ExperienceGuide2024 - 9

PYGMALION
September | thisispygmailion.com
Bringing together music, literature, comedy, tech, and makers,
Pygmalion is the event to check out on campus and throughout
Urbana, celebrating 20 years this fall.
CHAMPAIGN COUNTY BALLOON FESTIVAL
September | champaigncountyballoonfestival.com
Hot air balloons light up the night and launch balloons during the day,
creating a spectacle in the sky. Go for a tethered ride or enjoy any of
the on-site activities available.
PAXTON SWINE 'N DINE
September | paxtonswinendine.com
This barbecue competition turned street festival puts the spotlight on
downtown Paxton, where you'll eat as much BBQ as you can handle.
CU Pride Festival
ARTHUR CHEESE FESTIVAL
September | arthurcheesefestival.com
Every Labor Day weekend, Arthur offers cheese-eating
championships and cheese curling championships, among many
other activities celebrating all things cheese!
KRANNERT CENTER OPENING WEEKEND
September | krannertcenter.com
Get ready for a full nine months of programming with the party of the
year at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. This is a must-attend
for all music lovers.
ARCOLA BROOMCORN FESTIVAL
September | arcolachamber.com
Did you know that Arcola is the Broomcorn Capital of the World?
Celebrate with broom-themed activities, a massive parade, and plenty
of entertainment. Keep an eye out for their new Broomcorn Palace,
set to open by fall 2024!
WINTER
CRAFT LEAGUE OF CU FINE
ART FAIR
November | craftleaguecu.com
For over 40 years, the art fair
showcases the best of local
artists at the Savoy Recreation
Center. From jewelry to pottery
to woodturning, you'll find
something for yourself or those
on your holiday shopping list.
FIGHTING ILLINI BASKETBALL
November-March
fightingillini.com
The women's and men's teams
are back on the court at State
Farm Center. Support these
student-athletes through March
as they make a run at a Big Ten
title.
PARADE OF LIGHTS
November
champaigncenter.com
Holiday cheer is in the air in
downtown Champaign for the
annual Parade of Lights. Come
early for pictures with Santa as
well as horse & carriage rides
before the parade. Stay after
for the lighting of the tree in One
Main Plaza!
LIGHTED WALKS
November-December
Get enchanted by winter scenes
with various light displays to
enjoy throughout the holiday
season. From Lake of the Woods
to Champaign Park District's
Prairie Farms to Aikman Wildlife,
there are magical lights across
the area to witness.
ALLERTON HOLIDAY SHOWCASE
December-January
allerton.illinois.edu
Be enchanted by the twinkle of
holiday lights as they adorn the
gardens and estate at Allerton
Park & Retreat Center, which
kicks off during the annual
Holiday Showcase. Enjoy the
stroll as you take in the magic of
the season.
CHAMPAIGN-URBANA AREA
RESTAURANT WEEK
January/February
curestaurantweek.org
Discover local flavors during
this nine-day celebration of
the Champaign-Urbana area's
award-winning culinary scene.
Save your calories and pack
your comfy pants!
CU PRIDE FESTIVAL
September/October | unitingpride.org
Illinois' largest Pride celebration south of Chicago returns to
downtown Urbana for a parade, drag extravaganza, and much
more! Take advantage of Uniting Pride of Champaign County's
programming throughout the year.
FALL FUSION FESTIVAL
October | 40north.org
Coming back for year two, the Fall Fusion Festival celebrates all
things autumnal. Pumpkins and gourds are artistically displayed
throughout downtown Urbana. Enjoy local vendors, pumpkin
decorating, pumpkin carving demos, and plenty of live music.
CU FOLK & ROOTS FESTIVAL
October | folkandroots.org
This homegrown festival features dozens of performances from
national, regional, and local bands, from folk to indie to jazz.
Taking over venues across downtown Urbana, you'll catch shows,
demonstrations, workshops, and more.
Allerton GLOW
experiencecu.org
9

http://www.thisispygmailion.com http://www.champaigncountyballoonfestival.com http://www.paxtonswinendine.com http://www.unitingpride.org http://www.arthurcheesefestival.com https://www.unitingpride.org/ http://www.krannertcenter.com http://www.40north.org http://www.arcolachamber.com http://www.folkandroots.org http://www.craftleaguecu.com http://www.champaigncenter.com http://allerton.illinois.edu http://www.fightingillini.com http://www.curestaurantweek.org http://www.experiencecu.org

ExperienceGuide2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of ExperienceGuide2024