EIU Media Relations

EIU, community partner events: October 15 through October 25, 2026

(Charleston, IL) – The following public events are scheduled at Eastern Illinois University and in the Charleston community from October 15 through October 25, 2026.

Thursday, October 15

• All day – 4V4 Flag Football: Last Day to Register
  EIU Campus Recreation invites participants to register for its 4v4 flag football leagues. Men’s League games are scheduled Tuesdays and Thursdays, while Open League games are Mondays and Wednesdays. Play begins Oct. 19. 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
  Students can stop by without an appointment for help with resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn profiles and Handshake. 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 appointments at www.eiu.edu/writing or visit the Center on the third floor of Booth Library.

• 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
  Location: Lakeside Field.

• 5:30 to 8 p.m. – Charleston Baptist College Ministry Group Night
  The Charleston Baptist Church College Ministry hosts a weekly student gathering with food, Bible study and games. Location: 2800 University Drive, Charleston.

• 6 p.m. – Eastern Illinois University Volleyball vs. Tennessee State
  Location: Gardella Family Court at McAfee Gym.

• 6 to 7 p.m. – Philosophy Club Meeting
  The EIU Philosophy Club holds its biweekly meeting. Location: Coleman Hall, Room 3752.

• 6 p.m. – Food Court Early Closure
  The University Food Court will close early at 6 p.m.

• 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.

• 7 p.m. – Charleston Board of Zoning Appeals and Planning
  Location: City Hall Council Chambers, 520 Jackson Ave., Charleston.

Friday, October 16

• All day – KanJam Tournament: Last Day to Register
  EIU Campus Recreation invites participants to register for its open doubles KanJam tournament. Location: Student Recreation Center.

• All day – Fall Break

• All day – Residential Dining Consolidated to South Quad Dining
  Residential dining will be consolidated at South Quad Dining Center.

• 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 and Handshake.

• 11 a.m. to noon – Panther Communication (Student-Run Public Relations Agency) Meeting
  EIU's student-run public relations agency welcomes students from all majors and experience levels who want to gain hands-on experience and build professional portfolios. Location: Buzzard Hall, Room 2521.

• 12:05 to 12:50 p.m. – Yoga! for Every Body
  A free yoga class led by Raven and Sammie from Just Breathe Den. Beginners and experienced participants are welcome. Location: McAfee Gym, Dance Studio.

• 2 p.m. – University Food Court Early Closure
  The Food Court will close for Fall Break and reopen Monday, Oct. 19, at 7:30 a.m.

• 4 p.m. – Eastern Illinois University Volleyball vs. Tennessee State
  Location: Lantz Arena.

• 5 to 8 p.m. – Haunted Hike & Hayride
  Douglas-Hart Nature Center will host a guided walk featuring costumed characters and themed stations, followed by a haunted hayride. A family-friendly reverse-scare period runs from 5 to 6 p.m., followed by a more traditional haunted experience. Admission is $10 per person; children age 2 and younger are admitted free. Location: Douglas-Hart Nature Center, 2204 DeWitt Ave. East, Mattoon.

• 6 p.m. – Shake Your Trail Feather Friday Night 5K
  Participants will run after dark on single-track trails and dry creek crossings at Willenborg Woods. Headlamps or flashlights are required. A bonfire and treats will follow. Location: 17737 E. County Road 380N, Charleston.

• 7:30 p.m. – Musae
  The female vocal group brings contemporary arrangements and vocal performance to EIU. The group has appeared on NBC's The Sing-Off and the Pop Network's Sing It On. 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 cleanup and dispose of debris and unwanted items from areas affected by the recent tornado. City Public Works employees will be on site to assist. Location: Leaf and Limb Dropoff, 1200 W. Madison Ave., Charleston.

• 9:30 a.m. – Young Eagles Rally
  Youth ages 8 to 17 can participate in this aviation event. Location: Coles County Memorial Airport, 432 Airport Road, Mattoon.

• 2 p.m. – Eastern Illinois University Football vs. Lindenwood
  Location: O'Brien Field.

• 5 to 8 p.m. – Haunted Hike & Hayride
  Douglas-Hart Nature Center continues its guided haunted walk and hayride experience. Admission is $10 per person; children age 2 and younger are admitted free. Location: Douglas-Hart Nature Center, 2204 DeWitt Ave. East, Mattoon.

Sunday, October 18

• All day – University Food Court Closed
  The Food Court will be closed for Fall Break.

• All day – Residential Dining Consolidated to South Quad Dining
  All residential dining will be consolidated at South Quad Dining Center.

• 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. – Basket Weaving Workshop
  Bonnie Rideout of Bonnie's Baskets will lead a hands-on workshop in which participants learn weaving techniques and create a patriotic catch-all basket. Tools and materials are provided. Advance registration is required, and space is limited. The $50 fee includes materials and light refreshments. 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 students at any stage in the writing process. Book online at www.eiu.edu/writing.

• 5:30 p.m. – Sunday Supper at the Wesley Foundation
  Students are invited to enjoy a free Sunday evening meal provided by area church groups and local restaurants. Participants may dine in or take food to go. Location: Wesley Foundation, 2202 Fourth St., Charleston.

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Homecoming Week at EIU Begins!

Monday, October 19

• All day – Food Drive
  EIU faculty and staff can support the campus food drive by donating a food pantry item or making a monetary contribution. Donations can earn an additional raffle ticket for EIU prizes. Location: McAfee Gym.

• All day – Billy in the Schools
  EIU's Billy Panther will visit Charleston-area grade schools during Homecoming Pre-Week.

• All day – Paint the Town Blue
  In collaboration with the Charleston Tourism Office, this community-wide initiative encourages residents, civic groups and businesses to show their EIU spirit with blue decorations and Homecoming displays. Location: Charleston community.

• All day – Fill In The Bun Winner Goes Live on Panther Grille Menu
  The winning sandwich selected by EIU judges will be available on the Panther Grille menu. Location: University Food Court.

• All day – Real Panthers Decorate Blue
  EIU departments, colleges, faculty and staff are invited to decorate campus buildings, offices, windows and other spaces in a friendly Homecoming spirit competition.

• All day – Spirit Banners
  EIU departments, registered student organizations, Greek organizations and residence halls are invited to compete by decorating white twin XL sheets as Homecoming spirit banners.

• 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 and Handshake.

• 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Writing Center in-person and online appointments
  Free appointments are available to all students at any stage in the writing process. Visit www.eiu.edu/writing or the Center on the third floor of Booth Library.

• 11 a.m. – Billy's Kick Off “Pantherazzi”
  EIU students, faculty and staff are invited to wear blue and help kick off Homecoming Week 2026. Location: Across campus.

• 3:30 p.m. – Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting
  Location: City Hall Council Chambers, 520 Jackson Ave., Charleston.

• 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 assignment help and research support. Snacks and assistance are available. Location: Booth Library.

• 5:20 p.m. – Japanese Culture Club
  Students are invited to explore Japanese food, anime, video games, language, traditions, music and more. Location: Coleman Hall.

• 6 to 7 p.m. – EIU Asian Pacific Islander Association Meeting
  The weekly meeting explores topics related to Asia-Pacific cuisine, culture, history and language. Location: Coleman Hall.

• 7 p.m. – Homecoming Royalty Coronation
  Celebrate the crowning of EIU's 2026 Homecoming royalty and recognize students who embody Panther spirit. Location: Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.

Tuesday, October 20

• All day – Food Drive
  EIU faculty and staff can contribute pantry items or monetary donations in support of the campus food drive. Location: McAfee Gym.

• All day – Billy in the Schools
  Billy Panther will visit Charleston-area grade schools as part of Homecoming Pre-Week.

• All day – Paint the Town Blue
  Charleston residents, civic groups and businesses are encouraged to display EIU spirit throughout the community.

• All day – Madden Tournament: Last Day to Register
  Participants are invited to register for a one-night Madden tournament in the EIU eSports Arena. The tournament is scheduled for Oct. 20. Location: Student Recreation Center.

• All day – Real Panthers Decorate Blue
  EIU departments, colleges, faculty and staff are invited to decorate their campus spaces for Homecoming.

• All day – Spirit Banners
  Campus departments, student organizations, Greek organizations and residence halls can participate in the Homecoming spirit-banner competition.

• 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 and Handshake.
  

• 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Writing Center in-person and online appointments
  Free appointments are available to all students at any stage in the writing process. Visit www.eiu.edu/writing or the Center on the third floor of Booth Library.
  

• 11 a.m. – HOCO on the Go!
  The Panther Patrol and Homecoming Committee will visit campus departments to spread Panther pride.

• Noon to 1 p.m. – Free Lunch at the Wesley Foundation
  Everyone is welcome to stop by for a free Tuesday lunch. Location: Wesley Foundation, 2202 Fourth St., Charleston.

• 12:05 to 12:50 p.m. – Yoga! for Every Body
  Free yoga for beginners and experienced participants. Location: McAfee Gym, Dance Studio.

• 6 p.m. – Library Ambassadors of Booth Weekly Meeting
  Students interested in campus involvement can learn about the library's student advocacy team. Location: Booth Library.

• 6 p.m. – Homecoming Lip Sync Battle: “Hollywood Hitmakers”
  Students and registered student organizations are invited to bring their creativity to this Homecoming-themed lip-sync competition. Location: Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.

• 6 p.m. – Live Broadcast Watch Party: “A Spark of Greatness” with Laila Ali
  Join the live broadcast featuring Laila Ali as part of EIU's fall speaker series. Location: Lumpkin Hall.

• 6:30 p.m. – City Council Meeting
  Location: City Hall Council Chambers, 520 Jackson Ave., Charleston.

• 7:30 p.m. – Jazz Combos
  EIU presents its first Jazz Combos performance of the semester. Location: Doudna Fine Arts Center.

Wednesday, October 21

• All day – Food Drive
  Donations of pantry items or money support the campus food drive and can earn an additional raffle ticket for EIU prizes. Location: McAfee Gym.

• All day – Billy in the Schools
  Billy Panther will visit Charleston-area grade schools during Homecoming Pre-Week.

• All day – Paint the Town Blue
  Community members and local businesses are encouraged to show their EIU spirit around Charleston.

• All day – Real Panthers Decorate Blue
  Campus departments, colleges, faculty and staff can decorate their spaces for Homecoming.

• All day – Spirit Banners
  EIU departments, student organizations, Greek organizations and residence halls can compete in the Homecoming spirit-banner contest.

• 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 and Handshake.
  

• 10 a.m. – Government Telecommunications Consortium Meeting
  Location: CECOM-911, 10500 State Highway 16, Suite 1, Mattoon.

• 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Writing Center in-person and online appointments
  Free appointments are available to all students at any stage in the writing process. Visit www.eiu.edu/writing or the Center on the third floor of Booth Library.
  

• 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. – Coffee & Consults
  Faculty and staff can meet with the Faculty Development and Innovation Center for technical support, troubleshooting, brainstorming or conversation. Location: Martin Luther King Jr. University Union, Java Beanery & Bakery.

• 4 p.m. – Quad Party: “Pantherchella”
  Join the Homecoming celebration for music, henna, airbrush crafts, food trucks and more. Location: Library Quad.

• 4:30 p.m. – “Heads & Heart: Stitched Cloth Spirit Dolls”
  Tarble Museum of Art presents a program exploring spirit dolls across cultures, including examples from Hopi, Yoruba and ancient Roman traditions. Location: Tarble Museum of Art.

• 5 to 9 p.m. – Writing Center Online-Only Appointments
  Free appointments are available to all students at any stage in the writing process. Visit www.eiu.edu/writing.

• 6 p.m. – Free Dinner at Christian Campus House
  Join the Christian Campus House for a free dinner and fellowship. Location: Christian Campus House, behind Lawson.

• 7 p.m. – Wednesday Night Bible Study
  A weekly gathering for worship, Bible study and fellowship. Location: Christian Campus House.

• 8:30 p.m. – Wesley on Wednesdays
  The Wesley Foundation hosts a weekly worship gathering open to everyone. Location: Wesley Foundation, 2202 Fourth St., Charleston.

• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Faculty & Staff Blue-B-Que
  EIU employees are invited to enjoy a complimentary meal and Homecoming prizes and giveaways. Location: Doudna Fine Arts Center, Concourse.

Thursday, October 22

• All day – Food Drive
  EIU faculty and staff can support the campus food drive with pantry items or monetary donations. Location: McAfee Gym.

• All day – Paint the Town Blue
  The Charleston community is encouraged to show its EIU spirit in partnership with the Charleston Tourism Office.

• All day – Real Panthers Decorate Blue
  EIU departments, colleges, faculty and staff can decorate campus spaces for Homecoming.

• All day – Spirit Banners
  Campus groups are invited to participate in the Homecoming spirit-banner competition.

• 8 a.m. – Charleston Tree Commission Meeting
  Location: City Hall, second-floor conference room, 520 Jackson Ave., Charleston.

• 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 and Handshake.
  

• 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Writing Center in-person and online appointments
  Free appointments are available to all students at any stage in the writing process. Visit www.eiu.edu/writing or the Center on the third floor of Booth Library.
  

• 5:30 to 8 p.m. – Charleston Baptist College Ministry Group Night
  The weekly student gathering includes food, Bible study and games. Location: 2800 University Drive, Charleston.

• 6 p.m. – Eastern Illinois University Women's Basketball vs. Quincy (Exhibition)
  Location: Groniger Arena.

• 6 to 7 p.m. – Green Screen 101
  This Center for Student Innovation workshop introduces green-screen techniques using Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Premiere Pro. Location: Booth Library, Room 1220.

• 7 p.m. – Panther Gala
  The Homecoming dance features a Met Gala-inspired theme, with fashion, school spirit and celebration. Location: Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.

• 8 p.m. – Hello Dali Improv Comedy Show
  Hello Dali presents a free, long-form improv comedy performance. Location: Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.

• 11 p.m. – HOCO on the Go!
  The Panther Patrol and Homecoming Committee will make campus stops to spread Panther pride.

Friday, October 23

• All day – Food Drive
  Pantry items and monetary donations support the campus food drive. Location: McAfee Gym.

• All day – Paint the Town Blue
  Charleston residents and businesses are encouraged to display EIU spirit as Homecoming approaches.

• All day – Java Open Late
  Java Beanery & Bakery will have extended hours for Homecoming.

• All day – Real Panthers Decorate Blue
  EIU departments, colleges, faculty and staff can decorate campus spaces for Homecoming.

• All day – Spirit Banners
  EIU departments and campus organizations are invited to take part in the Homecoming banner competition.

• 8 a.m. – Charleston Historic Preservation Commission
  Location: City Hall Council Chambers, 520 Jackson Ave., Charleston.

• 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 and Handshake.
  

• 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Writing Center in-person and online appointments
  Free appointments are available to all students at any stage in the writing process. Visit www.eiu.edu/writing or the Center on the third floor of Booth Library.
  

• 11 a.m. – Volunteer Luncheon
  EIU alumni, volunteers, donors and campus leaders are invited to a Homecoming luncheon recognizing the people who support the university. Location: Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.

• 11 a.m. to noon – Panther Communication Meeting
  EIU's student-run public relations agency welcomes students from all majors and experience levels. Location: Buzzard Hall.

• 12:05 to 12:50 p.m. – Yoga! for Every Body
  A free yoga class open to beginners and experienced participants. Location: McAfee Gym, Dance Studio.

• 1 p.m. – Eastern Illinois University Baseball vs. Lake Land College
  Location: Frost Field at Coaches Stadium.

• 1 p.m. – How Communication Creates Community Change
  Alexander Benishek, economic and community development director and assistant to the city manager for the City of Mattoon, will speak about communication and community change. Location: Buzzard Hall.

• 6 p.m. – EIU Homecoming
  EIU's Homecoming celebration begins its culminating weekend of campus and community events.

• 6 p.m. – Awards Reception & Dinner
  EIU recognizes individuals whose leadership, service and philanthropy have helped shape the university. Location: Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.

  • Alumni Association Awards Information
  • Outstanding Philanthropists Information
    
    

• 7 p.m. – Pep Rally
  Join the Panther community to celebrate Homecoming and build excitement for Saturday's parade and football game. Location: O'Brien Field.

• 7:30 p.m. – Eastern Symphony Orchestra
  EIU's orchestra presents its first performance of the season. Location: Doudna Fine Arts Center.

• 7:30 p.m. - Charleston Community Theatre presents Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
  A melodramatic thriller with wisps of comedy and horror woven throughout. Performances will take place in the CCT’s primary event space, located in the lower level of the Charleston Elks Lodge #623, 720 6th St., Charleston. Tickets available here. 

Saturday, October 24

• All day – Food Drive
  EIU faculty and staff can support the campus food drive with pantry items or monetary donations. Location: McAfee Gym.

• All day – Paint the Town Blue
  Charleston residents, civic groups and businesses are encouraged to show their EIU spirit throughout the community.

• All day – Real Panthers Decorate Blue
  EIU departments, colleges, faculty and staff can decorate campus spaces for Homecoming.

• All day – Spirit Banners
  Campus groups can participate in the Homecoming spirit-banner competition.

• 6:30 to 10 a.m. – Rotary Pancake Breakfast
  Charleston Rotarians will serve an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast as part of the community's Homecoming traditions. Location: Dirty's Parking Lot.

• 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. – Java Open for Homecoming
  Java Beanery & Bakery will be open for Homecoming visitors.

• 9 a.m. – Eastern Illinois University Women's Swimming vs. EIU Alumni Meet
  Location: Padovan Pool.

• 9 a.m. – Eastern Illinois University Men's Swimming vs. EIU Alumni Meet
  Location: Padovan Pool.

• 9 a.m. – Effingham County Regional Network EIU Homecoming Road Trip
  Registered participants can travel to Homecoming aboard private transportation with fellow Panthers. Registration is $50 and includes round-trip transportation and the listed trip benefits.

• 9 a.m. – Annual 2.5K Run/Walk
  Participants can celebrate Homecoming with a 2.5K route around the Charleston Square. The event is not timed. Start: corner of Seventh Street and Lincoln Avenue.

• 9:30 a.m. – Homecoming Parade
  A longstanding EIU tradition, the parade features campus and community entries, decorated floats and Homecoming celebrations throughout Charleston. Location: Charleston community; the parade begins near Seventh Street and Lincoln Avenue.

• 11 a.m. – Billy's Backyard: EIU's Official Homecoming Tailgate
  Students, alumni, families and friends are invited to gather for food, festivities and Panther spirit before kickoff. Location: O'Brien Field.

• 2 p.m. – Eastern Illinois University Football vs. Southeast Missouri – Homecoming
  Cheer on the Panthers in the 2026 Homecoming football game. Location: O'Brien Field.

• 5 p.m. – Torchlight Halloween Hike, Storytelling & Wiener Roast
  Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site hosts a family-friendly evening stroll along torchlit paths between historic farms, with music, storytelling, bonfires and a wiener roast. Cider, hot dogs and s'mores will be available. The event will be held rain or shine and includes spooky stories for children. Location: Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, 402 S. Lincoln Highway Road, Lerna.

• 7:30 p.m. - Charleston Community Theatre presents Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
  A melodramatic thriller with wisps of comedy and horror woven throughout. Performances will take place in the CCT’s primary event space, located in the lower level of the Charleston Elks Lodge #623, 720 6th St., Charleston. Tickets available here. 

Sunday, October 25

• 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.

• 2 p.m. - Charleston Community Theatre presents Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
  A melodramatic thriller with wisps of comedy and horror woven throughout. Performances will take place in the CCT’s primary event space, located in the lower level of the Charleston Elks Lodge #623, 720 6th St., Charleston. Tickets available here.

• 5 to 9 p.m. – Writing Center Online-Only Appointments
  Free appointments are available to all students at any stage in the writing process. Visit www.eiu.edu/writing.

• 5:30 to 7 p.m. – Sunday Supper at the Wesley Foundation
  Students are invited to share a free Sunday evening meal provided by area church groups and local restaurants. Participants can eat at the Wesley Foundation or take food to go. Location: Wesley Foundation, 2202 Fourth St., Charleston.

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.