Irini Mihas is a senior majoring in English and minoring in journalism. Irini is an LAS Copywriting Intern, where she contribues digital media content for the College of LAS Office of Marketing & Communications team. In her free time, Irini loves to read, take care of her dog, and bake.
October is an extremely vibrant time for the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The leaves are changing, Halloween is coming up, midterms are happening, and more. With the university seeing a rise in visitors (and potential stress) during October, there are many opportunities for students and community members to get involved in fun extracurricular themed activities on campus and off campus.
Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch
One of the highlight Champaign Fall activities is visiting Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch. Off of Curtis Road in Champaign, Curtis Orchard has been the go-to place for years for students to engage with traditional fall activities such as picking pumpkins and apples, going through a corn maze, taking a wagon ride, and more. Curtis Orchard also has three store options for visitors to get a gift or treat: the Country Store, Bakery, and Flying Monkey Cafe. The stores feature their award-winning apple cider, apple crisp donuts and a variety of gifts. With so many activities, several student RSO’s will visit the orchard and utilize the many photo opportunities Curtis Orchard provides.
Illinois Books 2 Prisoners
Associated with the student RSO Illini Books 2 Prisoners, Books 2 Prisoners is hosting their Fall Benefit Book Sale on Halloween at the Independent Media Center in Urbana. The book sale also features a haunted house of banned books and encourages costumes. Students and community members can also contact Books 2 Prisoners to see how they can sign up to volunteer at the book sale.
Virginia Theater
On Halloween night, the Virginia Theater in Downtown Champaign is hosting a showing of the 1975 Rocky Horror Picture Show with a live shadow cast. They have a free raffle for concert or movie tickets for the Virginia Theater and a costume contest. The first 100 guests receive a goodie bag. Around the theater, there are also plenty of food options for individuals to check out before the show.
The Scratching Post CU
Also in downtown Champaign, The Scratching Post Cat and Board Game Cafe is showing spooky Halloween movies the week of October 19th and October 26th. Visitors can choose their night based on the movies shown: “Nosferatu” (1929) or “Night of the Living Dead" (1968). Visitors can cuddle up with their 20+ adoptable cats with included hot chocolate or chai and a bag of popcorn. On Halloween night, the cafe is having a spooky social game night event which includes one free drink.
Illini Union
Back on campus, the Illini Union has several fall and Halloween themed events for students to engage with. While still hosting their typical non-themed events, the Union has a haunted house, Halloween movie nights, pumpkin hunts, a Halloween art event, trick or treat, and more. These events start as soon as the second week of October to give students enough time to join in on the festivities. Also, on October 30th, the Union is giving a “Haunts and Legends of UIUC” tour which includes the stories and rumors of hauntings around the university.
Spurlock Museum
In the Spurlock Museum’s Knight Auditorium on October 26th, they are screening "A Monster in Paris" for an evening of family fun. After the event, the museum is offering popcorn and treats.
Campus Recreation
At the State Farm Center in the SW Parking Lot on October 18th, Campus Recreation is having a family-friendly Trunk or Treat. Admission is free and visitors can enjoy treats and other Halloween fun in their costumes.
Necrosis Haunted House
Starting at the beginning of October, one of the top 10 ranked haunted houses, Necrosis, is opening their doors every Friday through Sunday. A little bit away from Champaign-Urbana in Rantoul, the haunted house consists of many freaky creatures and figures that have drawn people from all across the state.
The Hive Honey Beetique
Also a bit off campus in Mahomet, The Hive Honey Beetique is hosting their “Third Annual Witches Weekend.” Celebrating Halloween all month long with various events, the “Witch Weekend” includes hands-on workshops, guest vendors, shopping perks, and more. Shoppers also receive a 5% discount when wearing a witch hat. Also, on Halloween day, they are offering a free walk-through of the workshop stations with treats and mystical facts about bees.
Museum of the Grand Prairie
The town of Mahomet is also home to the Museum of the Grand Prairie which is hosting an “Eerie Illinois” event. Everyone, including families, can join the Champaign County Forest Preserves for an educational, fun, and spooky night. They offer a haystack ride, smores, information about Illinois’ cryptids, and more.
William M. Staerkel Planetarium of Parkland College
Every Saturday of October at the William M. Staerkel Planetarium of Parkland College, they are hosting an event called “Spooky Space.” The dome show presents the stars of Halloween and other October-related space information.
Whether you decide to stay on campus or venture off campus, Champaign-Urbana has something spooky for students and visitors. You can also find more events on the Experience Champaign-Urbana website.