Festivals and Special Events

Downtown Champaign plays host to a number of large and successful community events.  Find the complete line up here!

Get your 2009 Event Line Up Here!

Downtown Parade of Lights

The holiday season can’t begin until Santa has arrived in Downtown Champaign.  The Downtown Parade of Lights is made possible through a joint partnership with the Champaign Park District, News-Gazette and Champaign Downtown Association.  This annual parade and tree lighting take place on the  Friday, Dec. 4th.  The parade features over 50 entries including local marching bands and service organizations.

For more information visit the Champaign Park District

Roger Ebert Film Festival

There is no hotter ticket in town every April than the Roger Ebert Film Festival.  Once a year native son Roger Ebert comes home and brings with him a three day film festival chalked full of celebrities.  This event is sponsored by the University of Illinois College of Media.

Boneyard Arts Festival

Each year hundreds of artist decent on Champaign-Urbana for the annual Boneyard Arts Festival.  Sponsored by 40 North, Champaign County’s premier arts organization, this event transforms stores and restaurants into art galleries for the weekend.

Champaign Champagne Festival

Learn about champagne while having a blast at this event that lasts early in the morning until the later hours of the night. There is something for everyone at the Champaign Champagne Festival, which is filled with different champagne drinks, a fashion show, a kids and family area, a bubble battle, champagne seminars, numerous toasts given by some local celebs, concerts, and a late night foam party. This event is sponsored by the Champaign Downtown Association.

For more information, visit http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Champaign-IL/The-Champaign-Champagne-Festival/104781292892?v=info&viewas=1930936&ref=search.

Artist Against Aids

This yearly fundraiser brings awareness and smiles as artist descend on Downtown to display and sell art for a good cause.  The event recently moved to the auditorium space of the vacant Orpheum Theater.  This gorgeous space offers a glimpse into the art of historic theaters while offering a venue the whole family can enjoy.  This event is sponsored by the Greater Community Aids Project (GCAP).

For more information visit 40 North

Taste of Champaign-Urbana

The summer can’t officially begin until Champaign-Urbana comes together in West Side Park and fills their appetite with all their local favorites.  This annual event sponsored by the Champaign Park District features over 60 local restaurants and vendors along with live entertainment and games.  The event is held the second weekend of June each year.

For more information visit the Champaign Park District

Downtown Streetfest

There is no better way to beat the heat every summer than by enjoying a night with thousands of your closest friends on the streets of Downtown.  Sponsored by the City of Champaign, Champaign Park District and Champaign Downtown Association, this event

For more information visit the Champaign Park District

Boys and Girls Club Bag’s Tournament

This new tradition started by the Don Moyer’s Boys and Girls was an instant hit throughout the community.  There is no better way to spend a weekend than hanging out on the streets of Downtown demonstrating your skill at throwing a beanbag through a hole!  This event is sure to become and Champaign favorite.