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.
Sunday, July 28, 2024
Sunday Wine Down with Jadie & Doc Shredd
Alto Vineyard, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Sunday wine down with Jadie & Doc Shredd. Musical duo, playing all classic, pop, blues, and country hits.
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…
Outdoor Music at Kickapoo Adventures
Kickapoo Adventures, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Head to Oakwood to enjoy free outdoor concerts this summer. Check out their Facebook page for details.
First Fridays Summer Concert Series
Veterans Square, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Join Paxton Main Street at Veterans Square for a FREE outdoor concert series open to all ages! Time: Outdoor concerts are 7-9PM, concessions open at 6PM; with grilled pork burgers, hot dogs, pop, chips and candy. Credit/ debit cards accepted at concession stand. Free parking in downtown Paxton FREE Live…read more…
Friday Night Live
Downtown Champaign, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Downtown Champaign will serve as the backdrop for Friday Night Live, a free street-side performance series featuring multiple bands every week. Friday Night Live will be held every Friday from 6-9pm starting May 31st through August 23rd. Performances will be held at the intersections of Main & Fremont, Neil &…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…
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, 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.
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
Back to the Prairibbean
Riggs Beer Company, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
A concert to benefit Developmental Services Center (DSC)! Come and enjoy live music, food, beverages, raffles, and fun! Tuesday, August 6, 2024 5:00 - 8:00PM Location: Riggs Beer Company, Urbana Music by The Boat Drunks Food from La Paloma and NEW this year Watson's Chicken $10 Entry Fee - Purchased…read more…
Friday, August 9, 2024
Prairie Crossroads Blues Fest
Bunny’s Tavern, 4:30 pm - 10:00 pm
2024 Prairie Crossroads Blues Fest will be held August 9-10 2024 2024 Schedule Friday Schedule 4:30 - 7:30 The Painkillers Blues Band (Blues Jam) 8:00 - 10:00 Keith Harden Band Saturday Schedule 3:30 - 4:30 Rory Book And The Volumes 5:00 - 6:00 The Wiseguys 6:30 - 8:00 Cobalt Blues…read more…
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.
Outdoor Music at Kickapoo Adventures
Kickapoo Adventures, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Head to Oakwood to enjoy free outdoor concerts this summer. Check out their Facebook page for details.
Friday Night Live
Downtown Champaign, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Downtown Champaign will serve as the backdrop for Friday Night Live, a free street-side performance series featuring multiple bands every week. Friday Night Live will be held every Friday from 6-9pm starting May 31st through August 23rd. Performances will be held at the intersections of Main & Fremont, Neil &…read more…
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, August 10, 2024
Champaign-Urbana Days
Douglass Park, 11:00 am - 8:00 pm
Douglass Park | August 9 (5-8 p.m.) & 10 (11 a.m. -8 p.m.) Get ready to celebrate the vibrant Chambana community as Champaign-Urbana Days approaches! Join us for this cherished 30+ year tradition, as we come together to honor our shared heritage and culture. Delight in live music performances, indulge in tasty…read more…
Prairie Crossroads Blues Fest
Bunny’s Tavern, 3:30 pm - 10:00 pm
2024 Prairie Crossroads Blues Fest will be held August 9-10 2024 2024 Schedule Friday Schedule 4:30 - 7:30 The Painkillers Blues Band (Blues Jam) 8:00 - 10:00 Keith Harden Band Saturday Schedule 3:30 - 4:30 Rory Book And The Volumes 5:00 - 6:00 The Wiseguys 6:30 - 8:00 Cobalt Blues…read more…
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…
Outdoor Music at Kickapoo Adventures
Kickapoo Adventures, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Head to Oakwood to enjoy free outdoor concerts this summer. Check out their Facebook page for details.
Friday Night Live
Downtown Champaign, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Downtown Champaign will serve as the backdrop for Friday Night Live, a free street-side performance series featuring multiple bands every week. Friday Night Live will be held every Friday from 6-9pm starting May 31st through August 23rd. Performances will be held at the intersections of Main & Fremont, Neil &…read more…
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, 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.
Outdoor Music at Kickapoo Adventures
Kickapoo Adventures, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Head to Oakwood to enjoy free outdoor concerts this summer. Check out their Facebook page for details.
Friday Night Live
Downtown Champaign, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Downtown Champaign will serve as the backdrop for Friday Night Live, a free street-side performance series featuring multiple bands every week. Friday Night Live will be held every Friday from 6-9pm starting May 31st through August 23rd. Performances will be held at the intersections of Main & Fremont, Neil &…read more…
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, 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.
Toast to Taylor Street Block Party
Downtown Champaign, 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Follow the music to beautiful Downtown Champaign, Illinois! An action packed evening of musical adventures curated for discovery. Boasting an incredibly diverse display of local and regional talent, this is the experience your soul has been craving. A marketplace of makers, designers, doers and dreamers. Come explore a world of…read more…
Friday, August 30, 2024
Outdoor Music at Kickapoo Adventures
Kickapoo Adventures, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Head to Oakwood to enjoy free outdoor concerts this summer. Check out their Facebook page for details.
Westville Labor Day Celebration
Zamberletti Park, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The 113th Westville Labor Day Celebration is jam-packed with excitement for the entire family. A giant carnival with rides and games for all ages. They will once again bring you many vendors and great food options as well as their gigantic fireworks display in the park on Sunday evening. Head…read more…
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…
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…
Saturday, August 31, 2024
Westville Labor Day Celebration
Zamberletti Park, 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
The 113th Westville Labor Day Celebration is jam-packed with excitement for the entire family. A giant carnival with rides and games for all ages. They will once again bring you many vendors and great food options as well as their gigantic fireworks display in the park on Sunday evening. Head…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…
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…
Sunday, September 8, 2024
Farmer City Extravaganza
Farmer City Fair Grounds, 12:00 pm
Car, Truck, Motorcycle show and Swap Meet. Highlighted by 50 yard Motorcycle Dirt Drag races.Food trucks, Beer tent, Music, and more.located at the Farmer City Fairgrounds.
Old Orchard Lanes 60th Anniversary Celebration
Old Orchard Lanes and Links, 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Food, Fun, Music, Inflatables, Face Painting & More 12:30-2:15pm - Luke Rund 3-5:30pm - 90's Daughter $6 10" pizza Kona Ice Culler's Fries Sav0y Fire - Touch-a-Truck Free Mini-Golf
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…
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, September 14, 2024
Country Fest
WE Produce LLC, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
A family fun event with pumpkins, mums, apples, craft & food vendors, fun for the kids and more!
Toast to Taylor Street Block Party
Downtown Champaign, 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Follow the music to beautiful Downtown Champaign, Illinois! An action packed evening of musical adventures curated for discovery. Boasting an incredibly diverse display of local and regional talent, this is the experience your soul has been craving. A marketplace of makers, designers, doers and dreamers. Come explore a world of…read more…
Friday, September 20, 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, September 21, 2024
Broadlands Homecoming Festival
The Village of Broadlands, All Day
Lots of fun events for all ages are planned including a parade, bags tournament, live music, kids games and inflatables.
Swine 'N Dine Festival and BBQ Contest
Downtown Paxton, All Day
Swine N' Dine features live music, kids’ activities, vendors, a bags tournament, a cruise-in, and of course – Great BBQ competition!
Friday, September 27, 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…
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…
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…
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
Saints Fall Fest 2024
Seven Saints, 2:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Outdoor Fall Festival on Market and Taylor Street 2-10PM Enjoy a variety of food vendors and local artisans!90's Daughter will end our day on the Market Street stage 7-10PM FREE Kid Activities 2-6PM:Bounce Houses from H&A RentalsFace Painting and balloon art from Painted Vision, Fun Faces and Balloons LLC, and…read more…
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…
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