7 Places to Hear Live Music in Champaign, IL
From a 15,500-seat arena where the King of Rock ’n’ Roll once performed to a stunning 1920s landmark theater and even an unexpected chandlery, there’s no shortage of venues to experience live music in Champaign, IL. In fact, these examples are just the tip of the iceberg. The region is home to three downtown areas: downtown Champaign, downtown Urbana and Campustown, each of which offers a unique selection of venues, whether you’re looking to hear a local favorite or catch a performance by a well-known artist. Ahead, discover seven places to hear live music in Champaign, IL.
In This Article
1. Krannert Center for the Performing Arts
Music flows out of the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. Located on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus, this 300,000-square-foot performing arts and academic facility includes five indoor stages and an amphitheater.
- Foellinger Great Hall, which seats more than 2,000, is known for its superior acoustics and impressive architecture, complete with butternut wood walls.
- Tryon Festival Theatre regularly hosts soloists, small ensembles and touring companies as well as theater performances.
- Colwell Playhouse features more than 600 seats, and thanks to its continental design (meaning no center aisles), there’s not a bad seat in the house.
- Studio Theatre is an intimate, “black box” theater that can seat up to 200 people.
- Stage 5, described by the center as a bandstand, grandstand and club stage, is next to the Stage 5 Bar.
- The outdoor Amphitheater seats more than 500 people and is used for performances during warmer months.
2. State Farm Center
Also owned and operated by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is State Farm Center, a 15,544-seat indoor arena that opened its doors in 1963 and has since hosted legendary artists like Elvis Presley, Bruce Springsteen and Elton John. The center is also known for holding sporting events, musicals and comedy shows.
3. Rose Bowl Tavern
There is not a more active live music venue in the area than Rose Bowl Tavern in downtown Urbana. With a history dating back to 1946, this honky tonk claims to be the “Home of Country Music,” but these days, it features every genre you could want. With at least two shows every day of the year, you’ll find a touring or local band ready to entertain while you sip on craft cocktails and mocktails from the bar.
4. Pour Bros. Craft Taproom
Looking for a trendy spot to soak in some live music? Head to Pour Bros. Craft Taproom on East University Avenue. In addition to hosting musical acts, the venue is just steps from one of three Friday Night Live locations, a free street-side performance series hosted every Friday evening from June through August in downtown Champaign.
“Pour Bros. has a great outdoor patio space where they host live music. And during Friday Night Live, they’ve timed it so that their live music picks up right as the series quiets down,” says Mike Ingram, a local musician, DJ and promoter via Amnesiac Booking, which books musical talent for local venues.
The venue also features a full-service bar and a pour wall where you can taste their everchanging brews.
5. Virginia Theatre
Virginia Theatre is a must for those looking to experience live music while taking in the rich history of downtown Champaign. The 1920s theater has been fully restored to its original glory, including its beautiful filigree ceiling details. Theatergoers can enjoy musicals as well as performances by musical talent on the dramatic, red curtain stage.
6. The Space
On the smaller side, yet no less special, is a relatively new venue that has quickly become a go-to spot for catching live music by local and visiting talent. That talent even includes Mike Ingram, who performed at one of The Space’s recent open mic nights. This is a regular event that allows guests to take center stage or simply sit back and enjoy the music, along with great food and drinks.
7. Fire Doll
And just when you thought you couldn’t find a more intimate space to hear live music, Fire Doll, an artisanal chandlery offering retail and studio experiences, surprises with its Candlelight Concert Series. While here, cellphones and voices seem to disappear as the local listening room transforms into a glowing musical scene that captivates the senses.
“You would never think a space like this would exist in a candle shop, but it does, and what happens inside is pretty magical,” Ingram says.
This article was sponsored by Experience Champaign-Urbana.
