(Charleston, IL) – The following public events are scheduled at Eastern Illinois University and in the Charleston community from November 13 through November 22, 2026.
Friday, November 13
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 5 p.m. – Carnegie Library Book Sale
The Charleston Carnegie Public Library will host a book sale featuring hardcover and paperback books, children's books, audiobooks, DVDs, puzzles, games, music CDs and vinyl records. Prices range from 25 cents to $1. Location: Charleston Carnegie Public Library, second floor, 712 Sixth St., Charleston.
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 appointments at www.eiu.edu/writing or visit the Center on the third floor of Booth Library.
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, build professional portfolios and connect with local businesses. Location: Buzzard Hall, Room 2521.
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Pickle Day
South Quad Dining Center recognizes Pickle Day. Location: South Quad Dining Center.
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 to 6 p.m. – Eastern Illinois University Volleyball vs. SIUE – Senior Day
EIU volleyball faces SIUE as part of Senior Day. Location: Gardella Family Court at McAfee Gym.
7:30 to 8:30 p.m. – Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach
Roald Dahl's classic children's story comes to the stage as a musical featuring a score by Tony Award-nominated songwriting team Pasek and Paul and a book by Timothy Allen McDonald. Admission is $15 for general admission and $5 for EIU students. Location: Doudna Fine Arts Center, Black Box.
7:30 to 9:30 p.m. – Wind Symphony & Concert Band
EIU's Wind Symphony and Concert Band present an evening performance. Admission is $10 for general admission and $5 for EIU students. Location: Doudna Fine Arts Center, Dvorak Concert Hall.
Saturday, November 14
6 a.m. to 3 p.m. – 44th Annual Lincoln Fire Pancake and Sausage Day
Support the Lincoln Fire Protection District Station 1 while enjoying pancakes and sausage. Carryout meals are available, and tickets can be purchased at the door. Admission is $10 for adults ages 13 to 64, $8 for seniors ages 65 and older, and $4 for children ages 12 and under. Proceeds and donations support fire department equipment and supplies, uniforms, assistance for families affected by fires, local youth sports and fire safety education. Location: Lincoln Fire Protection District Station 1, 371 W. Coolidge Ave., Charleston.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Carnegie Library Book Sale
See details under Friday, Nov. 13.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Thanksgiving on Goosenest Prairie
Visit Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site to learn about Abraham Lincoln's establishment of Thanksgiving. Guests can visit with the Lincoln family as they prepare a mid-19th-century Thanksgiving feast. The gift shop also will be open with holiday items. Location: Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, 402 S. Lincoln Highway Road, Lerna.
1 p.m. – Eastern Illinois University Women's Basketball vs. Evansville
The Panthers take on Evansville. Location: Groniger Arena.
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. – SBL Health Foundation Holiday Festival Gala and Live Auction
The Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Foundation hosts its Holiday Festival Gala, Dinner and Live Auction as part of the Expanding Hope Campaign supporting the expansion of the SBL Regional Cancer Center. Gala tickets are sold out, but raffle tickets are available for $100, offering a chance to win one of the gala's live auction items. Participants need not be present to win. For additional information about the festival, auction and raffle, visit www.sarahbush.org/holidayfestival. Location: SBL Lumpkin Education Center, 1000 Health Center Drive, Mattoon.
7 to 9 p.m. – Global Culture Night
Celebrate cultures from around the world at EIU's Global Culture Night. The evening will feature international music, singing, dancing, drumming, cultural performances and a fashion show highlighting the diversity and traditions of the global community. Everyone is welcome. Location: Martin Luther King Jr. University Union, University Ballroom.
7:30 to 8:30 p.m. – Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach
See details under Friday, Nov. 13.
Sunday, November 15
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 Hall on Fourth Street.
2 p.m. – Eastern Illinois University Men's Basketball vs. Purdue Fort Wayne
The Panthers take on Purdue Fort Wayne. Location: Groniger Arena.
2 to 3 p.m. – Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach
See details under Friday, Nov. 13.
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 16
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Career Services Drop-In Hours in Life Design Studio
See details under Friday, Nov. 13.
10 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Writing Center in-person and online appointments
See details under Friday, Nov. 13.
3:30 to 4:30 p.m. – Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting
Members of the Charleston Parks and Recreation Advisory Board will meet. 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. 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.
Tuesday, November 17
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Career Services Drop-In Hours in Life Design Studio
See details under Friday, Nov. 13.
10 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Writing Center in-person and online appointments
See details under Friday, Nov. 13.
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Indian Cuisine Day
Panther Grille features Indian cuisine. Location: Panther Grille, Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.
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, Nov. 13.
4 to 5 p.m. – 2027 Florence Italy Study Abroad Informational Meeting
The Lumpkin College of Business and Technology will host an informational meeting about its 2027 Summer Exploration of Italian Business, Technology, History and Culture study abroad program. Open to students of all majors, the program offers an opportunity to spend three weeks in Florence, Italy, while earning academic credit. The meeting will cover the program schedule, courses, costs and scholarship opportunities. Location: Klehm Hall, Student Lounge, Room 1019.
5 to 8 p.m. – The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Auditions
EIU students, faculty and staff are invited to audition for the musical production. Auditions will include a vocal performance and a short reading from the script. Participants should reserve a 10-minute audition slot in advance at www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0D44A8AE22A6F5C07-66813873-eiumusical. Callbacks are scheduled for Nov. 19 and 20, with times to be determined. Location: Doudna Fine Arts Center, Globe Studio.
6 to 7 p.m. – Green Screen 101
This Center for Student Innovation workshop introduces participants to green-screen technology using Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro to create photos and videos with customized backgrounds. No previous experience is required. Location: Booth Library, Room 1220.
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. Everyone is welcome. Location: Booth Library, fourth-floor classroom.
6:30 to 7:30 p.m. – City Council Meeting
Charleston City Council members will meet. Location: City Hall Council Chambers, 520 Jackson Ave., Charleston.
7:30 to 9:30 p.m. – Jazz Lab Band
EIU's Jazz Lab Band presents an evening performance. Admission is free. Location: Doudna Fine Arts Center, Doudna Theatre.
Wednesday, November 18
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Career Services Drop-In Hours in Life Design Studio
See details under Friday, Nov. 13.
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Writing Center in-person and online appointments
See details under Friday, Nov. 13.
10 a.m. to noon – Early Bird Housing Contract Signing Event
Students can visit the University Food Court to ask questions and sign their 2027-28 University Housing and Dining contracts early. Participants can receive housing preferences, limited-edition apparel, $200 in Dining Dollars and an entry for a chance to win free room and board for the following academic year. Location: University Food Court, Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.
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. Virtual participation also is available at https://eiu.zoom.us/j/89971715756.
3 to 4 p.m. – 2027 Florence Italy Study Abroad Informational Meeting
See details under Tuesday, Nov. 17. Location: Klehm Hall, Student Lounge, Room 1019.
4:30 to 8 p.m. – Thanksgiving Dinner
South Quad Dining Center hosts its annual Thanksgiving dinner. Admission is free with a ticket. Location: South Quad Dining Center.
5 to 9 p.m. – Writing Center Online-Only Appointments
See details under Sunday, Nov. 15.
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. Participants will learn how to use the equipment independently and reserve studio time for educational or personal projects. No previous experience is required. Location: Booth Library, Room 1220.
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.
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 19
All day – Dining Service Schedule Changes
The Food Court will close at 7 p.m. South Quad Dining Center will not offer late-night pizza service, and Stevo's will not be open.
8 to 9 a.m. – Charleston Tree Commission Meeting
Members of 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
See details under Friday, Nov. 13.
10 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Writing Center in-person and online appointments
See details under Friday, Nov. 13.
1 to 5 p.m. – Red Cross Blood Drive
Community members can donate blood at the Charleston First Church of God. Successful donations in November also include free A1C testing for eligible donors. Location: Charleston First Church of God, 1225 Montgomery Drive, Charleston.
4:30 to 6 p.m. – Insight Forum: Mindful Money Management
The final workshop in a three-part financial education series focuses on practical strategies for stretching household budgets and managing everyday financial decisions. The series emphasizes realistic behavior changes and simple, sustainable approaches to reducing financial stress. Location: Charleston Carnegie Public Library, Rotary Room A and B.
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.
7:30 to 9:30 p.m. – Dr. Oliver Jia, Guest Pianist Recital
Dr. Oliver Jia, chair of piano at the University of Central Arkansas, performs a solo piano recital at EIU. Location: Doudna Fine Arts Center, Recital Hall.
7:30 to 9 p.m. – Hello Dali Improv Comedy Show
EIU's Hello Dali presents a free improv comedy show themed around The Hunger Games. Location: Doudna Fine Arts Center, Room 1210.
Friday, November 20
All day – Dining Service Schedule Changes
Java Beanery & Bakery will close at noon, South Quad Dining Center will close at 6 p.m., and the University Food Court will be closed.
8 to 9 a.m. – Charleston Historic Preservation Commission
Members of the Charleston 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 Friday, Nov. 13.
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Writing Center in-person and online appointments
See details under Friday, Nov. 13.
11 a.m. to noon – Panther Communication (Student-Run Public Relations Agency) Meeting
See details under Friday, Nov. 13. Location: Buzzard Hall, Room 2521.
12:05 to 12:50 p.m. – Yoga! for Every Body
See details under Friday, Nov. 13.
8 p.m. – Thanksgiving Break Closing (On-Campus Housing and Dining)
EIU residence halls and Greek Court close for Thanksgiving Break. Buildings will reopen at 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29.
Saturday, November 21
Noon – Eastern Illinois University Football vs. Charleston Southern
The Panthers host Charleston Southern at O'Brien Field. The game will be televised on ESPN+ and broadcast on Hit Mix 88.9 WEIU.
Sunday, November 22
10:30 a.m. to noon – Worship Service
See details under Sunday, Nov. 15.
5:30 to 7 p.m. – Sunday Supper at the Wesley Foundation
See details under Sunday, Nov. 15.
For additional information on upcoming EIU and other community partner events, visit the EIU Events Calendar at www.eiu.edu/calendar. For EIU Athletics events, visit the EIU Athletics calendar at www.eiupanthers.com.
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 www.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