Upcoming Downtown Events

Champaign's hottest block party, The Beat on Market Street, returns! Live music my R&B Live Ladies and DJ set by DJ i.c. dre. More details below.

Pre-Game at The Beat starts before the music! Join Live Action Games for outdoor dominoes, spades, music, and PS5 Street Fighter battles before The Beat begins at 8 PM. Grab a drink from Pour Brothers, meet new people, and discover a gaming community you never knew you were missing!

Step back into the Harlem Renaissance at this family-friendly Fashion Show & Clothing Drive featuring music, fashion, community, and a celebration of Black art and culture. Bring a clothing donation and help support local families while celebrating Black history. Happy Juneteenth Week!

For the Culture is bringing the whole family out for an afternoon of live jazz music, dancing, fashion, bubbles, shopping, and community at Exile on Main Street. Enjoy family-friendly fun, a kids fashion show, and discounts on Black artists' vinyl records, CDs, posters, and more.

Join us for a Professional Black Networking Event & Transitional Housing Fundraiser focused on building connections, creating opportunities, and strengthening community. Meet local professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders while supporting a cause that makes a difference.

Pre-Game at The Beat starts before the music! Join Live Action Games for outdoor dominoes, spades, music, and PS5 Street Fighter battles before The Beat begins at 8 PM. Grab a drink from Pour Brothers, meet new people, and discover a gaming community you never knew you were missing!

Themed late night block party featuring live music, DJ, games, prizes, food truck, and giveaways. More about the event below.

For the Culture celebrates Black creativity at Paint & Sip at Caffeine RX. Enjoy a live DJ, guided painting, specialty drinks, cocktails, and a welcoming space to create, connect, and express yourself alongside friends, family, and community.

Sing along, test your music knowledge, and compete for prizes at R&B Bingo. Enjoy great music, community, and a night filled with classic hits, friendly competition, and plenty of opportunities to show off your R&B expertise!

For The Culture is bringing you to South Africa. Experience the flavors, music, and stories of Zambia at Afro Taste & Tell. Enjoy live African music, storytelling, desserts from Martinelli's Market, food from Stango Cuisine, and a celebration of culture, community, and connection!

Themed late night block party featuring live music, DJ, games, prizes, food truck, and giveaways. Entertainment will be a mix of R&B, Neo Soul, Funk, and Jazz from the live band and the DJ will be spinning Old School R&B, Old School Hip Hop, & House Music. More about the event below.

Pre-Game at The Beat starts before the music! Join Live Action Games for outdoor dominoes, spades, music, and PS5 Street Fighter battles before The Beat begins at 8 PM. Grab a drink from Pour Brothers, meet new people, and discover a gaming community you never knew you were missing!

For the Culture is celebrating Black humor, storytelling, and the way laughter brings people together. Through good times and hard times, comedy has always helped us connect, relate, heal, and build community. Join us at The Literary for a night of laughs, open mic performances, and community.

For the Culture is giving you a reason to pull out your freshest pair of Ones or Jordans, coordinate outfits with your boo, or finally wear that beautiful gown that's been hanging in your closet waiting for the right occasion. Join us as we celebrate Black elegance, style, confidence, and culture.

For the Culture is bringing you Cooking with Soul, a unique opportunity to support future entrepreneurs while enjoying an upscale soul food dining experience. Enjoy live music and $5 soul food plates created by local students under the guidance of Neil St. Blues owner Gayle Starks.

For the Culture invites you to the Youth Sneaker Ball, a night where style meets purpose. Put on your best sneakers, dress to impress, and bring a pair of brand-new or gently used sneakers in a gift bag to support local school-aged youth while enjoying music, dancing, and community.

For the Culture invites you to Mind & Soul: Mental Health Awareness Dinner celebrating resilience, healing, and the people who continue to uplift our community. Enjoy free dinner, live speaker, community recognition awards, and an evening dedicated to honoring stories of Black grace & perseverance.

Themed late night block party featuring live music, DJ, games, prizes, food truck, and giveaways. Entertainment will be a mix of Reggae, Calypso, & Soca from the live band and the DJ will be spinning a mix of Reggaeton, Afro-beat, House, & island inspired music. More about the event below.

Pre-Game at The Beat starts before the music! Join Live Action Games for outdoor dominoes, spades, music, and PS5 Street Fighter battles before The Beat begins at 8 PM. Grab a drink from Pour Brothers, meet new people, and discover a gaming community you never knew you were missing!