We’ve put a list together of the most popular places parents head to when they gather their friends together for a night out in Champaign-Urbana
Restaurants, music, sweet treats and more — there are a whole lot of options for a girls night, guys night, or friends night out on the town in Champaign-Urbana. While we have an entire separate post for you and your partner to go out on a date, a night out with friends is a different kind of plan! Lots of laughs, maybe drinks (if that’s something you do) and of course, delicious eats, too.
Some ideas on planning a night out in Champaign-Urbana with friends
- Catch some live music
If the weather is warm, odds are good you can find some outdoor live music in Champaign-Urbana (which we often add to our calendar). But all weather conditions aside, many local establishments will host bands throughout the year. NOLA’s Rock Bar, Rose Bowl Tavern, Boomerangs Bar and Grill, Fat City Bar and Grill, Alto Vineyards, Pour Bros. Taproom, Riggs and Sleepy Creek Vineyards are all popular places to catch live music in C-U. - Visit an Escape Room
These can be fun for friends nights, date nights or even a night with older kids. But we’ve seen some especially hilarious photos when friends head out to tackle one of these rooms together. Get ready to laugh and make some great memories, and remember to book this ahead of time to ensure you get a chance to escape at the time of your choosing. Try Champaign-Urbana Adventures in Time & Space or Brainstorm Escapes, to name a couple. - Take in a movie
Taking your whole family to the movies can be an out-of-budget endeavor, but what about just you? Get some friends together and go see a flick together. You don’t have to pick something super serious or even something geared for adults. Take in that recent live-action Disney movie or anything at all you want to enjoy yourself without running littles to the bathroom mid-show. - Food, food and more food
Well, this one goes without saying. But food is always a good idea, especially in Champaign-Urbana where options are plentiful and can suit any budget. And hey, it doesn’t have to be a complete meal and it doesn’t have to involve adult beverages. You can absolutely grab some friends and head to Jarling’s Custard Cup or somewhere else to spend a few bucks on ice cream while you catch up around a picnic table. We have plenty of ideas, no matter the type of food you’re interested in, here. - Trivia night
Never tried out trivia night before? These can pop up all over Champaign-Urbana but we know they’re going on at Rose Bowl Tavern and hope to see some others return (like Cowboy Monkey) before long. - Be creative
We mean literally to be creative with this suggestion. Go to a guided painting session, or open time at The Pottery Place in Champaign. There are lots of ways to flex the creative muscle that just aren’t as easy to do when kids are along for the ride.
Final Words
Don’t overcomplicate things when you’re making plans with friends. Connecting with others doesn’t have to be the most well-planned night there ever was, in fact, we think some of the best friends nights are also the most spontaneous.
Things we hope to enjoy again in the future, but are not happening at this time
- Downtown Streetfest in Champaign
- Arts on Stage at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts