Like your favorite summer mixtape, this one hits all the right notes—fresh, fun, and full of local flavor.
Crank up the sunshine and cue the good vibes—July is jamming in Champaign! Whether you’re a longtime local or just discovering the city’s rhythm, this month’s lineup of events is packed with music, markets, meet-ups, and more. Press play on this hyper-local mixtape and experience the pulse of our business districts.
Tuesdays | 3:00–6:00 PM | Downtown Plaza + Market Street
The market’s in full swing—and with the Rhythm & Roots music series and Kids Corner, Tuesdays are a whole vibe. Each week brings fresh produce, family fun, and live local music that hits just right.
What to Expect:
July 15: Anika Emily - July 22: Fuego Latino
- Weekly vendors offering produce, baked goods, and handmade items
- Free crafts and activities for little ones at the Kids Corner
July 15: Anika Emily 
July 22: Fuego Latino
Free crafts and activities for little ones at the Kids CornerPair it with:
Dinner at Neil St. Blues or Watson’s after the market
A shopping stroll through Ten Thousand Villages or DIGS
Snag an *ADULT* slushie from Big Grove Tavern while you sway to the sounds of summer
Fridays | 6:00–9:00 PM | Throughout Downtown Champaign
This is the heartbeat of your weekend—Friday Night Live brings diverse local acts to street corners, parks, and patios.
Highlights Include:
🎶 J’Lyn Hope, Ego Trip, Bandoneon Massacre & more
💃 Dancers and performers lighting up the sidewalks
🌇 Sunset sounds and open-air vibes
Pair it with:
🍔 Dinner on the patio at Big Grove Tavern or Seven Saints
🍸 Cocktails at Punch! Bar & Lounge
🛍️ Quick pre-show retail therapy at The Literary or Furniture Lounge
Saturday, July 26 | 8:00 PM–Midnight | Market & Taylor
Get ready to turn it way up. This month’s edition of The Beat is all about Prince and Funk—a full-on street dance party with live DJs and performers bringing purple-powered grooves to the heart of downtown.
What to Expect:
🎤 A live Prince tribute + funk classics all night
✨ A dance floor under the stars
🎉 Market Street buzzing with movement, music, and magic
Pair it with:
🌮 Tacos from Maize or sliders from Watson’s
🍻 Cold drinks from Pour Bros. Craft Taproom
🕺 Your best dance moves and most fabulous purple outfit
Tuesday, July 30 | Evening | Downtown Plaza + Taylor Street
We’re turning up the volume on Taylor Street! Toast to Taylor is a special evening edition of the Farmers Market featuring extended hours, music, and adult beverage pairings with bites from local faves.
What to Expect:
🍷 Locally inspired cocktails
🎶 Live music and twilight shopping
Pair it with:
🥖 Sammies from Martinelli’s before they close for the night
🎼 Chill music vibes from local baddies
🛍️ Snag handmade goods from extended evening vendors
Monday, July 21 | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM | Mother Ghost, 14 E University
The Retail Roundtable is where our business community comes to brainstorm, collaborate, and share what’s working. Hosted inside Midtown gem Mother Ghost, this session is part strategy session, part style inspiration.
Pair it with:
☕ Pre-roundtable espresso from Espresso Royale
🍳 Lunch at Esquire Lounge after
🛍️ A vintage treasure hunt through Mother Ghost
Thursdays | 11:30 AM–1:00 PM | Neil St. Plaza
Your lunch break just got a serious upgrade. Sound Bites features live music in the plaza with easy access to Champaign’s most delicious takeout options.
This Month’s Soundtrack Includes:
- Local jazz and acoustic sets
Pair it with:
🥡 Lunch from Tenkyu or Sticky Rice
🧺 A sunny seat on the plaza
📚 Post-lunch browse at Jane Addams Book Shop
Local jazz and acoustic setsPair it with:
Lunch from Tenkyu or Sticky Rice
A sunny seat on the plaza
Post-lunch browse at Jane Addams Book Shop
Wednesday, July 31 | 9:00–10:00 AM | 1 E Main Street
CCP’s Morning Meet-Up brings the local business community together for coffee, conversation, and community building. Start your morning with connections that matter.
Pair it with:
☕ A strong cup from Suzu’s Bakery
🧁 Light refreshments provided by CCP
🗣️ Networking with downtown pros, entrepreneurs, and changemakers
BONUS TRACK: Save the Date – The First Annual Craft Crawl
BONUS TRACK: Save the Date – The First Annual Craft CrawlSaturday, September 6 | Downtown Champaign
Sneak peek alert: Craft Crawl is coming this September! Think of it as the beer-lovers’ version of the Wine Walk—pairing Illinois’ best breweries with your favorite local boutiques in a sip-and-stroll experience.
Tickets launch soon—this one will sell out fast!
DOWNTOWN RETAILERS GET IN SYNC WITH OUR NEWEST MELODY AND SIGN UP TO BE A LOCATION HERE
So What’s Your July Jam?
Whether you’re grooving to live music, catching a midday concert, or networking with fellow locals, this summer playlist is filled with ways to support and celebrate the businesses that make Champaign unique.
Share your favorite moments and tag us using #ChampaignPlaylist #LiveLocalLoveLocal #CCPSummerVibes