University News

Dads' Day Oct. 28 at WIU

September 28, 2023

Share Printer friendly version

MACOMB, IL - - Western Illinois University will celebrate Dads' Day Saturday, Oct. 28 with a weekend of events planned across campus and in the Macomb community.

Some of this year's events include:

Saturday, Oct. 28


  • 3 p.m., Leatherneck Football, Hanson Field: WIU Athletics will host Southern Illinois University. Tailgating will kick-off in Q-Lot, adjacent to Hanson Field at 10 a.m. The Leathernecks welcome dads' and students to enjoy the weekend with Football and fun. WIU students will be admitted free with a valid student ID. Tickets can be purchased at the game, online at GoLeathernecks.com or by calling (309) 298-1190.

  • 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Western Illinois University Bookstore, University Union Ground Floor: Stop by the WIU Bookstore in the University Union to check out all the latest WIU merchandise. For Dads' Day, gifts and apparel will be 20% off, plus a special deal of the week.

  • Alpha Gamma Rho Smokin' Hog, Alpha Gamma Rho (AGR) Fraternity: Alpha Gamma Rho is presenting the 31st Annual Smokin' Hog featuring family-friendly food served from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4-6:30 p.m. An AGR alumni cover band will play at 9 p.m., followed by WIU native and up-and-coming artist Gabe Carlock. Attendees can enjoy food and an energetic concert on the city of Macomb's Smokin' Hog Day. The address is 1010 N. Lafayette St.

  • 12-3 p.m., Macomb School of Magic, Glenwood Park/Stone Shelter: Wizards, witches and those in between. The Macomb School of Magic is enrolling its team. There are spells to be performed and magic to be seen. Which house will you belong to this Halloween? The event is open free to the public.


Sunday, Oct. 29


  • Haunted Trail, WIU Horn Field Campus: Feeling Spooky? Check out the Haunted Trail at WIU's Horn Field Campus … if you dare. Family-friendly options are available. Admission is $5 per person. The family-friendly trail is available 5-6:30 p.m. and the scary trail is open from 7-9 p.m. The address is 985 China Rd. For more information, call (309) 298-4676 or email hf-campus@wiu.edu. For more information on WIU Horn Field Campus, follow them on Facebook and Instagram.


Weekend Activities


  • Prairie Pumpkin Hunt: Pumpkins will be hidden throughout the Lakeview Nature Center's prairie. Attendees can take a self-guided tour to find them. This event is open and free to the public.

  • Sculpture Park: Nestled at the edge of Downtown Macomb, next to Citizens Bank and the Macomb Post Office, the Macomb Park District's Interaction Sculpture Park is open to the public. Each sculpture in this park reflects aspects of local parks, as well as the history and culture of Macomb.

  • Everwood Disc Golf Course: The course is located in Glenwood Park and is open for public use.

  • Veterans Park QR Fit Trail: This park offers over 1.7 miles of walking trails, which include QR fitness codes along the route with varying exercises and outdoor fitness equipment near the playground.

  • 8 a.m., Hike at Spring Lake Park: Get back to nature! Located 2.5 miles northwest of the University, the beautiful 230-acre Spring Lake is complemented by hiking and biking trails, campsites, cabin rentals and much more. Attendees can visit #AllTrails.com, a map application for iPhone and Google to track paths down the Spring Lake Trails. For more information, contact Spring Lake Management at (309) 833-2052.


Multi-day Events


  • 10 a.m-12 p.m., The Western Connection Shop, Macomb Train Station (West end): Make some time to visit The Western Connection shop in the Macomb Train Station on Friday (Oct. 27) and Saturday (Oct. 28). The Western Connection Shop specializes in alumni, student and departmental-made items, as well as a bit of WIU-apparel and gifts, many of which are perfect for dads. Attendees can enter through the west side entrance.

  • The Crafty Coop: Looking to do something crafty? Stop by the Crafty Coop from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Friday (Oct. 27) or 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday (Oct. 28). Attendees can enjoy a Painting with Baby Goats Halloween Party from noon-5 p.m. Sunday (Oct. 29). All dad's paint for free. Pre-registration is required at thecraftycoopmacomb.com. The address is 206 N. Lafayette St.



For more information on the events, visit bit.ly/WIUDADS

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing