Five events to check out during Pride Fest in Champaign-Urbana
With a number of events happening over the course of a week, we highlight a few you may want to check out during this year’s Pride Fest
The 17th annual Champaign-Urbana Pride Fest kicks off Oct. 11 with events running through Oct. 17. Given the variety of offerings, there’s likely something for everyone to enjoy. Here are five of our favorite picks for Pride Fest, presented by the UP Center.
- S’mores Social: Come out to Crestview Park for a walk with friends and then convene over the fire for s’mores and hot chocolate. Happening Oct. 11 from 3-5 p.m.
- Living History with Queer Elders: After a successful program the last couple years, Pride organizers chose to bring this one back again this year, and it’s easy to see why. Some LGBTQ+ elders have been invited to sit at stations and discuss their stories, answer questions and engage various generations about their experiences. It’s free at the Urbana Free Library from 6-8 p.m. on Oct. 15.
- Youth and Family Party: Another free event, this one focuses on families, teens and littles. The Urbana Park District will offer a Pride-themed Teen Hangout Zone inside the Phillips Recreation Center, while outside activities include games, crafts, food and music. Scheduled for 3:30-6 p.m. Oct. 16.
- Pride Hike: Head to Anita Purves Nature Center and explore Busey Woods together. For all ages. Those under 15 need to attend with an adult. Held on Oct. 17 at 9:30 a.m.
- Pride Parade: It’s the signature event of any Pride Fest — the parade! It steps off at 1 p.m. Oct. 17 in downtown Urbana, and kicks off the Fair, which runs from 1-5 p.m. Find more details here about this main event.
Click here for the full Pride Fest calendar.
There are so many events that happen in Champaign-Urbana with the LGBTQ+ community in mind. Check out our calendar all year long (not just during Pride!) to find out what is happening and where to connect.
Thursday, October 15, 2026
Living History with Queer Elders
Time – 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm – Urbana Free Library
Head to the Urbana Free Library for a time in community with Uniting Pride for the 4th Living History event with LGBTQ+ elders. Elders will sit at stations throughout the space, ready to tell their stories, answer questions, and engage across generations to preserve this deeply important component of queer…
Friday, October 16, 2026
CU Pride Fest Youth & Family Party
Time – 3:30 pm - 6:00 pm – Phillips Recreation Center
Youth and Family Pride Party Friday, October 16th - 3:30-6pm Phillips Recreation Center - 505 W Stoughton, Urbana FREE Head to the family-friendly celebration of Pride before the parade and fair! Check unitingpride.org for more information.
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Pride Nature Hike
Time – 9:30 am - 11:00 am – Anita Purves Nature Center
FREE! PRIDE Nature Hike Saturday, October 17, 9:30-11am Busey Woods, Anita Purves Nature Center All ages (under 15 with adult) As we celebrate Pride, the Urbana Park District invites you to explore the Woods! Come learn at an inclusive event for all ages and all identities, about how animals, plants,…
CU Pride Parade and Fest
Time – 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm – Main Street Urbana
Join thousands of LGBTQ+ folx and allies in celebrating all things PRIDE and check out all of the incredible artisans, resources, local businesses, and other INCREDIBLE vendors in downtown Urbana. Be sure to be front row for when the parade steps off at 1pm and help celebrate all things LOVE and PRIDE!
Sunday, November 8, 2026
Champaign-Urbana Queer Soup Night
Time – 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm – Phillips Recreation Center
This is a free mutual aid event serving vegan soup to people of all ages. Bring a bowl, a spoon, and a friend! They're creating a space for people to eat together and build community. It’s a LGBTQ+ space, but all are welcome— they don’t check at the door! For…
Sunday, December 13, 2026
Champaign-Urbana Queer Soup Night
Time – 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm – Phillips Recreation Center
This is a free mutual aid event serving vegan soup to people of all ages. Bring a bowl, a spoon, and a friend! They're creating a space for people to eat together and build community. It’s a LGBTQ+ space, but all are welcome— they don’t check at the door! For…
Sunday, January 10, 2027
Champaign-Urbana Queer Soup Night
Time – 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm – Phillips Recreation Center
This is a free mutual aid event serving vegan soup to people of all ages. Bring a bowl, a spoon, and a friend! They're creating a space for people to eat together and build community. It’s a LGBTQ+ space, but all are welcome— they don’t check at the door! For…
Sunday, February 14, 2027
Champaign-Urbana Queer Soup Night
Time – 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm – Phillips Recreation Center
This is a free mutual aid event serving vegan soup to people of all ages. Bring a bowl, a spoon, and a friend! They're creating a space for people to eat together and build community. It’s a LGBTQ+ space, but all are welcome— they don’t check at the door! For…
Sunday, March 14, 2027
Champaign-Urbana Queer Soup Night
Time – 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm – Phillips Recreation Center
This is a free mutual aid event serving vegan soup to people of all ages. Bring a bowl, a spoon, and a friend! They're creating a space for people to eat together and build community. It’s a LGBTQ+ space, but all are welcome— they don’t check at the door! For…
