10:30 AM · City Hall Basement Conference Room, 520 Jackson Ave., Charleston, IL 61920
Members of the Firefighters' Pension Fund Board of Trustees will meet
11:30 AM · City Hall Basement Conference Room, 520 Jackson Ave., Charleston, IL 61920
Members of the Charleston Police Pension Fund Board of Trustees will meet
8:00 PM · Eastern Illinois University, Doudna Fine Arts Center
Witness the next generation of fashion designers redefine style and sustainability at Runway Reclaim, a dynamic showcase of upcycled fashion designs crafted by talented students. This event highlights the fusion of creativity and eco-consciousness, pushing the boundaries of fashion's future.
8:00 PM · City Hall Council Chambers, 520 Jackson Ave.,  Charleston IL 61920
Members of the Charleston Board of Zoning Appeals & Planning will meet in Council Chambers as needed
2:00 PM · Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site , 402 South Lincoln Hwy Rd, Lerna, IL 62440
Bring your child, mother, or grandmother and join Rebecca Clark, The Nerdy Baker, on Saturday, May 2nd for this hands-on, guided cookie decorating workshop! Piping bags, icing, and a cookie scribe are all provided, and by the end of the day participants will take home an assortment of decorated cookies! Registration in advance is required, and seats are limited! Online registration at www.lincolnlogcabin.org
11:30 AM · Meadowview Golf Course, Mattoon, IL
Annual fundraiser for United Way of Coles County.
8:00 AM · Leaf and Limb Dropoff, 1200 W Madison, Charleston, IL 61910
Leaf & Limb Drop Off 1200 W Madison Ave NO APPLIANCES The City will provide dumpsters at no cost to residents. Only Charleston residents and property owners (no contractors) may participate in the cleanup. Items that will not be accepted at the drop-off sites: Building materials or construction debris exceeding 1 cubic yard (drywall, shingles, dirt, brick, concrete, asphalt, rock, etc.); Tires; Liquids (of any kind); Batteries; Car parts (exceeding 1 cubic yard); Burned material (ashes of any kind) and Landscape waste. NON-HAZARDOUS SOLID WASTE ONLY! No electronic recycling. Saturday , May 16, 2026 NEW TIMES!! 7:00a - 12:00p Phone: 217-345-5650
10:00 AM · 8422 N County Rd 1820E, Charleston, IL 61920
Come out to The Whiteside Garden anytime from 9am-12pm on Saturday, May 16th to experience an assortment of garden-themed activities and shopping! The Whiteside Garden is a beautiful, five-acre certified botanical garden and arboretum. This event is hosted by the Douglas-Hart Foundation, a non-profit, and is requesting a free will donation admission for the event,. Parking is limited; carpooling is recommended. Parking is on the Northwest side of 1820e and along the roadway as much as possible. 8+ Garden Themed Vendors from fresh cut flowers, beaded decorative garden stakes, potted plants from multiple greenhouses, garden themed crafts, and more! Vendors include: Eloe's Landscapes Garden and Home, ImagiNature Beaded Decor, and Primitive Upcycled Woodworking. Vendors will be stationed in the front yard of the garden. Guided Garden Tours at the top of every hours: 9am, 10am, and 11am. Attendees may also opt for a self-guided tour. Just follow the map on the brochure packet and look for the numbered plants. Docents are stationed at learning stations throughout the garden. The Welcome Center will be open for viewing, along with restrooms and the gift shop. Light refreshments will be available for purchase throughout the morning.
9:00 AM · City Hall, 2nd Floor Conference Room, 520 Jackson Ave.,  Charleston IL 61920
Members of the Charleston Tree Commission will meet
2:00 PM · 1225 Montgomery Drive, Charleston, IL 61920
May Promo: Come to give blood May 1-17 and get a $20 eGift Card, thanks to Amazon! See: rcblood.org/Amazon Get summer ready! Come to give blood May 18-31 for an exclusive Red Cross beach towel, ltd. qty!
8:30 PM · Kiwanis Park, Daum Amphitheater, Harrison and Division Streets, Charleston, IL 61920
The Charleston Community Band plays every Thursday night at 7:30 pm starting May 28 until July 11. 2026 marks their 49th season!
7:00 PM · City Hall Basement Conference Room, 520 Jackson Ave., Charleston, IL 61920
Members of the Charleston Electrical Commission will meet
7:30 AM · Eastern Illinois University, O'Brien Stadium, Charleston, IL 61920
2025 Race Day Photos | 2025 Race Results Get out your running shoes and bring the whole family to Races for All Paces on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Eastern Illinois University’s O’Brien Stadium. This family-friendly event offers something for every fitness level, including a 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk, 5K, 10K, Toddler Trot, and Diaper Dash. Enjoy fun activities for all ages. All 1-Mile, 5K, and 10K participants receive a medal, with age-group awards for the 5K and 10K. 10K Run/Walk | 7:50 a.m. Course Map | Training Plan Challenge yourself in our 6.2-mile 10K race, perfect for runners and walkers looking to go the extra distance. Registration is $35 in advance or $40 on event day, with a $10 fee for kids ages 12 and under in advance and $15 on event day. The race is chip-timed, first aid stations will be available, and all finishers receive a medal. 5K Run/Walk | 8:15 a.m. Course Map | Training Plan The 5K Run/Walk is a great way to get active together and celebrate fitness as a family. Registration is $30 in advance or $35 on event day, with a $10 fee for kids ages 12 and under in advance and $15 on event day. The race is chip-timed, first aid stations will be available, and all finishers receive a medal. 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk | 9:30 a.m. Course Map The 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk is a great event for participants of all ages and abilities. This timed race allows adults who participate in the 5K or 10K to also enjoy the 1-Mile with their children. Registration is $15 in advance or $20 on event day, with a $5 fee for kids ages 12 and under in advance and $10 on event day. All finishers receive a medal. Toddler Trot | 10:15 a.m. The Toddler Trot will take place on the 50 yard line of O'Brien Field to allow children ages 3 to 5 years old to run like the big boys and girls! All participants will receive a prize when they cross the finish line. There is no registration fee but registration is requested. Diaper Dash | 10:15 a.m. The Diaper
9:00 AM · 1215 Division Street, Charleston, IL 61920
Join the American Volkssport Association Mid-America Region’s Conference in June. Start off your adventure at a city walk in the vibrant and exciting town of Terre Haute, Indiana. Then head on across the border to Illinois. Your next stop is for an evening social at the Stix Bar & Grille in the new, growing section of Mattoon, Illinois easily assessable to Interstate 57. The next morning head down the road to historic Charleston, Illinois home to the fighting Panthers of Eastern Illinois University. The 10KM walk will take you on a walk to the downtown square of Charleston passing through parks and up a few hills and finishing on the campus of Eastern Illinois University. The 5KM walk is a campus walk through EIU past several beautiful and historical campus buildings and over to the campus pond and on a portion of the Woodall trail. Eastern is one of the most easily walked and user friendly campuses in the United States. Take a quick breather and head a short distance over to Fox Ridge State Park. We will spend Saturday afternoon and evening in this wonderful Illinois State park. We will meet at the Stone Shelter built in 1936 by the Civil Conservation Corps for a picnic lunch ending with a piece 50th anniversary cake. The afternoon walk will take you through the park on paved and some short trails. Stick around after the walk for an evening of pizza and fellowship under the stars far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. On Sunday before heading home join us for one more walk in the wonderful state of Illinois. More details to follow. You know what they say – the midwest has some of the friendliest people in the world. So come join us for fun, fitness and friendship. Get information on registration, all walks, and socials here .
2:00 PM · Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site , 402 South Lincoln Hwy Rd, Lerna, IL 62440
Join Mike Anderson, “The Dulcimer Guy” for this mountain dulcimer workshop to enhance your playing skills! From basics like strumming and reading tablature to more advanced skills like chording and decorating songs with “tricks,” this workshop will have a little bit of something for every skill level. Please bring your own instrument. Registration in advance is required.
11:00 AM · CECOM-911 , 10500 State Highway 16, Suite 1, Mattoon, IL 61938
Members of GovTC will meet in the CECOM conference room
8:00 PM · City Hall Council Chambers, 520 Jackson Ave.,  Charleston IL 61920
Members of the Charleston Board of Zoning Appeals & Planning will meet in Council Chambers as needed
10:30 AM · City Hall Basement Conference Room, 520 Jackson Ave., Charleston, IL 61920
Members of the Firefighters' Pension Fund Board of Trustees will meet
11:30 AM · City Hall Basement Conference Room, 520 Jackson Ave., Charleston, IL 61920
Members of the Charleston Police Pension Fund Board of Trustees will meet
8:00 PM · City Hall Council Chambers, 520 Jackson Ave.,  Charleston IL 61920
Members of the Charleston Board of Zoning Appeals & Planning will meet in Council Chambers as needed
5:00 PM · City Hall Basement Conference Room, 520 Jackson Ave., Charleston, IL 61920
Members of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee will meet
7:30 PM · Charleston Carnegie Public Library, 712 6th St, Charleston, IL 61920
Members of the Carnegie Library Board of Trustees will meet in the Library Board Room
8:00 PM · City Hall Council Chambers, 520 Jackson Ave.,  Charleston IL 61920
Members of the Charleston Board of Zoning Appeals & Planning will meet in Council Chambers as needed
11:00 AM · CECOM-911 , 10500 State Highway 16, Suite 1, Mattoon, IL 61938
Members of GovTC will meet in the CECOM conference room
9:00 AM · City Hall Council Chambers, 520 Jackson Ave.,  Charleston IL 61920
Members of Charleston's Historic Preservation Commission will meet
10:30 AM · City Hall Basement Conference Room, 520 Jackson Ave., Charleston, IL 61920
Members of the Firefighters' Pension Fund Board of Trustees will meet
11:30 AM · City Hall Basement Conference Room, 520 Jackson Ave., Charleston, IL 61920
Members of the Charleston Police Pension Fund Board of Trustees will meet
8:00 PM · City Hall Council Chambers, 520 Jackson Ave.,  Charleston IL 61920
Members of the Charleston Board of Zoning Appeals & Planning will meet in Council Chambers as needed
8:00 AM · City Hall, 2nd Floor Conference Room, 520 Jackson Ave.,  Charleston IL 61920
Members of the Charleston Tree Commission will meet
7:00 PM · City Hall Council Chambers, 520 Jackson Ave.,  Charleston IL 61920
Members of the Charleston Board of Zoning Appeals & Planning will meet in Council Chambers as needed
Tuesday, April 28, 2026 · 10:30 AM · City Hall Basement Conference Room, 520 Jackson Ave., Charleston, IL 61920
City Hall Basement Conference Room, 520 Jackson Ave., Charleston, IL 61920
Members of the Firefighters' Pension Fund Board of Trustees will meet
Tuesday, April 28, 2026 · 11:30 AM · City Hall Basement Conference Room, 520 Jackson Ave., Charleston, IL 61920
City Hall Basement Conference Room, 520 Jackson Ave., Charleston, IL 61920
Members of the Charleston Police Pension Fund Board of Trustees will meet
Wednesday, April 29, 2026 · 8:00 PM · Eastern Illinois University, Doudna Fine Arts Center
Eastern Illinois University, Doudna Fine Arts Center
Witness the next generation of fashion designers redefine style and sustainability at Runway Reclaim, a dynamic showcase of upcycled fashion designs crafted by talented students. This event highlights the fusion of creativity and eco-consciousness, pushing the boundaries of fashion's future.
Thursday, April 30, 2026 · 8:00 PM · City Hall Council Chambers, 520 Jackson Ave.,  Charleston IL 61920
City Hall Council Chambers, 520 Jackson Ave.,  Charleston IL 61920
Members of the Charleston Board of Zoning Appeals & Planning will meet in Council Chambers as needed
Saturday, May 2, 2026 · 2:00 PM · Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site , 402 South Lincoln Hwy Rd, Lerna, IL 62440
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site , 402 South Lincoln Hwy Rd, Lerna, IL 62440
Bring your child, mother, or grandmother and join Rebecca Clark, The Nerdy Baker, on Saturday, May 2nd for this hands-on, guided cookie decorating workshop! Piping bags, icing, and a cookie scribe are all provided, and by the end of the day participants will take home an assortment of decorated cookies! Registration in advance is required, and seats are limited! Online registration at www.lincolnlogcabin.org
Friday, May 15, 2026 · 11:30 AM · Meadowview Golf Course, Mattoon, IL
Meadowview Golf Course, Mattoon, IL
Annual fundraiser for United Way of Coles County.
Saturday, May 16, 2026 · 8:00 AM · Leaf and Limb Dropoff, 1200 W Madison, Charleston, IL 61910
Leaf and Limb Dropoff, 1200 W Madison, Charleston, IL 61910
Leaf & Limb Drop Off 1200 W Madison Ave NO APPLIANCES The City will provide dumpsters at no cost to residents. Only Charleston residents and property owners (no contractors) may participate in the cleanup. Items that will not be accepted at the drop-off sites: Building materials or construction debris exceeding 1 cubic yard (drywall, shingles, dirt, brick, concrete, asphalt, rock, etc.); Tires; Liquids (of any kind); Batteries; Car parts (exceeding 1 cubic yard); Burned material (ashes of any kind) and Landscape waste. NON-HAZARDOUS SOLID WASTE ONLY! No electronic recycling. Saturday , May 16, 2026 NEW TIMES!! 7:00a - 12:00p Phone: 217-345-5650
Saturday, May 16, 2026 · 10:00 AM · 8422 N County Rd 1820E, Charleston, IL 61920
8422 N County Rd 1820E, Charleston, IL 61920
Come out to The Whiteside Garden anytime from 9am-12pm on Saturday, May 16th to experience an assortment of garden-themed activities and shopping! The Whiteside Garden is a beautiful, five-acre certified botanical garden and arboretum. This event is hosted by the Douglas-Hart Foundation, a non-profit, and is requesting a free will donation admission for the event,. Parking is limited; carpooling is recommended. Parking is on the Northwest side of 1820e and along the roadway as much as possible. 8+ Garden Themed Vendors from fresh cut flowers, beaded decorative garden stakes, potted plants from multiple greenhouses, garden themed crafts, and more! Vendors include: Eloe's Landscapes Garden and Home, ImagiNature Beaded Decor, and Primitive Upcycled Woodworking. Vendors will be stationed in the front yard of the garden. Guided Garden Tours at the top of every hours: 9am, 10am, and 11am. Attendees may also opt for a self-guided tour. Just follow the map on the brochure packet and look for the numbered plants. Docents are stationed at learning stations throughout the garden. The Welcome Center will be open for viewing, along with restrooms and the gift shop. Light refreshments will be available for purchase throughout the morning.
Thursday, May 28, 2026 · 9:00 AM · City Hall, 2nd Floor Conference Room, 520 Jackson Ave.,  Charleston IL 61920
City Hall, 2nd Floor Conference Room, 520 Jackson Ave.,  Charleston IL 61920
Members of the Charleston Tree Commission will meet
Thursday, May 28, 2026 · 2:00 PM · 1225 Montgomery Drive, Charleston, IL 61920
1225 Montgomery Drive, Charleston, IL 61920
May Promo: Come to give blood May 1-17 and get a $20 eGift Card, thanks to Amazon! See: rcblood.org/Amazon Get summer ready! Come to give blood May 18-31 for an exclusive Red Cross beach towel, ltd. qty!