Pride Month Events in the Champaign-Urbana Area
Pride Month in the Champaign-Urbana area is a sight to behold, and rightfully so: Pride gatherings are rooted in the arduous history of minority groups who have struggled for decades to overcome prejudice and be accepted for who they are. In Champaign-Urbana, Pride is celebrated through drag shows, live music, dancing, face-painting, 5K’s, parades, drag storytime, film, kid’s activities, and so much more. We invite you to check out some of these community resources and queer-friendly events for the entire month of June!
KEEP UP TO DATE WITH UNITING PRIDE
As the only LGBTQ+ resource center of its kind in the East Central Illinois region, Uniting Pride of Champaign County (Up Center) is an indispensable pillar in the community, championing inclusivity and support through its diverse array of initiatives. The Up Center is producing, partnering, and promoting a variety of programming during June Pride Month 2024, so be sure to check their calendar for a full list of events here.
Take a Trip to Anthem Bar
Anthem, our newest inclusive bar in the heart of downtown Champaign, has an arsenal of programming with the LGBTQ+ community at its center. Aside from dancing the night away during their regular hours, you can enjoy live music at Anthem's Live and Unplugged, cozy up during Queer Movie Night, witness high-energy drag performances and much more! Visit Anthem's Facebook and Instagram page for more information.
POUND THE PAVEMENT FOR PRIDE 5K – JUNE 8, 10:00 A.M.
It’s time to lace those running shoes and dress in your brightest colors—The Tuscola GSA Booster Club is hosting their fourth annual Pound the Pavement event on Saturday, June 8th! Pound the Pavement is a 5k color run/walk open to the community, with awards going to the top 2 Finishers in each group, irrespective of gender, Ages 13-25, Ages 26-50, Ages 51+.
VIBRATIONS OF BELINGING: SOUND MEDITATION FOR BIPOC & QUEER COMMUNITIES – JUNE 9, 3:30 - 4:30 P.M.
Join local artist Vivianne Velazquez at Meadowbrook Park in this meditative sound bath to nurture the mind and body. This 60-minute program will include breathing exercises, gentle yoga, and resonating sounds to celebrate and recognize BIPOC + Queer Identities. Yoga mats will be provided!
LOVE FOR ALL(ERTON) – JUNE 14, 6:00 - 9:00 P.M.
LOVE FOR ALLerton is an outdoor concert that fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment for all, featuring music from emily the band (6 p.m.) a three-piece queer girl group, and New York-based pop rock band Homeschool (7:30 p.m). This event opens up the Allerton Park Concert Series with monthly concerts through September 13. Food will also be available to purchase from: Daro Coffee Co., La Paloma and Mamma D’s Smokehouse BBQ. In addition, the Greenhouse Cafè will be open until 6 p.m.
TOAST TO TAYLOR STREET: PRIDE EDITION – JUNE 22nd, 4:00 - 11:00 P.M.
Stop by and shop at our local vendors, do arts & crafts with the Uniting Pride team, and experience our amazing local talent with this special edition of Toast to Taylor Street! Anthem will keep the vibes going with an afterparty (11:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m) you don't want to miss. No cover!
PRIDE CANDLE MAKING WITH UP CENTER AND FIRE DOLL STUDIO – JUNE 25th, 6:00 - 7:30 P.M.
Join Uniting Pride as they take over Fire Doll Studio for a Pride candle making session appropriate for anyone age 8 and up. This workshop will be 90 minutes in length and the Fire Doll team will take you on a fun and educational candle making journey where you will make your own candle from start to finish, including a custom scent blend of your own creation! Get your tickets now before they sell out here.
UP CENTER JUNE PRIDE PARTY – JUNE 29th, NOON - 1:00 P.M.
Join the UP center at Rose Bowl Tavern for a pride party blow out! Celebrate all things Pride for a FREE day of awesome with live music, drag queen story time, a family friendly drag show, local vendors, arts & crafts, face painting, and much more!