At Research Park, we celebrate our diverse community by honoring many religious holidays and special occasions throughout the year. These celebrations take employees out of the office and into a welcoming environment to relax and to socialize with people from other companies while learning about others’ cultures or simply having fun.
View our calendar for details on upcoming holiday celebrations.
Lunar New Year, also called Spring Festival, is typically celebrated in China and other Asian countries. The celebration begins with the first new moon of the lunar calendar and ends on the first full moon of the lunar calendar, which is typically 15 days later. This single-day, January celebration offers food and activities for all attendees at EnterpriseWorks.
Mardi Gras, also known as Carnival, is largely celebrated in countries with large Roman Catholic populations on the day before the religious season of Lent starts. Although Research Park is quite far from New Orleans, be sure to eat some sweet treats at EnterpriseWorks in March.
Pi Day is a March 14 celebration for the mathematical sign pi since its digits begin with 3.14. Research Park takes it a step (and a letter) further by involving pies for Pi Day at EnterpriseWorks. Be sure to pick up a slice or two at this March event.
Cinco de Mayo, or the Fifth of May, celebrates the Mexican army's 1862 victory over France during the Battle of Puebla in the Franco-Mexican War. Over time, this commemoration has turned into a celebration of Mexican culture. Research Park offers food and activities at this May event to all attendees.
"May the Fourth Be With You" on Star Wars Day at Research Park. Come to EnterpriseWorks for Star Wars-themed treats, a photo backdrop, and activities. Attendees who come in Star Wars costumes are invited to participate in a costume contest. May the Force be with you during the friendly competition.
Eid al-Fitr, or the "Festival of Breaking Fast," is a religious holiday celebrated by Muslims to mark the end of Ramadan, which is the Islamic holy month of fasting. Eid al-Fitr traditionally isn't celebrated until the new moon appears. Come to EnterpriseWorks to learn more about this holiday and to lunch with colleagues.
Rosh Hashanah, which is the Jewish New Year, traditionally takes place on the first and second day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei. "Rosh Hashanah" literally translates to, "the beginning/head of the year." Food is provided at EnterpriseWorks in Research Park to attendees.
"Halloween" literally translates to "hallowed evening," and trick-or-treaters are sure to have a great evening as they go around EnterpriseWorks in Research Park. Families from the Champaign-Urbana community and Research Park tenants' families are invited to walk around the startup incubator, visit different startups, and collect candy. Costumed participants can take part in a costume contest.
Diwali, a five-day celebration also known as the "festival of lights," is a Hindu-originated festival celebrated in India and by the Indian diaspora. EnterpriseWorks offers food, live music, and activities for all attendees to enjoy at this single-day event.
It's Thanksgiving, but with friends and colleagues at the Research Park Friendsgiving. Come for food and activities at EnterpriseWorks, and be sure to prepare with an empty stomach and great stories to share.
The Research Park Holiday Party is a large celebration to commemorate the end of a fantastic year. Dress festive, step out of the cold, eat great food, and socialize with people from other Research Park companies at this cheerful EnterpriseWorks party.