Downtown Champaign: The Soundtrack for Summer
Downtown Champaign is bringing the groove back again this summer! Fan favorites Friday Night Live and Toast to Taylor Street both return for another year, as well as the second season of The Beat on Market Street. New additions are also coming – starring on the new Downtown Plaza stage.
Rhythm and Roots
Tuesdays, 3-6 pm at the Neil & Washington Street parking lot. Stop by the Farmers Market on Tuesdays and enjoy the new Rhythm and Roots! Browse local vendors, enjoy live music from the Downtown Plaza Stage, stop by the experience tent, play games and more! This year’s market is also a Downtown Festival District, allowing visitors to enjoy adult beverages from nearby participating businesses while perusing the market.
Sound Bites
Thursdays from 11:45 am to 1:15 pm at the Downtown Plaza Stage. New this year – a lunchtime concert series featuring singer-songwriters, jazz trios, and everything in between. Take a break from your day, grab a lto-go lunch from a downtown restaurant, and stop by the plaza to enjoy a Sound Bite!
This great new series runs through September.
Friday Night Live
Fridays, 6-8 pm. Main & Fremont, Neil & Park, Market & Taylor, and One Main Plaza (new!) Featuring a variety of eclectic music performances across all genres and free family-friendly activities, Friday Night Live is a great reason to visit Downtown Champaign all summer long! This event is also designated as a Downtown Festival District.
The Beat on Market Street
6/7, 6/28, 7/5, 7/26, 8/2, 8/30, 9/6 from 8 pm – midnight on Market Street. A late-night street concert for adults 21 and older, The Beat features live bands, amazing DJs, great food and drinks, activities, and more! This event is also a Downtown Festival District. Check out the entertainment schedule on The Beat’s website.
Toast To Taylor Street
6/21, 8/16, 9/13 from 6 pm- midnight. The popular block party and vendor market continues this year with local vendors offering handmade goods and a stage overflowing with local and regional talent. Visit the Toast to Taylor webpage for event details and upcoming scheduled performances.
