Your guide to enjoy the season while supporting local!
Presented by the Champaign Center Partnership
Spring is finally here—and it’s the perfect time to get outside, try something new, and reconnect with all the things that make Champaign special. Whether you’re craving a quiet morning with coffee and a book, a vibrant patio dinner with friends, or a weekend spent exploring art and culture, our Spring Season Kickoff Bucket List is here to guide the way.
We’ve broken the list into four themed blog posts, each packed with different ways to enjoy the season while supporting local businesses and organizations. From fresh starts and foodie finds to creative experiences and community connection, you’ll find plenty of ideas to fill your spring with joy, color, and local flavor.
Let’s kick off the season together—one local experience at a time.
Spring is the perfect time to pause, reset, and prioritize your well-being. With longer days and brighter skies, it’s easier to lean into the moments that make you feel refreshed and re-energized. In this first part of our Spring Bucket List blog series, we’re focusing on self-care and simple pleasures—from local pastries and plant shopping to spa treatments and small joys that help you feel your best.
Ready to feel renewed? Here are THE ways to embrace fresh starts this season—right here in Champaign.
Spring in Champaign means patios, new flavors, and taking time to truly enjoy a good meal or drink with the people (and pets!) you love. Whether you’re dining out, sipping something local, or treating yourself to something sweet, this list is your guide to making the most of the season through food and drink.
Bon Appetit! Here are some delicious ways to eat, sip, and savor your way through Champaign this spring:
Spring is a season of inspiration—the perfect time to reconnect with the arts, explore local history, and experience the vibrant creative spirit of Champaign. Whether you want to attend a live performance, wander a museum, or support inclusive community programs, this list is full of ways to tap into the culture and connection that make our city shine.
ENCORE! ENCORE! Here are a few ways to celebrate arts, culture, and community in Champaign this season:
Spring is the season to try something new, go somewhere unexpected, and reconnect with your community. Whether you’re planning a staycation, volunteering your time, or just enjoying the little things with your dog or your favorite playlist, there are so many ways to embrace adventure and generosity right here in Champaign.
Make this a season to remember! Here are some ways to wrap up your spring season with fun, connection, and community spirit:
How It Works
- Download the Spring Into Local Bucket List
- Complete as many challenges as you can in any order
- Have an employee from the participating location sign next to the completed challenge
- Submit your signed checklist by FRIDAY, MAY 23 to reap the awards you have earned. You can
- Drop off or mail to: Champaign Center Partnership, 301 N Neil St, Suite 400, Champaign, IL 61820
- Email a photo or scanned copy of to: director@champaigncenter.com
- Get your prizes and continue to support local 🙂
Prize Tiers
🌷 Spring Into Local Challenge in Champaign, IL
Discover things to do in Champaign this spring and support local businesses in every district!
Get ready to explore, experience, and enjoy the best of Champaign this season—featuring the vibrant districts of Downtown, Midtown, and Campustown—with our Spring Into Local Challenge.
We’ve turned our Spring Into Local Bucket List into an interactive challenge. Whether you're treating yourself to a massage, grabbing dinner with friends, visiting a museum, or volunteering in the community, every activity counts!
REWARDS
- Tier 1: 5 Activities Completed – $10 local gift card
- Tier 2: 10 Activities Completed- Two Free Tickets to the Downtown Wine Walk
- Tier 3: 20 Activities Completed -Gift Basket filled with goodies from local businesses
- Tier 4: 30 Activities Completed – Deluxe Prize Bundle including gift cards, tickets, and much more
- Tier 5: All 40 Activities Completed – All of the above prizes plus entry into VIP Local Experience Package Grand Prize