Saturday, June 15th just reinforced my decision to move back to Champaign-Urbana 15 years ago. There really is something for everyone in this town, and yesterday had so many great options, I didn’t even have time to do ALL the things I wanted to do.
One of the area’s most unique annual events blending music, nature, and learning is set to return for its fifth rendition later this month.
The Illinois State Fair is returning to Springfield this August with a theme that promises excitement, exploration, and endless family fun: “Adventure Awaits.” The 2025 fair opens on Thursday, August 7, and runs through Sunday, August 17, offering 11 days of agricultural showcases, thrilling carnival rides, live performances, delicious food, and cherished traditions.
The Champaign-Urbana community is marking Juneteenth 2025 with a vibrant lineup of events honoring freedom, resilience, and Black history. From concerts and crafts to storytelling and historical dedications, this year’s celebrations promise opportunities for all ages to reflect and engage.
The Champaign Farmers Market is returning to its former home at the corner of Neil and Washington, now nestled beside the city’s newly completed Downtown Plaza. Beginning Tuesday, June 10, the market—hosted by The Land Connection—will take place every Tuesday from 3 to 6 p.m. through October 28.
The City of Urbana is set to host the first KidzBiz Pop-Up Shop of the summer on Sunday, June 8 at 3:00 p.m. The event will take place in the Mural Parking Lot of Lincoln Square Mall, located at 300 S. Broadway Ave.
The Krannert Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is set to launch its highly anticipated 2025-26 season with the return of ELLNORA: The Guitar Festival, running September 4–6. This year marks the 11th iteration of the biennial celebration of guitar artistry, held 20 years after the festival’s debut.
The tour takes place on Friday, June 13, to celebrate Juneteenth. The tour gives participants an opportunity to explore significant African American landmarks in the region, with stories, landmarks, and contributions in the community. The ECU is partnering with The Family Room, a non-profit organization serving families with foster children or children in transition to provide care packs, clean clothes, and other necessities.
Friday Night Live is a free free street-side performance series featuring multiple bands every week. It will be held every Friday from 6:00p.m. to 9:00 p.m. starting May 30 through August 22. Performances will be held at the intersections of Main & Fremont, Neil & Park, One Main Plaza, and Market & Taylor in Downtown Champaign. Friday Night Live includes a mix of rock, folk, bluegrass, jazz, R&B, funk, hip-hop, country, indie, and blues.
Students and community members are invited to enjoy a summer evening under the stars as the Illini Union Board continues its Summer Films on the Quad series with a free screening of One of them Days on Thursday, May 29 at 9:00 p.m. at Anniversary Plaza.