Champaign-Urbana Free Outdoor Summer Concerts

Champaign-Urbana in the summer and fall means free and cheap outdoor concerts galore

Many of these are family friendly, so bring the kids along for some live music in Champaign, Urbana and beyond

What’s better than relaxing outside listening to live music on a nice summer evening? How about listening to free (or cheap) live music?

This summer — and spring, and fall — there are dozens of opportunities in the Champaign-Urbana area to take in free outdoor concerts with your family. We’ve listed as many as we can find below.

Chambanamoms thanks Allerton Park & Retreat Center for presenting this comprehensive list of outdoor concerts.

Since Allerton’s Concert Series began in 2013, it has grown in many ways—from establishing a more professional feel and consistent schedule, to increasing attendance and sponsor support. But the overall goal of bringing generations together to enjoy live music in nature remains the same.

For more information: Website or Facebook

Free (and cheap!) summer outdoor concerts in the Champaign-Urbana area

Settings range from neighborhood parks to city streets to festivals. Click on the links to find the detailed schedule for each venue. We will also include spring and fall concerts, as outdoor music is a treat any time we have the chance to catch it!

We will be adding to this constantly, so keep checking back. If you know of a concert you’d like to see on this list, take a moment to submit it to our events calendar and we’ll get it on here.

Friday, April 25, 2025

Illinois 5K Run/Walk 4th Mile Celebration

Memorial Stadium, 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

The 4th Mile Street Fest is the perfect place for you to kick up some excitement before your Saturday race and where you can celebrate with your friends after the Christie Clinic Illinois 5K Run/Walk. Food and drink Your 5K race entry includes one ticket for a beer, wine, or…read more…

Saturday, April 26, 2025

27th Mile Celebrate Victory Bash

Memorial Stadium, 8:30 am - 2:00 pm

27th-Mile Celebrate Victory Bash Join Experience Champaign-Urbana and friends at the 27th Mile Celebrate Victory Bash on Saturday April 25. This event is sponsored by Meijer. Date, time and location The party starts at 8 a.m. and will be located just outside Memorial Stadium on Kirby avenue. This is where…read more…

Country Arbors Nursery Garden Party

Country Arbors Nursery, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Come out and celebrate SPRING at the Country Arbors Nursery Garden Party on Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (1742 County Road 1400 N. Urbana). This family-friendly event will feature live music, food trucks, local vendors, face painting and a chance to visit their greenhouses and see…read more…

Friday, May 2, 2025

Bluebell Festival

Allerton Park and Retreat Center, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Celebrate spring at the Bluebell Festival on May 2-4! This festive community event will feature our visitor-favorite Plant Sale Fundraiser (May 2-4), Spring Market (May 3), live music, workshops, food (food trucks + Greenhouse Café), drinks and more! Friday, May 2 will feature the opening of the annual Plant Sale…read more…

Paxton Main Street's Free Outdoor Concert Series | Crozier & Co.

Veterans Square, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Welcome to Paxton Main Street's FREE out door concert series in Paxton, Illinois! Please bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating. Their concession stand opens at 6pm before each concert and they serve pork burgers, hot dogs, chips, candy & drinks. This makes a perfect evening for you to…read more…

Saturday, May 3, 2025

Bluebell Festival

Allerton Park and Retreat Center, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Edison Middle School Concert

Hessel Park, 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Come support local young musicians during the annual Edison Middle School Hessel Park Concert! This concert features the concert and jazz bands. Your support helps keep the band program active. Bring a blanket, a lawn chair, and your love for music!

Sunday, May 4, 2025

Bluebell Festival

Allerton Park and Retreat Center, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Monticello May Market

Downtown Monticello, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Back and bigger than ever, the Monticello Mercantile May Market will be taking over downtown with their annual spring market event. Kicking off at 10am on Sunday, May 4th, over 100 vendors will be set up in downtown, offering a mix of anything from food products, handmade goods, clothing boutiques,…read more…

Saturday, May 10, 2025

Luke Rund Live Music

Allerton Park and Retreat Center, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Celebrate spring with live music, a tasty meal and a glass of sangria at the Greenhouse Cafès Sangria Social on Saturday and Sunday, May 10-11 at the Greenhouse Cafè. Order from the menu between cafè hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition, house-made sangria will be available along with the…read more…

Sunday, May 11, 2025

Leighton mEwers & Jack Daniel Live Music

Allerton Park and Retreat Center, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Saturday, May 17, 2025

90's Daughter at Bunny's

Bunny’s Tavern, 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Kicking off Bunny's outdoor season in the parking lot! Free, all ages, show from 7-11pm - bring lawn chairs

Thursday, May 22, 2025

Jazz in the Park

Porter Park, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Make your summer a swingin’ one and come out for these annual Jazz in the Park concerts! Each month will feature talented jazz musicians in a different neighborhood park. Audience members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and refreshments. May 22 | Location: Robert C. Porter Family Park July 24 | Location:…read more…

Friday, May 23, 2025

Lake House Candlelight Serenade | Jazz Edition | Registration Deadline 5/20

Lake House in Crystal Lake Park, 8:30 pm - 10:00 pm

Enjoy a twinkly summer concert while you paddle around a limited area on Crystal Lake - You will be serenaded by a live jazz combo on the Lakeside Deck! Ages 21+, REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED (May 20 online deadline). Your boat ticket is for one 30-minute ride on a first-come, first-served…read more…

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Urbana Park District | Neighborhood Nights | Occasional Cajun Band

Carle Park, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Gather up your chairs and blankets because Neighborhood Nights are back! Urbana Park District has been bringing the best local musicians to just about every park in Urbana for nearly 35 years. All ages are welcome! Enjoy music from local musicians, fun activities, free popcorn & lemonade, and community resources. Rain…read more…

Friday, June 6, 2025

Folk & Roots Friday

Lake House in Crystal Lake Park, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Join the Urbana Park District and the C-U Folk & Roots Festival on the first and third Fridays of each month this summer for some great FREE live music! They'll have boating and drink/snack specials, just bring your lunch and enjoy an afternoon lunch break on the lake. Enter your…read more…

Love for ALLerton: Summer Concert Series

Allerton Park and Retreat Center, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Since this Concert Series began in 2013, it has grown in many ways—from establishing a more professional feel and consistent schedule, to increasing attendance and sponsor support. But the overall goal of bringing generations together to enjoy live music in nature remains the same. Save the date for these 2025…read more…

Paxton Main Street's Free Outdoor Concert Series | Jake & Mikayla

Veterans Square, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Urbana Park District | Neighborhood Nights | Painkillers Blues Band

Lake House in Crystal Lake Park, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Urbana Park District | Juneteenth Celebration at Prairie Park | Neighborhood Nights | New Souls

Prairie Park, 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Join Urbana Park District and The Urbana Free Library for a family-friendly Juneteenth celebration at Prairie Park! Enjoy music from New Souls, free food, UrVANa games, community art, resources, and more as we celebrate Black freedom and achievements in Urbana and beyond. Gather up your chairs and blankets because Neighborhood…read more…

Friday, June 20, 2025

Folk & Roots Friday

Lake House in Crystal Lake Park, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Urbana Park District | Neighborhood Nights | Keith Harden

Victory Park, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Thursday, June 26, 2025

Riggs-Fest

Riggs Beer Company, 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Live outdoor music and food trucks!

Friday, June 27, 2025

Riggs-Fest

Riggs Beer Company, 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Live outdoor music, food trucks and night drone racing!

Saturday, June 28, 2025

Riggs-Fest

Riggs Beer Company, 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Live music, food trucks and drone racing!

Sunday, June 29, 2025

Riggs-Fest

Riggs Beer Company, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Live outdoor music and food trucks!

Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Urbana Park District | Neighborhood Nights | Kalesa

Blair Park, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Friday, July 4, 2025

Folk & Roots Friday

Lake House in Crystal Lake Park, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Urbana Park District | Neighborhood Nights | The Bossy Novas

Crestview Park, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Friday, July 11, 2025

Reds, Whites, and the Blues: Summer Concert Series

Allerton Park and Retreat Center, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Urbana Park District | Neighborhood Nights | Hot Club of Urbana

Larson Park, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Friday, July 18, 2025

Folk & Roots Friday

Lake House in Crystal Lake Park, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Urbana Park District | Neighborhood Nights | Wildwood

AMBUCS Park, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Thursday, July 24, 2025

Jazz in the Park

Morrissey Park, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Wednesday, July 30, 2025

Urbana Park District | Neighborhood Nights | Johnny & the New Crew

Meadowbrook Park, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Friday, August 1, 2025

Folk & Roots Friday

Lake House in Crystal Lake Park, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Irish Fest: Summer Concert Series

Allerton Park and Retreat Center, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Paxton Main Street's Free Outdoor Concert Series | Back In Time

Veterans Square, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Tuesday, August 5, 2025

EIPHC Presents: Back to the Prairibbean '25

Riggs Beer Company, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Back to the Prairibbean '25! A concert to benefit DSC! Come and enjoy live music, food, beverages, raffles, and fun! Tuesday, August 5, 2025 Gates open at 5:00PM Music by The Boat Drunks starts at 5:30PM Party until 8:00PM Food from La Paloma, Watson’s Chicken, Smith Burger, and The Main…read more…

Friday, August 8, 2025

Champaign-Urbana Days

Douglass Park, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Delight in live music performances, indulge in tasty food from local vendors, and partake in a variety of activities for both children and seniors alike. Champaign-Urbana Days promises to be an unforgettable celebration of unity and togetherness.

Saturday, August 9, 2025

Champaign-Urbana Days

Douglass Park, 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

Douglass Park | August 8 (5-8 p.m.) & 9 (11 a.m. -8 p.m.) Get ready to celebrate the vibrant Chambana community as Champaign-Urbana Days approaches! Join the Champaign Park District for this cherished 30+ year tradition, as everyone comes together to honor our shared heritage and culture. This two-day event offers…read more…

Friday, August 15, 2025

Folk & Roots Friday

Lake House in Crystal Lake Park, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Saturday, August 23, 2025

Sunflower Festival

Mariah’s Mums & More, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

U-Cut Sunflowers Sunflower Maze Photo Ops Live Music Vendors & More!

The Illiac in Hessel Park

Hessel Park, 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm

SINFONIA DA CAMERA TO PERFORM SATURDAY, AUGUST 23RD AT HESSEL PARK The free, all-ages event will feature live music, food trucks, and more This event will host an array of live music, a variety of food trucks, and select wines and beers from Art Mart. Attendees are encouraged to bring…read more…

Sunday, August 24, 2025

Sunflower Festival

Mariah’s Mums & More, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

U-Cut Sunflowers Sunflower Maze Photo Ops Live Music Vendors & More!

Thursday, August 28, 2025

Jazz in the Park

Mattis Park, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Friday, August 29, 2025

Lake House Candlelight Serenade | Registration Deadline 8/26

Lake House in Crystal Lake Park, 8:30 pm - 10:00 pm

Enjoy a twinkly summer concert while you paddle around a limited area on Crystal Lake - You will be serenaded by a live string quartet on the Lakeside Deck! Ages 21+, REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED (August 26 online deadline). Your boat ticket is for one 30-minute ride on a first-come, first-served…read more…