Age-Friendly Programs

Urbana-Champaign Active Aging Week 2026

October 5 through October 11

Mark your calendars for this annual and international campaign that celebrates all aspects of wellness and engagement for adults 50 and older! UPD and our community partners are busy planning and preparing events for a full week of fun.

Title/ Location	Date/Details	How to attend
Drop-In Pickleball	Monday, October 5	9 to 11am
Urbana Health & Wellness Center, 2002 E Washington St, Urbana 61802	Drop-in pickleball is available every weekday, offering players of all levels a chance to drop in and enjoy the game. Courts are set up, pickleballs and paddles are provided, come and meet fellow enthusiasts, or learn the game.	JUST SHOW UP!
Brown Bag Lunch Concert	Monday, October 5	11:30am to 1pm
The Lake House in Crystal Lake Park, 206 W Park St, Urbana 61801 Sposored by Synergy HomeCare	Live entertainment! Synergy team member James and UHS Choir singers perform blues, classic rock, folk, and more. Bring your own brown bag lunch and enjoy complimentary popsicles and light snacks.	JUST SHOW UP!
Aging Trivia!	Monday, October 5	1 to 2:30pm
Champaign Public Library, 200 W Green St, Champaign, 61820 Robeson Room C	Think you're an expert on aging? Come play trivia and learn about aging well in Champaign County! We'll cover physical, financial, social, and environmental wellness PLUS the Aging Spectrum and resources. Snacks provided. Hosted by Anna with Home Instead.	JUST SHOW UP!
Quiet Book Club	Monday, October 5	6 to 7pm
The Urbana Free Library, 210 W Green St Urbana 61801	Trying to find time to read? Bring a book or find one at the library to read quietly at this all ages, monthly event. Light refreshments and tea provided.	JUST SHOW UP!
Yarn & Shenanigans	Monday, October 5	6 to 7:30pm
Douglass Branch Library, 504 E Grove St, Champaign 61820	Come hang out at the Douglass Branch every first and third Monday of the month with fellow fiber art enthusiasts. Bring your own project or start a new one with us! All skill levels welcome. Limited supplies available.	JUST SHOW UP!
Tuesdays at Ten: The Other British Isles	Tuesday, October 6	10 to 11am
Champaign Public Library, 200 W Green St, Champaign, 61820	There are more British Isles than just Great Britain and Ireland. Explore the history, nature, art, music, and archaeology of eight small islands and groups: the Shetlands, the Orkneys, the Hebrides, the Isle of Man, Anglesey, the Scilly Isles, the Isle of Wight, and the Channel Islands. Each has its own unique character, scenic atmosphere, fascinating history, and quirky relationship with the UK. All would make great destinations for tourists!	JUST SHOW UP!
Medicare Open Enrollment Information/ BINGO	Tuesday, October 6	10am to 12pm
Stevick Senior Center, 405 S State St, Champaign 61820	Join us at Family Service to hear common FAQs and learn more about Medicare Open Enrollment. We will have snacks and refreshments with Bingo as well!	Call 217-352-0099 (Say you'd like to register for Open Enrollment event)
Walk, Talk, Lunch Bunch	Tuesday, October 6	11:30am to 2pm
Champaign First United Methodist Church, 210 W Church St, Champaign 61820	Want to decrease your risk for falls? Join us for mild warm-up exercises designed for balance improvement and fall prevention, followed by a 20-minute walk (with friends) at your own pace. The day ends with a walk to a downtown Champaign restaurant for lunch ($12.00 lunch charge).	JUST SHOW UP!
Craft Happy Hour: Felt Masks	Tuesday, October 6	6 to 7pm
The Urbana Free Library, 210 W Green St, Urbana 61801	Come decorate a paper mask with custom-cut felt to make any kind of design you'd like. From foxes and raccoons to Día de los Muertos skulls, the possibilities are endless! You know you want to get creative and hang out with friendly people, so stop by the Library for this monthly drop-in crafts program for adults! Meet your neighbors and go home with something beautiful.	JUST SHOW UP!
Dine with a Doc	Wednesday, October 7	11am to 1pm
Carle at the Fields Admin Building, 3310 Fields South Dr, Champaign 61822	Hear an educational topic while enjoying a complimentary lunch. No need to bring any money! Just get a questioning mind, an appetite and perhaps a friend. Our speaker will be Teri Quednau of Quednau Hearing. Lunch will be provided by Dent Coulson Elder Law.	Call the Family Service Senior Resource Center at 217 352-5100. Deadline is October 2
Walk with a Naturalist	Wednesday, October 7	1 to 2:30pm
Weaver Park, 2205 E Main St, Urbana 61802	Want to ask the Urbana Park District Natural Areas crew about prairies, low forest, or preventing invasive species spread? Walk with naturalist Tegan Flowers and have your questions answered! Paths will be gravel, mowed, and slightly uneven. Please dress with closed-toed shoes and long pants to enjoy this program fully.	JUST SHOW UP!
Mini Golf at Parcadia	Wednesday, October 7	3 to 4pm
302 N Broadway Ave Suite 101, Urbana, IL 61801 (CU Adventures)	This immersive indoor mini golf adventure blends fantasy tavern vibes with high-tech putt-putt fun. Navigate imaginative courses designed to delight all skill levels. It's the perfect chance to laugh, move, and connect with friends. Grab your putter & join the adventure!	JUST SHOW UP! First 20 get 1 FREE round. After 20 people: mention ClarkLindsey for a $2 discount
Ukulele Sing-Along	Wednesday, October 7	6:30 to 8pm
Phillips Recreation Center, 505 W Stoughton, Urbana 61801	Join the fun, picking out songs and singing along! The CU Ukulele Jam has been playing for 5+ years, so we’re hoping you’ll stop by and help us spice things up. Choose from 750+ classic songs and then enjoy our playing them all the way through. Light refreshments will be available.	JUST SHOW UP!
Preparing Your Home for Your Next Chapter	Thursday, October 8	9am to 10am
Phillips Recreation Center, 505 W Stoughton, Urbana 61801	Enjoy breakfast on Cindy and discover how a planning today can save a stress tomorrow! Leave with a checklist, practical ideas, and simple steps to prepare for your next chapter. Be prepared, not overwhelmed!	Preregister by calling: 602-312-1030
Minds in Motion	Thursday, October 8	10am to 2pm
Champaign First United Methodist Church, 210 W Church St, Champaign 61820	This program includes activities designed to optimize mental and physical functioning in older adults, including Tai Chi exercises, a creative activity, brain exercises, music, and a healthy lunch. There is no charge for the first session attending.	Preregister by calling: 217-356-9078
Cover-to-Cover Book Discussion \| The Bewitching	Thursday, October 8	1:30 to 2pm
Champaign Public Library, 200 W Green St, Champaign, 61820	Join us for this relaxed library sponsored book discussion. We are a friendly group, meeting monthly to read and talk about popular books. All are welcome!	JUST SHOW UP!
Coffee and a Craft \| Cupcake Liner Wreaths	Thursday, October 8	2 to 3pm
Champaign Public Library Douglass Branch, 504 E Grove St, Champaign, 61820	Join us this month as we celebrate the library’s 150th anniversary with a craft that’s as charming as it is unexpected: cupcake liner wreaths because why shouldn’t birthday treats inspire crafts?	JUST SHOW UP!
Louis Armstrong: The Hot Fives and Hot Sevens	Thursday, October 8	3 to 5pm
OLLI at Illinois, 301 N Neil St, 2nd floor, Osher Classroom, Champaign 61820 Presented in collaboration with the 2026 CU Jazz Festival	This presentation explores the musical recordings that Louis Armstrong made as a band leader between 1925 and 1928 while living in Chicago. Taking us deep into the brilliance and context of Louis Armstrong, John Cooper brings his own sound and approach to these pivotal moments in Jazz.	JUST SHOW UP!
Walk at the HAWC	Friday, October 9	9 to 10am
Urbana Health & Wellness Center, 2002 E Washington St, Urbana 61802	Take a stroll on our elevated indoor track. Beautiful window views make you feel like you are outside!	JUST SHOW UP!
Fur Real Companionship	Friday, October 9	10 to 11am
University of Illinois Extension Auditorium, 801 N Country Fair Dr, Champaign 61821	Research shows that pets can chase away loneliness, provide a sense of purpose, and get you moving. Explore fun alternatives for those who can't care for a pet. Whether you're an older adult, a family member, or a caregiver, this workshop will offer valuable insights and tips on how furry friends can enrich lives and create lasting bonds	JUST SHOW UP!
Active Aging Resource Fair	Friday, October 9	11am to 2pm
Crystal Lake Park Large Pavilion, 206 W Park St, Urbana 61801 (Rain Date: Saturday, October 10; 11am to 2pm)	This free community event brings older adults, caregivers, and community members together for a day of fun, learning, and connection. Attendees can enjoy a stroll through the park while exploring exhibits and resources from over 40 local organizations. Information will be available on health and wellness, housing, financial and legal services, technology, support groups, and community programs. Guests can also enjoy food trucks, play BINGO, and participate in physical activities. The event promotes healthy aging, independence, and a higher quality of life through education, engagement, and community support.	JUST SHOW UP!
Creative Senior Connections	Friday, October 9	11am to 1pm
Phillips Recreation Center, 505 W Stoughton, Urbana 61801 Bring a lunch or snack since the event is around lunchtime	Looking for a supportive group to be yourself, share stories, and express yourself creatively? We explore creative expression through writing, visual art, rhythm, movement, drama, guided meditation and more. No art experience or skill required!	Register by calling us at 217-367-1544 Deadline is October 2
Hayrides & Hotdogs	Friday, October 9	1 to 3pm
Kaufman Lake Fire Ring, 2702 W Springfield Ave, Champaign 61821	Relish the moment during a fun afternoon as we continue to celebrate Harvest Season! Enjoy hayrack rides, games, music, and roasting hotdogs over the fire. Grab a friend and enjoy this fall-favorite activity! Registration recommended but not required.	Register online HERE!
Unbooked \| Trivia	Friday, October 9	6 to 8pm
Champaign Public Library, 200 W Green St, Champaign, 61820	Join us for an evening of fun! Come on your own or bring your friends and play a friendly night of trivia. New themes each month! Come at 6 pm to socialize, join a team, and grab a snack.	JUST SHOW UP!
Conversation Café (Language Exchange)	Saturday, October 10	11am to 12pm
The Urbana Free Library, 210 W Green St, Urbana 61801	Gather with other language learners to practice your speaking skills. English, Spanish, and French are the languages spoken by most attendees. Those looking to practice other languages are welcome but may want to bring a friend to practice with. Light snacks, drinks, and activities for children will all be provided.	JUST SHOW UP!
Urbana Fall Fusion Festival	Saturday, October 10	3 to 7pm
Downtown Urbana	40 North and Urbana Arts & Culture Program are taking over downtown Urbana for the 4th annual Urbana Fall Fusion Festival! Music is curated by the CU Folk & Roots Festival plus a special dance performance with U of I Dance in the Community students. Snacks & Fall Drinks for purchase from Champaign County History Museum and Travelin' Toms Coffee. Grab an event map at HQ to find the featured artists, hands-on activities, demos, food specials, retail sales, and scavenger hunt (worth $100 in prizes) through the businesses!	JUST SHOW UP!
Sunday Morning Bird Walk	Sunday, October 11	7:30 to 9am
Anita Purves Nature Center, 1505 N Broadway Ave, Urbana 61801	Meet at the Nature Center parking lot then decide as a group whether to walk into Crystal Lake Park or Busey Woods. These parks play host to 36 species of warblers every fall as well as large numbers of vireos, thrushes, orioles, and tanagers. Audubon guides will help you notice birds that they see and hear. Walks officially last about 1.5 hours, although some folks stay later if the birding is good.	JUST SHOW UP!
S'mores Social	Sunday, October 11	3 to 5pm
Crestview Park, 1802 S Cottage Grove Ave, Urbana 61802	Join your fellow park lovers and Uniting Pride for a walk with friends and then convene for s’mores over a fire and hot chocolate. Enjoy the outdoors with fresh air and nature views. Donations will be accepted to cover the cost of chocolatey treats.	JUST SHOW UP!

Age Friendly C-U and the Urbana Park District would like to thank our participating agencies and businesses: 40 North | 88 West, Cindy Johnson (Realtor/Broker | RE-MAX), OLLI at Illinois, Aging Services of Champaign County, ClarkLindsey, Ripples Expressive Arts, Champaign County Audubon Society, Family Service, Synergy Home Care, Champaign Park District, Home Instead, The Urbana Free Library, Champaign Public Library, Minds in Motion, and University of Illinois Extension.

Urbana Park District Senior Club

Second Tuesday of each month, 10:30am-2:30pm, with potluck luncheon served at 12pm
Phillips Recreation Center | Age 50+

All older adults 50+ are welcome to join us for fun, fellowship, entertainment, and a great meal. For more information about the Club or to become a member ($19 resident of Urbana and Champaign Park Districts, $22 nonresident) please contact Jacob Johnston at 217-367-1544 or jrjohnston@urbanaparks.org

Programs that are available for registration:

Afternoon Karaoke Sing-Along with Tea

If you love hearing and singing along to music from the 50s, 60s, and 70s then you’ll love our new karaoke program! Participants may sign up to do solo performances on the microphone, but audience members are always invited to sing or just listen!

263.893

Open

Health and Wellness Center

Age: 50+

Fees

Wed: Sep. 09 - Dec. 09

3:00 pm: 1h

View

Wits Workout with CRIS Healthy Aging, OCT 2026

This brain health program is perfect for any older adult looking to keep their wits sharp. Each session facilitates an important topic related to brain health. Complete puzzles and intellectual challenges, get to know the group you’re playing with, and spend a little time reminiscing with new friends.

263.010

Open

Phillips Recreation Center

Age: 60+

Fees

Fri: Oct. 16

10:00 am: 1h

View

Wits Workout with CRIS Healthy Aging, NOV 2026

263.011

Open

Phillips Recreation Center

Age: 60+

Fees

Fri: Nov. 20

10:00 am: 1h

View

Age-Friendly Programs

Urbana-Champaign Active Aging Week 2026

October 5 through October 11

Title/ Location

Date/Details

How to attend

Urbana Park District Senior Club

Second Tuesday of each month, 10:30am-2:30pm, with potluck luncheon served at 12pmPhillips Recreation Center | Age 50+

Programs that are available for registration:

Afternoon Karaoke Sing-Along with Tea

Wits Workout with CRIS Healthy Aging, OCT 2026

Wits Workout with CRIS Healthy Aging, NOV 2026

Second Tuesday of each month, 10:30am-2:30pm, with potluck luncheon served at 12pm
Phillips Recreation Center | Age 50+