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Fall Festivals in the Champaign-Urbana Area

Autumn weekends in the Champaign-Urbana are filled with festivals and events, filling our days with music, food, art, and pride. Check out what’s coming up and make your plans to go to these must-attend events!

ELLNORA | The Guitar Festival | September 4–6

This biennial music festival returns to Krannert Center for the Performing Arts for its 20th anniversary, and it is better than ever. You'll have access to a variety of free and ticketed shows with everything from jazz to rock and everything in between. This year, the festival features Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer Rosanne Cash, Jeff Tweedy of Wilco, classical artist Sharon Isbin, blues-rock phenom Samantha Fish, and so many more. Don't wait on getting your tickets!

	Arcola Broomcorn Festival | September 5–7 A tradition in Arcola, the Broomcorn Festival celebrates the community's heritage as the “Broomcorn Capital of the World.” See broom making, broom activities, arts and crafts vendors, free entertainment, 5K and 10K race, great food, and a gigantic parade with our local, famous Lawn Rangers! The event, always held the weekend after Labor Day, honors Arcola’s position in the late nineteenth century as a center of broomcorn production.
	West Side Arts | September 14 This arts festival in downtown Champaign's West Side Park features local and regional artists showcasing their work around a variety of mediums. This juried show is sure to impress you with our local talent and provide you with many ways to bring art home or pick up some gifts! Kids' activities abound, so bring the whole family!
	Pygmalion | September 18–20 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, hackathons, tech demos, and local makers. The 2025 event continues to keep us on our toes with a lineup including Josh Johnson, Hannibal Buress, Snow Strippers, Momma, and many more. Get your festival passes now!
	CU Pride Fest | October 18–26 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 weekend’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.
	Urbana Fall Fusion Festival | October 4 The Urbana Fall Fusion Festival 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 to this kickoff of the fall season!
	Folk & Roots Festival | October 2–4 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.
	Flannel Fest | October 25 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 plenty of music, art, and food trucks. It's all about high-energy fun, fierce competition, and cozy autumn vibes.
	Parade of Lights | November 29 Get into the holiday spirit at this festive parade through Downtown Champaign! Always held the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the Parade of Lights brings together the community for caroling, hot chocolate, and other holiday-themed activities before the sun goes down and the parade begins. Stay through the end to catch Santa as he makes his way through the parade to the tree lighting at One Main Plaza!

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.