Top Events for Spring & Summer in Champaign-Urbana
Don’t just cross off days on your calendar. Enjoy every day by getting out in the Champaign-Urbana area. Spring and summer bring daily events and major festivals for every interest and every age. What are you waiting for? Make your plans today!
Springs Brings Blooms, Tech, Art, Film, and Food!
Blooming Gardens—When the snow melts, the flowers bloom. Peonies at Allerton Park & Retreat Center, cherry blossoms at the Japan House, and flowers of all varieties at the Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden are all must-see gardens every spring. Stay tuned to our calendar of events for scheduled tours, live music, and special events happening in these scenic spaces!
All About Science—Some of the world’s brightest students at the Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois will blow your mind at the annual Engineering Open House, March 31–April 1. From artificial intelligence to Tesla Coils, you can get a glimpse of the future of technology during this weekend of free exhibits.
Color the Sky—Put on by the volunteer-driven student organization, Asha for Education - UIUC, Holi is a Hindu festival where everyone is welcome. This is a spectacle you don't want to miss—involving music, gatherings, and the infamous throwing of colored powders! This year, Holi will be celebrated on April 8th.
Art All Around—Discover over 100 local artists at the annual Boneyard Arts Festival, happening April 14–16. This is no normal art festival, with local art shown in hundreds of venues across Champaign County. You’ll not only get immersed in our vibrant art scene, you’ll get to know the community. PostMark Urbana is a monthly post-market showcase of local art, artist workshops, and participating business offering food specials and much more!
Film Lovers—Renowned film critic Roger Ebert hails from Urbana, getting his start at the University of Illinois’ Daily Illini. He left a legacy in our community with the annual Ebertfest, happening April 19–22, a celebration of film, at the Virginia Theatre.
Local Ingredients—Award-winning goat cheese, fruits and vegetables, fresh bread, plants and flowers, and artisan goods are easy to find in the Champaign-Urbana area as farmers markets return in spring. Urbana’s Market at the Square is one of Illinois’ largest markets, with over 70 vendors on-hand to get you what you need for that perfect meal while you support local agriculture. The Champaign-Urbana area has a farmers market 5 out of 7 days of the week!
When the Summer Warms Up
Live Music, every weekend—Three locations, six bands per night, and 13 weeks adds up to nearly 80 local performers in the summer. Local musicians and residents alike celebrate all summer long during Friday Night Live, offering free live music from Memorial Day through Labor Day in downtown Champaign.
Summer Festivals—From 4th of July celebrations to street fests, summer is the time for local festivals. The summer hosts a variety of our favorites, from the Crystal Lake Park Art Fair, Soul Food Family Festival to the Mahomet Music Fest.
Patio season—Food tastes better when enjoyed on the patio. We fully embrace the warmer weather during patio season, with bars and restaurants in our downtown districts and across the region breaking out the umbrellas to enjoy dinner with friends. Downtown Champaign alone offers over 2,000 outdoor seats!
Outdoor Adventures—Our forest preserves and parks serve as a much-needed respite for our physical and mental health. From hiking trails, bike paths, and waterways, our natural areas provide ample opportunities to explore all summer long. Summer brings plenty of guided hikes, bird-watching and many other activities to engage in our natural environments.
All of our spaces offer you a chance to explore and unwind. Stay tuned to our calendar of events to keep up-to-date on all opportunities to get out.
Ready to Experience the Champaign-Urbana area?
Check out our Experience Guide and book your stay at any of our hotels, bed & breakfasts, and camping spots!