The Boneyard Arts Festival is returning to Champaign-Urbana this spring and we have a list of family-friendly events
The Boneyard Arts Festival is a unique festival in that related events are spread out across a multitude of venues throughout Champaign County. Finding related arts events throughout this fun spring weekend is even easier with the list we have put together rounding up all of the ones that have been submitted to us. Have a Boneyard Arts Festival event you’d like included here? Submit it to our event calendar now.
Some background on the Boneyard Arts Festival, according to its website: Presented every spring by 40 North, the Boneyard Arts Festival is a three-day event showcasing the broad range of creative activity flourishing in our community. Its goal is to bring together local artists, businesses and organizations for a special event showcasing the art of Champaign County. You can learn all about the Boneyard Arts Festival on the website here, or visit the festival Facebook page.
The vast majority of Boneyard Festival Events are family-friendly. But as we all know, some are more family-friendly than others; some you will find on the chambanamoms.com events calendar, and others you won’t.
These venues listed below have live performances or interactive events to keep your kiddos occupied.
A few exceptions: venues displaying local children’s artwork, because who doesn’t want to see their friends’ artwork? Best of all, they are ALL FREE (of course artwork will be available for purchase everywhere, so be prepared).
Family-friendly 2024 Boneyard Festival Events:
Thursday, April 11, 2024
Teen Takeover
Krannert Art Museum, Time: 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Calling all teens! Head to Krannert Art Museum for a teen takeover of the museum featuring live music, art-making, activities, and food for young people ages 13-18 on Thurs. April 11th from 5pm-7:30pm as part of the Boneyard Arts Festival. The event features local artists and activities including a digital…read more…
Friday, April 12, 2024
Boneyard Arts Festival
Champaign County, Time: All Day
BONEYARD ARTS FESTIVAL 2024 | APRIL 12-14 About Boneyard Presented annually every spring by 40 North | 88 West, the Boneyard Arts Festival is a three-day event showcasing the broad range of creative activity flourishing in our community. Its goal is to bring together local artists, businesses and organizations for…read more…
BTW x KAM Print Remix Exhibition
Common Ground Food Co-op, Time: 7:30 am - 9:00 pm
BTW x KAM Print Remix Art exhibition by Booker T Washington STEM Academy 5th Graders April 8 — May 6 Common Ground Food Co-op 300 S Broadway Ave Suite 166, Urbana, IL 61801 Over the course of two years, Krannert Art Museum and Booker T Washington STEM Academy have partnered…read more…
Southside Artwork
Hopscotch Bakery and Market, Time: 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Come celebrate some favorite art students from Southside! Artwork (felt donuts and ugly dolls) done with the amazing Mrs. Lozar!!! Work will be up for a month – viewing open during store hours. Friday, 4/12: 8am-2pm Saturday, 4/13: 8am-2pm Sunday, 4/14: 8am-2pm
20th Annual Festival of Quilts
Cunningham Children’s Home, Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Each year, Cunningham Children’s Home hosts its Festival of Quilts in the Spiritual Life Center on the Cunningham campus in Urbana. The Festival is Cunningham’s signature fundraiser and honors the tradition of the United Women in Faith (formerly United Methodist Women), and the quilts they, and quilters from across Illinois,…read more…
CU BIPOC Artist Collective AND USD#116 Elementary School Art Exhibits
Urbana Free Library, Time: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
The CU BIPOC Artist Collective exhibit -The CU BIPOC Artist Collective in partnership with The Urbana Free Library (TUFL) will host a special gallery showcase featuring the collective work of local Black, Indigenous, and People of Color artists. This exhibition will show at the Artist of the Corridor Gallery Space at TUFL…read more…
The Art Connection: Schools to Library
Champaign Public Library, Time: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
The Art Connection: Schools to Library: Artwork by 40+ students from Champaign Unit 4 School District will be on display. Curated by their art teachers: Amy Johnson, Westview Elementary School; Amy Lozar, South Side Elementary School; and John Odum, Carrie Busey Elementary School. On view in two locations: The Children’s…read more…
CU BIPOC Artist Collective: Reception for Boneyard Arts
Urbana Free Library, Time: 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
The CU BIPOC Artist Collective in partnership with The Urbana Free Library will host a special gallery showcase featuring the collective work of local Black, Indigenous, and People of Color artists. This exhibition will show at the Artist of the Corridor Gallery Space at The Urbana Free Library from April…read more…
Saturday, April 13, 2024
Boneyard Arts Festival
Champaign County, Time: All Day
BONEYARD ARTS FESTIVAL 2024 | APRIL 12-14 About Boneyard Presented annually every spring by 40 North | 88 West, the Boneyard Arts Festival is a three-day event showcasing the broad range of creative activity flourishing in our community. Its goal is to bring together local artists, businesses and organizations for…read more…
Glassmaking Workshop
Cloud Mountain Kombucha Bar, Time: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Join Jason Mack of Mack Glass on Saturday, April 13 from 8 am to 4pm for a 20-30 minute glassmaking workshop at Cloud Mountain Kombucha. Participants will get to make their very own pendant, planter decoration, or marble to take home after this introductory workshop. No prior experience is needed. They will…read more…
Southside Artwork
Hopscotch Bakery and Market, Time: 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Come celebrate some favorite art students from Southside! Artwork (felt donuts and ugly dolls) done with the amazing Mrs. Lozar!!! Work will be up for a month – viewing open during store hours. Friday, 4/12: 8am-2pm Saturday, 4/13: 8am-2pm Sunday, 4/14: 8am-2pm
20th Annual Festival of Quilts
Cunningham Children’s Home, Time: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Each year, Cunningham Children’s Home hosts its Festival of Quilts in the Spiritual Life Center on the Cunningham campus in Urbana. The Festival is Cunningham’s signature fundraiser and honors the tradition of the United Women in Faith (formerly United Methodist Women), and the quilts they, and quilters from across Illinois,…read more…
CU BIPOC Artist Collective AND USD#116 Elementary School Art Exhibits
Urbana Free Library, Time: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
The CU BIPOC Artist Collective exhibit -The CU BIPOC Artist Collective in partnership with The Urbana Free Library (TUFL) will host a special gallery showcase featuring the collective work of local Black, Indigenous, and People of Color artists. This exhibition will show at the Artist of the Corridor Gallery Space at TUFL…read more…
The Art Connection: Schools to Library
Champaign Public Library, Time: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
The Art Connection: Schools to Library: Artwork by 40+ students from Champaign Unit 4 School District will be on display. Curated by their art teachers: Amy Johnson, Westview Elementary School; Amy Lozar, South Side Elementary School; and John Odum, Carrie Busey Elementary School. On view in two locations: The Children’s…read more…
BÄM! - Boneyard Arts Market 2024
The Orpheum, Time: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
BÄM! - Boneyard Arts Market is back for the third time! The signature Market for local goods during Boneyard Arts Festival This is the third time since its inception that this popular event is happening. Larger than before, this unique event brings artists and artisans together to offer artful goods…read more…
Tours of The Studio at the Library
Champaign Public Library, Time: 10:00 am
Tours of The Studio at the Library Studio tours at 10 am! (Friday & Saturday) The Studio is a new, 8,000-square-foot creative space on the lower level, including 3D printers, Glowforge laser cutters, Cricut machines, sewing machines, and recording booths. (Fri & Sat, 10 am). The Studio is open to…read more…
Kids at Krannert | Boneyard Edition
Krannert Art Museum, Time: 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
In celebration of the Boneyard Arts Festival, bring your children for a creative morning of fun at Krannert Art Museum! Throughout the galleries, enjoy arts activities, family tours, and demonstrations on Saturday from 10:30am until 12:30pm! Kid visitors can complete a scavenger hunt for a prize! This event is free…read more…
Dixon Graphics Screen Printing
Dixon Graphics Screen Printing, Time: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Hands-on screen printing! Choose from three designs, pick a t-shirt, screen print it yourself and take it home. No charge, while supplies last. Warren Bensken: Graphic Design specifically geared towards screen printing. Saturday, 4/13: 11am-3pm
Boneyard Arts Festival Art Show at the MIC | Live Demo
Meadowbrook Park Interpretive Center, Time: 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
FREE! Boneyard Arts Festival Art Show at the MIC Saturday, April 13, 12pm-3pm | Meadowbrook Interpretive Center | All ages This year’s featured artist at the Meadowbrook Interpretive Center is Tim Summerville, a local artist from St. Joseph, IL. “I am a maker,” Tim says. “I have always had a…read more…
Postmark Urbana
Downtown Urbana, Time: 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
This event will feature children’s activities from Joyful Bubbles, Aaron’s Party Balloons, and Urbana Park District’s Urvana Mobile Recreation Unit as well as live painting and music from DJ Stacey Robinson of BLACKMAU and Chris Chism & The Copper Creek Band!
Doodle with Ralph
Pour Bros. Craft Taproom, Time: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Artist Ralph Roether‘s ongoing gallery at Pour Bros. will be featured along with other pieces from his collection. He’ll also be on hand for the popular “Doodle with Ralph” session. Doodle with Ralph from 1 to 5pm on Saturday! Markers and napkins provided.
Urbana School District #116 Flash Mob
Cloud Mountain Kombucha Bar, Time: 2:00 pm
Urbana School District #116 – Dance Flash Mob All of the 4th and 5th grade students in Urbana School District 116 are invited to gather and perform a dance in a “Flash Mob” style. They will perform the dance once inside Lincoln Square Mall, then walk over to the Courthouse…read more…
Urbana School District #116 Flash Mob
Champaign County Courthouse, Time: 2:15 pm
Urbana School District #116 – Dance Flash Mob All of the 4th and 5th grade students in Urbana School District 116 are invited to gather and perform a dance in a “Flash Mob” style. They will perform the dance once inside Lincoln Square Mall, then walk over to the Courthouse…read more…
Red Herring Writers: A Boneyard Arts Event
Urbana Free Library, Time: 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Writers from the Red Herring Fiction Workshop (Champaign-Urbana’s longest-running writing workshop) will share their work, with a rich variety of creative writing styles and topics included. Authors featured at this year's reading include: Frank Chadwick, Kip Knox, Jeff McCoy, Rajeev Malik, Elaine Palencia, Alex Rounds, and Bob Switzer. The Red…read more…
Sunday, April 14, 2024
Boneyard Arts Festival
Champaign County, Time: All Day
BONEYARD ARTS FESTIVAL 2024 | APRIL 12-14 About Boneyard Presented annually every spring by 40 North | 88 West, the Boneyard Arts Festival is a three-day event showcasing the broad range of creative activity flourishing in our community. Its goal is to bring together local artists, businesses and organizations for…read more…
Southside Artwork
Hopscotch Bakery and Market, Time: 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Come celebrate some favorite art students from Southside! Artwork (felt donuts and ugly dolls) done with the amazing Mrs. Lozar!!! Work will be up for a month – viewing open during store hours. Friday, 4/12: 8am-2pm Saturday, 4/13: 8am-2pm Sunday, 4/14: 8am-2pm
BÄM! - Boneyard Arts Market 2024
The Orpheum, Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
BÄM! - Boneyard Arts Market is back for the third time! The signature Market for local goods during Boneyard Arts Festival This is the third time since its inception that this popular event is happening. Larger than before, this unique event brings artists and artisans together to offer artful goods…read more…
Champaign Urbana Community Fab Lab
CU Community Fab Lab, Time: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
The CU Community Fab Lab is excited to host “The Art of Games” for the 2024 Boneyard Festival. Local artists and game designers from CUDO Plays will have the opportunity to showcase their art which makes games come to life. Additionally, there will be family friendly activities and an opportunity…read more…
Tours of The Studio at the Library
Champaign Public Library, Time: 10:00 am
Tours of The Studio at the Library Studio tours at 10 am! (Friday & Saturday) The Studio is a new, 8,000-square-foot creative space on the lower level, including 3D printers, Glowforge laser cutters, Cricut machines, sewing machines, and recording booths. (Fri & Sat, 10 am). The Studio is open to…read more…
CU BIPOC Artist Collective AND USD#116 Elementary School Art Exhibits
Urbana Free Library, Time: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
The CU BIPOC Artist Collective exhibit -The CU BIPOC Artist Collective in partnership with The Urbana Free Library (TUFL) will host a special gallery showcase featuring the collective work of local Black, Indigenous, and People of Color artists. This exhibition will show at the Artist of the Corridor Gallery Space at TUFL…read more…
Fleece to Scarf Spinners and Weavers | Boneyard Arts Festival
Champaign Public Library, Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
The Champaign-Urbana Spinners and Weavers Guild will be showing all the steps in the Spinning and Weaving process as a part of the Boneyard Arts Festival. In addition, other fiber arts including knitting, crochet, felting, and more will be shown. For all ages. For more information: Champaign Public Library 200…read more…
The Art Connection: Schools to Library
Champaign Public Library, Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
The Art Connection: Schools to Library: Artwork by 40+ students from Champaign Unit 4 School District will be on display. Curated by their art teachers: Amy Johnson, Westview Elementary School; Amy Lozar, South Side Elementary School; and John Odum, Carrie Busey Elementary School. On view in two locations: The Children’s…read more…
Hua Nian Art Studio | Free Art Lesson
Hua Nian Art Studio, Time: 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Featuring Hua Nian! Original acrylic paintings and small watercolors; pen and ink drawings of Marching Illini, sports, music, dances and animals; paper-tearing artwork about childhood and motherhood. Most of the artwork is on display in the studio and available for sale. A free art lesson for children age 5-9 will be held…read more…