Get ready for a delightfully unpredictable time at an Improv Show on Saturday, Sept. 13 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Mansion Library. The show provided by Zoo Improv is part of our Sept. 13-14 Weekend Wind Down, where you can extend your stay with discounted lodging and take part in other optional activities. […]

Experience Level: Beginner Experience Allerton after dark and observe the fascinating night sky at Saturday Stargazing on Saturdays, Sept. 13 or Oct. 18 from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the Sun Singer. Join the Champaign-Urbana Astronomical Society for a night of stargazing, finding constellations and spotting deep space objects through telescopes. Arrive early, bring snacks and play lawn games as […]

Experience Level: Beginner (Ages 13+) Learn about crocheting at Granny Squares 101: Crochet for Beginners on Sunday, Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in The Studio. Led by fiber artist Billie Theide, students will learn the basics of crochet, create basic stitches, change colors, read work, fix mistakes and bind off. Each student will leave […]

Experience Level: Beginner (all ages) Get a first-hand look at how honey bees manage hive activity at Beehive Observation on Sundays, Sept. 14 & Sept. 28 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Greenhouse Auditorium and outside at the beehives. (Each class will cover the same material). Instructor Maggie Wachter will provide an overview of […]

Experience Level: Beginner Give the beloved PBS series Downton Abbey a proper sendoff at Historical Dancing: A Downton Abbey Ball on Monday, Sept. 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Mansion Library. This evening soiree — led by instructor Jeanette Watts — will feature fun and easy-to-learn dances covering the era of 1912 to […]

Experience Level: Beginner Learn what stars and constellations can tell you at a Beginner’s Guide to Astrology on Tuesday, Sept. 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. in The Studio. In this introductory class, instructor Charlie Rainbow Wolf will share the background of astrology, the different types of astrology and astrological signs and planetary correlations. Students […]

Experience Level: Beginner Explore the botany, natural history and flavors of several local wild edible plants at Edible Midwest Natives on Wednesday, Sept. 17 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in The Studio. Heidi Leuszler, the owner and head chef of Berries and Flour in Champaign, will focus on native plants that are harvestable at the time of class. […]

Experience Level: Beginner (all ages; parents/guardians are not required to register with their children, but they are encouraged to be present for those 13 and younger.) Create a unique piece of art out of locally sourced alpaca fiber at Needlefelt Cardinal on Friday, Sept. 19 from 5 to 8 p.m. in The Studio. Stephanie Block of Sundrop Alpacas will […]

Experience Level: Beginner Lean to identify trees and other woody plants in the forest at Trees, Shrubs, and Vines of Allerton on Saturdays, Sept. 20 (in The Studio) and Sept. 27 (at the McDonald Family Trailhead) from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. In the first class of this two-part course, instructor Fran Harty of the […]

Experience Level: Beginner Explore the high-quality, picturesque forest on the Park’s south side at a Tree Identification Hike on Sunday, Sept. 21 from 2 to 4 p.m.  Meet at the Lost Garden/McDonald Family Trails […]

Experience Level: BeginnerLearn about the process of making sourdough bread at Beginner Sourdough Breadmaking on Sundays, Sept. 21 or Oct. 19 from 2 to 5 p.m. in the Mansion Kitchen and Carriage […]

Experience Level: BeginnerUse artwork to make a wardrobe accessory at Silk Scarf Painting on Sunday, Sept. 21 from 2 to 5 p.m. in the Mansion Library. Instructor Sally Walsh will lead this relaxing and creative workshop where students will use tips and tricks to paint on silk. All students will take home a one-of-a-kind scarf. […]

Experience Level: Beginner Learn about the process of making sourdough bread at Beginner Sourdough Breadmaking on Sundays, Sept. 21 or Oct. 19 from 2 to 5 p.m. in the Mansion Kitchen and Carriage House. (Each class covers the same material.) Instructor Hannah Fink will cover the basic biology of a ferment and what it means to a sourdough […]

Experience Level: Beginner Use artwork to make a wardrobe accessory at Silk Scarf Painting on Sunday, Sept. 21 from 2 to 5 p.m. in the Mansion Library. Instructor Sally Walsh […]

Experience Level: All levels Celebrate the beginning of autumn at Arboretum Fall Equinox Yoga on Monday, Sept. 22 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Oak Grove at the Illinois […]

Experience Level: Beginner/Intermediate Achieve that goal of learning to play a musical instrument at Learn Guitar: Get Started the Right Way on Tuesdays, Sept. 23 through Nov. 25 from 6 to 7 p.m. in The Studio. Leading this course will be musician Rex Parvin, who has a very specific approach to teaching guitar based on having an […]

Experience Level: Beginner Learn about the high-energy dances that dominated the early 20th century at Historical Dancing: Titanic to the Talkies on Tuesdays, Sept. 23 through Oct. 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Music Barn. Instructor Jeanette Watts will help students explore the one step, castle walk, tango, foxtrot, Charleston, black bottom and […]

Experience Level: Beginner Explore trees native to Illinois as well as species introduced to the area at Arboretum Tree Identification Walks on Wednesdays, Sept. 24 or Oct. 15 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Illinois Arboretum (1800 S. Lincoln Ave., Urbana). Meet in the Arboretum Parking Lot*. (Both sessions will cover the same material). […]

Experience Level: Beginner Observe a variety of migrating bird species at our Arboretum Fall Migration Bird Hikes on Thursdays, Sept. 25 or Oct. 9 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Illinois Arboretum (1800 S. Lincoln Ave., Urbana). Meet in the Arboretum Parking Lot*. Join Allerton Natural Areas Manger Nate Beccue to explore the Illinois […]

Experience Level: Beginner Learn how to craft a unique and functional basket at Basket Weaving: Lunch Tote on Friday, Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in The Studio. Instructor […]

Spend time in the natural beauty of Allerton at our annual Family Campout on Saturday, Sept. 27-Sunday, Sept. 28. This hassle-free camping experience includes the rare chance to camp overnight in the Meadow! Pick and choose from a variety of optional activities as you enjoy the great outdoors and learn about nature with your family. Optional activities […]

Experience Level: Beginner (Ages 13+) Whether you want to learn to knit or just need a refresher, enroll in Knitting 101 on Sundays, Sept. 28 and Oct. 5 from 1 to […]

Experience Level: Beginner Experience the fragrant joy of incense at Make Your Own Incense on Wednesday, Oct. 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. in The Studio. Instructor Charlie Rainbow Wolf […]

Experience Level: Beginner Keep your mind active with an easy-to-learn and fun instrument at Beginning Mountain Dulcimer on Saturdays, Oct. 4 through Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in The Studio. Instructor Lou Ann Koebel will lead students through basic chords and strum patterns that will give them the ability to play rounds, fiddle tunes […]

Experience Level: Beginner/IntermediateLearn the history, aesthetics and craft of traditional haiku at Intro to English Language Haiku on Sunday, Oct. 5 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Mansion Library. […]

Experience Level: Beginner (Ages 21+)Gather natural elements to use in a floral arrangement at Ikebana in the Wild on Monday, Oct. 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Mansion Library. In this course, instructor Rachel Wooters will lead students on a nature walk to gather natural materials, followed by a hands-on, freestyle ikebana (“giving […]

Experience Level: Beginner (Ages 21+) Combine artwork with self-care at Therapy Monsters on Monday, Oct. 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Mansion Carriage House. Instructor Orrin Taylor will […]

Learn about the artwork Robert and John Allerton took with them to Hawaii at History Happy Hour: Allerton Artwork in Hawaii on Wednesday, Oct. 8 from 5 to 6 p.m. in the Mansion Solarium. Spend your happy hour in the Solarium, sipping on your favorite beverage from our bar while Visitor Center Coordinator Sarah Trezise […]

Experience Level: Beginner Learn how to create with acrylics at Intro to Acrylic Painting on Wednesday, Oct. 8 from 5 to 8 p.m. in The Studio. Instructor and artist Kari Keller will guide students through the basics of acrylic painting, including sketching out guidelines, color selection, color mixing, and brushing techniques. Students will create a […]

Experience Level: Beginner (all ages; parents/guardians are not required to register with their children, but they are encouraged to be present for those 13 and younger.) Create a unique piece of art out of locally sourced alpaca fiber at Needlefelt Pumpkin on Monday, Oct. 13 from 1 to 4 p.m. in The Studio. Stephanie Block of Sundrop Alpacas […]

Experience Level: BeginnerLearn the foundational skills of watercolor at Beginning Watercolor on Tuesdays, Oct. 14 through Nov. 4 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. in The Studio. Instructor and former art educator […]

Experience Level: Beginner Learn the foundational skills of watercolor at Beginning Watercolor on Tuesdays, Oct. 14 through Nov. 4 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. in The Studio. Instructor and former art educator Sally Walsh will walk students through new techniques each week to create paintings focusing on landscapes, flowers, fruit, glass and special effects. $65/person*. Register […]

Experience Level: Beginner Continue your journey through watercolor at Intermediate Watercolor: Landscapes on Tuesdays, Oct. 14 through Nov. 4 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. in The Studio. Aimed at those who completed the Beginning Watercolor class, instructor and former art educator Sally Walsh will teach students skills and techniques to further their watercolor art in this class that will […]

Experience Level: Beginner Create a sculpture out of just cardboard, paper and glue at Cardboard & Paper Sculptures on Thursday & Friday, Oct. 16 & 17 from 12 to 4 p.m. in the Greenhouse Auditorium. Chicago-based artist Mary Seyfarth will cover design elements including form, scale, placement, color, and proportion and present tips, tricks and the means […]

Experience Level: Beginner Learn how to bring new life to an old lamp at Fix It! Basic Lamp Re-Wiring on Thursday, Oct. 16 from 4 to 6 p.m. in The Studio. Instructor Lou Ann Koebel will lead students through changing out the plug, adding a switch and/or replace wiring in lamps. This hands-on course will […]

Experience Level: BeginnerLearn to make a beautiful hand-pieced and hand-stitched quilt from scraps of fabric at Quilting: Meditative Slow Stitching By Hand on Friday, Oct. 17 from 5 to 9 p.m. in The Studio. Instructor Billie Theide will help students explore hand-piecing and hand-quilting a quilt in a unique way by stitching from the outside […]

Experience Level: Beginner Learn to make a beautiful hand-pieced and hand-stitched quilt from scraps of fabric at Quilting: Meditative Slow Stitching By Hand on Friday, Oct. 17 from 5 to […]

Experience Level: Beginner Learn to make your own soap at a Soap Making Demonstration on Saturday, Oct. 18 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Greenhouse Auditorium. Artist Sally Walsh […]

Experience Level: Beginner (Ages 21+) Make your own drink mixer from natural ingredients at Creating Cordials on Saturday, Oct. 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Greenhouse Auditorium. Instructor Heidi Leuszler will introduce students to three plants —  Elder (Sambucus Canadensis), Black Walnut (Juglas Nigra) and Black Currant (Ribes Nigrum) and discuss their natural, […]

Experience Level: Beginner Use woodland legends as inspiration to make masks at Woodland Folklore & Papier Mâché Masks on Monday through Thursday, Oct. 20-23 from 5 to 9 p.m. in The Shop. Instructor and underground artist Orrin Taylor will assist students in creating masks based on the various characters and creatures featured in woodland folklore. […]

Experience Level: Beginner Celebrate autumn at Fall Cookie Decorating on Friday, Oct. 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Mansion Carriage House. Instructor Jennifer Holhubner will teach students how to use frosting and butter cream to decorate fall-themed cookies like footballs, pumpkins and more! $75/person*. Register here. Registration will close Oct. 20 or when capacity […]

Join us for The Farms: Fiber Arts Festival on Saturday, Oct. 25 (11 a.m.-5 p.m.) in the Music Barn.The Festival will feature vendor booths and demonstrations from fiber artists and instructors at The Farms: An Allerton Folk School. Details TBA! This event is free and no registration is required. Learn more about the space where […]

Join us for The Farms: Fall Market on Saturday, Oct. 25 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Music Barn (588 Allerton Rd, Monticello). Enjoy the lovely ambiance of autumn at Allerton as you shop from local fiber artists and The Farms: An Allerton Folk School instructors. Some vendors will also have informal demonstrations and hands-on […]

Experience Level: Beginner Learn to make your own textile at Tufting the Masters on Sunday, Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in The Studio. Instructor Billie Theide will help students through the process of making small tufted pieces, suitable for framing and inspired by masters of painting (think Miro, Klee, Matisse). $145/person. Register […]

Experience Level: Beginner Learn how to craft a unique basket to hold an electronic candle at Basket Weaving: Warm & Cozy on Monday, Oct. 27 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Greenhouse Auditorium. Instructor Bonnie Rideout will lead students as they choose from a variety of floral patterns and begin by inserting spokes into a […]

Experience Level: Beginner Learn the basic mechanics of using a spinning wheel to make your own yarn at Learn to Spin Yarn on Wednesday, Oct. 29 and Thursday, Dec. 11 from 5 to 8 p.m. in The Studio. (Both courses cover the same material). After a brief introduction from instructor Stephanie Block, students will have time for […]

Experience Level: Beginner Craft a traditional witch’s broom using locally grown dried flowers and foraged materials at Besoms: A Witch’s Broom Workshop on Thursday, Oct. 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Greenhouse Auditorium. Just in time for Halloween, instructor Remington Rock of Delight Flower Farm will also share the history of besoms (brooms) […]

Experience Level: Some weaving experience needed Continue your journey into the world of weaving at Beginning Weaving II on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 1-2 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Greenhouse Auditorium. This 2-day class with instructor Sharon Bowles will be a continuation of Beginning Weaving I, but instead of everyone doing the same article, […]

Experience Level: Both beginner and those experienced with tarot decks are welcomeLearn about tarot cards and readings at Intro to Tarot Cards on Saturday, Nov. 1 from 6 to 8 p.m.  in the Mansion. Instructor Charlie Rainbow Wolf will guide students through the history of tarot, what it does and doesn’t do, and how to […]

Experience Level: Both beginner and those experienced with tarot decks are welcome Learn about tarot cards and readings at Intro to Tarot Cards on Saturday, Nov. 1 from 6 to 8 p.m.  in the Mansion. Instructor Charlie Rainbow Wolf will guide students through the history of tarot, what it does and doesn’t do, and how […]

Experience Level: Beginner Learn to weave wherever you are at Flat Loom Weaving on Sunday, Nov. 2 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Mansion Library. Whether you are at home, on a road trip or relaxing in a café, this portable weaving technique is perfect for turning downtime into productive, mindful crafting. Instructor […]

Experience Level: Beginners Create your own unique seasonal decoration at Holiday Tree Mosaics on Sunday, Nov. 2 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Mansion Library. Instructor Danielle Reed will guide students through the process of designing and creating their own decorative holiday tree sculpture using mosaic techniques. Perfect for beginners and seasoned crafters alike, students will learn how to arrange glass, select […]

Experience Level: BeginnerLearn to weave wherever you are at Flat Loom Weaving on Sunday, Nov. 2 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Mansion Library. Whether you are at home, on a road trip or relaxing in a café, this portable weaving technique is perfect for turning downtime into productive, mindful crafting. Instructor Danielle […]

Experience Level: BeginnerLearn about how to improve your health by letting go of highly processed foods at Basics of Plant-Based eating on Wednesday, Nov. 5 from 5 to 7 p.m. in The Studio. Instructor Karla Freeze will share the story of how she regained her health by adding more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and […]

Experience Level: Beginner Learn about how to improve your health by letting go of highly processed foods at Basics of Plant-Based Eating on Wednesday, Nov. 5 from 5 to 7 p.m. in The Studio. Instructor Karla Freeze will share the story of how she regained her health by adding more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts […]

Experience Level: Beginner Create prints that mimic pen and ink drawings at Intaglio Printmaking on Thursday, Nov. 6 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in The Studio. Local artist and art educator Sally Walsh will guide students as they create an Intaglio print. While printmaking usually involves an acid bath, oil-based inks and solvents, students […]

Experience Level: Beginner Give new life to an old picture frame at Fix It! Picture Framing Basics on Thursday, Nov. 6 from 4 to 6 p.m. in The Studio. Instructor Lou Ann Koebel will cover the basics of picture framing with store-bought mats and frames. This hands-on class will safely cover how to handle plate […]

Experience Level: BeginnerGive new life to an old picture frame at Fix It! Picture Framing Basics on Thursday, Nov. 6 from 4 to 6 p.m. in The Studio. Instructor Lou Ann Koebel will cover the basics of picture framing with store-bought mats and frames. This hands-on class will safely cover how to handle plate glass […]

Experience Level: Beginners Join Allerton Natural Areas staff for Winter Bird Hikes on Fridays, Nov. 7, Dec. 5, Jan. 2, Feb. 6 & March 6 from 9 to 11 a.m. Meet in the Main Parking Lot. If the starting location changes, participants will receive an email the day before. New location information will also be […]

Experience Level: Beginner (all ages; parents/guardians are not required to register with their children, but they are encouraged to be present for those 13 and younger.) Create a unique piece of art out of locally sourced alpaca fiber at Needlefelt Penguin on Saturday, Nov. 8 from 2:30 to 5:30  p.m. in The Studio. Stephanie Block of Sundrop Alpacas […]

Take part in an immersive outdoor experience with Allerton Artist-in-Residence Michael Workman at Transitive Landscapes: A Guided Walk & Field Atlas Assembly on Sunday, Nov. 9 from 12 to 1 p.m. Meet at the McCraw Family Visitor Center (park in the Visitor Center Parking Lot on Old Timber Road). Participants will follow a mapped path […]

Experience Level: Ages 18+, familiarity with a sewing machine Learn how to quilt on a sewing machine at Intro to Machine Quilting on Sunday, Nov. 9 from 12 to 4 p.m. in The Studio. Instructor Jennie Ingram will guide students as they step into the beautiful world of quilting, sharing commonly used items such as […]

Experience Level: Ages 18+, familiarity with a sewing machineLearn how to quilt on a sewing machine at Intro to Machine Quilting on Sunday, Nov. 9 from 12 to 4 p.m. in The Studio. Instructor Jennie Ingram will guide students as they step into the beautiful world of quilting, sharing commonly used items such as rotary […]

Experience Level: Beginner Learn more about the ethics of agriculture at Food for Thought: Are You Willing to Make That Trade? on Wednesday, Nov. 12 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Mansion Library. Retired professor and lecturer of plant pathology Dr. Jack Paxton will talk about agricultural ethics and correct farming practices, using clips […]

Experience Level: BeginnerLearn about the art of stained glass at Intro to Stained Glass on Wednesdays, Nov. 12 or Dec. 3 from 5 to 8 p.m. in The Studio. Each workshop will cover the same material. Instructor Kari Keller will teach students how to cut, shape and assemble a stained-glass butterfly refrigerator magnet to take home. […]

Experience Level: Beginner Learn about the art of stained glass at Intro to Stained Glass on Wednesdays, Nov. 12 or Dec. 3 from 5 to 8 p.m. in The Studio. Each workshop will cover the same material. Instructor Kari Keller will teach students how to cut, shape and assemble a stained-glass butterfly refrigerator magnet to take […]

Experience Level: BeginnerLearn a variety of hand embroidery stitches and create a unique craft item at Embroidery 101: Winter Sampler on Thursday, Nov. 13 from 12 to 4 p.m. in The Studio. Instructor Billie Theide will introduce students to the history of embroidery and samplers. Students will learn how to transfer designs to fabric, choose different threads […]

Experience Level: Beginner Learn a variety of hand embroidery stitches and create a unique craft item at Embroidery 101: Winter Sampler on Thursday, Nov. 13 from 12 to 4 p.m. in The […]

Experience Level: Beginner Join the barn quilt movement by creating your own painted quilt block to use on the inside or outside of your home at Barn Quilt Painting on Saturday, Nov. 15 or Dec. 6 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in The Studio. Students will begin with one of two options on a pre-primed […]

Experience Level: Beginner Learn to make and use cords for fiber artwork at Making Cordage on Saturday, Nov. 15 from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Greenhouse Auditorium. Instructors Heidi […]

Experience Level: Beginner  Have you ever had a smell trigger a memory? Learn why that happens at Herbal Magic: The Power of Aromatherapy on Thursdays, Nov. 20 or Dec. 11 from […]

Experience Level: Beginner Learn the difference between a shrew and a mole; a mole from a vole; a rat from a mouse; and a weasel from a mink — and […]

Experience Level: Beginner Learn how to winterize a beehive and how to care for bees in the winter at Overwintering Honey Bees on Sunday, Nov. 23 from 1 to 3 […]

Experience Level: All levels Take part in yoga for a good cause at Arboretum Yoga for Gratitude on Friday, Nov. 28 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the Oak Grove at the Illinois Arboretum (1800 S. Lincoln Ave., Urbana)*. Instructor Kristina Reese will walk students through yoga poses, breath work and meditation to help them feel more grounded and cultivate […]

Experience Level: Beginner (all ages; parents/guardians are not required to register with their children, but they are encouraged to be present for those 13 and younger.)Create a unique piece of art out of locally sourced alpaca fiber at Needlefelt Snowman on Monday, Dec. 1 from 5 to 8 p.m. in The Studio. Stephanie Block of Sundrop Alpacas will walk […]

Meet us under a full moon to strengthen your body, mind and spirit at Full Moon Yoga on Thursday, Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. in the Greenhouse Auditorium. Instructor Josie […]

Experience Level: Beginner Learn to create new plants from existing ones at Intro to Shrub Propagation on Wednesday, Dec. 10 from 3 to 5 p.m. in The Studio. Illinois Extension Educator Ryan Pankau will lead students through the practice of propagation by using cuttings from existing plants, as well as a variety of other methods. […]

Experience Level: Beginner Learn the basic mechanics of using a spinning wheel to make your own yarn at Learn to Spin Yarn on Wednesday, Oct. 29 and Thursday, Dec. 11 from 5 […]

Experience Level: Beginner  Have you ever had a smell trigger a memory? Learn why that happens at Herbal Magic: The Power of Aromatherapy on Thursdays, Nov. 20 or Dec. 11 from […]

Experience Level: BeginnerLearn more about the plants of Allerton at Winter Botany on Saturday, Dec. 13 & 20 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in The Studio and outdoors. Instructor Fran Harty will begin each class in The Studio and share information about twig characteristics, fruits and how to use an identification key. The remainder of the time […]

Experience Level: Beginner Learn how to jam with other musicians at Beginner Jam Sessions on Saturdays, Sept. 13, Oct. 11, Nov. 8 and Dec. 13 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. […]

Experience Level: BeginnerUse rings, thread and yarn to take your sewing to another level at a Button Making Workshop on Sunday, Dec. 14 from 1 to 4 p.m. in The […]

Experience Level: Beginner Use rings, thread and yarn to take your sewing to another level at a Button Making Workshop on Sunday, Dec. 14 from 1 to 4 p.m. in […]