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Fall Festivals in the Champaign-Urbana Area

Autumn weekends in the Champaign-Urbana area are full of festivals and events, with music, food, art, pride—and even tattoos! Check out what’s coming up and make plans for these must-attend events!

	Riggs Oktoberfest | September 17–20 Raise a stein at Riggs Beer Company's Oktoberfest! Enjoy German-style lagers brewed right on-site, including their seasonal Oktoberfest beer, alongside food trucks offering schnitzel, potato pancakes, brats, pretzels, kaesespaetzle, and of course live music all weekend long. Dust off your lederhosen and settle in for a true taste of Bavaria, C-U style.
	Odd Market & Tattoo Fest | September 19 Highlighting the wonderfully weird! Tuscola Odd Fellows Lodge hosts this free and welcoming annual event featuring folk art, handmade goods, flash tattoos, curiosities, live entertainment, and the kind of vendors you just don't find at a typical fair.
	Pygmalion | September 24–27 For years, Pygmalion has pushed the boundaries in innovation, with up-and-coming musicians alongside national names, cutting-edge comedy, local and national author book readings, and film showings. The 2026 event continues to keep us on our toes with a lineup including Robby Hoffman, Ratboys, Megasound,  the Appleseed Cast, Astronomy on Tap, and so much more. Get your festival passes now!
	Folk & Roots Festival | October 8–10 Spanning venues across downtown Urbana, the CU Folk & Roots Festival brings the community together for a love of good music. Artists large and small lead us in jam sessions, song circles, and revelatory performances in intimate settings. Festival passes get you into three full days of performances for a weekend you won’t forget.
	Urbana Fall Fusion Festival | October 10 The Urbana Fall Fusion Festival, presented by 40 North, features our local artists through the lens of all things autumn. Get inspired by watching live art demonstrations by local artists, enjoy interactive activities for all ages, and stop by all the downtown businesses and restaurants for food specials and retail sales. Don’t miss the face painters, balloon artists, make-and-take crafts, and circus performers that are sure to keep everyone entertained for hours. Stay for the fire performance—a mesmerizing grand finale!
	CU Pride Fest | October 11–17 Featuring the second-largest Pride parade in Illinois, the CU Pride Fest happens every fall to ensure our University of Illinois LGBTQIA+ students and allies can take part in the week’s events. The Pride Parade is sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces, while educational programming is available for youth and families. Check out a full weekend worth of programming with art shows, dances, talks, hikes, and a drag brunch.
	Flannel Fest | October 24 Nothing screams fall like flannel! Don your plaid at Champaign Park District’s annual Flannel Fest at West Side Park. Be wowed by axe throwing, log rolling, and speed carving alongside a mustache contest (!), plenty of music, art, and food trucks. It's all about high-energy fun, fierce competition, and cozy autumn vibes.

Whatever your idea of a brilliant fall weekend looks like, the Champaign-Urbana area has a festival with your name on it!
Make your plans now, because fall weekends fill up fast.

WANT MORE UPCOMING EVENTS?

Check out our calendar for everything coming up in the area.

READY TO PLAN YOUR FESTIVAL WEEKEND?

Need help planning your visit to the greater Champaign-Urbana area? Check out our Experience Guide, or contact us for more information! Don’t forget to book your stay at our area hotels, located conveniently throughout the community.