Top Events for Spring in the Champaign-Urbana Area
Spring in the Champaign-Urbana area is a time of renewal, bringing people together for a variety of events that celebrate community, creativity, and connection. Whether you’re exploring local art, participating in cultural showcases, joining a fun run through the city streets, or witnessing the magnificence of colorful blooms, there are countless experiences for every interest and every age.
Spring Brings Blooms, Tech, Art, Film, and More!
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, April 4–5. From artificial intelligence to Tesla Coils, you can get a glimpse of the future of technology during this weekend of free exhibits! While you're there, stop by Beckman Institute's open house, which features hands-on science experiments, research participation opportunities, and the debut read-aloud of a Beckman-themed kids' book—in English and Spanish!
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 April 12.
Art All Around—Discover over 100 local artists at the annual Boneyard Arts Festival, happening April 4–6. 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 see how diverse and inclusive it is! PostMark Urbana, a post-market showcase happening March 8, April 5, and May 3, features local art, artist workshops, and participating businesses offering food specials and much more!
For the 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, a celebration of film happening April 23–26 at the Virginia Theatre. Check out their schedule and pick out a few flicks to enjoy!
Run Your Heart Out—The Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend is one of the biggest running events in Illinois, attracting thousands of participants from all over the nation. Held April 24–26, this event features multiple race distances including the Green Street Mile on Thursday, the 5K Run/Walk and the 4th Mile on Friday, and the Wheelchair Half Marathon, Full Marathon, 4-person Relay and Half Marathon, 10K, the Meijer 27th-Mile Celebrate Victory Bash, and the Youth Run on Saturday, making this three-day fanfare accessible to runners of all levels! Join us after your race on Saturday on Kirby Avenue, just outside Memorial Stadium, to enjoy some of our area's favorite flavors! Stay tuned for list of food trucks, along with details on race vendors and entertainment, available here.
Cuddle with Baby Goats—As farmers markets prepare to start back up, Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery gets ready to showcase their award-winning goat cheese after they bring over 100 baby goats into the world. Celebrate these gentle animals with visits to the farm during weekend open hours, where you can shop their cheeses and gelato while also discovering other locally made goods. What could be better?
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 and bike paths to fields and waterways, our natural areas provide ample opportunities to explore as we welcome warmer weather. Spring brings plenty of guided hikes, bird-watching, and many other activities 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!