 12:50 p.m. – Yoga! for Every Body
  • Join Raven and Sammie from Just Breathe Den for a free yoga class. Beginners through advanced yogis are welcome. Bring a mat and water bottle. Location: McAfee Gym Dance Studio.
• 5 to 6 p.m. – Entrepreneurship Club Vendor Workshop
  • Experienced students will discuss how to prepare for a vendor show, including displaying products, talking to customers, using different payment methods, decorating a table and other tips. The workshop is open to anyone interested in participating in a vendor show or the Small Business Fest, or anyone interested in entrepreneurship. Location: Lumpkin Hall 2121.
• 6 to 7 p.m. – Library Ambassadors of Booth weekly meeting
  • Students interested in getting involved on campus are invited to join the Library Ambassadors of Booth, the student advocacy team for Booth Library. Everyone is welcome. Location: Booth Library fourth-floor classroom.
• 7:30 to 9 p.m. – Ji Myung Kim, Guest Piano Trio Recital
  • Indiana State University faculty member Yunjung Lee on violin and Dong Yeol Hong on cello will join New Mexico State University piano faculty member Jung-won Shin for a program featuring works by Schubert, Rubbra, Ireland and Shostakovich. Location: Doudna Fine Arts Center Recital Hall. Free for all audiences.

Wednesday, September 30

• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Writing Center in-person and online appointments
  • Free Writing Center appointments are available to all students at any stage in the writing process. Book in-person or online appointments at eiu.edu/writing or drop in to the Center on the third floor of Booth Library.
• 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. – Coffee & Consults with the Faculty Development and Innovation Center
  • FDIC staff members will be available for troubleshooting or technical support needs, brainstorming and conversation. The event continues Wednesdays through Dec. 9 at the Java Beanery & Bakery or via Zoom.
• 5 to 9 p.m. – Writing Center Online-Only Appointments
  • Free Writing Center appointments are available to all students at any stage in the writing process. Book online appointments at eiu.edu/writing or drop in to the Center on the third floor of Booth Library.
• 6 to 7 p.m. – Free Dinner at Christian Campus House
  • Join Christian Campus House, located behind Lawson on 4th Street, for a free dinner and fellowship.
• 7 to 8:30 p.m. – Wednesday Night Bible Study
  • Join Christian Campus House as participants worship, learn and grow together through Bible Study.

Thursday, October 1

• ALL DAY – Vegetarian Day
  • Vegetarian Day will be observed at Tower Dining.
• 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Writing Center in-person and online appointments
  • Free Writing Center appointments are available to all students at any stage in the writing process. Book in-person or online appointments at eiu.edu/writing or drop in to the Center on the third floor of Booth Library.
• 4:30 to 8 p.m. – Oktoberfest
  • Oktoberfest will be held at the South Quad Dining Center.
• 5:30 to 8 p.m. – Charleston Baptist College Ministry Group Night
  • The College Ministry program from Charleston Baptist Church hosts a weekly student group/game night every Thursday at 5:30 p.m. for students to eat food, learn from the Bible and play games with other students from the community. Location: 2800 University Drive, Charleston.
• 6 to 7 p.m. – Philosophy Club Meeting
  • The RSO Philosophy Club will hold its recurring biweekly club meeting in Coleman Hall 3752.
• 6 to 8 p.m. – Eastern Illinois University Softball vs. Lake Land College
  • Eastern Illinois University Softball vs. Lake Land College at Williams Field.
• 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. – Proof
  • Pulitzer and Tony-winning *Proof*, by David Auburn, explores loss, guilt, discovery, instability and the elusive nature of truth. The play follows Catherine, her manipulative sister, their brilliant father and an unexpected suitor as they search for the truth behind a mysterious mathematical proof. Location: Doudna Fine Arts Center Theatre. Admission is $15 general admission and $5 for EIU students.
• 8 to 9 p.m. – Hello Dali Improv Comedy Show
  • Join Hello Dali for a free comedy show loosely themed around the popular film “How to Train Your Dragon!” Location: Martin Luther King Jr. University Union, 7th Street Underground.

Friday, October 2

• ALL DAY – Badminton: Last Day to Register
  • Oct. 2 is the last day to register for the EIU Campus Recreation Badminton League. Participants may choose Open Singles or Open Doubles. Registration is available at https://eiu.dserec.com/online/intramurals/sport/6.
• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Writing Center in-person and online appointments
  • Free Writing Center appointments are available to all students at any stage in the writing process. Book in-person or online appointments at eiu.edu/writing or drop in to the Center on the third floor of Booth Library.
• 11 a.m. to noon – Panther Communication (Student-Run Public Relations Agency) Meeting
  • Panther Communication is recruiting new members for the fall semester. All majors and experience levels are welcome. Location: Buzzard Hall 2521.
• 12:05 to 12:50 p.m. – Yoga! for Every Body
  • Join Raven and Sammie from Just Breathe Den for a free yoga class. Beginners through advanced yogis are welcome. Bring a mat and water bottle. Location: McAfee Gym Dance Studio.
• 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. – Proof
  • Pulitzer and Tony-winning *Proof*, by David Auburn, explores loss, guilt, discovery, instability and the elusive nature of truth. Location: Doudna Fine Arts Center Theatre. Admission is $15 general admission and $5 for EIU students.
• 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. – Wind Symphony & Concert Band
  • Join EIU's Wind Symphony and Concert Band for the first performance of the season. Location: Doudna Fine Arts Center Dvorak Concert Hall. Admission is $10 general admission and $5 for EIU students.

 Saturday, October 3

• 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. – Saturday Story Series at Lincoln Log Cabin
  • Come to Lincoln Log Cabin at 10 a.m. on the first Saturday of every month for story time. The free program features a historically themed children's book followed by activities and crafts and is designed for youngsters ages 5-10. All youth must be accompanied by an adult.
• 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Fire Prevention Week Celebration
  • The Charleston Fire Department and Charleston Parks and Recreation Department will host a free celebration at Linder Sports Complex, south of Sister City Park. Activities include Touch-a-Truck, an Air Evac 145 medical helicopter, bounce houses, a K-9 demonstration with the Charleston Police Department, SBLHC Healthy Kids, concessions, the Camp New Hope Train and more.
• 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. – Proof
  • Pulitzer and Tony-winning *Proof*, by David Auburn, explores loss, guilt, discovery, instability and the elusive nature of truth. Location: Doudna Fine Arts Center Theatre. Admission is $15 general admission and $5 for EIU students.

Sunday, October 4

• 10:30 a.m. to noon – Worship Service
  • A time of worship and community each week at the Christian Campus House across from Lawson on 4th Street.
• Noon to 2 p.m. – Eastern Illinois University Women's Soccer vs. Western Illinois
  • Eastern Illinois University Women's Soccer vs. Western Illinois at Lakeside Field.
• 1 to 4 p.m. – Five Mile House Fall Festival
  • The Five Mile House Fall Festival will feature apple cider pressing, children's games, rope making, spinning and natural dyeing, kettle korn, corn husk dolls, herb drying, candle making, butter making, house tours and a gift shop wagon. Music will be provided by Motherlode. Location: Five Mile House, 4810 Illinois 130, Charleston.
• 2 to 4 p.m. – Proof
  • Pulitzer and Tony-winning *Proof*, by David Auburn, explores loss, guilt, discovery, instability and the elusive nature of truth. Location: Doudna Fine Arts Center Theatre. Admission is $15 general admission and $5 for EIU students.
• 3 to 5 p.m. – Eastern Illinois University Men's Soccer vs. SIUE
  • Eastern Illinois University Men's Soccer vs. SIUE at Lakeside Field.
• 5 to 9 p.m. – Writing Center Online-Only Appointments
  • Free Writing Center appointments are available to all students at any stage in the writing process. Book online appointments at eiu.edu/writing.

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.

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MEDIA QUICKLINKS
Eastern Illinois University — eiu.edu
EIU Calendar — eiu.edu/calendar
EIU Athletics Calendar — eiupanthers.com/calendar