1. The Historic Virginia Theatre Is Entertainment Central
Since its opening in 1921, the historic Virginia Theatre has been a staple to the area and, barring a few restorations, has been open ever since. Used for live concerts, plays and movies, this grand theatre also hosts events like…
2. It’s Hip To Be A Square At The Urbana Market At The Square
From May through November, the residents of Champaign-Urbana head to Urbana’s Market At The Square every Saturday. One of the most diverse farmers’ markets in Illinois, Market At The Square has been aiding residents in eating locally since 1979. Thousands of visitors head to the Market during the season to chose from a wide variety of Illinois goods, from fresh produce to pottery.
3. No, The Boneyard Arts Festival Isn’t About Skeletons
Every spring 40 North | 88 West hosts a four-day event focused on showcasing the creative activity within the community. More than just the average arts walk, the Boneyard is a countywide celebration that takes place at more than 100 venues, ranging from cafes to salons to museums.
It’s an opportunity for people of every age, background and interest, from performers to sculptors, to share their creativity with the community.
4. Wine Not Sample Award-Winning Wine At Alto Vineyards?
Champaign is home to the newest branch of the Alto Vineyards, one of the oldest wineries in Illinois. With both indoor and outdoor seating, wine tasting can be enjoyed during any season.
This award-winning winery is host to the Music Among the Vines concert series, an outdoor concert series every Saturday from May through September that features mostly jazz and blues. Talk about a great way to wine, er, wind down.
5. Ebertfest Showcases The Cinematic Gems That Hollywood Overlooked
Every April since 199, the Historic Virginia Theatre has hosted Ebertfest. Originally known as the “Roger Ebert Overlooked Film Festival,” it originally played films that Ebert felt had been overlooked by the public or film distribution companies.
Almost all of the films are shown as they once were, in 70 mm format. On top of that, each year a silent film is played and is accompanied by a live orchestra. Though he passed in 2013, the festival will continue to go on in his legacy.
6. Champaign-Urbana Is Popping Out Big Names Left And Right
Seriously–quite a few big names hail from the Champaign-Urbana area. Roger Ebert, Ludacris, Hugh Hefner, Dave Egger, John Bardeen and REO Speedwagon, to name a few…
7. Everyone In Champaign-Urbana Is Smarter Than You
The University of Illinois–Champaign-Urbana is the second oldest university in the state. This university is a designated research university and boasts more than 150 programs to study and the second-largest university library in the country. The Champaign-Urbana area also houses a two-year, accredited community college, Parkland College. Talk about academic achievement.
8. The Urbana Sweetcorn Festival Celebrates The Best Of The Region
Since 1975, the Urbana Sweetcorn Festival has been bringing family-friendly fun and entertainment to the streets of Urbana. This free festival showcases local acts in a range of genres, children’s activities, a vintage automobile show and, of course, sweetcorn.
9. Record Labels Are Abundant Here
Do you have a demo you’ve been wanting to release? Champaign is home to nationally recognized independent record labels, recording studios, booking agencies and artist management companies. Labels like Polyvinyl Record Company, Undertow Music and Parasol Records gladly call Champaign home. These are labels that have released work by bands like of Montreal, Deerhoof, Jay Bennett (from Wilco) and many more.
10. The University Of Illinois Arboretum Will Be Your New Happy Place
The University of Illinois Arboretum houses 160 acres of plant collections and facilities dedicated to being a living laboratory. With multiple gardens, a scenic walkway, the Japan House, ponds and much more, this arboretum not only fosters a learning environment for students at the university but also creates a beautiful oasis for the public.
11. The Prairie Fruits Farm And Creamery Is A Dairy Nerd’s Paradise
The Prairie Fruits Farm is a working goat dairy that makes cheese and gelato. It welcomes visitors for special events like open houses and farm meals, where guests can explore the farm, visit the goats and pick fruit when it's in season. It’s a berry good time for all.
12. The CUTC Is The Place To Be
Since 1991, the Champaign Urbana Theatre Company has been committed to providing entertainment, education and opportunities for all aspects of the theatrical arts. Hosted by the Historic Virginia Theatre, this theatre company puts on plays, musicals and variety shows.
Aiming to present high-quality theatrical performances, they’ve done everything from “West Side Story” to “Les Miserables” to “Oklahoma!.”
13. Champaign's Got Blues, Brews & BBQ
The Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival delivers exactly what the name implies: live music, beer aplenty and award-winning barbeque vendors. With three stages and nearly 60,000 attendees, this festival aims to bring the community together with activities that adults and children can enjoy.
14. Orpheum Children’s Science Museum Sets The Stage For Fun
Located in an old theatre, the Orpheum Children’s Science Museum works to engage and educate children through encouraging the exploration of science and arts. With exhibits that range from a simple machinery castle to a critter corner to a giant lite brite (and more), children truly get a hands on educational experience.
15. One Trip To The Krannert Art Museum Will Leave You Feeling Ridiculously Inspired
Part of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the Krannert Art Museum houses more than 10,000 objects and pieces of art from all periods. Though it is part of the university, this museum works to serve all members of the community with their events and exhibits. From traveling exhibitions to ancient Mediterranean art, this free museum has something to interest and inspire everyone.
16. There’s Seasonal Fun For Everyone On Candlestick Lane
Candlestick Lane is a neighborhood in eastern Urbana that has hosted a holiday tradition that dates back to the ‘60s. In 1961, the residents decorated their yards for a contest sponsored by the Illinois Power Company. Using the money they earned from winning, the neighborhood decided to purchase electric candlesticks for each home.
Every holiday season, a ceremony is held and the entire neighborhood is lit up with festive decorations and lights. It is definitely a sight to see.
17. The Pygmalion Music Festival Will Leave Your Ears Happy For Days
This annual, multi-day music festival has been taking place in Champaign-Urbana since 2005. Spread throughout venues in both cities, this festival showcases acts, a book fair, a lit crawl and–the best part–a longer weekend.
18. Get Cooperative At The Art Theater Co-Op
The Art Theater Co-Op is housed in what was once known as the Park Theatre. It is the only single-screen movie theater still in existence that still operates as a daily movie theatre and it’s the nation’s first cooperatively owned art movie theatre. (Talk about a mouthful.)
This theater is open literally every day and showcases foreign and critically acclaimed independent films. Their mission is to be a true independent theater for movie lovers and they definitely do not disappoint.
19. The Staerkel Planetarium Is The Best Place To See The Stars
The William M. Staerkel Planetarium at Parkland College is the second largest planetarium in Illinois, boasting a 50-foot dome. The planetarium provides entertainment, light shows, as well as educational science programs and is equipped with the latest in sound and projection technology.
20. You Don’t Need To Harbor Your Ardor For Arbors
Stroll along a path and gaze at more than 50 different species of trees in Carle Park on their award-winning “Tree Trail,” which is part of the Hickman Tree Walk. All of the trees in Carle Park on the walk are Illinois natives and are marked with numbers and plaques. This walk was created to generate a greater appreciation for the beauty and benefits of the trees by causing the walker to pause and see them individually.
21. The Best Place To Explore The Great Outdoors Is At Anita Purves Nature Center
Anita Purves Nature Center is a free, environmental education facility located next to Busey Woods, a 59-acre forest preserve (complete with a boardwalk, seasonal ponds and more) that offers classes, tours, interactive displays and more. The nature center offers visitors a chance to learn more about the outdoors through programs, activities or even just simple exploration.
22. Park Your Caboose At The Station Theatre
For more than 35 years the Celebration Company has called the historic Station Theatre, once the passenger station of the Big Four Railroad, home and supplies year-round live theatre. The Celebration Company is a non-profit organization that provides training for local actors, writers, and designers. Quality entertainment in a cozy setting, the Station is a local favorite for local acts.
23. Beat Your Summer Weekday Blues With Urbana Neighborhood Nights
Urbana Neighborhood Nights is a summertime tradition that takes place in different Urbana parks every Wednesday in May through August. With local musicians providing live music, family friendly activities (and free popcorn!) as well as a chance to check out a fire truck or police squad car, Neighborhood Nights are a great way help you survive your mid-week work burnout.
Featured Image Source: Flickr user rexb
What do you love about living in Champaign-Urbana? Tell us in the comments below! 
