Champaign-Urbana in the spring, 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 compilation of outdoor concerts.
Since Allerton’s Concert Series began in 2013, it has grown in many ways — from establishing a more professional feel and consistent schedule, to increasing attendance and sponsor support. But the overall goal of bringing generations together to enjoy live music in nature remains the same.
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, June 18, 2026
Urbana Park District | Juneteenth Celebration at Prairie Park | Neighborhood Nights | New Souls
Prairie Park, 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
UPDATE: This event was originally scheduled for June 17 but has been moved to its June 18 rain date due to the prospect of severe weather Join Urbana Park District and The Urbana Free Library for a family-friendly Juneteenth celebration at Prairie Park! Enjoy music from New Souls, free food,…read more…
Mahomet Neighborhood Nights
Bridle Leash Park, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Fisher National Bank Neighborhood Nights will feature Live Music & Food Trucks in 3 neighborhood parks this Summer! Families can bring a blanket and lawn chairs and enjoy a free concert featuring great musical talent. Time: 6:00-8:00pm June 11: Barber Park - The Casual Blend June 18: Bridle Leash Park…read more…
Patio Play at Houlihan's - Sass Siders
Houlihan’s, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Patio Play is BACK - every Thursday starting May 28! All summer long, they are bringing back your favorite returning artists and fresh new faces you won't want to miss — plus summer drink specials to sip while the music plays 🍊 Live Music 6–8 PM Dinner open 5–9 PM…read more…
Friday, June 19, 2026
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 6-9 p.m. starting May 29 through August 28. Performances will be held at the intersections of Main & Fremont, Neil…read more…
Juneteenth Concert
Douglass Park, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Commemorate Juneteenth with an unforgettable evening of live music! Experience a dynamic lineup of talented artists who blend styles and sounds to create an uplifting, culturally rich experience. These performances will bring together influences from hip hop, jazz, funk, and beyond, inspiring connection and unity across generations. Join us for…read more…
Rantoul Summer Nights
Downtown Rantoul, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The Summer Nights band line up is confirmed! These events will be hosted in Downtown Rantoul from 6pm to 9pm each Friday night in June. Bring your lawn chairs, listen to good music, and enjoy food and drinks from ET's Downtown Rantoul.June 5th -- Rantoul's very own Aces N' RhythmsJune 12th…read more…
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Taylor Street Block Party
Downtown Champaign, 5:00 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…
Sunday, June 21, 2026
Sound Bites Sundays
Downtown Champaign, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Sound Bites Sundays (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM) New this year is Sound Bites Sundays! Join in on the Downtown Plaza for a relaxed afternoon of family-friendly games, good food, and live music. From 1pm– 2pm, Enjoy interactive jumbo games on the plaza! Grab your family and friends and…read more…
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
UPD Neighborhood Nights
Victory Park, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Neighborhood Night concerts are your go-to spot for free live music this summer! For nearly 40 years, Urbana Park District has showcased incredible local musicians in parks across the community. Grab your friends, pack your chairs or blankets, bring a picnic dinner and settle in for a relaxing evening outdoors.…read more…
Thursday, June 25, 2026
Riggs-Fest
Riggs Beer Company, 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Join in for Riggs-Fest 2026 and celebrate their 10th anniversary with them. Live music & food trucks!
Mahomet Neighborhood Nights
Freedom Plaza, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Fisher National Bank Neighborhood Nights will feature Live Music & Food Trucks in 3 neighborhood parks this Summer! Families can bring a blanket and lawn chairs and enjoy a free concert featuring great musical talent. Time: 6:00-8:00pm June 11: Barber Park - The Casual Blend June 18: Bridle Leash Park…read more…
Patio Play at Houlihan's - Kenneth Odom
Houlihan’s, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Patio Play is BACK - every Thursday starting May 28! All summer long, they are bringing back your favorite returning artists and fresh new faces you won't want to miss — plus summer drink specials to sip while the music plays 🍊 Live Music 6–8 PM Dinner open 5–9 PM…read more…
Summer Twilight Concert on the Quad (June)
University of Illinois quad (behind the Union), 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
A chambanamoms favorite! Summer Twilight Concert on the Quad: June 25 and July 23 at 7 p.m. on the University Quad. The University of Illinois Summer Band meets during the summer session and performs two "Twilight Concerts" on the UI Quadrangle. The Summer Band's repertoire includes standard works for band,…read more…
Friday, June 26, 2026
Riggs-Fest
Riggs Beer Company, 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Join in for Riggs-Fest 2026 and celebrate their 10th anniversary with them. Live outdoor music & food trucks!
Tolono Fun Days
West Side Park, 4:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Tolono Fun Days holds a Golf Cart Parade & Drone Show on Friday evening and parade and fireworks on Saturday.
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 6-9 p.m. starting May 29 through August 28. Performances will be held at the intersections of Main & Fremont, Neil…read more…
Rantoul Summer Nights
Downtown Rantoul, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The Summer Nights band line up is confirmed! These events will be hosted in Downtown Rantoul from 6pm to 9pm each Friday night in June. Bring your lawn chairs, listen to good music, and enjoy food and drinks from ET's Downtown Rantoul.June 5th -- Rantoul's very own Aces N' RhythmsJune 12th…read more…
Saturday, June 27, 2026
Riggs-Fest
Riggs Beer Company, 1:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Join in for Riggs-Fest 2026 and celebrate their 10th anniversary with them. Live music & food trucks!
Arthur Freedom Celebration
Jurgens Park, 2:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Parade at 2 p.m. in Downtown Arthur; one of the most impressive fireworks displays in the area at dusk.
Sunday, June 28, 2026
Sound Bites Sundays
Downtown Champaign, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Sound Bites Sundays (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM) New this year is Sound Bites Sundays! Join in on the Downtown Plaza for a relaxed afternoon of family-friendly games, good food, and live music. From 1pm– 2pm, Enjoy interactive jumbo games on the plaza! Grab your family and friends and…read more…
Riggs-Fest
Riggs Beer Company, 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Join in for Riggs-Fest 2026 and celebrate their 10th anniversary with them. Live outdoor music and food trucks!
Summer Concert Series: Carrie Sue & The Wood Burners
Homer Lake Forest Preserve, Walnut Tree Shelter, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Free, no registration required. Enjoy the beautiful lake scenery and a summer concert you won't want to miss! Carrie Sue & The Wood Burners hail from Urbana, IL and reside at the intersection of songwriting, storytelling, and harmonizing - where they create a unique blend of folk, bluegrass, country and…read more…
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
UPD Neighborhood Nights
Blair Park, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Neighborhood Night concerts are your go-to spot for free live music this summer! For nearly 40 years, Urbana Park District has showcased incredible local musicians in parks across the community. Grab your friends, pack your chairs or blankets, bring a picnic dinner and settle in for a relaxing evening outdoors.…read more…
Friday, July 3, 2026
Fisher Sesquicentennial
Fisher Fairgrounds, 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Fisher fireworks will take place at the Fisher Fairgrounds at dusk. Food trucks available from 5-8pm.
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 6-9 p.m. starting May 29 through August 28. Performances will be held at the intersections of Main & Fremont, Neil…read more…
Rantoul Freedom Fridays
, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Freedom Fridays - these beloved community events continues with new locations (to be announced soon...)! July 3rd, July 10th, July 17th, and July 24th. There will be activities for kids and adults, food, drinks, and again...good music! Check their Facebook page for more details
Saturday, July 4, 2026
Champaign County Freedom Celebration
Memorial Stadium, 9:00 am - 10:00 pm
Parade beginning at 11:05am. Free concert and children's activities at 6pm and fireworks at dusk.
4th of July at Alto Vineyards
Alto Vineyard, 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Join in at Alto Vineyards and celebrate the 4th of July with some amazing live music from Kalesa! They will be performing a mix of your favorite songs, bringing energy and excitement to your Sunday. Enjoy the beautiful vineyard setting, great company, and fantastic tunes. Don’t miss out on this…read more…
Fisher Sesquicentennial
Fisher Fairgrounds, 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Fisher fireworks will take place at the Fisher Fairgrounds at dusk. Food trucks available from 5-8pm.
Sunday, July 5, 2026
Fisher Sesquicentennial
Fisher Fairgrounds, 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Fisher fireworks will take place at the Fisher Fairgrounds at dusk. Food trucks available from 5-8pm.
Sound Bites Sundays
Downtown Champaign, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Sound Bites Sundays (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM) New this year is Sound Bites Sundays! Join in on the Downtown Plaza for a relaxed afternoon of family-friendly games, good food, and live music. From 1pm– 2pm, Enjoy interactive jumbo games on the plaza! Grab your family and friends and…read more…
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
UPD Neighborhood Nights
The Lake House at Crystal Lake Park, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Neighborhood Night concerts are your go-to spot for free live music this summer! For nearly 40 years, Urbana Park District has showcased incredible local musicians in parks across the community. Grab your friends, pack your chairs or blankets, bring a picnic dinner and settle in for a relaxing evening outdoors.…read more…
Friday, July 10, 2026
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 6-9 p.m. starting May 29 through August 28. Performances will be held at the intersections of Main & Fremont, Neil…read more…
Rantoul Freedom Fridays
, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Freedom Fridays - these beloved community events continues with new locations (to be announced soon...)! July 3rd, July 10th, July 17th, and July 24th. There will be activities for kids and adults, food, drinks, and again...good music! Check their Facebook page for more details
Reds, Whites, and the Blues: Summer Concert Series
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Since this Concert Series began in 2013, it has grown in many ways—from establishing a more professional feel and consistent schedule, to increasing attendance and sponsor support. But the overall goal of bringing generations together to enjoy live music in nature remains the same. Save the date for these 2026…read more…
Sunday, July 12, 2026
Sound Bites Sundays
Downtown Champaign, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Sound Bites Sundays (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM) New this year is Sound Bites Sundays! Join in on the Downtown Plaza for a relaxed afternoon of family-friendly games, good food, and live music. From 1pm– 2pm, Enjoy interactive jumbo games on the plaza! Grab your family and friends and…read more…
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
UPD Neighborhood Nights
Larson Park, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Neighborhood Night concerts are your go-to spot for free live music this summer! For nearly 40 years, Urbana Park District has showcased incredible local musicians in parks across the community. Grab your friends, pack your chairs or blankets, bring a picnic dinner and settle in for a relaxing evening outdoors.…read more…
Friday, July 17, 2026
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 6-9 p.m. starting May 29 through August 28. Performances will be held at the intersections of Main & Fremont, Neil…read more…
Rantoul Freedom Fridays
, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Freedom Fridays - these beloved community events continues with new locations (to be announced soon...)! July 3rd, July 10th, July 17th, and July 24th. There will be activities for kids and adults, food, drinks, and again...good music! Check their Facebook page for more details
Saturday, July 18, 2026
Toast to Taylor Street Block Party Featuring Pedro the Lion
Downtown Champaign, 5:00 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…
Sunday, July 19, 2026
Sound Bites Sundays
Downtown Champaign, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Sound Bites Sundays (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM) New this year is Sound Bites Sundays! Join in on the Downtown Plaza for a relaxed afternoon of family-friendly games, good food, and live music. From 1pm– 2pm, Enjoy interactive jumbo games on the plaza! Grab your family and friends and…read more…
Ice Cream Social & Music
Mahomet Public Library, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Get ready for a scoop of community appreciation! Join in for an ice cream social hosted by the Library’s Board of Trustees. Enjoy free ice cream (and toppings!) and connect with the leaders dedicated to serving your Library. Then, while you eat your ice cream, listen to live music provided…read more…
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
UPD Neighborhood Nights
Crestview Park, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Neighborhood Night concerts are your go-to spot for free live music this summer! For nearly 40 years, Urbana Park District has showcased incredible local musicians in parks across the community. Grab your friends, pack your chairs or blankets, bring a picnic dinner and settle in for a relaxing evening outdoors.…read more…
Thursday, July 23, 2026
July Jazz in the Park
Clark Park, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Experience a relaxing evening filled with live music, good food, and great company! Enjoy the smooth sounds of local jazz musicians as you spread out a blanket or set up your lawn chairs under the summer sky. Explore a variety of food trucks offering tasty options for purchase, or pack…read more…
Summer Twilight Concert on the Quad (July)
University of Illinois quad (behind the Union), 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
A chambanamoms favorite! Summer Twilight Concert on the Quad: June 25 and July 23 at 7 p.m. on the University Quad. The University of Illinois Summer Band meets during the summer session and performs two "Twilight Concerts" on the UI Quadrangle. The Summer Band's repertoire includes standard works for band,…read more…
Friday, July 24, 2026
Sidney Fun Daze
Sidney, 5:30 pm - 11:00 pm
The 2026 Sidney Fun Daze will be held July 24 and 25, 2026. Check out their Facebook page for more details to be announced.
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 6-9 p.m. starting May 29 through August 28. Performances will be held at the intersections of Main & Fremont, Neil…read more…
Rantoul Freedom Fridays
, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Freedom Fridays - these beloved community events continues with new locations (to be announced soon...)! July 3rd, July 10th, July 17th, and July 24th. There will be activities for kids and adults, food, drinks, and again...good music! Check their Facebook page for more details
Saturday, July 25, 2026
Summer Splash
Peninsula, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Summer Splash features a variety of activities including fishing, canoeing, kayaking, pedal boats, educational exhibits, live fish with Illinois Department of Natural Resources, live music, and more!
Summer Concert Series: Ian Shepard & Friends
Peninsula, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Join in at this year’s Summer Splash event for a live performance by Ian Shepherd & Friends. From 12:00–2:00 PM, enjoy a lively blend of 70s funk and blues, seasoned with a touch of New Orleans style that’s perfect for getting up and dancing. With infectious grooves and soulful energy,…read more…
Sunday, July 26, 2026
Sound Bites Sundays
Downtown Champaign, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Sound Bites Sundays (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM) New this year is Sound Bites Sundays! Join in on the Downtown Plaza for a relaxed afternoon of family-friendly games, good food, and live music. From 1pm– 2pm, Enjoy interactive jumbo games on the plaza! Grab your family and friends and…read more…
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
UPD Neighborhood Nights
Meadowbrook Park, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Neighborhood Night concerts are your go-to spot for free live music this summer! For nearly 40 years, Urbana Park District has showcased incredible local musicians in parks across the community. Grab your friends, pack your chairs or blankets, bring a picnic dinner and settle in for a relaxing evening outdoors.…read more…
Friday, July 31, 2026
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 6-9 p.m. starting May 29 through August 28. Performances will be held at the intersections of Main & Fremont, Neil…read more…
Sunday, August 2, 2026
Sound Bites Sundays
Downtown Champaign, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Sound Bites Sundays (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM) New this year is Sound Bites Sundays! Join in on the Downtown Plaza for a relaxed afternoon of family-friendly games, good food, and live music. From 1pm– 2pm, Enjoy interactive jumbo games on the plaza! Grab your family and friends and…read more…
Friday, August 7, 2026
Prairie Crossroads Blues Fest
Bunny’s Tavern, 4:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Prairie Crossroads 8th Annual Blues Fest Featuring: Alligator Records Recording Artists Lil' Ed and the Blues Imperials And Many More Great Bands Free Admission Bunny's Tavern Downtown Urbana
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.
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 6-9 p.m. starting May 29 through August 28. 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
Since this Concert Series began in 2013, it has grown in many ways—from establishing a more professional feel and consistent schedule, to increasing attendance and sponsor support. But the overall goal of bringing generations together to enjoy live music in nature remains the same. Save the date for these 2026…read more…
Saturday, August 8, 2026
Champaign-Urbana Days
Douglass Park, 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
The 2026 Champaign-Urbana Days will be held August 7-9, 2026. Celebrate Champaign-Urbana Days, a long-standing cherished tradition that brings our community together to honor shared heritage and culture! This three-day event features live music, local cuisine, and a vibrant marketplace with community outreach vendors, nonprofit organizations, and merchandise vendors selling…read more…
Prairie Crossroads Blues Fest
Bunny’s Tavern, 3:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Prairie Crossroads 8th Annual Blues Fest Featuring: Alligator Records Recording Artists Lil' Ed and the Blues Imperials And Many More Great Bands Free Admission Bunny's Tavern Downtown Urbana
Sunday, August 9, 2026
Sound Bites Sundays
Downtown Champaign, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Sound Bites Sundays (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM) New this year is Sound Bites Sundays! Join in on the Downtown Plaza for a relaxed afternoon of family-friendly games, good food, and live music. From 1pm– 2pm, Enjoy interactive jumbo games on the plaza! Grab your family and friends and…read more…
Champaign-Urbana Days
Douglass Park, 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
The 2026 Champaign-Urbana Days will be held August 7-9, 2026. Celebrate Champaign-Urbana Days, a long-standing cherished tradition that brings our community together to honor shared heritage and culture! This three-day event features live music, local cuisine, and a vibrant marketplace with community outreach vendors, nonprofit organizations, and merchandise vendors selling…read more…
Friday, August 14, 2026
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 6-9 p.m. starting May 29 through August 28. Performances will be held at the intersections of Main & Fremont, Neil…read more…
Saturday, August 15, 2026
Summer Concert Series: Two Shoes Urbana Review
Campground, Middle Fork River Forest Preserve, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Free, no registration required. Join local musicians Dave Pride, Emily McKown, Nick Stine, Jacob Croegaert and Clayton Burke for an exciting jam session! Their combined talents promise a fun and engaging musical experience. Don't miss out on this chance to enjoy live music in a vibrant atmosphere. Food from local…read more…
Taylor Street Block Party
Downtown Champaign, 5:00 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…
Summer Bash
Downtown Gibson City, 7:30 pm
Gibson Area Hospital and Health Services Presents: Summer Bash Rick Springfield Night Ranger Saturday August 15, 2026 - 7:30PMDowntown Gibson City Advanced General Admission Tickets $12.50 For further details regarding ticket sales and concert information, please visit www.gahhssummerbash.com.
Sunday, August 16, 2026
Sound Bites Sundays
Downtown Champaign, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Sound Bites Sundays (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM) New this year is Sound Bites Sundays! Join in on the Downtown Plaza for a relaxed afternoon of family-friendly games, good food, and live music. From 1pm– 2pm, Enjoy interactive jumbo games on the plaza! Grab your family and friends and…read more…
Thursday, August 20, 2026
August Jazz in the Park
Clark Park, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Experience a relaxing evening filled with live music, good food, and great company! Enjoy the smooth sounds of local jazz musicians as you spread out a blanket or set up your lawn chairs under the summer sky. Explore a variety of food trucks offering tasty options for purchase, or pack…read more…
Friday, August 21, 2026
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 6-9 p.m. starting May 29 through August 28. Performances will be held at the intersections of Main & Fremont, Neil…read more…
Sunday, August 23, 2026
Sound Bites Sundays
Downtown Champaign, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Sound Bites Sundays (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM) New this year is Sound Bites Sundays! Join in on the Downtown Plaza for a relaxed afternoon of family-friendly games, good food, and live music. From 1pm– 2pm, Enjoy interactive jumbo games on the plaza! Grab your family and friends and…read more…
Friday, August 28, 2026
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.
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 6-9 p.m. starting May 29 through August 28. Performances will be held at the intersections of Main & Fremont, Neil…read more…
Saturday, August 29, 2026
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.
Sunday, August 30, 2026
Sound Bites Sundays
Downtown Champaign, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Sound Bites Sundays (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM) New this year is Sound Bites Sundays! Join in on the Downtown Plaza for a relaxed afternoon of family-friendly games, good food, and live music. From 1pm– 2pm, Enjoy interactive jumbo games on the plaza! Grab your family and friends and…read more…
Sunday, September 6, 2026
Sound Bites Sundays
Downtown Champaign, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Sound Bites Sundays (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM) New this year is Sound Bites Sundays! Join in on the Downtown Plaza for a relaxed afternoon of family-friendly games, good food, and live music. From 1pm– 2pm, Enjoy interactive jumbo games on the plaza! Grab your family and friends and…read more…
Friday, September 11, 2026
Arcola Broomcorn Festival
Arcola, All Day
The National Broom Sweeping Contest kicks off the festival on Friday-there will also be food & street vendors and don't miss the broom tent!
Summer's End: Summer Concert Series
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Since this Concert Series began in 2013, it has grown in many ways—from establishing a more professional feel and consistent schedule, to increasing attendance and sponsor support. But the overall goal of bringing generations together to enjoy live music in nature remains the same. Save the date for these 2026…read more…
Sunday, September 13, 2026
Sound Bites Sundays
Downtown Champaign, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Sound Bites Sundays (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM) New this year is Sound Bites Sundays! Join in on the Downtown Plaza for a relaxed afternoon of family-friendly games, good food, and live music. From 1pm– 2pm, Enjoy interactive jumbo games on the plaza! Grab your family and friends and…read more…
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Taylor Street Block Party
Downtown Champaign, 5:00 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…
Sunday, September 20, 2026
Sound Bites Sundays
Downtown Champaign, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Sound Bites Sundays (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM) New this year is Sound Bites Sundays! Join in on the Downtown Plaza for a relaxed afternoon of family-friendly games, good food, and live music. From 1pm– 2pm, Enjoy interactive jumbo games on the plaza! Grab your family and friends and…read more…
Sunday, September 27, 2026
Sound Bites Sundays
Downtown Champaign, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Sound Bites Sundays (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM) New this year is Sound Bites Sundays! Join in on the Downtown Plaza for a relaxed afternoon of family-friendly games, good food, and live music. From 1pm– 2pm, Enjoy interactive jumbo games on the plaza! Grab your family and friends and…read more…
Sunday, October 4, 2026
Sound Bites Sundays
Downtown Champaign, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Sound Bites Sundays (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM) New this year is Sound Bites Sundays! Join in on the Downtown Plaza for a relaxed afternoon of family-friendly games, good food, and live music. From 1pm– 2pm, Enjoy interactive jumbo games on the plaza! Grab your family and friends and…read more…
Sunday, October 11, 2026
Sound Bites Sundays
Downtown Champaign, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Sound Bites Sundays (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM) New this year is Sound Bites Sundays! Join in on the Downtown Plaza for a relaxed afternoon of family-friendly games, good food, and live music. From 1pm– 2pm, Enjoy interactive jumbo games on the plaza! Grab your family and friends and…read more…
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- Champaign-Urbana Area Free Summer Meals for Children
- Best Midwest Summer Road Trips for Champaign-Urbana Families
- Splash Pads Around Champaign-Urbana
- 50+ Ways to Have Summer Fun on a Budget In and Around Champaign-Urbana
- Summer Fun for Families in Champaign-Urbana
- Champaign-Urbana Area Swimming Pools
- Champaign-Urbana Area Summer Reading Programs
- Where to Watch Free and Cheap Outdoor Movies in Champaign-Urbana
- Visiting Champaign-Urbana Area Parks and Playgrounds with Families
- Strawberry Picking Near Champaign-Urbana
- Summer Fun in Chicago: Free Days at the Best Museums
- Champaign County Fair Preview
- Farmers Markets near Champaign-Urbana
- Champaign-Urbana Area Summer Fairs and Festivals
- Swim Teams in Champaign-Urbana
- Outdoor Concerts in Champaign-Urbana and Beyond
- Season Pool Passes On Sale in Champaign-Urbana
- Where to Take Swim Lessons in Champaign-Urbana
- Champaign-Urbana Summer Camps for Kids





