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.

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…
First Friday Concerts - Bags & Brews with How Rude
Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
First Friday Concert Series with Bags & Brews Friday, August 7th BCPA Lawn Bags Tournament: 5 PM How Rude: 7 PM This year, the BCPA is partnering with B/N Sunrise Rotary to combine our First Friday Concert Series with Bags & Brews for one unforgettable summer night on the BCPA…read more…
Saturday, August 8, 2026
Champaign-Urbana Days
Douglass Park, 11:00 am - 7:00 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.
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
Music at the Vines | Aces N' Rhythms
Alto Vineyard, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
With music ranging from the timeless 60's to the current Billboard 100, join us and Aces n’ Rhythms for a night of iconic hits! $5 cover at the door
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
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.
Sunday Wine Down | The Casual Blend Band
Alto Vineyard, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Pop, Funk, Rock, Soul, Blues, Country, Blended Into One Show. Come out and enjoy a wonderful Sunday afternoon!
Thursday, August 13, 2026
ClarkLindsey Summer Concert Series
ClarkLindsey, 7:15 pm - 8:30 pm
Join ClarkLindsey residents, Lindsey Life members, and the CU community for live music performed on the beautiful grounds at ClarkLindsey. New Soul- Thursday, August 13 at 7:15pm in the North Courtyard Mariachi Tigres & Libertad- Thursday, September 10 at 7:15pm in the Masterpiece Garden Bring a chair and a friend!…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
Recovery Happens Summer Jam 2026
Jean Driscoll Pavillion, 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Recovery Happens is inviting the entire Champaign-Urbana community to celebrate hope, connection, and the power of recovery at its first-ever Recovery Happens Summer Jam: Music, Hope & Community, a free outdoor concert on Saturday, August 15, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Jean Driscoll Pavilion in Ambucs Park, Urbana.…read more…
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…
Music at the Vines | Kalesa
Alto Vineyard, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Join in for an evening of live music at Alto Vineyards! Kalesa will be performing a mix of your favorite songs, bringing energy and excitement to your Saturday. Enjoy the beautiful vineyard setting, great company, and fantastic tunes. Don’t miss out on this fun and relaxing event! $5 cover at…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…
Sunday Wine Down | Andrew Duncanson & Take A Ride Ft. Michael Peloquin
Alto Vineyard, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Andrew Duncanson, the powerhouse vocalist leading The Dig 3 and Kilborn Alley, is stepping into the spotlight with his highly anticipated new venture featuring the ultra talented Michael Peloquin. Come out and enjoy a wonderful afternoon at Alto Vineyards!
Thursday, August 20, 2026
August Jazz in the Park
Sunset Ridge Park, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Celebrate the grand finale of the Jazz in the Park Summer Series at Sunset Ridge Park! Relax under the evening sky as local jazz musicians fill the park with smooth, soulful sounds. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy a night of live music, summer vibes, and community connection.…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…
Saturday, August 22, 2026
Apple Dumpling Festival
Atwood, Illinois, 7:00 am - 9:00 pm
Small town Fun! Head out for live music. food, car show and more!
The Illiac in Hessel Park
Hessel Park, 3:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The ILLIAC’s free programming will feature live music, food trucks, and more in Hessel Park alongside Neil Street Plaza, Watson’s Shack & Rail, The Space, and Cowboy Monkey in Downtown Champaign
Music at the Vines | Love Signs
Alto Vineyard, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
A harmonic, "love-tastic" musical experience playing a HUGE variety of music with a rockabilly twist! $5 cover at the door
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…
Sunday Wine Down | Blue Iris
Alto Vineyard, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Award winning band for the world's largest independent music awards in Nashville, playing originals and alternative rock covers from Central Illinois, Join in for a fun Sunday afternoon!
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.
Westville Labor Day Celebration
Zamberletti Park, 6:00 pm
Carnival, music and fireworks (in September) make this a great fest.
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 Wine Down | Tom Grassman
Alto Vineyard, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Implementing vocal harmony/effects, guitar looping, and foot percussion, Tom's SOLO show again demonstrates his ability to create a huge sound from just one person. Come out and enjoy a wonderful Sunday afternoon with us!
Friday, September 4, 2026
Westville Labor Day Celebration
Zamberletti Park, 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
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,…read more…
Saturday, September 5, 2026
Westville Labor Day Celebration
Zamberletti Park, 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,…read more…
Music at the Vines | The Surreal Deal
Alto Vineyard, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
“We play 70's jam band music. The Allman Brothers, The Dead, Eric Clapton etc. We tend to over-play and we're ok with that.” - The Surreal Deal Come out for great tunes and cold drinks! $5 cover at the door
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…
Sunday Wine Down | The Bluetone Drivers
Alto Vineyard, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Classic Rock and Blues band performing our selected interpretations and arrangements of the material. Perfect band to celebrate a wonderful Sunday afternoon!
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…
Saturday, September 12, 2026
Music at the Vines | Kilborn Alley
Alto Vineyard, 6:00 pm - 9:00 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. $10 cover charge
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…
Friday, September 18, 2026
Lakeside Brews, Beats & Eats
Heritage Park, 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
FREE! Must be 21+ to enter! Experience the ultimate summer celebration for those 21 and over! Lakeside Brews, Beats, and Eats brings together live music, a food truck rally, and a selection of top-tier brews. Food and beverages available for purchase via cash or card.
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…
Music at the Vines | Turning Stone
Alto Vineyard, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Join in for the debut of Turning Stones, at Alto Vineyards Champaign! They will be playing your red dirt country and 90s grunge alternative crowd favorites. This is the ultimate recipe for a great time! $5 cover at the door
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 Wine Down | The Painkillers
Alto Vineyard, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
A great prescription for the blues—The Painkillers Blues Band. Come out and cure those Sunday blues with some great music and great wine! There is no greater way to start your week, see you there!
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 Wine Down | Sass
Alto Vineyard, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Join in for a glass of wine while enjoying a unique blend of rock, blues, country, soul, and R&B with Sass Siders!
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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