EIU Media Relations

EIU, community partner events: October 8 through October 18, 2026

(Charleston, IL) – The following public events are scheduled at Eastern Illinois University and in the Charleston community from October 8 through October 18, 2026.

Thursday, October 8

• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Career Services Drop-In Hours in Life Design Studio
  Students can stop by the Life Design Studio without an appointment for assistance with resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn profiles, Handshake profiles and other career preparation needs. Location: Martin Luther King Jr. University Union, first floor by Java.
• 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 www.eiu.edu/writing or drop in to the Center on the third floor of Booth Library.
• 1 to 4 p.m. – Fall Job & Internship Fair
  The 2026 Fall Internship and Job Fair provides students from all majors and class years with opportunities to connect with employers, explore internships and career opportunities and begin building professional networks. Location: Martin Luther King Jr. University Union, Grand Ballroom.
• 5 to 7 p.m. – EIU Night Out in Denver
  Panthers in Colorado can join EIU alumni and friends for a behind-the-scenes tour of Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies, followed by food, drinks and networking at Milepost Zero in McGregor Square. Advanced registration is required. Location: Coors Field, 2001 Blake St., Denver, Colorado.
• 5:30 to 8 p.m. – Charleston Baptist College Ministry Group Night
  The Charleston Baptist Church College Ministry hosts a weekly student group and game night for students to eat, learn from the Bible and spend time with other students from the community. Location: 2800 University Drive, Charleston.
• 7:30 to 9 p.m. – Hello Dali Improv Comedy Show
  Hello Dali welcomes its newest members to the troupe during a free improv comedy performance. Location: Doudna Fine Arts Center, Room 1210.

Friday, October 9

• All day – 7WK Military Withdrawal/Degree Granted
• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Career Services Drop-In Hours in Life Design Studio
  Students can stop by without an appointment for help with resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn profiles, Handshake profiles and other career preparation needs. Location: Martin Luther King Jr. University Union, first floor by Java.
• 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.
• 11 a.m. to noon – Panther Communication (Student-Run Public Relations Agency) Meeting
  Panther Communication, EIU's student-run public relations agency, is recruiting students from all majors and experience levels. The agency provides opportunities to gain hands-on experience, build portfolios, network with professionals and work with local businesses. Location: Buzzard Hall, Room 2521.
• Noon to 1 p.m. – Geosciences Speaker Series: Shane Shumaker, geodetic surveyor
  EIU's Department of Geosciences welcomes alumnus Shane Shumaker for a presentation about his career as a geodetic surveyor with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. Shumaker will discuss his work mapping the physics of the Earth and opportunities for internships and careers with the NGA. The presentation is free and open to the public. Location: Physical Sciences, Room 3040.
• 12:05 to 12:50 p.m. – Yoga! for Every Body
  Raven and Sammie from Just Breathe Den lead a free yoga class. Beginners through advanced participants are welcome. Location: McAfee Gym, Dance Studio.
• 4 to 7 p.m. – Eastern Illinois University Baseball vs. Lewis University
  Location: Frost Field at Coaches Stadium.
• 4 to 7 p.m. – Eastern Illinois University Men's and Women's Swimming vs. Olivet Nazarene
  Location: Padovan Pool.

Saturday, October 10

• 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Small Business Fest
  The Small Business Fest will feature more than 60 vendors, including EIU student entrepreneurs and other small businesses, offering products and services to the campus and community. Location: Library Quad.
• Noon to 2 p.m. – Eastern Illinois University Softball vs. Rock Valley College
  Location: Williams Field.
• 1 to 6:30 p.m. – Little Bluestem Literary Festival
  EIU's annual literary festival, formerly known as Lions in Winter, will feature a student showcase, masterclasses with visiting writers, book signings, a roundtable, readings and other literary programming. Featured prose writer Athena Dixon is the author of The Loneliness Files, while featured poet Ae Hee Lee is the author of several poetry collections, including Asterism. Location: Doudna Fine Arts Center.
• 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. – Eastern Illinois University Softball vs. Rock Valley College and Wabash Valley College
  Location: Williams Field.
• 5 to 7 p.m. – Eastern Illinois University Softball vs. Wabash Valley College
  Location: Williams Field.

Sunday, October 11

• 10:30 a.m. to noon – Worship Service
  Join the Christian Campus House for a weekly time of worship and community. Location: Christian Campus House, across from Lawson on Fourth Street.
• 1 to 3 p.m. – Eastern Illinois University Women's Soccer vs. Lindenwood
  Location: Lakeside Field.
• 4 to 6 p.m. – Choral Concert
  The EIU Choral Concert presents its first concert of the season. Location: Doudna Fine Arts Center, Dvorak Concert Hall.
• 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.
• 5:30 p.m. – Sunday Supper at the Wesley Foundation
  The Wesley Foundation hosts a Sunday evening supper for students.

 Monday, October 12

• All day – Spring 2027 Registration Begins
• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Career Services Drop-In Hours in Life Design Studio
• 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Writing Center in-person and online appointments
• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Alternative Communication Awareness
  The EIU ASL Club will host a free event in recognition of Augmentative and Alternative Communication Awareness Month. Participants can learn about alternative forms of communication, including American Sign Language and augmentative communication boards, while learning about hearing conservation, professionals who work with individuals who use alternative communication and examples of communication tools. Location: South Quad, outside the Human Services Building.
• 3 p.m. – Charleston Fire and Police Board
  Location: City Hall Council Chambers, 520 Jackson Ave., Charleston.
• 4 p.m. – Tourism Advisory Board Meeting
  Location: City Hall Council Chambers, 520 Jackson Ave., Charleston.
• 5 to 6 p.m. – Study Night
  The Public Relations Student Society of America hosts a study night for students. Location: Buzzard Hall, upstairs lounge.
• 5 to 6 p.m. – Bite Size Study Night: Be an Empowered Researcher
  Booth Library, Academic Success and the Writing Center offer an hour of assistance for students working on assignments. Snacks and help are available in the Collaboration Commons. Location: Booth Library, Collaboration Commons, third floor.
• 5:20 to 6 p.m. – Japanese Culture Club
  The Japanese Culture Club meets weekly to explore Japanese food, anime, video games, language, traditions, music and other aspects of Japanese culture. Location: Coleman Hall, Room 1110.
• 6 to 7 p.m. – EIU Asian Pacific Islander Association Meeting
  The organization hosts a weekly meeting exploring topics related to Asia-Pacific cuisine, culture, history and language. Location: Coleman Hall, Room 1110.
• 6 to 7 p.m. – Podcasting 101
  This one-hour Center for Student Innovation workshop introduces participants to EIU's podcasting studio, including its podcast stations and microphones. No previous experience is required. Location: Booth Library, Room 1220.

Tuesday, October 13

• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Career Services Drop-In Hours in Life Design Studio
• 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Writing Center in-person and online appointments
• Noon to 1 p.m. – Free Lunch at the Wesley Foundation
• 12:05 to 12:50 p.m. – Yoga! for Every Body
  Free yoga with Raven and Sammie from Just Breathe Den. Beginners through advanced participants are welcome. Location: McAfee Gym, Dance Studio.
• 6 to 7 p.m. – Library Ambassadors of Booth weekly meeting
  Students interested in becoming involved with Booth Library can attend the weekly meeting of the Library Ambassadors of Booth. Location: Booth Library, fourth-floor classroom.
• 6 p.m. – Eastern Illinois University Softball vs. Parkland College
  Location: Williams Field.

Wednesday, October 14

• All day – Mid-Term
• All day – National Dessert Day
  Location: Stevenson Tower Deli.
• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Career Services Drop-In Hours in Life Design Studio
• 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Writing Center in-person and online appointments
• 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. – Coffee & Consults
  Faculty and staff can meet with the Faculty Development and Innovation Center for troubleshooting, technical support, brainstorming or conversation. Location: Martin Luther King Jr. University Union, Java Beanery & Bakery.
• 5 to 9 p.m. – Writing Center Online-Only Appointments
• 6 p.m. – Library Ambassadors of Booth present: Halloween Trick or Treat, Library Style
  Participants are invited to dress in costume and trick-or-treat around Booth Library, with questions and special treats along the way.
• 6 p.m. – Free Dinner at Christian Campus House
  Christian Campus House hosts a free dinner and fellowship.
• 7 to 8:30 p.m. – Wednesday Night Bible Study
  Location: Christian Campus House.
• 8:30 p.m. – Wesley on Wednesdays

Thursday, October 15

• All day – 4V4 Flag Football: Last Day to Register
  Location: Student Recreation Center.
• All day – Deadline to Initiate Late Retroactive Withdrawal Request
• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Career Services Drop-In Hours in Life Design Studio
• 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Writing Center in-person and online appointments
• Noon to 2 p.m. – Eastern Illinois University Men's Soccer vs. Incarnate Word
  Location: Lakeside Field.
• 3 to 5 p.m. – Eastern Illinois University Women's Soccer vs. Southeast Missouri, with EIU Men's Soccer
  Location: Lakeside Field.
• 5:30 to 8 p.m. – Charleston Baptist College Ministry Group Night
  Location: 2800 University Drive, Charleston.
• 6 p.m. – Eastern Illinois University Volleyball vs. Tennessee State
  Location: Lantz Arena.
• 6 to 7 p.m. – Green Screen 101
  This Center for Student Innovation workshop introduces participants to green-screen techniques using Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Premiere Pro. No previous experience is required. Location: Booth Library, Room 1220.
• 6 to 7 p.m. – Philosophy Club Meeting
  Location: Coleman Hall, Room 3752.
• 7 p.m. – Charleston Board of Zoning Appeals and Planning
  Location: City Hall Council Chambers, 520 Jackson Ave., Charleston.

Friday, October 16

• All day – Fall Break
• All day – Residential Dining Consolidated to South Quad Dining
  Location: South Quad Dining Center.
• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Career Services Drop-In Hours in Life Design Studio
• 11 a.m. to noon – Panther Communication (Student-Run Public Relations Agency) Meeting
  Location: Buzzard Hall, Room 2521.
• 12:05 to 12:50 p.m. – Yoga! for Every Body
  Location: McAfee Gym, Dance Studio.
• 4 p.m. – Eastern Illinois University Volleyball vs. Tennessee State
  Location: Lantz Arena.
• 5 to 8 p.m. – Haunted Hike & Hayride
  The Douglas-Hart Nature Center will host a 20-minute guided walk featuring costumed characters and themed stations, followed by a haunted hayride. The event includes a family-oriented reverse-scare period from 5 to 6 p.m., followed by the more traditional haunted experience. Admission is $10 per person, with children age 2 and under free. Location: Douglas-Hart Nature Center, 2204 DeWitt Ave. East, Mattoon.
• 6 p.m. – Shake Your Trail Feather Friday Night 5K
  The 5K begins at Willenborg Woods and takes participants along single-track dirt trails and dry creek crossings after dark. Headlamps or flashlights are required. A bonfire and treats will follow the race. Location: 17737 E. County Road 380N, Charleston.
• 7:30 p.m. – Musae
  Female vocal group Musae brings its blend of vocal performance and contemporary arrangements to EIU. The group has appeared on NBC's The Sing-Off and the Pop Network's Sing It On, as well as at the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella Finals. Location: Doudna Fine Arts Center, Dvorak Concert Hall.

Saturday, October 17

• 7 a.m. – Charleston Community Cleanup
  Charleston residents are invited to participate in a Community Clean-Up Day and dispose of debris and unwanted items from areas impacted by the recent tornado. City Public Works employees will be on site to assist. Location: Leaf and Limb Dropoff, 1200 W. Madison Ave., Charleston.
• 2 p.m. – Eastern Illinois University Football vs. Lindenwood
  Location: O'Brien Field.
• 5 to 8 p.m. – Haunted Hike & Hayride
  The Douglas-Hart Nature Center continues its Haunted Hike & Hayride featuring a guided walk through the nature center followed by a haunted hayride. Admission is $10 per person, with children age 2 and under free. Location: Douglas-Hart Nature Center, 2204 DeWitt Ave. East, Mattoon.

Sunday, October 18

• All day – Residential Dining Consolidated to South Quad Dining
  Location: South Quad Dining Center.
• 10:30 a.m. to noon – Worship Service
  Location: Christian Campus House, across from Lawson on Fourth Street.
• 1 to 3 p.m. – Basket Weaving Workshop
  Bonnie Rideout of Bonnie's Baskets will lead a hands-on basket-weaving workshop at Lincoln Log Cabin. Participants will learn weaving techniques and create a finished patriotic catch-all basket. All tools and materials are provided. Advance registration is required and space is limited. The cost is $50 and includes light refreshments and materials. Location: Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, 402 S. Lincoln Highway Road, Lerna.
• 2 p.m. – Eastern Illinois University Men's Soccer vs. Houston Christian
  Location: 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.
• 5:30 p.m. – Sunday Supper at the Wesley Foundation

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.

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