Your Perfect First Weekend in Champaign-Urbana
Welcome to Champaign-Urbana! Whether you’re brand-new to the University of Illinois or coming back after a summer away, your first weekend in town sets the tone for an unforgettable year. Lucky for you, our community rolls out the orange carpet with plenty of local flavor, music, food, and unique adventures. Here’s your play-by-play itinerary:
Friday Night: Get Down at Friday Night Live
Kick things off in downtown Champaign with Friday Night Live, a free outdoor music series hosted by 40 North. Street corners are filled every Friday night in the summer with local bands bringing everything from blues to rock to jazz. This weekend is the final event, giving you a chance to catch a glimpse of CU’s summer magic. Grab some friends, order food to-go from a nearby restaurant, and let the music carry you into the weekend.
Saturday Morning: Shop Local & Snack at Urbana’s Market at the Square
Wake up early (yes, we know it’s Saturday) and head to Urbana’s Market at the Square, one of Illinois’ biggest and best farmers markets. With up to 70 vendors, you’ll find everything from farm-fresh produce to handmade baked goods, local coffee, flowers, and even art. Don’t miss breakfast from a food truck while you stroll. Pro tip: Bring cash and reusable bags—you’re going to want to stock up to start your year with fresh, local flavors! You can find the market at Illinois & Vine in Downtown Urbana, from 7:00 a.m.–noon each Saturday through October.
Saturday Afternoon: Get Refreshed at Meadowbrook Park
Just a short hop from the market, Meadowbrook Park in Urbana is the perfect place to walk off your market finds. With acres of restored prairie, wildflowers, and over two dozen large-scale sculptures tucked along the Wandell Sculpture Garden trail, it’s like an outdoor gallery meets a nature hike. You’ll be sure to find your perfect Instagram selfie-spot.
Saturday Evening: Chill with The ILLIAC at Hessel Park
Cap off your first weekend with a concert under the summer sky at Champaign’s Hessel Park, a short walk from Memorial Stadium. The ILLIAC starts off with some Illini spirit as the Marching Illini kicks off the afternoon, welcoming back the school year. The evening ends with Sinfonia da Camera playing under the stars, including the 1812 Overture, with actual canons! Bring a blanket, grab a bite from a local food truck, and soak up the sunset with your new crew.
From live music in the streets to fresh flavors to be savored, Champaign-Urbana knows how to help you settle in. This first weekend is just a taste of what’s ahead—think festivals, Big Ten sports, farm-to-table dining, and endless hidden gems waiting for you to discover.
So grab your friends, wear your orange and blue, and let’s make this the best semester yet. I-L-L!