Fall Parades in Champaign-Urbana

Our Favorite Fall Parades in Champaign-Urbana

Parades happen in Champaign-Urbana (and neighboring towns) practically all the time — really! The only “dry spell” is between the final Christmas parades and the summer parades. Still, more than half the year you can find a parade near you.

This article will focus on fall parades; in other words, parades beginning after school commences through mid-November, when winter holiday parades start. We will do another article about those holiday parades later this year; stay tuned.

Sure, summer is prime parade season, but with fall comes numerous homecoming parades, including the University of Illinois homecoming, festival parades, and so much more.

No matter how you look at it, there are plenty of parades to satisfy our appetites.

We’ve picked our favorite fall parades, which will be followed by a list of all parades we know of from now until holiday parades. As always, our calendar has more info, and we will keep adding to this list. Want to add your parade to this article? Submit it to our events calendar now.

Our favorite fall parade picks near Champaign-Urbana

1. Champaign County Labor Day Parade aka “The Candy Parade”
TIME OF YEAR: Annually on Labor Day
WHERE: After many years in Urbana, the parade now is in downtown Champaign
WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Candy, need we say more? At least that’s all your kids need to hear to be interested in going. This is a great countywide celebration of our neighbors in labor and that is all the reason to come out to the parade. Parade will be followed by a picnic at Neil Street Plaza. There will be food, magic, bounce houses, music and more family friendly activities.

2. Arcola Broomcorn Festival Parade
TIME OF YEAR: September (typically the weekend following Labor Day), on Saturday in the afternoon. This year, that is Sept. 12.
WHERE: Arcola (about 30 minutes southwest of Champaign-Urbana). Take I-57 South. If you get to Mattoon, you’ve gone too far.
WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Because this is truly a sight to see. It’s kind of hard to explain the famous Lawn Rangers, who march with old lawnmowers, unless you have seen it. This is a fairly lengthy parade, with lots of entries. Bring your bags! And don’t forget to stay for the festival.

3. The Champaign-Urbana Pride Festival Parade
TIME OF YEAR: This year, it is scheduled for Oct. 17; parade is in the afternoon
WHERE: Downtown Urbana
WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Yes, everyone will be decked out in rainbow colors. Remember what this is all about: respecting others, celebrating love, and building a supportive community where all are welcome and more importantly — all are valued. And yes, it is family-friendly. This parade gets longer every year as more and more groups join in to show their support.

4. The University of Illinois Homecoming Parade
TIME OF YEAR: Homecoming 2026 is a week of events leading up to Illinois vs. Purdue on Saturday, Oct. 3. The Homecoming parade is scheduled to step off on Friday, Oct. 2 and end at Grange Grove.
WHERE: Campustown
WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Get into the spirit by wearing orange and blue. We love seeing the Marching Illini!

All Champaign-Urbana area parades this fall

Saturday, August 22, 2026

Apple Dumpling Festival

Atwood, Illinois, Time: 7:00 am - 9:00 pm
Small town Fun! Head out for live music. food, car show and more! Parade is at 2 p.m.

Mansfield Homecoming

Downtown Mansfield, Time: 7:00 am - 9:00 pm
Kids entertainment, 5K, Parade, Car Show, BBQ Rib Cook-off and more!

Saturday, August 29, 2026

Mahomet Music Festival Parade

Downtown Mahomet, Time: 9:00 am - 10:00 am
The Mahomet Music Festival Parade is one you don't want to miss! The parade kicks off at 9am, starting at Lincoln Trail School, heading south on Division, east on Union, north on Elm, and west on Franklin. FREE entertainment begins following the parade and the vendors and carnival open up,…

Broadlands Homecoming Festival

The Village of Broadlands, Time: 10:00 am - 10:30 pm
Lots of fun events for all ages are planned including food, a parade, live music, and family fun!

Monday, September 7, 2026

Westville Labor Day Celebration

Zamberletti Park, Time: All Day
The 115th Westville Labor Day Celebration will be happening August 29-September 7, 2026 Saturday, August 29 Queen, Jr. Miss & Little Miss Pageant 6pm Westville Jr. High Sunday, August 30 Pretty Baby Contest Registration at 10am Contest at 11am Westville Jr. High Friday, September 4th Carnival 6-10pm Zamberletti Park Saturday,…

Champaign County Labor Day Parade & Celebration

Downtown Champaign, Time: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Labor Day Parade and Celebration 2026 "Building the Foundation for Mental Health" Monday, September 7, 2026 11 a.m. parade start. 12 p.m. Picnic - Neil Street Plaza Champaign AFL-CIO/ Central Labor Council Food, Bouncy Houses, Live Music, Entertainment Free event to celebrate and recognize all workers. Get more info, including…

Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Fisher Homecoming Parade

Downtown Fisher, Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Once Upon a Homecoming…Get ready to turn the page and join in for a Homecoming Parade filled with colorful characters, big personalities, hungry caterpillars, cool cats, and maybe even a few cookies!Whether you want to hop into the parade and join the fun or find a spot along the sidelines…

Thursday, September 10, 2026

Paxton- Buckley - Loda Homecoming Parade

Downtown Paxton, Time: 6:00 pm
Begins at 6 and goes from the high school to downtown Paxton and back.

Saturday, September 12, 2026

Arcola Broomcorn Festival Parade

Downtown Arcola, Time: 3:00 pm
A HUGE parade, this is truly a sight to see. It's kind of hard to explain the famous Lawn Rangers, who march with old lawnmowers, unless you have seen it. This is a fairly lengthy parade, with lots of entries. Bring your bags! And don't forget to stay for the festival.…

Friday, September 18, 2026

St. Joseph-Ogden Homecoming Parade

Downtown St. Joseph, Time: 3:30 pm
St. Joseph-Ogden is having its homecoming parade on Friday, September 18. The parade will start at 3:30 p.m. on Main Street in St. Joseph. It leaves from St. Joseph Middle School. Come on out for some fun!

Friday, September 25, 2026

Monticello Homecoming Parade

Downtown Monticello, Time: 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm
Parade lineup at the High School 11:30am. Parade steps off at 12pm. Alumni entering floats should contact the High School Office at 217-762-8511.

Tuscola Homecoming

Tuscola Ervin Park, Time: 1:00 pm - 9:00 pm
1:00-2:00 PM: Pep Rally in TCHS gym: Hall of Fame Inductees, HomecomingCourt, Football, Chorus, Band, Cheer, Poms (Public Welcome!) 2:00 PM: School dismissal & Parade line-up at Ervin Park 2:45 PM: Parade down Main St. to Daggy St. to TCHS 3:00-4:30 PM: Reception in Library-Snacks & drinks (All Alumni Welcome!) 5:45-6:45 PM: Tailgate with pork chops,…

Centennial Homecoming Parade

Centennial High School, Time: 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Centennial High School is having their annual Homecoming Parade. It will occur around the block of Centennial (Crescent, Sangamon, Kenwood, John, Crescent) This will start after their pep assembly so around 3:00pm. Dr. Geovanny Ponce is the Grand Marshall. They encourage community members to come out and celebrate their school…

Friday, October 2, 2026

Urbana High School Homecoming Parade

Race Street at Iowa, Time: 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Urbana High School Homecoming Parade The Urbana High School Homecoming Parade will take place on Friday, October 2, 2026. In past years, the route for the parade has been as follows: North on Race Street from Iowa Street to Washington Street East on Washington to Race Street North on Race to…

University of Illinois Homecoming Parade

Memorial Stadium, Time: 6:00 pm
Parade Route The parade will start at the intersection of Kirby Avenue and Fourth Street before heading west on Gregory Drive and turning south on First Street. Parking Parking will be available in E14. Cars must enter off Oak Street. No overnight parking will be allowed, and cars will be…

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Mahomet-Seymour Homecoming Parade

Downtown Mahomet, Time: 5:30 pm
Show your spirit for the Mahomet-Seymour Bulldogs or just come out to enjoy a good, old-fashioned parade! The homecoming parade departs from the high school parking lot at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 7 and proceeds through downtown. The parade typically starts at the high school and travels down State…

Sunday, October 18, 2026

Mayfair Park Halloween Parade

Mayfair Park, Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Come out for the Annual Mayfair Park Halloween Parade! Dress up and enjoy a perfectly spooktacular parade around the park for this small neighborhood parade! They’ll also have games, treats, and a frighteningly good time for ghosts and goblins of all ages.