Champaign-Urbana in the summer and fall 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.
Thursday, October 3, 2024
Live Music: The Lack Family
Riggs Beer Company, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
No cover charge. Musicians play for tips. In the case of inclement weather, event will be cancelled.
Urbana's Night Market at the Square
Lincoln Square, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Urbana's Night Market at the Square! Arts & Culture and UMATS are partnering up for a vibrant, unique evening experience in Downtown Urbana on Thursday nights for a limited time during late summer. Head out to the Lincoln Square Mall parking lot at the farmers market location! There will be…read more…
Friday, October 4, 2024
Wieners & Wine
Sleepy Creek Vineyard, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Head to Sleepy Creek Vineyards for Wieners & Wine every Friday rain or shine! They are located in Fairmount, IL, easy access from I74 Oakwood exit. You buy the drinks, they provide the hot dogs for $1(includes fixings and fire to roast it over)(fire is weather permitting). If raining they…read more…
Saturday, October 5, 2024
Music at the Vines with Killborn Alley
Alto Vineyard, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
The Kilborn Alley Blues Band does gritty Chicago blues and southern fried soul for all the generations of blues lovers. This music speaks for itself; better still, it convinces you to listen. Come listen to some awesome music and sip on some AMAZING wine. $10 cover charge at the door.
Thursday, October 10, 2024
Urbana's Night Market at the Square
Lincoln Square, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Urbana's Night Market at the Square! Arts & Culture and UMATS are partnering up for a vibrant, unique evening experience in Downtown Urbana on Thursday nights for a limited time during late summer. Head out to the Lincoln Square Mall parking lot at the farmers market location! There will be…read more…
Friday, October 11, 2024
Wieners & Wine
Sleepy Creek Vineyard, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Head to Sleepy Creek Vineyards for Wieners & Wine every Friday rain or shine! They are located in Fairmount, IL, easy access from I74 Oakwood exit. You buy the drinks, they provide the hot dogs for $1(includes fixings and fire to roast it over)(fire is weather permitting). If raining they…read more…
Saturday, October 12, 2024
Music at the Vines with SuperNova Band
Alto Vineyard, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
They 3 singers and play all dance music, so be ready for a good time! Saturday night at the vines, $5 cover charge at the bar!
Friday, October 18, 2024
Wieners & Wine
Sleepy Creek Vineyard, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Head to Sleepy Creek Vineyards for Wieners & Wine every Friday rain or shine! They are located in Fairmount, IL, easy access from I74 Oakwood exit. You buy the drinks, they provide the hot dogs for $1(includes fixings and fire to roast it over)(fire is weather permitting). If raining they…read more…
Saturday, October 19, 2024
Kids' Concert at the Farm! - Shindig at Sola
Sola Gratia Farm’s Community Classroom, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
The Shindig at Sola is a multi-part event on October 19th. They will kick off the day with a children's’ concert at their Community Classroom featuring Farmer Jason. Farmer Jason, created by rock music icon Jason Ringenberg, uses music to both educate and entertain children about farm life and the…read more…
Saints Fall Fest 2024
Seven Saints, 2:00 pm - 10:00 pm
A new festival on Market and Taylor streets. Enjoy a variety of food vendors and local artisans. Free kids' activities from 2-6 p.m.
Friday, October 25, 2024
Wieners & Wine
Sleepy Creek Vineyard, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Head to Sleepy Creek Vineyards for Wieners & Wine every Friday rain or shine! They are located in Fairmount, IL, easy access from I74 Oakwood exit. You buy the drinks, they provide the hot dogs for $1(includes fixings and fire to roast it over)(fire is weather permitting). If raining they…read more…
Get ready for summer in Champaign-Urbana:
- Fall Fun in Chicago: Free Days at the Best Museums
- End of Summer Pool Closings and Hour Changes
- Champaign County Fair Fun for Families: Preview, Highlights, Tips and Ways to Save
- Where to Go Boating with Your Family Near Champaign-Urbana
- Summer Parades in the Champaign-Urbana Area
- Blueberry Picking Near Champaign-Urbana
- Champaign-Urbana Area Fourth of July FIREWORKS!
- Summer Fun in Chicago: Free Days at the Best Museums
- Best Midwest Summer Road Trips for Champaign-Urbana Families
- 7 Great Summer Festivals in Central Illinois
- Beaches Within a Short Driving Distance of Champaign-Urbana
- 50+ Ways to Have Summer Fun on a Budget In and Around Champaign-Urbana
- Visiting Champaign-Urbana Area Parks and Playgrounds with your Family
- Splash Pads Around Champaign-Urbana
- Champaign-Urbana Area Summer Fairs and Festivals
- Celebrate the Fourth of July in Champaign-Urbana
- Strawberry Picking Near Champaign-Urbana
- Champaign-Urbana Area Summer Reading Programs
- Summer Fun for Families in Champaign-Urbana
- Farmers Markets in Champaign-Urbana and Beyond
- 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
