Events in Champaign, IL

An outdoor, family-friendly movie night at Prairie Farm features time to explore the farm, concessions, and a relaxed screening beneath the night sky. Pack a blanket and enjoy an easygoing evening with family and friends. There is no cost to attend and advance sign-up is not needed. Films in the series include The Lorax, The Bee Movie, Wall E, Brother Bear, and Luca.

Artventures for Kids! invites children ages 5 and up, along with families and caregivers, to discover art through stories, gallery exploration, and creative making. Educators from Krannert Art Museum and librarians from The Urbana Free Library lead a storytime inspired by artworks on display, then guide a playful walk through the galleries that links the tale to what is seen. The visit concludes with open-ended artmaking led by guest artists, encouraging imagination and curiosity in a welcoming setting where everyone can listen, explore, and create together. Presented in partnership with The Urbana Free Library, with support from the Illinois Arts Council. Nearby parking is free on weekends. Accessibility supports are available; contact kam-accessibility@illinois.edu with questions or to request accommodation.

Every Saturday is devoted to game demos. A game is set up at the end of the bar, and a quick walkthrough helps you get a feel for how to play. All demo selections are available for purchase and also in the game library, so you can either buy a copy or use a game pass to play the library version. Twenty percent of profits from food, drinks, and merchandise are donated to partner rescues, so purchases support that effort. This session features Cat Says Moo.

An evening market features a variety of vendors. Attendees can sample tarts, sip matcha, and listen to DJs with a food truck on site. This edition includes even more vendors than the last event at this location. More details will be announced soon.

A Dungeons and Dragons evening at The Scratching Post mixes tabletop adventure with lighthearted extras, like crafting character sheets in honor of the lounge cats and playful sound effects. Gameplay takes place on the cafe side, separate from the cat lounge, and cat lounge visits require a separate reservation. Participants can arrive with their own group, reserve spots for a one shot led by a Game Master, or simply enjoy the atmosphere with food and drinks. Game passes are $5 per person, and for this night all pass fees are donated to partner non-profit rescues. In addition, 20 percent of profits from food, beverages, and merchandise support partner rescues. A special one shot is led by professional Game Master Persephone Lovell, with capacity limited to eight players. Players may bring a level 3 fifth edition character using the 2014 or 2024 rules, or select from pre-made characters.

This event at Blind Pig Brew Hub welcomes teams of up to four. Admission is $5 per person, payable in cash at the door. The full menu and taps will be available.

Centered on Song, Poetry, Art, and Knowledge, this open mic at Krannert Art Museum offers a public platform for creative expression. Curated by local artist Shaya Robinson, it features guest performers and welcomes anyone who wants to share at the mic. The event graphic was created by John Jennings. Accessibility supports are available to help all visitors participate; for questions or accommodation requests, contact kam-accessibility@illinois.edu. Krannert Art Museum acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council.

John Summit brings the Ctrl Escape Arena Tour to State Farm Center during homecoming week. This tour stop aligns with the week's celebrations.

John Summit takes the stage at State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois.

Leonid & Friends presents a high-energy performance celebrating the sounds of the 1970s, spotlighting the music of Chicago, Earth, Wind & Fire, Steely Dan, and more. Created by musician and producer Leonid Vorobyev, this 11-piece group brings together accomplished vocalists and instrumentalists from Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, and beyond, all devoted to honoring this iconic era. Expect meticulous renditions of Chicago favorites alongside vibrant rock, pop, and jazz fusion selections, driven by a tight horn section, lush vocal blends, and rock and roll spirit. Highlights include classics such as 25 or 6 to 4, Make Me Smile, Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?, Feelin’ Stronger Every Day, Beginnings, Questions 67 & 68, and Hard to Say I’m Sorry/Get Away, plus surprises from a growing repertoire that reaches into the catalogs of Earth, Wind & Fire, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Steely Dan, The Carpenters, and other ’70s favorites. The result is a warm celebration of music that defined a generation.

The City Center in Champaign, Illinois hosts a performance by Jon Langston. Most events at this venue are for guests 19 and older, with allowances for those accompanied by a parent or guardian or when otherwise specified. When available, Mezzanine tickets provide a balcony vantage point above the first floor bar that overlooks the stage and the general admission floor. This option includes non reserved seating and tables, plus access to a private bar and restrooms. All ticket types include access to the general admission area, and for select shows limited open seating may be available there. Ticket prices increase on the day of the show and all ticket sales are nonrefundable. A VIP meet and greet option offers an acoustic performance before doors, merchandise items, a photo with Jon, and signing of one item. For venue policies and more information, please consult The City Center’s official resources.

Memorial Stadium hosts a Big Ten clash as the Purdue Boilermakers meet the Illinois Fighting Illini, a matchup between longstanding conference foes. The outcome could influence the conference standings and help shape late-season momentum.

A business hangout without the awkward networking feel, this monthly in-person gathering brings together women entrepreneurs in the Champaign-Urbana area to talk shop, share wins, laugh, and brainstorm solutions together. It feels like meeting for coffee with founder friends who understand the juggle of ideas, challenges, and breakthroughs. Expect a welcoming atmosphere focused on community over competition, genuine conversations that go deeper than small talk, and no sales pitches. The meetup is free and open to all women entrepreneurs, and participants often bring their goals, questions, and an open mind. Hosted at The CU Flower House by Holly Birch of Holly Birch Photography, Ali Kreider of Ali Kreider Fitness, and Andrea Hunt of The CU Flower House, this Champaign-Urbana edition is part of the wider Founding Females® network, with gatherings held monthly in cities across Illinois and Indiana. As Jo Saxton says, “When one of us makes a breakthrough, we kick down the wall and let others in.”

Celebrate Halloween at Douglass Community Center with a Candyland-themed family adventure filled with candy-inspired carnival games, lighthearted challenges, and vibrant activities for all ages. Admission is free and no registration is required.

Three-time GRAMMY winner Bruce Hornsby appears with his longtime six-piece group, The Noisemakers, on the Indigo Park Tour. The performance draws from the breadth of his career and also showcases new songs from his upcoming album, Indigo Park. A singer, pianist, composer, and bandleader, Hornsby is known for exploring a wide range of American musical traditions, working with diverse collaborators, and shifting styles while upholding craft and curiosity. This chapter continues his evolution, reflecting an artist who stays current, inventive, and influential across genres and generations.

Raise the Woof! brings teams together for a friendly competition to design and build pet houses in support of Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County. Last year, 18 teams participated and raised more than $25,000 to help create affordable housing in the community. The event takes place at the Champaign County ReStore. Team registration, for both Old Dogs and New Pups, is $200 and will open soon. The 2026 theme will be announced. First Mid Bank & Trust is the Top Dog Sponsor. Sponsorship opportunities are available, and questions can be directed to Rachel at development@cuhabitat.org or 217-819-5115.

This vendor market at the University of Illinois is welcoming applications from sellers across a wide range of categories. Opportunities are available for crafters, candle makers, jewelry designers, home decor and sign creators, food trucks, artisans, crochet and other handmade goods, baked treats, face painting, and nonprofit organizations, with additional categories considered. Interested vendors can apply by sending a message through Messenger that describes what they plan to sell.

At The City Center, this benefit honors breast cancer survivors and raises funds for those currently in treatment with an evening of rock and roll, auctions, and dancing. Once doors open, food will be available from Bufords Pub, and a VIP area opens earlier with a special culinary twist from Chef Dee and Chef Jimmy. The music starts with Lexi Tieffel, followed by a brief program featuring a live auction while a small silent auction continues throughout. Head First Band takes the stage with special guests Kelley Hazel and Drew Hoag from BIG GUNS, and a DJ keeps the dance floor moving to close the night. Additional details will be shared as the event approaches.

Show and Tell Productions unveils We Interrupt This Program, created by Bill Odenkirk with Sarah Edwards, pairing a theatrical story with a guided conversation. In this premiere from the four-time Emmy Award-winning writer and producer known for The Simpsons, Futurama, and Mr. Show, a small Midwestern radio station prepares to re-air Orson Welles’s War of the Worlds on the original broadcast’s anniversary when sudden reports arrive... an alien craft is seen above an Illinois cornfield. The production is directed by Corey Bradberry, with video by Fuse, projection and screen design by Olivia Sebesky, and music direction by Graham Edwards. Special musical guest Ryan Groff appears, with additional appearances by Bob Odenkirk, Jill Talley, Ahmed Best, and Avi Loeb. After the performance, The Tell: Is the Truth Out There? brings Ahmed Best, Avi Loeb, and Bill Odenkirk into a discussion moderated by Emmy-winning PBS host Sarah Edwards, enhanced by immersive projections from Olivia Sebesky Design. The conversation considers whether humanity is alone, whether visitors observe Earth, and how the possibility of extraterrestrial life might reshape ideas about time, surveillance, and our place in the cosmos. With archival imagery woven into the visuals, the guests examine the elusive nature of evidence, arguments for and against extraterrestrials and UAP, and the ways biases and culture influence interpretation. They also look ahead to how confirmation of alien life could affect cooperation among nations, human priorities, and how people treat one another, aiming to challenge or reaffirm beliefs about life beyond Earth and its relevance to everyday life.

Women are invited to bring someone special for a fun time together. Share a lighthearted outing meant for smiles and simple, feel good moments.

Families can explore Krannert Art Museum through hands-on artmaking designed for children ages 3 and up and their caregivers. Activities across the galleries include creative projects, family-friendly tours, and demonstrations that highlight the latest exhibitions. Young visitors can take on a scavenger hunt and earn a prize. Admission is free and all are welcome. Nearby parking is free on weekends. Accessibility supports are available to help visitors participate, and accommodations can be requested. Presented with support from the Illinois Arts Council.

Enjoy shape-note singing at Hessel Park Christian Reformed Church with selections from The Sacred Harp (2025 edition) and Missouri Harmony. Participants are encouraged to bring their own books, and loaner copies will be available for anyone who needs one. New singers are welcome, no prior experience is required, and guidance will be offered throughout. Come as you are and feel free to bring a friend.

Celebrate the season in cozy style with a day of lively entertainment. Lumberjack performers from Timberworks LLC appear throughout the event, along with a mustache contest and sets by local bands. Attendees can enjoy free games, hayrack rides, and inflatable attractions for kids. Presented by the Champaign Park District, this festive gathering blends action and music with playful activities.

Illinois Public Media, the University of Illinois Alumni Association, and Champaign Park District present a special evening that pairs a screening of George A. Romero’s Night of the Living Dead with a conversation about its legacy and a book signing. The 1968 landmark of horror follows a group of panicked survivors barricaded in a rural Pennsylvania farmhouse while ghouls surround the property, and it is widely credited with reshaping the modern zombie genre. The film is not rated and runs 96 minutes. Featured guest Daniel Kraus, a Pulitzer Prize winning novelist and University of Illinois alum, will discuss his new book, Partially Devoured: How Night of the Living Dead Saved My Life and Changed the World, which blends cultural history and memoir to explore the movie’s impact on film, American culture, and his own life. After the screening, Kraus will take the stage with Illinois Alumni magazine editor in chief Ryan Ross for a conversation about the film and the book, followed by a signing. Copies of Partially Devoured will be available for purchase from the Illini Union Bookstore, including on site during the event.

Straight No Chaser brings a spirited a cappella celebration that upends the usual campus crooner image. For more than twenty-five years, this nine-man vocal group has been a seasonal favorite for millions, and fans continue to look forward to hearing their holiday favorites each year. Their holiday tour features a generous slate of songs delivered with tight harmonies and lighthearted banter, blending time-honored tunes with fresh takes. The ensemble of Walter Chase, Jerome Collins, Seggie Isho, Michael Luginbill, Steve Morgan, Luke Bob Robinson, Jasper Smith, Tyler Trepp, and Freedom Young has achieved worldwide success, with more than three million albums sold, over 1.5 million tickets sold, 100 million plus YouTube views, and over one billion streams. They have appeared on major television stages and collaborated with Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Elton John, and Stevie Wonder, and their album Yacht on the Rocks features Toto’s David Paich. Two releases, Holiday Spirits and Christmas Cheers, are RIAA Gold. Founded at Indiana University in the mid 1990s, the group reunited after an original member posted their 1998 performance of The 12 Days of Christmas on YouTube, a moment that sparked a resurgence leading to a deal with Atlantic Records, a devoted touring audience, and sold-out shows. Every performance aims to keep listeners entertained and inspired, with a balance of old and new that captures the spirit of the holidays.

Celebrate Halloween at a kid-friendly party for ages two through twelve. The event includes lunch, a variety of games, and a costume contest.

This high-spirited, timed 5K celebrates inclusion, ability, and community, and it is designed to be accessible for participants. The course ends with a sweet cupcake to mark the finish. Proceeds support the CUSR Scholarship Fund, which helps individuals with disabilities take part in life-enriching recreation programs regardless of financial barriers. The event also raises funds and awareness for the Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation Association, turning every step into meaningful community impact.

This finale of CPD’s Youth Theatre season, Big Adventures, Bigger Dreams, spotlights Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical. Based on Jeff Kinney’s popular book series, this lively production follows Greg Heffley through the highs and lows of middle school as his cartoon diary comes to life with humor and heart. Friendship is tested, the lure of popularity complicates things, and the notorious Cheese Touch hovers over the halls. It offers a humorous, heartfelt take on the everyday trials many remember from those school years.

SPEAK stands for Song, Poetry, Art, and Knowledge at Krannert Art Museum, presented through an open mic format. Curated by local artist Shaya Robinson, the program welcomes anyone to step up and also features guest performers. The SPEAK Café graphic was created by John Jennings. Visitors can explore exhibitions on view at the museum. Accessibility supports are available so everyone can fully participate, and questions or accommodation requests can be sent to kam-accessibility@illinois.edu. Krannert Art Museum acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council.

Everclear brings the Lucky 7 Tour to The City Center in Champaign with American Hi-Fi joining the lineup. The venue generally admits guests 19 and older, with younger attendees allowed when accompanied by a parent or guardian. All ticket types include access to the general admission floor. The mezzanine is the upstairs balcony above the first-floor bar that looks out over the stage and main crowd, and when offered it features non-reserved tables and seating along with a private bar and restrooms. Limited unreserved seating may be available in the general admission area on select shows. Ticket prices rise on the day of the event, and all sales are final. Two VIP options are available. The Everclear Lucky 7 Meet & Greet Package includes a general admission or premium reserved seat within the first 10 rows where applicable, early entry with priority access to merchandise, a pre-show meet and greet with the band, a personal photo and autograph session, and a private acoustic performance. It also comes with a Lucky 7 merchandise bundle that features a signed silkscreen poster, a commemorative tour poker chip, a Lucky 7 deck of cards, a specially designed tote bag, and an official meet and greet laminate with lanyard. The Everclear Lucky 7 VIP Package includes a general admission or premium reserved seat within the first 15 rows where applicable, early entry with priority merchandise access, the same Lucky 7 merchandise bundle, and a commemorative VIP laminate with lanyard.

Emmy Award winner and two-time Grammy nominee David Cross takes the stage at The City Center in Champaign for a live stand-up performance. His career spans more than 40 years, from co-creating HBO’s Mr. Show with Bob and David and portraying Tobias Fünke on Arrested Development to writing for The Ben Stiller Show and appearing in titles like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and The Umbrella Academy. His stand-up specials have been recognized by Rolling Stone among the most important of all time. Presented by Inter-Pygmalion, this show features general admission, standing room only. Advance tickets are priced at $35, with day-of-show tickets at $45. A venue pre-sale is available with access code CHAMPAIGN.

Little Feat brings The Last Farewell Tour with a playful nod, marking a gradual step back from constant travel while keeping the joy of performing at the center. This is not a final goodbye to making music. The band plans to wind down over several years, continuing to play and record as they are able. The emphasis is on retiring from the rigors of the road, not from creating or sharing songs.

Celebrate the season at the Holiday Market & Festival of Trees, presented by Gibson Area Hospital and Health Services. A ticket is required for admission.

Artventures for Kids welcomes children ages 5 and up, along with their families and caregivers, for a hands-on Saturday visit at Krannert Art Museum. Museum educators partner with librarians from The Urbana Free Library to begin with a storytime inspired by artworks on view. Afterward, participants explore the galleries in a playful way that connects the stories to the art. The experience wraps up with a freeform art activity led by guest artists, drawing inspiration from the current exhibition. It offers a warm, creative way to discover the museum together and spark curiosity for all ages. Presented with The Urbana Free Library, with support from the Illinois Arts Council. Parking nearby is free on weekends. Accessibility supports are available, and accommodations can be requested.