(Charleston, IL) – The following public events are scheduled at Eastern Illinois University and in the Charleston community from October 22 through November 1, 2026.
Thursday, October 22
All day – Food Drive
EIU faculty and staff can support the campus food drive by donating food pantry items or making a monetary contribution. Donations can be dropped off at the Campus Food Pantry. Location: McAfee Gym.
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, yard signs, window displays and other Homecoming-themed decorations. Location: Charleston community.
All day – Real Panthers Decorate Blue
EIU departments, colleges, faculty and staff are invited to decorate campus buildings, offices, windows and other spaces as part of a friendly Homecoming spirit competition. Location: Across campus.
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. Location: Across campus.
8 a.m. – Charleston Tree Commission Meeting
The Charleston Tree Commission will meet. 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. 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.
5:30 to 8 p.m. – Charleston Baptist College Ministry Group Night
The Charleston Baptist Church College Ministry hosts a weekly student gathering featuring food, Bible study and games. Location: 2800 University Drive, Charleston.
6 p.m. – Eastern Illinois University Women's Basketball vs. Quincy (Exhibition)
EIU women's basketball takes on Quincy in an exhibition game. Location: Groniger 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.
7 p.m. – Panther Gala
EIU's Homecoming celebration continues with a Met Gala-inspired dance featuring fashion, school spirit and festivities. Location: Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.
8 p.m. – Hello Dali Improv Comedy Show
EIU's Hello Dali improv comedy group presents a free, long-form improvisational 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 and offer golf cart rides. Location: Across campus.
Friday, October 23
All day – Food Drive
See details under Thursday, October 22.
All day – Paint the Town Blue
See details under Thursday, October 22.
All day – Java Open Late
Java Beanery & Bakery will remain open until 5 p.m. Location: Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.
All day – Real Panthers Decorate Blue
See details under Thursday, October 22.
All day – Spirit Banners
See details under Thursday, October 22.
8 a.m. – Charleston Historic Preservation Commission
Members of Charleston's Historic Preservation Commission will meet. 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
See details under Thursday, October 22.
10 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Writing Center in-person and online appointments
See details under Thursday, October 22.
11 a.m. – Craft Corner
EIU's Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies program hosts a craft activity in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Participants will make fleece blankets to support HOPE of Central Illinois and its work helping survivors of domestic violence find shelter and transitional housing. Location: Coleman Hall.
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 (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.
12:05 to 12:50 p.m. – Yoga! for Every Body
A free yoga class led by Raven and Sammie from Just Breathe Den welcomes beginners and experienced participants. Bring a yoga mat and water bottle. Location: McAfee Gym, Dance Studio.
1 p.m. – Eastern Illinois University Baseball vs. Lake Land College
EIU baseball takes on 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 discuss his career journey and the role communication plays in community change. Location: Buzzard Hall.
6 p.m. – EIU Homecoming
EIU's Homecoming celebration continues with campus and community activities throughout the weekend.
6 p.m. – Awards Reception & Dinner
EIU recognizes individuals whose leadership, service and philanthropy have helped shape the university. The event includes recognition through the university's alumni and philanthropic awards. Location: Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.
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 Eastern Symphony Orchestra presents its first performance of the season. Location: Doudna Fine Arts Center, Dvorak Concert Hall.
7:30 p.m. – Charleston Community Theatre presents Sweeney Todd
Charleston Community Theatre presents C.G. Bond's Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, a melodramatic thriller blending revenge, tragedy, horror and dark comedy. Performances take place in the theatre's primary event space in the lower level of the Charleston Elks Lodge #623, 720 Sixth St., Charleston. Tickets are available at https://charlestonct.booktix.com.
Saturday, October 24
All day – Food Drive
See details under Thursday, October 22.
All day – Paint the Town Blue
See details under Thursday, October 22.
All day – Real Panthers Decorate Blue
See details under Thursday, October 22.
All day – Spirit Banners
See details under Thursday, October 22.
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. Location: Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.
9 a.m. – Eastern Illinois University Men's Swimming vs. EIU Alumni Meet
EIU men's swimming competes against EIU alumni. Location: Padovan Pool.
9 a.m. – Eastern Illinois University Women's Swimming vs. EIU Alumni Meet
EIU women's swimming competes against EIU alumni. 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. 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 as EIU takes on Southeast Missouri 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. Location: Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, 402 S. Lincoln Highway Road, Lerna.
7:30 p.m. – Charleston Community Theatre presents Sweeney Todd
See details under Friday, October 23.
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
See details under Friday, October 23.
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 at 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 may dine in or take food to go. Location: Wesley Foundation, 2202 Fourth St., Charleston.
Monday, October 26
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Career Services Drop-In Hours in Life Design Studio
See details under Thursday, October 22.
10 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Writing Center in-person and online appointments
See details under Thursday, October 22.
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. Students can get help with research and make progress on coursework. 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. Students interested in joining can contact the organization for more information. Location: Coleman Hall.
6 p.m. – CUSD #1 Family Resource Fair
Local agencies will set up informational tables for families and community members. Location: Charleston High School, 1615 Lincoln Ave., Charleston.
Tuesday, October 27
All day – Mobile Mammogram
Sarah Bush Lincoln will offer mobile mammography appointments. To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-639-5929. Location: Alumni Clock Tower.
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Career Services Drop-In Hours in Life Design Studio
See details under Thursday, October 22.
9:30 a.m. – Charleston Firefighters' Pension Fund Board of Trustees
Members of the Charleston Firefighters' Pension Fund Board of Trustees will meet. Location: City Hall basement conference room, 520 Jackson Ave., Charleston.
10 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Writing Center in-person and online appointments
See details under Thursday, October 22.
10:30 a.m. – Police Pension Fund Board of Trustees
Members of the Charleston Police Pension Fund Board of Trustees will meet. Location: City Hall basement conference room, 520 Jackson Ave., Charleston.
Noon to 1 p.m. – Free Lunch at the Wesley Foundation
Everyone is welcome to stop by the Wesley Foundation for a free Tuesday lunch. Location: Wesley Foundation, 2202 Fourth St., Charleston.
12:05 to 12:50 p.m. – Yoga! for Every Body
See details under Friday, October 23.
3 to 5 p.m. – Construction Management Networking, Internship & Job Fair
Students can meet employers and explore career, internship and networking opportunities in construction management. Location: Tarble Museum of Art.
6 p.m. – Eastern Illinois University Women's Basketball vs. Illinois Wesleyan (Exhibition)
EIU women's basketball takes on Illinois Wesleyan in an exhibition game. Location: Groniger Arena.
6 p.m. – Library Ambassadors of Booth Weekly Meeting
Students interested in campus involvement can learn about Booth Library's student advocacy team. Location: Booth Library.
7:30 p.m. – Eric Mandat: Clarinet and Electronics
Eric P. Mandat, professor of clarinet and distinguished scholar at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, presents a concert featuring works for clarinet and electronic media. Location: Doudna Fine Arts Center.
Wednesday, October 28
All day – National Chocolate Day
Java Beanery & Bakery recognizes National Chocolate Day. Location: Java Beanery & Bakery.
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Career Services Drop-In Hours in Life Design Studio
See details under Thursday, October 22.
10 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Writing Center in-person and online appointments
See details under Thursday, October 22.
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.
3 to 5 p.m. – Health and Human Services Job & Internship Fair
Students can meet employers and explore career and internship opportunities in health and human services. Location: Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.
4 to 6 p.m. – Early Bird Housing Contract Signing Event
Students can ask questions about their 2027-28 housing and dining contracts and sign their contracts in person. Location: Lawson Hall.
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 Hall on Fourth Street.
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.
Thursday, October 29
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Career Services Drop-In Hours in Life Design Studio
See details under Thursday, October 22.
10 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Writing Center in-person and online appointments
See details under Thursday, October 22.
2 p.m. – Eastern Illinois University Men's Soccer vs. Southern Indiana
EIU men's soccer takes on Southern Indiana. Location: Lakeside Field.
5:30 to 8 p.m. – Charleston Baptist College Ministry Group Night
See details under Thursday, October 22.
6 to 7 p.m. – Philosophy Club Meeting
EIU's Philosophy Club holds its biweekly meeting. Location: Coleman Hall, Room 3752.
7 p.m. – Charleston Board of Zoning Appeals and Planning
Members of the Charleston Board of Zoning Appeals and Planning will meet. Location: City Hall Council Chambers, 520 Jackson Ave., Charleston.
7:30 p.m. – Hello Dali Improv Comedy Show
EIU's Hello Dali presents a free improv comedy show with a spooky Halloween theme. Location: Doudna Fine Arts Center.
7:30 p.m. – EIU Trombone Choir Fall Concert
The EIU Trombone Choir presents its Fall 2026 performance, led by EIU trombone professor Connor Frederick. Location: Doudna Fine Arts Center.
7:30 p.m. – Charleston Community Theatre presents Sweeney Todd
See details under Friday, October 23.
Friday, October 30
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Career Services Drop-In Hours in Life Design Studio
See details under Thursday, October 22.
10 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Writing Center in-person and online appointments
See details under Thursday, October 22.
11 a.m. to noon – Panther Communication (Student-Run Public Relations Agency) Meeting
See details under Friday, October 23.
12:05 to 12:50 p.m. – Yoga! for Every Body
See details under Friday, October 23.
4:30 p.m. – Haunted RO Stevo Grill
Stevenson Tower's residence organization hosts a Halloween-themed meal. Space is limited, and reservations are encouraged. Location: Stevenson Tower Grill.
5:30 p.m. – Scare on the Square
The Charleston Chamber of Commerce hosts Trick or Treat on the downtown square, while Charleston Parks and Recreation hosts a children's costume contest. Location: Downtown Charleston Square.
7 p.m. – Hello Dali Presents: The Rocky Horror Picture Show
EIU's Hello Dali presents a shadow-cast performance of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Admission is free, with optional prop bags available for $5. Costumes are encouraged. Location: Buzzard Hall.
7:30 p.m. – Charleston Community Theatre presents Sweeney Todd
See details under Friday, October 23.
Saturday, October 31
5 to 7 p.m. – Greeks-n-Treats!
EIU Fraternity and Sorority Life invites the campus community to a Halloween celebration featuring trick-or-treating and festive activities. Location: Greek Court.
7:30 p.m. – Charleston Community Theatre presents Sweeney Todd
See details under Friday, October 23.
Sunday, November 1
10:30 a.m. to noon – Worship Service
See details under Sunday, October 25.
1 p.m. – Eastern Illinois University Women's Soccer vs. UT Martin
EIU women's soccer takes on UT Martin. Location: Lakeside Field.
4 p.m. – Panther Marching Band Live in Concert
Come see the Panther Marching Band perform live in concert. Admission is $10 for general admission and $5 for EIU students. Location: Doudna Fine Arts Center, Dvorak Concert Hall.
5 to 9 p.m. – Writing Center Online-Only Appointments
See details under Sunday, October 25.
5:30 to 7 p.m. – Sunday Supper at the Wesley Foundation
See details under Sunday, October 25.
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.
Booth House
Eastern Illinois University
600 Lincoln Ave.
Charleston, IL 61920
217-581-7400
jdreinhart@eiu.edu