WORLD-CLASS ARTS AND CULTURE

Our micro-urban community offers arts and culture opportunities that rival larger cities. Whether it’s a concert, an art gallery, a play or even a large international festival you’re interested in, Champaign-Urbana is a place where you can enjoy great entertainment options incomparable for its size. Champaign-Urbana is home of the Pygmalion Festival of music and literature, the Ellnora Guitar Festival and the venerated Ebertfest, which was started by Roger Ebert himself. If you prefer more intimate events, Champaign-Urbana is home to more than 87 arts venues as well as great community resources like 40 North (Champaign County Arts Council). We also attract national and international headliners such as Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman and the Russian National Ballet. And U2, Jay Z, Sting and Bob Dylan have all played at the State Farm Center. Want to learn more about what’s happening in the champaign of cities? Read more at Visit Champaign County.

In Champaign-Urbana, we’re kind of good at everything. Like other thriving industries in Champaign-Urbana, our vibrant arts and music scene is also a bastion of innovation. Heard of powerhouses like Ang Lee (Life of Pi, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, Brokeback Mountain), Alison Krauss (27 Grammy awards, tied for most awarded living recipient) or Nick Offerman (Parks and Recreation)? By now it shouldn’t be a surprise that they are natives or alumni of our community.