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All Year Long

Inside Downtown Businesses

Indoor Live Music All Year Long

The City of Champaign is thrilled to announce the return of our Live Entertainment Grant Program. This program provides funding for live music and entertainment in various unique locations throughout Downtown. Whether it's a solo performance in a bookstore or a rock band in a candle shop, this initiative aims to enhance the arts while supporting local businesses.

About the Program

The Sound Check program helps downtown businesses host live entertainment by reimbursing artist fees, sound equipment, and marketing costs. Businesses can receive up to $250 per event, plus an additional $500 Community Connections bonus for events that build community partnerships, highlight diverse voices, or create inclusive experiences.

Contact Information

Daniel Saphiere, AICP

Associate Planner

City of Champaign | Planning and Development

Daniel.saphiere@champaignil.gov

(217) 403-8800

Upcoming Sound Check Performances

  • Bollywood Party @ Axe Bar
    Bollywood Party @ Axe Bar
    Aug 28, 2025, 9:00 PM – Aug 29, 2025, 2:00 AM
    Axe Bar, 111 S Walnut St, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
    Come celebrate Bollywood with DJ Bhakta at Axe Bar!
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  • Patio Hangs ft. DJ Belly & DJ Silkee
    Patio Hangs ft. DJ Belly & DJ Silkee
    1 day to the event
    Fri, Aug 29
    Aug 29, 2025, 10:00 PM – Aug 30, 2025, 2:00 AM
    Bentley's Pub, 419 N Neil St, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
    Cheap Data & Bentley's Pub Presents Patio Hangs with DJ Belly & DJ Silkee! If the weather allows, we will be kicking it off in the patio on Friday, August 29th @ 10pm all the way to close at 2am. It'll be a night of that good funk, soul, hip-hop and RnB.
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  • Sparta, Belles Lettres and Sunwise
    Sparta, Belles Lettres and Sunwise
    11 days to the event
    Mon, Sep 08
    Sep 08, 2025, 9:00 PM – Sep 09, 2025, 12:00 AM
    The Space, 1 E Main St, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
    Sparta on tour with local support from Belles-lettres and Sunwise
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  • Friday Night Patio Sessions
    Friday Night Patio Sessions
    15 days to the event
    Fri, Sep 12
    Sep 12, 2025, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
    Pour Bros. Craft Taproom, 40 E University Ave, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
    Come out to the Pour Bros. patio and enjoy all PBS Band has to offer!
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  • Latin Night
    Latin Night
    16 days to the event
    Sat, Sep 13
    Sep 13, 2025, 10:00 PM – Sep 14, 2025, 2:00 AM
    The Axe Bar, 114 S Neil St, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
    Saturday's weekly "Noche Latina" performed by DJ Jonny
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  • Oktoberfest @ Pour Bros
    Oktoberfest @ Pour Bros
    23 days to the event
    Sat, Sep 20
    Sep 20, 2025, 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    Pour Bros, 40 E University Ave, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
    Oktoberfest featuring seasonal beer offerings on Market St., plus music on our patio. Jon's Pipe Shop, a minority-owned downtown business, will also be on hand selling their products.
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  • Latin Night
    Latin Night
    23 days to the event
    Sat, Sep 20
    Sep 20, 2025, 10:00 PM – Sep 21, 2025, 2:00 AM
    The Axe Bar, 114 S Neil St, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
    Saturday's weekly "Noche Latina" performed by DJ Jonny at The Axe Bar
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  • Friday Night Music Sessions
    Friday Night Music Sessions
    50 days to the event
    Fri, Oct 17
    Oct 17, 2025, 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
    Pour Bros, 40 E University Ave, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
    SASS performing live at Pour Bros
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  • Jake and Jackson
    Jake and Jackson
    72 days to the event
    Sat, Nov 08
    Nov 08, 2025, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
    Pour Bros, 40 E University Ave, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
    Winter Matinee Series of music from 2-5pm
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  • Jake and Jackson
    Jake and Jackson
    86 days to the event
    Sat, Nov 22
    Nov 22, 2025, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
    Pour Bros, 40 E University Ave, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
    Winter Matinee Series of music from 2-5pm
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  • Jake and Jackson
    Jake and Jackson
    107 days to the event
    Sat, Dec 13
    Dec 13, 2025, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
    Pour Bros, 40 E University Ave, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
    Winter Matinee Series of music from 2-5pm
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