Champaign-Urbana Area Fall Festivals

Summer, we love you, but fall fairs and festivals in Champaign-Urbana are awesome in their own special, pumpkin-filled ways

The weather may be getting (a little) cooler but the fall festivals in Central Illinois are heating up! The fall festival season includes events starting with Labor Day weekend and running through early November.

There are so many to choose from in our area and each one offers some serious family fun. Feel like watching a parade? Carving a pumpkin? Watching a lumberjack competition? Taking in some folk and roots music? How about taking a train ride? There’s something for everyone at a festival near you this fall.

Here’s our list of fall festivals in the Champaign-Urbana area; we will continue to add to this list.

Did we miss your favorite fall festival? Let us know so we can add it (email us – editor@chambanamoms.com.)

FALL FESTIVALS HAPPENING IN THE CHAMPAIGN-URBANA AREA

Lake Shelbyville Balloonfest

Where: Shelbyville
Date(s): 10/07/2022 – 10/09/2022
Highlights: The 2022 Lake Shelbyville Balloonfest will be held Columbus Day Weekend, Oct. 7, 8, & 9, 2022. Schedule of Events 10/7 Event Kickoff - 4-8pm - Willow Ridge Winery Some balloons will inflate and do a soft glow if weather permits. Pauly's BBQ Food Truck available. Entertainment by NATU Band. Sunset time: 6:31pm. 10/8 Sunrise Fun Flight - 7-9am - Shelby County Airport Balloons will fly over airport in a fun flight sponsored by Lithia Resort. Music by All Kindz of Soundz. Best viewing of balloons: Airport. Sunrise: 7:01am. Young Eagle Flights - 8-11:30am - Shelby County Airport Registration begins at 8am. Ages 8-17. Introduction to general aviation - basic ground school and 20-25 minute FREE airplane ride over Shelbyville area. Parent/guardian MUST be present to sign waiver of consent; all kids receive certificate and flight log book. Balloon Glow and Cookout - 4-9pm - Shelby County Airport J&R Collision Centers Balloon Glow begins at dusk. Balloon Glow Cookout benefits Shelbyville Fire Department. Several local food and drink vendors. Music by All Kindz of Soundz. Spectacular view of all sponsored balloons. Sunset: 6:29pm. Free Inflatables - 4-6:45pm Tethered Balloon Rides - $10/person - 4-9pm 10/9 Sunrise Fun Flight - 7-9am - Dam West Recreation Area Balloons will fly over airport in a fun flight sponsored by Findlay Marina. Music by All Kindz of Soundz. Best viewing of balloons: Dam West. Sunrise: 7:02am. *All scheduled times are approximate and subject to weather and pilots' discretion. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for further details.

Scarecrow Festival in AMBUCS Park

Where: Urbana
Date(s): 10/08/2022 –
Highlights: Barrel train rides, hay rack rides, food, and lots of fun!

Flannel Fest

Where: Champaign
Date(s): 10/14/2022 – 10/15/2022
Highlights: Watch the Lumberjack Show perform demonstrations throughout the two-day event, enjoy music, art, games, crafts, food trucks, Lumberjack Dash and much more at this free fall event!

CU Folk and Roots Festival

Where: Urbana
Date(s): 10/20/2022 – 10/22/2022
Highlights: The Champaign-Urbana Folk and Roots Festival is an all-volunteer-run, grassroots festival that brings together national, regional and local artists and folk organizations for over 80 high-quality folk performances and participatory activities throughout downtown Urbana. The festival includes performances, dances, instructional sessions, jams, song-circles, family activities, storytelling, instrument-making and much, much more!

Fall Family Festival

Where: Champaign
Date(s): 10/22/2022 –
Highlights: Join the Stephens Family YMCA on October 22, 2022, for a day filled with fun family activities! More details to come, but you can expect lots of family-friendly activities! Lunch will be available for the first 1,000 people!

Fall Fairs and Festivals in the Champaign-Urbana Area