Family and Friends Weekend
October 17 - 19, 2025
We are excited to welcome you to campus for Family and Friends Weekend 2025. There is no need to pre-register. The following events require guest payment for entry:
- Annual Fall Festival ($5 per guest)
- Champagne Brunch with President Farley ($5 per guest)
Use the dropdown menu below to check out this weekend's events!
- Friday, October 17, 2025
Check-in for the Weekend!
5 to 7 p.m. :: Caine Student Center, Fireside Lounge
Stop by to pick up your shirt, check-in materials, and schedule for the weekend! Free parking is available near #8 on this campus map.*Downtown Jacksonville Witches Walk
5 to 8 p.m. :: Downtown Jacksonville
Enjoy an evening of spooky fun in downtown Jacksonville! Local Businesses will be open late and will host a scavenger hunt, offer treats, and plan festive surprises. Look for vendors, prizes, and plenty of Halloween spirit along the way!- More information online: https://jacksonvilleil.org/event/witches-walk-3/
Historic Campus Ghost Tours
6 to 7 p.m. :: leaving from the Illinois College Seal on Steuer Walkway
The Illinois College campus is rich with history (and spooky tales!) Join us as we share legends of ghosts and spirits that walk these very grounds. Fall snacks and beverages provided along the way! Tours will leave at 6:00 p.m., 6:20 p.m., and 6:40 p.m. FREE for IC Students and their guests.Illinois College Volleyball Game vs. Ripon College
7 p.m. :: Sherman Gymnasium, Bruner Fitness and Recreation Center
Witness IC Volleyball in action as they take on Ripon College! Limited supply of IC blue spirit items will be given away to attendees.*SINGO
8 to 10 p.m. :: Goodtime Docs
Win trips and free slot play, playing SINGO. It's musical Bingo with different genres every week. Starts at 8PM and is FREE to play.- More information online: https://jacksonvilleil.org/event/singo/2025-10-17/
- Saturday, October 18, 2025
*Jacksonville Farmers Market
7 a.m. to 12 p.m. :: 1905 West Morton Avenue Jacksonville, IL 62650
Welcome to the Jacksonville Farmers Market, your vibrant local hub for fresh, locally sourced produce and artisanal goods in Jacksonville, Illinois. Our market brings together the community every week, offering a delightful array of seasonal fruits and vegetables, homemade baked goods, handcrafted items, and more.- More information online: https://jacksonvilleil.org/event/jacksonville-farmers-market-3/2025-10-18/
*Jacksonville Pumpkin Festival
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. :: Downtown Jacksonville
Join Jacksonville Main Street downtown at Central Park Plaza downtown for the annual Pumpkin Festival. Many activities including a Petting Zoo sponsored by Bank of Arenzville, bounce houses, Tim the Twister balloon artist, Face Painting, Pumpkin Painting, cookie decorating, Blazing Wing Challenge sponsored by BWW, Pumpkin Carving Demonstration, Pumpkin Carving/Decorating Contest, Kids’ Costume Contest, Pet Costume Contest, Games and Prizes.- More information online: https://jacksonvilleil.org/event/pumpkin-festival-3/
Family & Friends Weekend Concert
11 a.m. :: Rammelkamp Chapel
Join the IC music department in a short and entertaining celebration of the arts at IC! You'll hear a sampling of music from each of our major vocal and instrumental ensembles, and get a sneak peek at our upcoming fall and winter concerts. Enjoy this energetic, exciting, and encouraging hour of music! FREE for IC Students and their guests.Lady Blues Volleyball vs. Lake Forest
1 p.m. :: Sherman Gymnasium, Bruner Fitness and Recreation Center
The Lady Blues will take to the court again to face Lake Forest. Wear your IC blue - first 25 student attendees and their guests will receive a free IC spirit cowbell!IC Blueboys Football Game vs. Knox College
2 p.m. :: England Stadium
Join us at England Stadium as the IC Blueboy football team shows Knox how it's done! Wear your IC blue - first 25 student attendees and their guests will receive a free IC spirit cowbell!Annual Fall Festival
4 to 6:30 p.m. :: Lower Quad
Celebrate the season with us at the Fall Festival! Enjoy cozy fall vibes with plenty of photo opportunities, custom Illinois College “stuff-your-own” plush animals, festive Halloween attractions, warm apple cider, cider donuts, and other delicious fall treats. Get creative with seasonal crafts, spend time with friends, roast s’mores, and make memories at this fun-filled event. There’s something for everyone—come join the autumn fun! FREE for IC Students and just $5 per guest attending. Payment accepted at the door via cash or credit/debit card.BINGO Fundraiser for The National Society of Leadership and Success
Doors open at 6:30 p.m., game starts at 7 p.m. :: Crispin 220
Join NSLS for a night of bingo and great prizes. Bingo cards can be purchased at the door via cash and venmo, and they will be taking payment at check-in. Cost $6.00 per person and $2.00 for any additional cards you would like to purchase.- Sunday, October 19, 2025
Champagne Brunch with President Farley
9:30 - 11:00 a.m. :: Cummings Side Dining Room
Start your full day of activities with the President of Illinois College! A selection of delicious foods and beverages will be provided. FREE for IC Students and just $5 per guest attending. Payment accepted at the door via cash or credit/debit card.
*Indicates a community event not hosted or sponsored by Illinois College.
More events happening in the Jacksonville area community can be found online here: https://jacksonvilleil.org/experience/events/
Check out Springfield community events here: https://visitspringfieldillinois.com/Events
Accommodations
Need accommodations for the weekend? Take a look at our recommendations for where to stay during your visit!
Questions?
Please contact Kayla Ward '19, Director of Student Engagement and Belonging, at 217.245.3393 or email kayla.ward@ic.edu