We made it through a historically cold Halloween and now November is here. There will be plenty of holiday lights and markets coming up. But for this November edition, I wanted to focus on some things that might make your month a little bit brighter, from a holiday that’s all about celebrating light to a sweet race for a good cause. I know it’s Mariah season, but let’s ease into the holidays a bit, shall we?
2023 Cupcake 5k
Champaign Urbana Special Recreation and the Champaign Park District are hosting their 11th annual 5k cupcake race to benefit CUSR. The money raised will go towards CUSR’s Scholarship Fund. This race will be wheelchair friendly and is also open to runners and walkers. After the race there will be a 100m dash for kids ten and under.
2023 Cupcake 5k
Carle at the Fields
3139 Mission Dr
Champaign
Su Nov 5th, 9 a.m.
On-site registration fee: $40
Fighting Illini Women’s Basketball games
The Illini women’s basketball team kicks off their season this month with four home games. The team is lead by head coach Shauna Green, who will be starting her second season in the position. The team is ranked number 23 in the nation, which hasn’t happened since 1999 when they were ranked number 12.
Fighting Illini Women’s Basketball games
State Farm Center
1800 S 1st St
Champaign
Tickets available
Diwali
The Indian Graduate Student Association’s Diwali festival may be one of the most beautiful sites on the University of Illinois Campus. Foellinger Auditorium is lit up and the sidewalks and trees of the main Quad are lit up with candles, lights, and traditional diyas to celebrate the Festival of Lights which traditionally honors the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. There will be a live DJ and delicious Indian food for sale.
Diwali Festival
Main Quad
607 S Mathews Ave
Urbana
Sa Nov 11th, 5:30 p.m.
Free but dress warm and bring money for food
Short Story Awards Ceremony & Reading
As part of the Writers Workshop Series, The Champaign Public Library is hosting an event for their short story contest (which you can still enter until November 10th). The top three short stories (submitted by community members) will read their stories and then a grand prize winner will be announced.
Short Story Awards Ceremony & Reading
Champaign Public Library
200 W Green St
Champaign
W Nov 29th, 7 to 8 p.m.
Free but registration is encouraged
