September in Champaign is definitely a month you will want to be awake for with the number of events we have going on. From an international Tour De Food, a push to get your body moving, a fest that combines beer, bites, and beats (of the German variety) and so much more you might as well disable that SNOOZE button now. Keep on scrolling to find out about all of the great stuff coming your way plus a special sneak peek on some of the events happening in early October that we couldn’t wait to tell you about!
1. Opening Night Reception
September 1 | Krannert Art Museum, Campustown
PC: Krannert Art Museum
Kick off your September with a cultural bang by attending Krannert Art Museum’s Opening Night Reception for their new exhibit Fake News & Lying Pictures: Political Prints in the Dutch Republic. This exhibit will highlight how early modern Dutch printmakers would use prints to shape public opinion about historical events and how this would create the political heroes and villains of their history. The reception will last from 5-8 pm and refreshments will be served in the Link Gallery.
( Click here for more information about Krannert Art Museum’s Opening Reception)
2. Toast to Taylor Street
September 3, 2-10 pm | Taylor St, Downtown Champaign
Don’t take off for Labor Day weekend without toasting our Taylor St for the second to last time this year! This month Taylor Street will be rocking out to some amazing tunes ( find the line up HERE), brimming with goods from our vendors and serving up some delicious drinks from our local brewery, Blind Pig. Take advantage of this three-day weekend and spend one of your nights giving a huge shout out to our beloved Taylor St.
(Click here for more information about Toast to Taylor Street)
3. Labor Day Parade
September 5 | Parade Launch at Chestnut and Main, Downtown
PC: AFL-CIO
Join in on the celebration of “Saying Yes to Worker’s Rights” during AFL-CIO of Champaign County’s Labor Day Parade happening in Downtown Champaign. Beginning at 10 am, the parade will begin on the corner of N Chestnut and E Main Street and travel throughout downtown. After the parade there will be free food, games for kids and live entertainment at West Side Park lasting until 2 pm.
4. 39th Annual International Meeting
September 9 | University YMCA, Campustown
Are you ready to take a food trip around the world? The University YMCA and the International Student and Scholar Services Office invite you to take part in a night of cultural immersion. The 39th Annual International dinner will feature desserts from around the world prepared by individuals and organizations to help showcase the culture of their origin countries. Pair that with some local food trucks and performances to highlight the cultural richness in Champaign County and you got yourself one fantastic evening.
(Click here for more information about the International Dinner)
PC: University YMCA
5. Bike to Work Dat
September 14 | Various Welcome Stations Maps, Champaign County
Don your helmets and bust out your Schwinn’s ( or whatever brand you own) for it is Bike to Work Day all across the city of Champaign. In conjunction with September being Bike to Work month, the Champaign County Bike Month Planning Team has designated Wednesday, September 14 as the exclusive Bike to Work Day. There will be a total of 16 welcoming stations across Champaign County ( with 9 of those being on the UIUC campus) where from 7 to 10 am bikers will be able to pick up FREE breakfast snacks and t-shirts to celebrate the day. REGISTER HERE
6. West Side Arts - September 17
September 17 | West Side Park, Downtown
No #FOMO necessary when you head over to West Side Park for their inaugural West Side Arts Festival. This free all day juried festival will be an art lover’s dream as they will be given a chance to check out as well as purchase pieces from both local and regional artists as they showcase their talents over a diverse assortment of mediums. West Side Arts will begin at 10:00 am in West Side Park and will conclude at 5:00 pm. Come out and support the arts!
PC: Meet in Illinois
7. C-U Oktoberfest
September 24 | Neil and Washington St Parking Lot, Downtown
Bust out your lederhosen and get ready to polka because C-U Oktoberfest is returning to Downtown Champaign. Benefitting DSC’s quest to further their mission, this all-day fest is the perfect way to welcome the arrival of autumn in Champaign. Featuring a live soundtrack of polkas, waltzes and traditional German music from Die Musikmeisters Band, various beer selections from our local breweries Blind Pig, Riggs and Triptich as well as authentic German ones, delicious German -style foods from some of our favorite food trucks, Watson’s Shack and Rail and Smith Burger and Bavarian pretzels from Martinelli’s Market. There will be a special Kid Zone available for the kinder from 3- 6pm. Don’t miss your chance to celebrate all things beer, music and food at C-U Oktoberfest!
PC: C-U Oktoberfest
SAVE THE DATES
Artisan Cup and Fork
October 1 | Orpheum Theater, Downtown
PC: The Land Connection
Come experience all of the deliciousness that Champaign has to offer at THE food event of the year. This competition has six chefs teaming up with local Illinois farmer to create the most mouth watering locally sourced meals that they can come up with. Get in on this taste bud show down by grabbing a sample or two along with some locally crafted cocktails and mocktails when Artisan Cup and Fork 2022 comes to the Orpheum Theater this October. PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
Champaign Community Crawl (and PrideFest)
October 2 | Downtown Champaign
PC: Uniting Pride of Champaign County
Come on out and show your Pride for Champaign! Uniting Pride and Champaign Center Partnership have teamed up with some of our amazing local businesses to showcase the love is love is love that they have for their community with some fantastic Pride treats. For just $30 you will get 3 vouchers ( or 6 for $55) to spend on some fabulous items offered by our participating businesses. Participating Locations: The Literary, Bentley’s, Fire Doll Studio, Blind Pig Brewery, Plant Mode, Esquire Lounge, Suzu’s Bakery and likely more to come! We’re only selling a limited amount of vouchers, so get yours before they sell out! Proceeds will be split between the businesses and Uniting Pride. PURCHASE VOUCHERS HERE
