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

Find everything related to fall in Champaign-Urbana:

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• Champaign-Urbana Area Halloween Events and Activities
• Fall in Champaign-Urbana: Apple Picking, Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes
• Fall Parades in Champaign-Urbana
• 21 Things to Do During Fall (on a Budget) in Champaign-Urbana
• Champaign-Urbana Area Fall Fairs and Festivals
• Fall Fun for Families in Champaign-Urbana
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