Free Concerts and Music Festivals in C-U this Summer
Lack of funds is no obstacle to seeing live music this summer in Champaign-Urbana. We've put together a list of some of some of the best (and cheapest) events to attend. And don't forget that bikes are the best way to get there!For non-music events in C-U this summer, read our list of summer events.If you want ideas for where to go on your own time, check out our Guide to Summer: Top 5 Places.Concert SeriesSounds at Sunset Concert SeriesEnjoy evenings in Champaign parks with live music, friends, and family. Most of the dates are on the last two Sundays of each month. Bring your own lawn chairs and refreshments!
June 19, 6-8 p.m. | Eisner Park, Kittens Incorporated
June 26, 6-8 p.m. | Sunset Ridge Park, Decadents
July 24, 6-8 p.m. | Scott Park, We the Animals
July 31, 6-8 p.m. | Centennial Park, Mike Ingram and the New Souls
August 2, 5-7 p.m. | Beardsley Park, National Night Out
August 28, 3-7 p.m. | Hessel Park, Gospel Jazz Fest
Neighborhood Night Concerts - 6:30-8 p.m.Neighborhood Night Concerts highlight Urbana's parks and local bands every Wednesday evening. Lots of different parks, lots of different bands.
June 8 | Southridge Park, Big Creek Guitar Band
June 15 | Blair Park, Keith Harden
June 22 | Dog Park, Prairie Dogs
June 29 | Victory Park, Bruiser and the Virtues
July 6 | Crestview Park, ESP
July 13 | AMBUCS Park, Pet Roxx
July 20 | Larson Park, Kittens Incorporated
July 27 | Prairie Park, New Souls
August 3 | Meadowbrook Park, Surreal Deal
Bach's Lunch Summer Concert Series, Noon-1 p.m.This concert series is held on the second Friday of each month in the Bilbrey Band Stand in Champaign's West Side Park. Bring your own lunch or pre-order a catered lunch for $9.
July 8 | John Coppess - Folk, Country, Cowboy
August 12 | Paul Hinson - Highland Bagpipe
Folk and Roots Friday Concert Series - Noon-1 p.m.Hear a wide variety of folk and roots music from this concert series. Concerts are held the first and third Fridays of the month in Crystal Lake Park's Lake House. Last year's concert series was so popular they've doubled the number of events this year!
JuneJune 18 - Strawberry Jam - 4-8 p.m.Spend your Saturday in Meadowbrook Park, enjoying live music along with ice cream and strawberries, hayrides, and guided meadow tours.
4 p.m. | Wildwood String Band
5:30 p.m. | High Cotton
7 p.m. | Burr Oak String Band
June 18 - StreetFest - 7 p.m. - MidnightHeld both in June and July, StreetFest offers live music paired with local food and drink in downtown Champaign. The June edition will be held at Neil and Main St.
7-8 p.m. | The New and Slightly Used
8:45-10 p.m. | Jim Markum Swing Band
10:30-midnight | Sun Stereo
June 24-25 - Blues, Brews, and BBQWhat this festival consists of is clear from its name alone. Running for two days in the News Gazette Building parking lot in downtown Champaign, this event has lots of well-known blues bands and musicians—too many to name here.JulyJune 8 - Outside at Research Park - 6:30 p.m.The Krannert Center is hosting this free festival outside of UIUC's Research Park.
6:30 p.m. | Bones Jugs
7:30 p.m. | Las Cafeteras
July 18 - StreetFest - 7 p.m. - MidnightHeld both in June and July, StreetFest offers live music paired with local food and drink. The July edition will be held at Walnut and University.
7-8:15 p.m. | Kilborn Alley
8:45-10 p.m. | Candy Foster and Shades of Blue
10:30-midnight | Tons O’ Fun Band
---If you know of any other free concerts or festivals held in the C-U area this summer, let us know and we'll add it to the list!