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Dad's Weekend 2026
Nov 6th - Nov 8th

Dads Weekend at the University of Illinois will take place November 6–8, 2026, offering a memorable three‑day celebration filled with Illini traditions and time with your student. All parents and family members are welcome to join the festivities, which begin Friday evening and conclude with Sunday brunch. Event tickets—some with limited quantities and increasing prices as the weekend approaches—should be purchased early. Football tickets will be released later this summer following season ticket sales, and subscribers to our email list will be notified when single‑game tickets become available. All events are organized by the Illini Dads Association, with proceeds supporting grants for University of Illinois students.

Purchase tickets below!

Kankakee Wyndham Garden

If you are having trouble finding accommodation in Champaign County for the weekend, many parents book housing in another county.

The Illini Dads have reserved a block of rooms at the Wyndham Garden Inn off Interstate 57 in Kankakee, about an hour north of Champaign.

If you are interested, visit the link below, or call 815-932-4444

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Oak Brook Shuttle

NEW for 2026!

You can ride a shuttle from Oak Brook Mall to the University of Illinois to experience Dads Weekend without the hassle of driving and parking.

One way and round trip options available.

Dad's Weekend Grange Grove Tailgate

Don't miss the ultimate tailgate experience in Grange Grove, where you can enjoy food and beverages only a few steps away from the stadium, Marching Illini and surrounding action.

 

Nov 6th 5-7pm

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Dad's Weekend Friday Night Illini Hockey

Enjoy a night at the University of Illinois Ice Arena cheering on the Fighting Illini.

Game starts at 7 p.m.

Dad's Weekend Saturday Morning 5k

Lace up your running shoes and rally with fellow fans, students, and father figures as we come together for a spirited morning of fitness, fun, and community at the Arboretum.

Nov 7th @ 9am

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Dad's Block at Joe's Brewery

Join us for a daytime event at Joe’s Brewery. You’ll have special access to hang out with your student while listening to music and grabbing lunch.

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Nov 7th, 11am-1pm

Concert at Foellinger Auditorium

Hear some top musical talent at Illinois in a historic venue during this A Capella concert.

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Nov 7th @ 7:30pm

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Dad's Weekend Saturday Night Illini Hockey

Enjoy a night at the University of Illinois Ice Arena cheering on the Fighting Illini.

 

Game starts at 7 p.m.

Dad's Weekend Sunday Brunch

Don't leave campus without feeding your student. Parents and students can visit the Illini Union for brunch.

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Nov 8th, 10am-12pm

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Illini Dads

616 E. Green Street

Technology Plaza Suite 210 | M/C 389

Champaign, IL 61820

(217) 333-7063

info@illinidads.com

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