(Charleston, IL) – The following public events are scheduled at Eastern Illinois University and in the Charleston community from October 29 through November 8, 2026.
Thursday, October 29
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.
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
The Charleston Baptist Church College Ministry hosts a weekly student gathering featuring food, Bible study and games. Location: 2800 University Drive, Charleston.
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. – 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, Recital Hall.
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, Room 150.
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.
Friday, October 30
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Career Services Drop-In Hours in Life Design Studio
See details under Thursday, October 29.
10 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Writing Center in-person and online appointments
See details under Thursday, October 29.
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 welcomes beginners and experienced participants. Bring a yoga mat and water bottle. Location: McAfee Gym, Dance Studio.
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 Thursday, October 29.
Saturday, October 31
4 to 6 p.m. – Trunk or Treat Fly-In
The flying community hosts its second annual safe trick-or-treat event, offering a Halloween gathering for families. Location: Coles County Memorial Airport, 432 Airport Road, Mattoon.
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.
5 to 8 p.m. – Charleston Trick or Treat Hours
The City of Charleston will observe its community trick-or-treat hours. Location: Charleston.
7:30 p.m. – Charleston Community Theatre presents Sweeney Todd
Looking for some nontraditional Halloween Night entertainment? Check out the closing performance of this well-known comedy-drama! See additional details under Thursday, October 29.
Sunday, November 1
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 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
The Panther Marching Band performs 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
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, November 2
All day – Red Cross Blood Drive EIU
The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive at EIU. Donors who give between Oct. 19 and Nov. 22 may be eligible for a $10 Amazon gift card by email and additional donor rewards. Location: Lawson Hall, 600 Lincoln Ave., Charleston.
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Discarded Textbook Sale
Students can shop for discarded textbooks during the sale. Location: Louis M. Grado Textbook Rental.
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Career Services Drop-In Hours in Life Design Studio
See details under Thursday, October 29.
10 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Writing Center in-person and online appointments
See details under Thursday, October 29.
4:30 to 5 p.m. – Empowered Researcher Workshops: 30 Minutes to Better Research
Booth Library librarians offer short workshops featuring strategies to make research more efficient. The Nov. 2 session focuses on using Wikipedia and Google to support research. Location: Booth Library, E-classroom, fourth floor.
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. Snacks and assistance will be available. Location: Booth Library, Collaboration Commons, third floor.
5:20 to 6 p.m. – Japanese Culture Club
Students are invited to explore Japanese food, anime, video games, language, traditions, music and more. Location: Coleman Hall, Room 1110.
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, Room 1110.
6 to 7 p.m. – 3D Printing 101
This Center for Student Innovation workshop introduces participants to the basic process of turning a digital 3D model into a printed object. Location: Booth Library, Room 1220.
6:30 to 7:30 p.m. – Carnegie Library Board of Trustees
The Charleston Carnegie Library Board of Trustees will meet. Location: Charleston Carnegie Public Library, 712 Sixth St., Charleston.
Tuesday, November 3
All day – Last Day to Apply or Re-Apply for Graduation
Nov. 3 is the deadline to apply or re-apply for graduation. Location: Online.
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Discarded Textbook Sale
See details under Monday, November 2.
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Career Services Drop-In Hours in Life Design Studio
See details under Thursday, October 29.
9:30 a.m. – AlertEIU Monthly Test
EIU will conduct its monthly AlertEIU test communication. Students and employees should receive an email alert. Anyone who does not receive the alert should contact support@eiu.edu. Location: Campuswide.
10 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Writing Center in-person and online appointments
See details under Thursday, October 29.
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 30.
4:30 to 5 p.m. – Empowered Researcher Workshops: 30 Minutes to Better Research
Booth Library librarians offer short workshops featuring strategies to make research more efficient. The Nov. 3 session focuses on cutting reading time in half through effective research techniques. Location: Booth Library, E-classroom, fourth floor.
5 to 6 p.m. – Entrepreneurship Club Resume Workshop
The Entrepreneurship Club hosts a resume workshop featuring a guest speaker from Career Services. The session will cover how to highlight small-business experience on a resume and strengthen overall resume presentation. Location: Lumpkin Hall, Room 2121.
6 to 7 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, fourth-floor classroom.
6:30 p.m. – Charleston City Council Meeting
Charleston City Council members will meet. Location: City Hall Council Chambers, 520 Jackson Ave., Charleston.
7:30 p.m. – Percussion Ensemble
EIU's Percussion Ensemble presents its first performance of the season. Location: Doudna Fine Arts Center, Doudna Theatre.
Wednesday, November 4
All day – Stress Awareness Day
Java Beanery & Bakery recognizes Stress Awareness Day. Location: Java Beanery & Bakery.
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Discarded Textbook Sale
See details under Monday, November 2.
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Career Services Drop-In Hours in Life Design Studio
See details under Thursday, October 29.
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Writing Center in-person and online appointments
See details under Thursday, October 29.
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.
4:30 to 5 p.m. – Empowered Researcher Workshops: 30 Minutes to Better Research
Booth Library librarians offer short workshops featuring strategies to make research more efficient. Location: Booth Library, E-classroom, fourth floor.
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 to 7 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.
6 to 8 p.m. – LIVE Broadcast Watch Party: Becoming Unbreakable with M. Night Shyamalan
EIU hosts a live broadcast watch party featuring M. Night Shyamalan as part of a fall speaker series focused on leadership, resilience and lasting impact. The event is open to EIU students, faculty and staff. Location: Buzzard Hall, Room 1501.
7 to 8:30 p.m. – Wednesday Night Bible Study
A weekly gathering for worship, Bible study and fellowship. Location: Christian Campus House, behind Lawson Hall on Fourth Street.
8:30 to 10 p.m. – Wesley on Wednesdays
The Wesley Foundation hosts a weekly worship gathering open to everyone. Location: Wesley Foundation, 2202 Fourth St., Charleston.
Thursday, November 5
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Discarded Textbook Sale
See details under Monday, November 2.
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Career Services Drop-In Hours in Life Design Studio
See details under Thursday, October 29.
10 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Writing Center in-person and online appointments
See details under Thursday, October 29.
4:30 to 6 p.m. – Insight Forum: Mindful Money Management
The first workshop in a financial education series explores why managing money can feel difficult and introduces practical approaches to personal finances. Location: Charleston Carnegie Public Library, 712 Sixth St., Charleston.
4:30 to 5 p.m. – Empowered Researcher Workshops: 30 Minutes to Better Research
Booth Library librarians offer short workshops featuring strategies to make research more efficient. Location: Booth Library, E-classroom, fourth floor.
5:30 to 8 p.m. – Charleston Baptist College Ministry Group Night
See details under Thursday, October 29.
6 to 8 p.m. – Eastern Illinois University Volleyball vs. Western Illinois
EIU volleyball faces Western Illinois in a match featuring an Ike's by 8 T-shirt giveaway. Location: Gardella Family Court at McAfee Gym.
6 to 7 p.m. – Podcasting 101
This Center for Student Innovation workshop introduces participants to Booth Library's podcasting studio, including its recording stations and microphones. Location: Booth Library, Room 1220.
7:30 to 9 p.m. – Hello Dali Improv Comedy Show
EIU's Hello Dali presents a free improv comedy show with a Golden Girls theme. Location: Doudna Fine Arts Center, Room 1210.
Friday, November 6
All day – Java Open Late
Java Beanery & Bakery extends its hours for EIU Family Weekend. Location: Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.
All day – Last Day to Withdraw From a Full Term Course or the University
Nov. 6 is the last day to withdraw from a full-term course or the university. Location: Online.
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Discarded Textbook Sale
See details under Monday, November 2.
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Career Services Drop-In Hours in Life Design Studio
See details under Thursday, October 29.
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Writing Center in-person and online appointments
See details under Thursday, October 29.
11 a.m. to noon – Panther Communication (Student-Run Public Relations Agency) Meeting
See details under Friday, October 30.
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – National Nacho Day
South Quad Dining Center recognizes National Nacho Day. Location: South Quad Dining Center.
12:05 to 12:50 p.m. – Yoga! for Every Body
See details under Friday, October 30.
4 to 6 p.m. – Family Weekend: EIU Volleyball vs. Western Illinois University
EIU volleyball faces Western Illinois as part of Family Weekend. Location: Gardella Family Court at McAfee Gym.
6 to 9 p.m. – Family Weekend: Family Bingo
Families and students are invited to an evening of bingo, prizes and friendly competition. Location: Martin Luther King Jr. University Union, Grand Ballroom and Alumni Lounge.
7 to 10 p.m. – Pemberton Haunted House
Pemberton Hall hosts a haunted house with a family-friendly hour from 7 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 6. Admission is $3 for one person, $5 for two people, or two canned goods per person. Location: Pemberton Hall.
7 to 10 p.m. – Family Weekend: Rock 'n Bowl
Families can enjoy bowling, concessions and billiards at the EIU Bowling Center. Location: Martin Luther King Jr. University Union, EIU Lanes.
7:30 to 9:30 p.m. – Musical Theatre Opera Performance
EIU's School of Music presents its annual opera performance. Admission is $10 for general admission and $5 for EIU students. Location: Doudna Fine Arts Center, Recital Hall.
8 to 10 p.m. – Family Weekend: Parents' Night Out at Ike's
EIU parents are invited to gather for an evening out during Family Weekend, with opportunities to meet other Panther families and enjoy the local community. Location: Ike's Bar & Grill, 459 Lincoln Ave., Charleston.
Saturday, November 7
7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Java Open
Java Beanery & Bakery opens for Family Weekend visitors. Location: Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.
9:30 to 11 a.m. – Family Weekend: Pancake Brunch with President Gatrell
EIU families and students are invited to share breakfast and connect with the university community. President Jay Gatrell will attend the brunch. Location: Martin Luther King Jr. University Union, Grand Ballroom.
10 a.m. – Saturday Story Series at Lincoln Log Cabin
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site hosts its monthly storytime featuring a historically themed children's book followed by activities and crafts. The free program is designed for children ages 5 to 10. Location: Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, 402 S. Lincoln Highway Road, Lerna.
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Family Weekend: Panther Family Network Tailgate
Panther families are invited to gather for free snacks, drinks and conversation before the football game. Location: O'Brien Field tailgate area.
Approximately 12:45 p.m. – Family Weekend: Panther Marching Band Panther Prowl
The Panther Marching Band performs traditional music and selections from its halftime show approximately 75 minutes before kickoff. Location: Booth Library, Library Quad steps.
2 p.m. – Eastern Illinois University Football vs. Western Illinois – Family Weekend
The Panthers take on Western Illinois in the Family Weekend football game. Location: O'Brien Field.
6 to 10 p.m. – Family Weekend: Family Fun Night – Silent Disco & Crafts
Families and students can enjoy a silent disco, caricature portraits and hands-on crafts, including custom street signs and picture keychains. Location: Martin Luther King Jr. University Union, Library Quad steps.
7 to 10 p.m. – Pemberton Haunted House
See details under Friday, November 6.
7 to 10 p.m. – Family Weekend: Rock 'n Bowl
See details under Friday, November 6.
7 to 10 p.m. – Free Bowling Night!
The Charleston Baptist College Ministry hosts a free bowling night with six lanes reserved for participants. Location: Martin Luther King Jr. University Union, EIU Bowling Center.
7:30 to 9:30 p.m. – Musical Theatre Opera Performance
See details under Friday, November 6.
Sunday, November 8
10:30 a.m. to noon – Worship Service
See details under Sunday, November 1.
5 to 9 p.m. – Writing Center Online-Only Appointments
See details under Sunday, November 1.
5:30 to 7 p.m. – Sunday Supper at the Wesley Foundation
See details under Sunday, November 1.
7:30 to 9:30 p.m. – Jazz Faculty 'The Goodness of Music' Fundraiser
The concert supports the David Frank Tanner/Ronald Eugene Gholson Endowment Fund Celebrating the Goodness of Music, established in 2009 by EIU Professor of Education Emeritus Ronald Gholson in tribute to his friend David Tanner. The fund supports equipment, travel, scholarships and guest artists for EIU's Jazz Studies Program. Admission is $10 for general admission and $5 for EIU students. Location: Doudna Fine Arts Center, Doudna Theatre.
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