What to do in Champaign in August

Events aren't slowing up this month just because school is around the corner. Keep on scrolling down to find out about all of things planned that is guaranteed to make Champaign the hottest place to be in the month of August.

Dump & Run with University YMCA

Start your month off right by allowing the University YMCA to assist you in unloading a little of your baggage. Unfortunately for some of us it is only the physical baggage they are focused on during their Dump and Run 2022 event, but every little bit helps right? Through out the month of August, the University YMCA will be collecting used, quality items for donation to help reduce help cut down litter and consumer waste from our local landfills. Let Planet Earth be your motivator as you clean out your basement once and for all because someone’s trash (no matter the level of crazy) is someone else’s treasure.

When and where: August 1-21, UIUC Stock Pavilion

Champaign Farmers Market

Marvel in the bounty that comes from our local farmers, bakers, and makers when you head over to the Downtown Champaign Farmers Market. From delicious baked goods and locally grown produce to beautiful flowers and grass-fed meat selections, Champaign’s farmer’s market has a wide selection of goods to offer.

When and where: every Tuesday, 3-6 pm, downtown Champaign.

[Click here for more information]

Toast to Taylor Street

With the start of a new month comes another chance to pay homage to the street that always seems to stay in beat at Toast to Taylor Street Block Party! This month brings another round of local vendors, a killer line-up and an another opportunity to rock out in downtown Champaign.

When and where: August 6, 2-10 pm, downtown Champaign

[Click here for more information]

Summer Films on the Quad

Wind down after long day of scoring deals and completing challenges for 13 Thursdays by heading over to UIUC Main Quad and catching all this year’s hottest blockbusters FOR FREE. Put on by the Illini Union, this weekly outdoor (weather permitting) showing of the latest hit films will catch you up on all of the movie memes that may have gone over your head because of any of the reasons you chose not to sit in a movie theater over the past year (pandemic, inflation, gas prices…).

  • Father Stu – August 4
  • Morbius – August 11
  • Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness – August 18

When and where: every Thursday, 9 pm, on the Main Quad

[Click here for more information]

Friday Night Live

What better way to cap off a hard week at work then to chill downtown and listen to some fantastic live local music. Put on by our friends at 40 North, this weekly roundup of musicians scattered throughout Downtown Champaign gives another reason for your brain to be screaming TGIF as soon as your alarm goes off Friday morning.

When and where: every Friday, 6-8 pm, downtown Champaign

[Click here for more information]

So much to do at Pour Bros. Craft Taproom

Patio Paradise – It’s time to take a trip to the tropics for one night during Patio Paradise at Pour Bros. Dive in during this island themed party as the bartenders tempt you away from Pour Bros famed Pour Wall with their creative cocktails, flights of rum and tropical foods. Hula skirts and leis are highly encouraged so don’t disappoint!

When: August 6

Pups and Pints – Pour Bros is at it again with their monthly Pups and Pints series. A percentage of this month’s Yappy Hour (sorry had to be done) proceeds as well as a generous donation from Tito’s Vodka will be donated to Hospice Hearts. So go fetch your pooch and come grab a drink on the Pour Bros patio for a relaxing Sunday with your barkiest bestie.

When: August 28

Patio Series –

Bentley's Pub

It’s like Bentley’s knew that the summer of 22 would be a chaotic when they planned a second dose of their Smooth Sailing Yacht Rock. So get ready to blast Toto’s Africa (absolutely not the Weezer version) and escape with a Pina Colada for a few hours because we are sailing, sailing away.

When: August 11 at 7 PM

[Click here for more information]

Plus Trivia with Marc Alexander on Aug. 28 at 6 PM. [Click here for more.]