Unfinished Revolutions: Living Stories of American Rights
March 14—November 8 | Spurlock Museum of World Cultures | 600 S. Gregory St., Urbana
Our exhibit theme of unfinished revolutions explores the ongoing struggle to define and expand the meaning of freedom in America. From the Revolutionary era to today, individuals and communities have challenged injustice and demanded change—through protest and litigation, war and grassroots organizing, formal politics and everyday resistance.
Setting the Table for 250 Years of American Politics
April 7—September 6 | Spurlock Museum of World Cultures | 600 S. Gregory St. Urbana
Setting the Table for 250 Years of American Politics explores the political memorabilia that has shaped this nation’s elections. Specifically, this exhibit engages with political memorabilia that targets the domestic space of the dinner table including implements of eating and drinking.
America 250 Kickoff Celebration
June 13 | 2 p.m. | Champaign County History Museum | 102 E. University Ave., Champaign
Commemorating the start of Champaign County's America 250 Celebration, you can expect the singing of the National Anthem, the Flag Lowering and Raising, a Semi-quincentennial Proclamation from Mayor Deborah Feinen, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, and music from the Sweet Adelines. Popcorn and lemonade will be available.
We The (Trivia) People
June 16 | 7–9 p.m. | Spurlock Museum of World Cultures | 600 S. Gregory St., Urbana
Gather your crew, challenge yourself with trivia, and see how you stack up against the competition. This free event draws inspiration from our exhibit Unfinished Revolutions: Living Stories of American Rights. Rounds will feature questions that connect to our exhibit themes and may include other fun facts from the last 250 years of American history. No reservations are required. Teams may be up to six people.
Forging Liberty Exhibition
June 18–21 | Champaign Public Library | 200 W. Green St., Champaign
Celebrate America's 250th anniversary with a special visit to the library to view a rare exhibition featuring 21 authentic founding-era documents and artifacts that trace America's path from protest to independence, revolution, and nationhood. Admission to the exhibition is free, but advance registration is highly encouraged. Presented by the Champaign County History Museum at the Historic Cattle Bank and part of Champaign County's America 250 commemoration.
Spurlock Book Club: A Girl Called Samson
June 24 | 6 p.m. | Spurlock Museum of World Cultures | 600 S. Gregory St., Urbana
Join in a discussion on New York Times bestselling author Amy Harmon's A Girl Called Samson.
Illinois Summer Band Twilight Concert
June 25 | 7 p.m. | University of Illinois Main Quad | 607 S. Mathews Ave., Urbana
Experience an unforgettable evening of music as the Illinois Summer Band welcomes the Navy Band Great Lakes for the first Twilight Concert this summer! This historic collaboration features 160 talented musicians from across Illinois and the Navy Band Great Lakes honoring 250 years of the United States. Admission is free.
Tolono Fun Days
June 26–27 | Tolono West Side Park | 408 W. Holden St., Tolono
Join us as we celebrate America's 250th anniversary, community, and summertime fun with activities including a twilight trek, drone show, and more. Catch Braden Pridemore on the main stage on Saturday, June 27.
Villa Grove Freedom Celebration
June 27 | Richman Park | 914 S. Sycamore St., Villa Grove
A celebration of 250 years of American freedom. Beer garden, live music by the Brat Pack, mud volleyball, 3-on-3 basketball tournament, 5k cross-country fun run, rag-ball tournament, face painting, food vendors, and tons more. Fireworks start at dusk!
Arthur's Freedom Celebration
June 27 | Downtown Arthur
Freedom celebration parade, fireworks show, and many exciting activities to come!
The Power of Song in Democracy with Chris Vallillo
June 30 | Tolono Public Library | 111 E. Main St., Tolono
From the days of the revolution, right on up to these modern times, music has been used to spread the ideas of democracy and shape the movements and issues of the day. Chris Vallillo will perform a selection of the best songs and share the details and stories of their place in history.
Cultural Crafts: Red, White, & Blue Daisies
July 1 | 2 p.m. | Museum of the Grand Prairie | 950 N. Lombard, Mahomet
With Independence Day right around the corner, one is sure to see a lot of red, white, and blue! But what do these colors mean? What do they symbolize? Come participate in a fun flower-dye activity and learn the history behind America’s highly recognized colors! Recommended for younger audiences. Free, but children must be registered by June 27.
Freedom to Read with the Freedom Coalition
July 1 | 6–7:30 p.m. | Urbana Free Library | 210 W. Green St., Urbana
Join the Urbana Free Library for a Freedom Celebration to celebrate the freedom to read on the eve of the nation's 250th anniversary, featuring music with the Freedom Coalition. Enjoy games and activities with UrVana, a historical trivia wheel with the the Champaign County Historical Archives, bike decorating and bubbles.
Homer Freedom & Music Festival
July 2–4 | Village of Homer
Back for another year of family-friendly entertainment, live music, food, and Homer's well-loved fireworks finale! In honor of our country's 250th birthday, we'll be celebrating for three days, July 2–4. Enjoy an aerial acrobatic show, food trucks, live music, beer tent, and fireworks at dusk.
Monticello Freedom Fest
July 3 | 5 p.m. | Monticello Middle School | 2015 W. Washington St., Monticello
This family-friendly celebration begins at 5 p.m. with food trucks, vendors, and music, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display at dusk.
Champaign County Freedom Celebration: America Celebrates 250 Years
July 4 | University of Illinois campus
5k race at 9:05 a.m., parade at 11:05 a.m. at First and Kirby, evening festivities on First and Kirby starting at 6 p.m., evening fireworks 9:15 p.m. lot E-14.
Paxton's Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration
July 4 | Pells Park & Bixby Park | Paxton
Free family-friendly event for all ages! Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce and Paxton Main Street are excited to present the 42nd year of this great celebration. The day is full of events at Pells Park, then the City of Paxton’s fireworks show at Bixby Park.
Sparks in the Park
July 4 | Ervin Park | Tuscola
A day of family fun, competition, and entertainment.
Stars & Stripes Celebration
July 4 | 5 p.m. | Farmhouse Restaurant at Harvest Market | 2029 S. Neil St., Champaign
Join Harvest Market for Stars and Stripes Celebration! Indulge in your favorite summer classics and refreshing drinks, while enjoying all the fun and free activities we have planned, including face painting, balloon twisting, live music, and food and drink specials from the Farmhouse. The Champaign fireworks display is visible from our parking lot and from the mezzanine. BYO chair to enjoy the fireworks at 9 p.m.
America's 250th: A Celebration of American Music
July 5 | 3 p.m. | Emmanuel Memorial Episcopal Church | 102 N. State St., Champaign
The music in this concert, featuring soprano Jenny Cresswell and William Murphy on piano and organ, will include classic American songs and more to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country.
Tuscola Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence
July 8 | 4:30–5:30 p.m. | Douglas County Courthouse | 401 S. Center St., Tuscola
Public reading of the Declaration of Independence. Event will begin at 4:30 p.m. with the Declaration being read at 5 p.m. Light refreshments served. Bring lawn chairs. If rain, event will be moved to the Tuscola Community Building at 122 N Central Ave., Tuscola.
Arcola Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence
July 8 | 5 p.m. | Arcola Community Center | 107 W. Main St., Arcola
Join us for a community reading of the Declaration of Independence. The first public reading took place on July 8, 1776, in Philadelphia, when Colonel John Nixon shared the historic document with a crowd gathered in the State House Yard—marking a bold and public step toward American independence. Now, nearly 250 years later, communities across the nation are coming together to honor that moment through a coordinated public reading. The City of Arcola is proud to join in this nationwide celebration as part of the “Sharing the Spirit of America” initiative. We invite residents of all ages to gather, reflect, and celebrate the spirit of freedom and unity that continues to shape our nation. Come be part of this meaningful moment in history.
Arthur Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence
July 8 | 5 p.m. | Arthur Welcome Center | 106 E. Progress St., Arthur
Cities and towns across the nation will join the public reading of the Declaration of Independence. Light refreshments of apple pan dowdy and peach & lavender ice cream, traditional desserts of the 18th century, will be served.
Champaign County History Museum’s America 250
The Network invites your participation in Our American Stories: A Community Exhibition. Follow this link https://www.champaigncountymuseums.org/ouramericanstories for more information and submission instructions.
America 250 Events across Illinois
Have more events for our page? Let us know!