Experience Champaign-Urbana

09/04/2026

Ahead of Haypenny Market's Grand Opening Celebration on Fri., Sept. 4, Carly and Terri sit down with business owners Jenny and Vaughn.

More about Haypenny Market, plus recommendations for your Labor Day weekend plans on the latest episode of chambanaproud.com.

This episode is sponsored by Krannert Center for the Performing Arts and supported by Busey Bank.

Haypenny Market
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts
Busey Bank
Champaign County Economic Development Corporation

09/03/2026

I-L-L! The Experience CU team is ready for Game Day! 🧡💙

09/03/2026

Jenny and Vaughn, owners of the new Haypenny Market in downtown Champaign, talk to Carly and Terri this week about what drove them to create the first convenience store/lunch counter in the modern downtown district. Evoking memories of Woolworth’s, this new spot fills a void and is finding ways to connect the community.

Tune in at chambanaproud.com to plan your Labor Day weekend, from Krannert Center’s Opening Night, a campout with some farm animals, a cardboard boat regatta, an Agatha Christie-style murder mystery on a train, honoring the corn king (it’s a thing), and celebrating our many laborers who contribute to the brilliance of our region. 🎧

This episode is sponsored by Krannert Center for the Performing Arts and supported by Busey Bank.

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts
Busey Bank
Haypenny Market
Champaign County Economic Development Corporation

09/03/2026

Celebrate community! Celebrate the arts! 🎶

Thurs.,Sept. 3, 4:30-10:00 pm, join the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts for live music, food and drink, family-friendly activities, and lots of fun.

09/02/2026

Did you know? 100% of homes in Champaign-Urbana are within a half-mile of green space, with over 1,200 acres of community parks to explore. And if you're looking for a little adventure beyond C-U, Kickapoo State Park is just 30 minutes away.


Kickapoo Adventures
Hardy's Reindeer Ranch
Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch
Champaign Park District
Urbana Park District
Riggs Beer Company

09/01/2026

Created by multidisciplinary artist Dwight White II, the mural pays tribute to the service, courage, excellence, and sacrifice of the Tuskegee Airmen while recognizing Rantoul’s meaningful place in their story through the former Chanute Field.

Mural Honoring Tuskegee Airmen Unveiled in Rantoul

The Champaign County African American Heritage Trail and the Experience Champaign-Urbana Foundation unveiled a new mural honoring the Tuskegee Airmen.

Created by multidisciplinary artist Dwight White II, the mural pays tribute to the service, courage, excellence, and sacrifice of the Tuskegee Airmen while recognizing Rantoul’s meaningful place in their story through the former Chanute Field.

The project carries particular significance as part of the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, honoring African Americans whose contributions remain essential to the nation’s story while preserving Rantoul’s connection to the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen for future generations.

The mural was made possible through grant support from the Illinois Arts Council. The project partners also extend their sincere appreciation to Sherwin-Williams, United Rentals, The H.O.Y.C.E. Center, 718 Real Estate, Tuskegee Airmen Mural Project Committee, Cargo Plumbing, the Village of Rantoul, Oesfreelancing Graphic Design, and family members of Tuskegee Airmen for helping bring the mural to life.

Dwight White II
Experience Champaign-Urbana
Illinois Arts Council
40 North 88 West
America250

08/31/2026

Experience Champaign-Urbana is excited to announce our partnership with Fighting Illini student-athletes and the University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics.

"Fighting Illini student-athletes are an important part of the Champaign-Urbana story. Through their voices and incredible reach, we can introduce new audiences to the people, places, businesses, and experiences that make our community brilliant, while helping student-athletes build a deeper connection and pride in the place they call home while competing here. This partnership is an innovative way to amplify our destination, support local businesses and grow a shared visitor economy that benefits our entire region." -Jayne DeLuce, Experience Champaign-Urbana President, CEO, & Foundation Executive Director.

As part of this partnership, the Experience Champaign-Urbana Foundation will receive new dedicated funding for marketing and community engagement efforts that share our stories, support local businesses and events, and strengthen our shared visitor economy.

For more on the partnership, including focus on community health, engagement and economic vitality, go to: fightingillini.com/news/2026/8/31/football-illinois-announces-community-impact-partnership-with-busey-bank-carle-health-and-experience-champaign-urbana-foundation

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Fighting Illini Athletics

08/31/2026

We love the new Brilliant signage at Willard Airport!

08/27/2026

Don't miss the last Friday Night Live of the season! 🎤

Well folks, we have come to the FINAL FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE of the summer! See you all downtown Champaign from 6-9pm for amazing local street-side music! Proudly presented by 40 North 88 West with title sponsor Pour Bros. Craft Taproom Champaign!

FRIDAY, August 28

Market & Taylor:
6pm: Little Conversations (Eleni Moraites Band) – American folk pop
7:30pm: Candy Foster And The Shades Of Blue – blues

Neil & Park:
6pm: Dan Hubbard – singer/songwriter/Americana
7:30pm: Murder of Crows – rock covers

Downtown Plaza:
6pm: Mariachi.Libertad – mariachi
7:30pm: Afro D & Global Soundwaves – jazz/hip hop/funk/soul

Fremont & Main (next to The Space):
6pm: Justin Rondón music – folk/jazz/rock/experimental
7:30pm: Mike & Friends – anika’s Farewell

Also featuring our special weekly kids’ activities: Bubbles from Joyfulbubbles & Balloon Twisting by Aaron's Party Balloons!

We also want to thank the City of Champaign - Municipal Government - without their support, Friday Night Live would not be possible! See less

08/27/2026

Enjoy new exhibitions, live music, and a dance party in the galleries.🎶

🌟 Looking forward to seeing you tonight! (8/27, 5–7:30) to explore new exhibitions, meet our new director Stephanie Smith, enjoy live music and a dance party* in the galleries!

Opening Night at the Museum! Fall 2026 | Krannert Art Museum

*DJ KamauMau + this great Rest Lab exhibition = a FUN dance party! 💃🏻 🎧 🖼️ 🍰