EIU Media Relations

EIU, community partner events: November 6 through November 15, 2026

(Charleston, IL) – The following public events are scheduled at Eastern Illinois University and in the Charleston community from November 6 through November 15, 2026.  

Friday, November 6 (Family Weekend)

• All day – Java Open Late
  Java Beanery & Bakery extends its hours for EIU Family Weekend. Location: Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.
• All day – Last Day to Withdraw From a Full Term Course or the University
  Nov. 6 is the last day to withdraw from a full-term course or the university. Location: Online.
• 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.
• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Discarded Textbook Sale
  Students can shop for discarded textbooks during the sale. Location: Louis M. Grado Textbook Rental.
• 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.
• 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. – First-Gen Poster Boards March to Lunch
  A march to the South Quad Dining Center featuring poster boards celebrating first-generation students. Location: McAfee Gym, First-Gen Hub.
• 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. – National Nacho Day
  South Quad Dining Center recognizes National Nacho 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. Western Illinois – Alumni Night/Family Weekend
  EIU volleyball faces Western Illinois as part of Family Weekend and Alumni Night. Location: Gardella Family Court at McAfee Gym.
• 4:30 to 5 p.m. – AAA (Tri-Alpha) Induction Ceremony for First-Gen Honor Students
  The induction ceremony welcomes first-generation honor students into Tri-Alpha. Location: McAfee Gym, First-Gen Hub.
• 6 to 9 p.m. – Family Weekend: Family Bingo
  Families and students are invited to an evening of bingo, prizes and friendly competition. A photo booth and refreshments also will be available. Location: Martin Luther King Jr. University Union, Grand Ballroom and Alumni Lounge.
• 7 to 10 p.m. – Pemberton Haunted House
  Pemberton Hall hosts a haunted house with a family-friendly hour from 7 to 8 p.m. Admission is $3 for one person, $5 for two people, or two canned goods per person. See additional details under Friday, Nov. 6, for the Nov. 7 schedule. Location: Pemberton Hall.
• 7 to 10 p.m. – Family Weekend: Rock 'n Bowl
  Families can enjoy bowling, concessions and billiards at the EIU Bowling Center. Location: Martin Luther King Jr. University Union, EIU Lanes.
• 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. – Musical Theatre Opera Performance
  EIU's School of Music presents its annual opera performance. Admission is $10 for general admission and $5 for EIU students. Location: Doudna Fine Arts Center, Recital Hall.
• 8 to 10 p.m. – Family Weekend: Parents' Night Out at Ike's
  EIU parents are invited to gather for an evening out during Family Weekend, with opportunities to meet other Panther families and enjoy the local community. Location: Ike's Bar & Grill, 459 Lincoln Ave., Charleston.
  

Saturday, November 7 (Family Weekend)

• 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Java Open
  Java Beanery & Bakery opens for Family Weekend visitors. Location: Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.
• 9:30 to 11 a.m. – Family Weekend: Pancake Brunch with President Gatrell
  EIU families and students are invited to share breakfast and connect with the university community. President Jay Gatrell will attend the brunch. Location: Martin Luther King Jr. University Union, Grand Ballroom.
• 10 a.m. – Saturday Story Series at Lincoln Log Cabin
  Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site hosts its monthly storytime featuring a historically themed children's book followed by activities and crafts. The free program is designed for children ages 5 to 10, who must be accompanied by an adult. Location: Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, 402 S. Lincoln Highway Road, Lerna.
• 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – TRIO, OBAE and First-Gen Tailgating
  TRIO and the Office of Belonging, Access and Engagement host a tailgate party focused on first-generation students. Location: O'Brien Field, Tent City.
• 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Family Weekend: Panther Family Network Tailgate
  Panther families are invited to gather for free snacks, drinks and conversation before the football game. Location: O'Brien Field tailgate area.
• Approximately 12:45 p.m. – Family Weekend: Panther Marching Band Panther Prowl
  The Panther Marching Band performs traditional music and selections from its halftime show approximately 75 minutes before kickoff. Location: Booth Library, Library Quad steps.
• 2 p.m. – Eastern Illinois University Football vs. Western Illinois – Family Weekend
  The Panthers take on Western Illinois in the Family Weekend football game. Location: O'Brien Field.
• 6 to 10 p.m. – Family Weekend: Family Fun Night – Silent Disco & Crafts
  Families and students can enjoy a silent disco, caricature portraits and hands-on crafts, including custom street signs and picture keychains. Location: Martin Luther King Jr. University Union, Library Quad steps.
• 7 to 10 p.m. – Family Weekend: Rock 'n Bowl
  See details under Friday, Nov. 6.
• 7 to 10 p.m. – Free Bowling Night!
  The Charleston Baptist College Ministry hosts a free bowling night with six lanes reserved for participants. Location: Martin Luther King Jr. University Union, EIU Bowling Center.
• 7 to 10 p.m. – Pemberton Haunted House
  See details under Friday, Nov. 6.
• 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. – Musical Theatre Opera Performance
  See details under Friday, Nov. 6.

Sunday, November 8

• 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 on Fourth Street.
• 1 p.m. – Eastern Illinois University Women's Soccer vs. Southern Indiana or Western Illinois
  EIU women's soccer takes on Southern Indiana or Western Illinois. Location: Lakeside Field.
• 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.
• 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. – Jazz Faculty 'The Goodness of Music' Fundraiser
  The concert supports the David Frank Tanner/Ronald Eugene Gholson Endowment Fund Celebrating the Goodness of Music, established in 2009 by EIU Professor of Education Emeritus Ronald Gholson in tribute to his friend David Tanner. The fund supports equipment, travel, scholarships and guest artists for EIU's Jazz Studies Program. Admission is $10 for general admission and $5 for EIU students. Location: Doudna Fine Arts Center, Doudna Theatre.

Monday, November 9

• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Career Services Drop-In Hours in Life Design Studio
  See details under Friday, Nov. 6.
• 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Writing Center in-person and online appointments
  See details under Friday, Nov. 6.
• 3 to 4 p.m. – Charleston Fire and Police Board
  Members of the Charleston Fire and Police 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.
• 6 to 7 p.m. – 3D Printing 101
  This Center for Student Innovation workshop introduces participants to the basic process of turning a digital 3D model into a printed object. Location: Booth Library, Room 1220.

Tuesday, November 10

• All day – National Vanilla Cupcake Day
  Stevenson Tower Deli recognizes National Vanilla Cupcake Day. Location: Stevenson Tower Deli.
• 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. – Civil Service Council Monthly Meeting
  The Civil Service Council will hold its monthly meeting. Location: Martin Luther King Jr. University Union, Rathskellar Loft.
• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Career Services Drop-In Hours in Life Design Studio
  See details under Friday, Nov. 6.
• 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Writing Center in-person and online appointments
  See details under Friday, Nov. 6.
• 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. 6.
• 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. – Fall Networking Night
  Students can learn how to network with employers through introductions, conversations about their interests and skills, and opportunities to build professional relationships. Location: Tarble Museum of Art.
• 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. Location: Booth Library, fourth-floor classroom.

Wednesday, November 11

• 9 a.m. – EIU/CMS Veterans Day Ceremony
  Eastern Illinois University and Charleston Middle School will hold a joint Veterans Day ceremony in Dvorak Concert Hall at the Doudna Fine Arts Center, followed by a reception. Veterans will be recognized during the ceremony and receive a commemorative challenge coin. Charleston Middle School students will participate, including the CMS Choir performing the national anthem, a student leading the Pledge of Allegiance and recognition of the VFW student essay winner. The program also will feature the presentation of colors and flags by EIU ROTC, the playing of Taps and a traditional three-volley salute. Community veterans are encouraged to register in advance to be recognized. Location: Doudna Fine Arts Center, Dvorak Concert Hall.
• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Career Services Drop-In Hours in Life Design Studio
  See details under Friday, Nov. 6.
• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Writing Center in-person and online appointments
  See details under Friday, Nov. 6.
• 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.
• 5 to 9 p.m. – Writing Center Online-Only Appointments
  See details under Sunday, Nov. 8.
• 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.
• 7 p.m. – Eastern Illinois University Men's Basketball vs. Blackburn College
  EIU men's basketball takes on Blackburn College. Location: Groniger Arena.
• 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 12

• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Career Services Drop-In Hours in Life Design Studio
  See details under Friday, Nov. 6.
• 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Writing Center in-person and online appointments
  See details under Friday, Nov. 6.
• 4:30 to 6 p.m. – Insight Forum: Mindful Money Management
  The second workshop in a three-part financial education series explores everyday financial decisions, spending habits and practical strategies for managing money. The series emphasizes realistic behavior changes and simple, sustainable approaches to reducing financial stress. Location: Booth Library.
• 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.
• 6 to 7 p.m. – Data Analysis 101
  This beginner-friendly Center for Student Innovation workshop introduces participants to analyzing data with statistical software without using code. Participants will explore best practices for working with data visualizations and communicating insights. Location: Booth Library, Center for Student Innovation, Room 1220.
• 6 to 7 p.m. – Philosophy Club Meeting
  EIU's Philosophy Club holds its biweekly meeting. Location: Coleman Hall, Room 3752.
• 6 to 8 p.m. – Eastern Illinois University Volleyball vs. SIUE – Fan Appreciation Night
  EIU volleyball faces SIUE as part of Fan Appreciation Night. Location: Gardella Family Court at McAfee Gym.
• 7 p.m. – Charleston Board of Zoning Appeals and Planning
  Members of the Charleston Board of Zoning Appeals and Planning will meet. Location: City Hall Council Chambers, 520 Jackson Ave., Charleston.
• 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. – Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach
  Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach is now a musical for the whole family to enjoy. Featuring a score by the Tony Award-nominated team of Pasek and Paul and a book by Timothy Allen McDonald, the production brings the classic story to the stage. Admission is $15 for general admission and $5 for EIU students. Location: Doudna Fine Arts Center, Black Box.
• 7:30 to 9 p.m. – Hello Dali Improv Comedy Show
  EIU's Hello Dali presents a free improvised comedy show. Location: Martin Luther King Jr. University Union, Seventh Street Underground.

Friday, November 13

• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Career Services Drop-In Hours in Life Design Studio
  See details under Friday, Nov. 6.
• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Writing Center in-person and online appointments
  See details under Friday, Nov. 6.
• 11 a.m. to noon – Panther Communication (Student-Run Public Relations Agency) Meeting
  See details under Friday, Nov. 6.
• 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
  See details under Friday, Nov. 6.
• 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
  See details under Thursday, Nov. 12.
• 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.
• 1 p.m. – Eastern Illinois University Women's Basketball vs. Evansville
  EIU women's basketball takes 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. The event follows the opening of the online auction on Nov. 12 and the public viewing and holiday boutique activities on Nov. 13. 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.
• 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. – Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach
  See details under Thursday, Nov. 12.

Sunday, November 15

• 10:30 a.m. to noon – Worship Service
  See details under Sunday, Nov. 8.
• 2 p.m. – Eastern Illinois University Men's Basketball vs. Purdue Fort Wayne
  EIU men's basketball takes on Purdue Fort Wayne. Location: Groniger Arena.
• 2 to 3 p.m. – Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach
  See details under Thursday, Nov. 12.
• 5 to 9 p.m. – Writing Center Online-Only Appointments
  See details under Sunday, Nov. 8.
• 5:30 to 7 p.m. – Sunday Supper at the Wesley Foundation
  See details under Sunday, Nov. 8.

For additional information on upcoming EIU and other community partner events, visit the EIU Events Calendar. For EIU Athletics events, visit the EIU Athletics calendar.

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 eiu.edu or call EIU's Public Information Office at (217) 581-7400.