Thank you to our Weekend Planner, Krannert Center’s Outside at Research Park, which is one of our favorite outdoor concert events of the year. Krannert Center’s Outside at the Research Park plays upon a simple concept: great music, fresh food, and a green state of mind in an open, relaxed environment. The performance space and seating area are located just south of the Atkins Building at the corner of First Street and St. Mary’s Road in Champaign. The tree-lined, grassy space has hosted thousands of audience members each summer since the inception of Outside in 2007.
So pack up a picnic, load up the kids, and head out to Research Park for the summer event you won’t want to miss. Thanks to Krannert Center for the Performing Arts for making this amazing happen!
It’s another hot summer weekend in Champaign-Urbana. Need to cool off? Check out our Area Swimming Pool Guide. Want someplace indoors (and free) to cool off? We have a Guide for that. Make sure you don’t miss the Champaign County Fair opening this weekend, and check off one of our 13 Things to Do in CU Before You’re 13. Yearning for some Outdoor Summer Concert fun? There are a couple of those this weekend as well, and they are FREE.
Thanks again to Krannert Center’s Outside at Research Park for sponsoring our Weekend Planner.
It’s another busy summer weekend in Champaign-Urbana. Our picks:
What: Mattoon Bagelfest
When: Tuesday, July 17 through Saturday, July 21
Where: Peterson Park at 500 Broadway Ave., Mattoon (map)
How much: Most events free; mainstage events ticketed
Why you should go: Free bagel breakfast 8-10 a.m. and Bagelfest Parade 10:30 a.m. Saturday; Run for the Bagel 5K; carnival rides; mainstage acts. Looking for more unique Central Illinois festivals? See our guide here.
What: Mary Poppins Jr presented by Champaign Park District’s Youth Theatre
Where: Virginia Theatre, Champaign
When: Thursday – Saturday, July 19-21, 2018 – 7:00 p.m. each day plus 10:00 a.m. on Friday and 2:00 p.m. on Saturday.
How much: $14 Adult / $12 Child (12 & under) Add’l per ticket processing fees apply: $1 (online only)
Appropriate for: All ages
Why you should go: Your favorite practically-perfect nanny takes center stage in this supercalifragilisticexpialidocious adventure based on the award-winning Broadway musical and the classic Walt Disney film. Performed by the young actors of the Champaign Park District’s Youth Theatre program.
What: Krannert Center’s Outside at the Research Park
Where: UI Research Park
When: Friday, July 20, 6:30 p.m.
How much: FREE
Appropriate for: All ages
Why you should go: If you’ve ever been to a major summer music festival like Ravinia, you know why Outside at Research Park is so special: it brings a major outdoor concert event to Champaign-Urbana. Outside at Research Park is a partnership between the University of Illinois Research Park, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, and Fox/Atkins Development, LLC, which aims to present the arts in a welcoming, eco-friendly public venue featuring tempting food and beverage options. This year, the headliner is Marcia Ball, a Southern blues woman who is known for her superb keyboard skills that have been in evidence in five decades. The opener is local favorite Jive Bag, led by Jonny Beckett. These concerts will be held just southwest of Assembly Hall on First Street in the Research Park. Free parking is available in the lot south of the Caterpillar Building at 1901 South First Street.
What: Champaign County Fair
Where: Champaign County Fairgrounds, Urbana (behind Carle Foundation Hospital). Free parking is available.
When: Friday, July 20 through Saturday, July 28.
How much: $5 per adult 13 and over; children 12 and under FREE; season pass for adults $25
Why you should go: It’s time for the Champaign County Fair! Haven’t been yet? Now is your chance. Make sure you ride the Ferris Wheel! Visit our pocket guide for the lowdown on all things Champaign County Fair, including animals, a parade, best kept secret preschool day, and family day! Saturday, July 21, 2:00 p.m. there will be a newly expanded Military Appreciation Parade at the Fair.
What: Summer Piano Institute: Faculty Concerto Concert with Sinfonia da Camera
Where: Krannert Center for the Performing Arts
When: Saturday, July 21, 7:30-9:00 p.m.
How much: General Tickets $30, Senior citizens: age 65 or over, or retired U of I faculty and staff $25, Non-U of I college students$10, Current, full-time U of I student $10, Youth: high school and younger $5
Appropriate for: All ages
Why you should go: Sinfonia da Camera partners with the School of Music’s Summer Piano Institute in this concert held in Foellinger Great Hall. Intermezzo cafe, Stage 5 Bar, and Promenade showcase + gift shop will be open for this event.
What: Sounds at Sunset Concert Series
Where: Kaufman Lake, Champaign
When: Sunday, July 22, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
How much: FREE
Appropriate for: All ages
Why you should go: The Champaign Park District is coming to your neighborhood! This summer gather your friends, family, and neighbors as it hosts the Sounds of Sunset events throughout Champaign. Families are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and refreshments.
Weekend Planner features only a few of the wonderful events happening in our area. For a full list, please visit our Events Calendar, sponsored by Busey.
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