Champaign-Urbana in the summer means free and cheap outdoor concerts galore
Many of these are family friendly, so bring the kids along for some live music in Champaign, Urbana and beyond
What’s better than relaxing outside listening to live music on a nice summer evening? How about listening to free (or cheap) live music?
This summer — and spring, and fall — there are dozens of opportunities in the Champaign-Urbana area to take in free outdoor concerts with your family. We’ve listed as many as we can find below.
Chambanamoms thanks Allerton Park & Retreat Center for presenting this comprehensive list of outdoor concerts.
Since the Allerton Park Concert Series began in 2013, it has grown in many ways—but the overall goal of bringing generations together to enjoy live music in nature remains the same. Head to Allerton this season for a variety of music, food, and fun: June 14, July 5, August 2, and September 13.
For more information: Website or Facebook
Free (and cheap!) summer outdoor concerts in the Champaign-Urbana area
Settings range from neighborhood parks to city streets to festivals. Click on the links to find the detailed schedule for each venue. We will also include spring and fall concerts, as outdoor music is a treat any time we have the chance to catch it!
We will be adding to this constantly, so keep checking back. If you know of a concert you’d like to see on this list, take a moment to submit it to our events calendar and we’ll get it on here.
Friday, May 3, 2024
Bluebell Festival
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Celebrate spring at this inaugural Bluebell Festival: A Folk School Fundraiser on May 3-5! This festive community event will feature a visitor-favorite Plant Sale, a vendor fair and craft demonstrations at The Market, live music, workshops*, food (food trucks + Greenhouse Café), drinks, new-release merchandise, and more! Friday, May 3rd 5:00-9:00 p.m. — Plant Sale,…read more…
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Bluebell Festival
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, 8:00 am - 10:00 pm
Celebrate spring at this inaugural Bluebell Festival: A Folk School Fundraiser on May 3-5! This festive community event will feature a visitor-favorite Plant Sale, a vendor fair and craft demonstrations at The Market, live music, workshops*, food (food trucks + Greenhouse Café), drinks, new-release merchandise, and more! Friday, May 3rd 5:00-9:00 p.m. — Plant Sale,…read more…
Perimeter Road Music Festival
Parkland College, 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Parkland College's student-staffed record label, Perimeter Road Sound Recordings, is hosting a free music festival for the community. Perimeter Road Music Festival 2024 will be held Saturday, May 4, from noon to 6 p.m. in the college's Student Union parking lot (B1). This event includes live performances, food trucks, and…read more…
Summer Concert Series | Featuring Edison Middle School Bands
Hessel Park, 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
This summer, gather your friends, family, and neighbors for our Summer Concerts. Audience members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, snacks, and refreshments.
Sunday, May 5, 2024
Bluebell Festival
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Celebrate spring at this inaugural Bluebell Festival: A Folk School Fundraiser on May 3-5! This festive community event will feature a visitor-favorite Plant Sale, a vendor fair and craft demonstrations at The Market, live music, workshops*, food (food trucks + Greenhouse Café), drinks, new-release merchandise, and more! Friday, May 3rd 5:00-9:00 p.m. — Plant Sale,…read more…
Saturday, May 18, 2024
Billy Galt at the Peony Garden
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Enjoy a stroll through the picturesque Peony Garden and enjoy music in the Meadow from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on May 18-19. The lineup includes: Saturday, May 18: Billy Galt Sunday, May 19: Lisa & Tom The music is free, so bring your lawn chair or blanket and drink in the music on this…read more…
Sunday, May 19, 2024
Lisa & Tom at the Peony Garden
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Enjoy a stroll through the picturesque Peony Garden and enjoy music in the Meadow from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on May 18-19. The lineup includes: Saturday, May 18: Billy Galt Sunday, May 19: Lisa & Tom The music is free, so bring your lawn chair or blanket and drink in the music on this…read more…
Thursday, May 23, 2024
Jazz in the Park
Clark Park, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
This summer, join the Champaign Park District for an unforgettable series of Jazz in the Park concerts, where friends, family, and neighbors come together to enjoy live music in the great outdoors. Experience the magic of jazz in a different neighborhood park each month as talented musicians take the stage…read more…
Friday, May 24, 2024
Lake House Candlelight Serenade | Jazz Edition
Lake House in Crystal Lake Park, 8:30 pm - 10:00 pm
The Urbana Park District is pleased to partner with 40 North, the City of Urbana Arts and Culture Program, the CU Symphony and the CU Jazz Festival to offer two evenings of candlelit paddleboat rides at the Lake House in Crystal Lake Park. In May you'll be serenaded by a…read more…
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Urbana Park District | Neighborhood Nights | The Occasional Cajun Band
Carle Park, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
All ages are welcome! Gather up your chairs and blankets because Neighborhood Nights are back! Urbana Park District has been bringing the best local musicians to just about every park in Urbana for nearly 35 years. Bring a picnic dinner and spend the evening in a lovely park setting. Each…read more…
Friday, May 31, 2024
Farmer City Heritage Days
Downtown Farmer City, 8:00 am - 11:00 pm
Farmer City Heritage Days includes live entertainment, a carnival, a free community dinner, craft and food vendors, car show, cornhole tournament, 5K/Fun Run, free kids activities and much more.
Saturday, June 1, 2024
Summer Concert Series
Hessel Park, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
This summer, gather your friends, family, and neighbors for our Summer Concerts. Audience members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, snacks, and refreshments.
Wednesday, June 5, 2024
Urbana Park District | Neighborhood Nights | Pain Killers
Lake House in Crystal Lake Park, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
All ages are welcome! Gather up your chairs and blankets because Neighborhood Nights are back! Urbana Park District has been bringing the best local musicians to just about every park in Urbana for nearly 35 years. Bring a picnic dinner and spend the evening in a lovely park setting. Each…read more…
Friday, June 7, 2024
Folk & Roots Fridays | Brown Bag Lunch Concert
Lake House in Crystal Lake Park, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Join the Urbana Park District and the C-U Folk & Roots Festival on the first and third Fridays of each month this summer for some great FREE live music! They'll have boating and drink/snack specials, just bring your lunch and enjoy an afternoon lunch break on the lake. Enter your…read more…
Mahomet Neighborhood Nights
Barber Park, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Fisher National Bank Neighborhood Nights will feature Live Music & Food Trucks in 4 neighborhood parks this Summer! Families can bring a blanket and lawn chairs and enjoy a free concert featuring great musical talent. Time: 6:00-8:00pm June 7: Barber Park June 14: Freedom Plaza June 21: Brent Johnson Park…read more…
Saturday, June 8, 2024
Mahomet Soda Fest
Downtown Mahomet, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Make your way to historic downtown Mahomet to enjoy soda from classic, family-owned bottlers from all over the country. Sample endless options from hot ginger ale to Zombie Brain. With kids activities, local food and live music it is sure to be a day you'll remember!
Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Urbana Park District | Neighborhood Nights | New Souls
Crestview Park, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
All ages are welcome! Gather up your chairs and blankets because Neighborhood Nights are back! Urbana Park District has been bringing the best local musicians to just about every park in Urbana for nearly 35 years. Bring a picnic dinner and spend the evening in a lovely park setting. Each…read more…
Friday, June 14, 2024
Love for Allerton: Summer Concert Series
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Head out to the Gatehouse Lawn at Allerton Park from 6-9 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2024 for LOVE FOR ALLerton, an outdoor concert. The event opens up the Allerton Park Concert Series presented by The Ayers Family, with monthly concerts through September 13, 2024. Admission is free, but a donation…read more…
Mahomet Neighborhood Nights
Freedom Plaza, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Fisher National Bank Neighborhood Nights will feature Live Music & Food Trucks in 4 neighborhood parks this Summer! Families can bring a blanket and lawn chairs and enjoy a free concert featuring great musical talent. Time: 6:00-8:00pm June 7: Barber Park June 14: Freedom Plaza June 21: Brent Johnson Park…read more…
Thursday, June 20, 2024
Jazz in the Park
Mattis Park, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
This summer, join the Champaign Park District for an unforgettable series of Jazz in the Park concerts, where friends, family, and neighbors come together to enjoy live music in the great outdoors. Experience the magic of jazz in a different neighborhood park each month as talented musicians take the stage…read more…
Friday, June 21, 2024
Folk & Roots Fridays | Brown Bag Lunch Concert
Lake House in Crystal Lake Park, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Join the Urbana Park District and the C-U Folk & Roots Festival on the first and third Fridays of each month this summer for some great FREE live music! They'll have boating and drink/snack specials, just bring your lunch and enjoy an afternoon lunch break on the lake. Enter your…read more…
Mahomet Neighborhood Nights
Brent Johnson Park, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Fisher National Bank Neighborhood Nights will feature Live Music & Food Trucks in 4 neighborhood parks this Summer! Families can bring a blanket and lawn chairs and enjoy a free concert featuring great musical talent. Time: 6:00-8:00pm June 7: Barber Park June 14: Freedom Plaza June 21: Brent Johnson Park…read more…
Wednesday, June 26, 2024
Urbana Park District | Neighborhood Nights | Keith Harden
Victory Park, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
All ages are welcome! Gather up your chairs and blankets because Neighborhood Nights are back! Urbana Park District has been bringing the best local musicians to just about every park in Urbana for nearly 35 years. Bring a picnic dinner and spend the evening in a lovely park setting. Each…read more…
Friday, June 28, 2024
Mahomet Neighborhood Nights
Bridle Leash Park, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Fisher National Bank Neighborhood Nights will feature Live Music & Food Trucks in 4 neighborhood parks this Summer! Families can bring a blanket and lawn chairs and enjoy a free concert featuring great musical talent. Time: 6:00-8:00pm June 7: Barber Park June 14: Freedom Plaza June 21: Brent Johnson Park…read more…
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Urbana Park District | Neighborhood Nights | Riders of the Golden Maize
AMBUCS Park, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
All ages are welcome! Gather up your chairs and blankets because Neighborhood Nights are back! Urbana Park District has been bringing the best local musicians to just about every park in Urbana for nearly 35 years. Bring a picnic dinner and spend the evening in a lovely park setting. Each…read more…
Friday, July 5, 2024
Folk & Roots Fridays | Brown Bag Lunch Concert
Lake House in Crystal Lake Park, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Join the Urbana Park District and the C-U Folk & Roots Festival on the first and third Fridays of each month this summer for some great FREE live music! They'll have boating and drink/snack specials, just bring your lunch and enjoy an afternoon lunch break on the lake. Enter your…read more…
Reds, Whites, and the Blues: Summer Concert Series
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Some of the best in blues will be on hand for Allerton Park's Reds, Whites, & the Blues concert, scheduled for 6-9 p.m. Friday, July 5, 2024, on the Gatehouse Lawn. The event is part of Allerton Park’s Concert Series presented by the Ayers Family, with monthly concerts through September 13. Admission is…read more…
Saturday, July 6, 2024
Summer Concert Series
Hessel Park, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
This summer, gather your friends, family, and neighbors for our Summer Concerts. Audience members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, snacks, and refreshments.
Wednesday, July 10, 2024
Urbana Park District | Neighborhood Nights | Wildwood
Larson Park, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
All ages are welcome! Gather up your chairs and blankets because Neighborhood Nights are back! Urbana Park District has been bringing the best local musicians to just about every park in Urbana for nearly 35 years. Bring a picnic dinner and spend the evening in a lovely park setting. Each…read more…
Wednesday, July 17, 2024
Urbana Park District | Neighborhood Nights | Hot Club of Urbana
Blair Park, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
All ages are welcome! Gather up your chairs and blankets because Neighborhood Nights are back! Urbana Park District has been bringing the best local musicians to just about every park in Urbana for nearly 35 years. Bring a picnic dinner and spend the evening in a lovely park setting. Each…read more…
Friday, July 19, 2024
Folk & Roots Fridays | Brown Bag Lunch Concert
Lake House in Crystal Lake Park, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Join the Urbana Park District and the C-U Folk & Roots Festival on the first and third Fridays of each month this summer for some great FREE live music! They'll have boating and drink/snack specials, just bring your lunch and enjoy an afternoon lunch break on the lake. Enter your…read more…
Wednesday, July 24, 2024
Urbana Park District | Neighborhood Nights | The Elderly Brothers
Meadowbrook Park Interpretive Center, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
All ages are welcome! Gather up your chairs and blankets because Neighborhood Nights are back! Urbana Park District has been bringing the best local musicians to just about every park in Urbana for nearly 35 years. Bring a picnic dinner and spend the evening in a lovely park setting. Each…read more…
Thursday, July 25, 2024
Jazz in the Park
Commissioners Park, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
This summer, join the Champaign Park District for an unforgettable series of Jazz in the Park concerts, where friends, family, and neighbors come together to enjoy live music in the great outdoors. Experience the magic of jazz in a different neighborhood park each month as talented musicians take the stage…read more…
Friday, August 2, 2024
Folk & Roots Fridays | Brown Bag Lunch Concert
Lake House in Crystal Lake Park, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Join the Urbana Park District and the C-U Folk & Roots Festival on the first and third Fridays of each month this summer for some great FREE live music! They'll have boating and drink/snack specials, just bring your lunch and enjoy an afternoon lunch break on the lake. Enter your…read more…
Irish Fest: Summer Concert Series
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Allerton Park's always-popular Irish Fest returns to the Gatehouse Lawn from 6-9 p.m. Friday, August 2, 2024. The event is part of Allerton Park’s Concert Series presented by the Ayers Family, with monthly concerts through September 13. Admission is free, but a donation of $10/family is suggested and can be made at the…read more…
Saturday, August 3, 2024
Summer Concert Series
Hessel Park, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
This summer, gather your friends, family, and neighbors for our Summer Concerts. Audience members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, snacks, and refreshments.
Friday, August 9, 2024
Champaign-Urbana Days
Douglass Park, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Delight in live music performances, indulge in tasty food from local vendors, and partake in a variety of activities for both children and seniors alike. Champaign-Urbana Days promises to be an unforgettable celebration of unity and togetherness.
Friday, August 16, 2024
Folk & Roots Fridays | Brown Bag Lunch Concert
Lake House in Crystal Lake Park, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Join the Urbana Park District and the C-U Folk & Roots Festival on the first and third Fridays of each month this summer for some great FREE live music! They'll have boating and drink/snack specials, just bring your lunch and enjoy an afternoon lunch break on the lake. Enter your…read more…
Saturday, August 17, 2024
Apple Dumpling Festival
Atwood, Illinois, All Day
Atwood's Apple Dumpling Festival honoring 150 years of Atwood will be held August 16 and 17. The street will be lined with vendors, and there will be entertainment going on throughout the day. Admission to the festival is free but certain activities will have a charge. Saturday will include the…read more…
Thursday, August 22, 2024
Jazz in the Park
Powell Park, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
This summer, join the Champaign Park District for an unforgettable series of Jazz in the Park concerts, where friends, family, and neighbors come together to enjoy live music in the great outdoors. Experience the magic of jazz in a different neighborhood park each month as talented musicians take the stage…read more…
Friday, August 23, 2024
Mahomet Music Festival
Downtown Mahomet, 5:00 pm - 11:45 pm
Enjoy FREE live music, parade, carnival rides, street vendors, crafters, bags tournament, and more up and down Main Street. Admission to the fest is FREE; some activities and carnival rides have a cost.
Saturday, August 24, 2024
Mahomet Music Festival
Downtown Mahomet, 9:00 am - 11:00 pm
Enjoy FREE live music, parade at 9am, carnival rides, street vendors, crafters, bags tournament, and more up and down Main Street. Admission to the fest is FREE; some activities and carnival rides have a cost.
Friday, August 30, 2024
Lake House Candlelight Serenade | Symphony Edition
Lake House in Crystal Lake Park, 8:30 pm - 10:00 pm
The Urbana Park District is pleased to partner with 40 North, the City of Urbana Arts and Culture Program, the CU Symphony and the CU Jazz Festival to offer two evenings of candlelit paddleboat rides at the Lake House in Crystal Lake Park. In May you'll be serenaded by a…read more…
Friday, September 6, 2024
Arcola Broomcorn Festival
Arcola, All Day
Arcola celebrates its rich heritage each year with the Broomcorn Festival. The “Broomcorn Capital of the World” hosts this 3 day festival in historic downtown Arcola. While in town, check out all the craft and food vendors, Broom Tent with live broom making demonstrations, 5k/10k annual race, and a huge…read more…
Friday, September 13, 2024
Summer's End: Summer Concert Series
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Help send off the season with Allerton's Summer’s End Concert on the Gatehouse Lawn at 6 p.m. on Friday, September 13, 2024. The event is part of Allerton Park’s Concert Series presented by the Ayers Family, with monthly concerts through September 13. Admission is free, but a donation of $10/family is suggested and…read more…
Get ready for summer in Champaign-Urbana:
- Swim Teams in Champaign-Urbana
- Free and Cheap Outdoor Movies in Champaign-Urbana
- Outdoor Concerts in Champaign-Urbana and Beyond
- Free Kids Movies Return to Savoy in Summer
- Champaign-Urbana Area Swimming Pools
- Where to Take Swim Lessons in Champaign-Urbana
- Season Pool Passes On Sale in Champaign-Urbana
- Champaign-Urbana Summer Camps for Kids