Good morning, Champaign.

The Village of Savoy celebrates its 70th anniversary today as it plans projects for downtown development, safety improvements on Curtis Road, new homes in Prairie Meadows and Lake Falls, and park upgrades to enhance Colbert and Jones parks (since incorporation in 1956).

Champaign-Urbana offers free outdoor concerts for families from spring to fall + events span neighborhood parks, festivals and historic venues.

Shows include the Bluebell Festival at Allerton Park on May 1, Jazz in the Park at Clark Park on May 21, and UPD Neighborhood Nights continuing throughout summer.

The Parkland Theatre production of Anastasia the Musical features local talent and community collaboration at Harold and Jean Miner Theatre.

Performances run April 9, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25 at 7:30 p.m. and April 19, 26 at 3 p.m.—tickets are $25 for adults.

Today and tomorrow, UIUC’s student-run Engineering Open House takes over Bardeen Quadrangle with over 200 exhibits and competitions themed 'Forging the Future' — the event spotlights new tech innovations, accessible medical technology, and sustainability efforts while debuting a Research Showcase.

Oakwood emergency leaders propose a 15-cent levy on every $100 of assessed property value to generate roughly $290,000 a year and maintain ambulance services amid rising costs and staffing challenges; if the proposal meets petition requirements, it will appear on the November ballot and residents will soon learn its outcome.

Dueling Pianos Event

7-10 p.m. — Yellow & Co. Events — Full bar available — Experience an interactive night of music with Twilight Tunes as two pianists battle it out with your favorite songs.

Beatles Night 2026

3-7 p.m. — The City Center — Free entry — Experience an afternoon of classic Beatles tunes while supporting a great cause for kids.

Comedy Open Mic Night

8-10 p.m. — The Space — Free entry — Enjoy a night of laughter led by local comedic talent Kristen Unakis.

Spring Explosion 2026

10 AM – 12 PM — Champaign County Fair Association — Admission details not specified — Enjoy the thrilling demolition derby action brought back by Derby Icons.

The Table of Showbread Bible Study

6:30 AM – 9:00 PM — Come & See Event Center — Free registration — Delve into the significance of the Table of Showbread and its representation of God's provision.

Lindy Hoppers Swing Dance

7-9 p.m. — Hamilton Walker's — Free entry — Enjoy a lively swing dance evening with music and no partner required.

April Game Night: TREE Games by CUDO Plays

6:30-9 p.m. — Hyatt Place Champaign/Urbana — Free entry — Unwind with fellow gamers and explore TREE-themed games or your favorites at CUDO Plays Game Night.

PaCE Curriculum Training

8:30 AM - 12 PM — Parkland College — Free entry — A professional development session focused on the PaCE Curriculum for middle school educators.

Introduction to Cross Stitch Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Plant Mode — Supplies included — Learn the fundamentals of cross stitch and create your own unique piece.

Workshop: Navigating Lending Resources

1:30-3:30 p.m. — Champaign Public Library — Free entry — Refresh knowledge and gain insights on lending resources available for local lenders.