Chambana Proud

What's Happening in Chambana: May 15–17

This weekend, we say goodbye to our many graduates from the University of Illinois, and we also welcome back some spring and summertime favorites. From plant sales to live music on the streets, Carly and Terri run down the many ways you can get out in and around C-U this weekend.
 
Tune in at chambanaproud.com or wherever you podcast and start planning.
 
This episode is sponsored by Krannert Center for the Performing Arts and supported by Busey Bank.
 
Show links:
Krannert Center for Performing Arts: https://krannertcenter.com/
Busey Bank:https://www.busey.com/
Sola Gratia Spring Plant Sale: https://www.solagratiacsa.com/events/spring-plant-sale-2026
Ikebana: Party with Shakuyaku and a Grand Ikebana Demonstration: https://allerton.illinois.edu/events/the-farms-ikebana-party-with-shakuyaku/ and https://allerton.illinois.edu/events/the-farms-grand-ikebana-demo/
Illinois Amish Heritage Center Guided Tour: https://www.illinoisamish.org/
Drag Story Hour: https://www.goodjudyscu.com/event-list
Toast to Taylor St.: https://www.soundbridgefoundation.org/about-toast
Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/
Experience Champaign-Urbana Calendar of Events: https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events

Episode 90: A New Generation of Agriculture

Farmers’ markets are back in action in the Champaign-Urbana area, but how do these growers get their start, and how are they supported? Meet the Land Connection. Terri & Jordan talk with Jacquelyn, Executive Director, about their farm trainings, education, and resources to help first generation farmers, and how they make local ingredients accessible for all.
 
We have more ideas on how to get out this Mother’s Day weekend, so tune in at chambanaproud.com or wherever you podcast to start planning.
 
This episode is sponsored by Krannert Center for the Performing Arts and supported by Busey Bank.
 
Show links:
Krannert Center for Performing Arts: https://krannertcenter.com/
Busey Bank:https://www.busey.com/
The Land Connection: https://www.thelandconnection.org/
Cirque Atlantis: https://gold.cirqueitalia.com/events/1594_Water-Circus-Atlantis-Champaign-IL?cid=GBN
Sangamon River Showcase: https://www.champaignforests.org/events/details/upper-sangamon-river-conservancys-sangamon-river-showcase
Lights Up! CU Sings Broadway: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/peoples-chorus-may-2026-concert-lights-up-cu-sings-broadway
The 11th Annual Re-Fashioned Fashion Show: https://www.facebook.com/SCDillinois/
How Well Do You Know Your Mom: https://www.visitdowntownchampaign.com/sound-bites
Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/
Experience Champaign-Urbana Calendar of Events: https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events

What's Happening in Chambana: May 1–3

May is here, bringing plant sales, live music outside, Champaign’s inaugural Agave Fest, independent films, and impeccable ballet performances. Terri & Jordan run down how to spend your spring weekend in the Champaign-Urbana area.
 
Tune in at chambanaproud.com or wherever you podcast and start planning.
 
This episode is sponsored by Krannert Center for the Performing Arts and supported by Busey Bank.
 
Show links:
Krannert Center for Performing Arts: https://krannertcenter.com/
Busey Bank:https://www.busey.com/
Champaign Agave Fest: https://www.champaignagavefest.com/
Savoy Lumiere Festival: https://2026lumiere.chambanafilmsociety.org/
The Farms: Bluebell Festival: https://allerton.illinois.edu/events/bluebellfestival2026/
CU Ballet’s Little Mermaid: https://thevirginia.showare.com/
WPGU Battle of the Bands: https://www.facebook.com/events/2019453938955936?active_tab=about
Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/
Experience Champaign-Urbana Calendar of Events: https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events

Episode 89: A Celebration of Agave

A new festival is coming up in Champaign, and it’s all about a trending spirit. Terri and Jordan chat with Scott from Big Grove Tavern and Mike from Punch! Bar & Lounge about the new Champaign Agave Fest, happening April 30–May 5. This countywide extravaganza will feature family-owned distillers, vendors, tastings, and education about agave at spots around the area throughout the week. Tune in to hear how you can participate and get tickets for the Grand Tasting Event.
 
Of course, it’s also Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend, and many other fun ways to get out and about this weekend. Tune in at chambanaproud.com or wherever you podcast to start planning.
 
This episode is sponsored by Krannert Center for the Performing Arts and supported by Busey Bank.
 
Show links:
Krannert Center for Performing Arts: https://krannertcenter.com/
Busey Bank:https://www.busey.com/
Champaign Agave Fest: https://www.champaignagavefest.com/
Big Grove Tavern: https://www.biggrovetavern.com/
Punch! Bar & Lounge: https://punchbarchampaign.com/
Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend: https://illinoismarathon.com/
Shrek the Musical: https://centralmaroonsdrama.ludus.com/splash.php
217Flea’s Girls, Gays, and They’s Pop Up Market: https://217flea.com/
Sweet Megg with Sparkle Carcass: https://rosebowltavern.com/
Conservatory of Illinois Playathon: https://www.conservatorycentralil.org/
Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/
Experience Champaign-Urbana Calendar of Events: https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events

What's Happening in Chambana: April 17–19

This weekend, we say goodbye to Ebertfest after 26 years of giving us the joy of film. We also welcome the country’s top men’s gymnasts to the State Farm Center with the NCAA Men’s Gymnastics Championships! Terri and Jordan run down a full weekend of events that includes theatre, dance, volunteering, and finding ways to celebrate vegan cuisine.  
 
Tune in to plan your weekend at chambanaproud.com or wherever you podcast.
 
This episode is sponsored by Krannert Center for the Performing Arts and supported by Busey Bank.
 
Show links:
Krannert Center for Performing Arts: https://krannertcenter.com/
Busey Bank: https://www.busey.com/
Ebertfest: One Last Dance: https://thevirginia.showare.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=1093
NCAA Men’s Gymnastics Championships: https://fightingillini.com/sports/2025/12/10/mens-gymnastics-NCAA-championships-2026.aspx
Questionable Scenes for Questionable People: https://monticellotheatre.org/tickets/
CU Tango Music Festival: https://www.cutangomusic.org/schedule
Boneyard Creek Community Day: https://www.boneyardcreek.org/
Vegan Chef Challenge: https://veganchefchallenge.org/champaign/
Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/
Experience Champaign-Urbana Calendar of Events: https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events

Episode 88: Forging the Future

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has long led with innovation, and that is on full display this weekend at the annual Engineering Open House. Terri & Jordan chat with EOH Co-Chairs Maddie and Aparna about what it takes to put on this massive event and why it’s so important for inspiring future students. Tune in to make your plans to experience this entirely student-led event.
 
Hear details on all the other big events happening this weekend, from Boneyard Arts Festival to Mom’s Weekend! Tune in at chambanaproud.com or wherever you podcast to plan your weekend.
 
This episode is sponsored by Krannert Center for the Performing Arts and supported by Busey Bank.
 
Show links:
Krannert Center for Performing Arts: https://krannertcenter.com/
Busey Bank: https://www.busey.com/
Engineering Open House: https://www.eohillinois.org/
Boneyard Arts Festival: https://boneyardartsfestival.org/
Anastasia the Musical: https://parkland.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?id=2019
Beckman Institute Open House: https://beckman.illinois.edu/outreach/beckman-institute-open-house
Japan House Spring Open House: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/japan-house-8186242359
Beatles Night: https://www.facebook.com/events/865995726355253
Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/
Experience Champaign-Urbana Calendar of Events: https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events

What's Happening in Chambana: April 3–5

Whether you’re on the hunt for Easter eggs, or just something fun to do this weekend, Terri & Jordan lay out a variety of ways to spend your weekend in Chambana. It’s not all eggs, you can tour historic theaters, check out masterful edible book creations, and take part in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Walk for Peace.
 
Tune in to plan your weekend at chambanaproud.com or wherever you podcast.
 
This episode is sponsored by Krannert Center for the Performing Arts and supported by Busey Bank.
 
Show links:
Krannert Center for Performing Arts: https://krannertcenter.com/
Busey Bank: https://www.busey.com/
Easter at Aikman Wildlife: https://www.aikmanwildlife.com/easter
Eggstravaganza: https://champaignparks.org/event/eggstravaganza-egg-hunt/
20th Annual Edible Book Festival: https://www.library.illinois.edu/geninfo/edible-book-festival/
Historic Theaters of Champaign Walking Tour: https://www.champaigncountyhistory.org/tours
Martin Luther King Jr. Walk for Peace: https://www.urbanaparks.org/calendar/events/martin-luther-king--jr--march-for-peace
Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/
Experience Champaign-Urbana Calendar of Events: https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events

What's Happening in Chambana: March 27–29

Spring is in full swing this weekend, with plenty of activities popping up across the Champaign-Urbana area to enjoy this weekend. Terri & Jordan run-down a few options to get you out. Whether you’re a train enthusiast, a gamer, into the metaphysical realm, looking to entertain your toddler, or looking to cuddle with baby goats—you’ll find it in #chambana.  
 
Tune in chambanaproud.com or wherever you podcast to plan your weekend.
 
This episode is sponsored by Krannert Center for the Performing Arts and supported by Busey Bank.
 
Show links:
Krannert Center for Performing Arts: https://krannertcenter.com/
Busey Bank:https://www.busey.com/
42nd Annual Train Show: https://www.nmra.org/events/42nd-annual-train-show
Babies & Brunch: https://www.prairiefruits.com/upcoming-events
CUDO Plays Grand Exhibition: https://www.cudoplays.com/
Midwest Metaphysical Tour: https://www.facebook.com/people/Eclectic-Fearn/100064364636655/
Sesame Street Live! Elmo’s Got the Moves: https://thevirginia.showare.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=1083
Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/
Experience Champaign-Urbana Calendar of Events: https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events

What's Happening in Chambana: March 20–22

As spring break comes to a close, Terri and Jordan give you some ideas on ways to get out and explore. From Big Ten Gymnastics to Mob Stories to celebrating Women’s History Month with a Drag Show, you’ll be able to plan a full weekend in the Champaign-Urbana area.
 
Tune in to plan your weekend at chambanaproud.com or wherever you podcast.
 
This episode is sponsored by Krannert Center for the Performing Arts and supported by Busey Bank.
 
Show links:
Krannert Center for Performing Arts: https://krannertcenter.com/
Busey Bank: https://www.busey.com/
Snakes on Spring Break: https://www.champaignforests.org/events/details/snakes-on-spring-break-2026
Big Ten Women’s Gymnastics Championships: https://www.statefarmcenter.com/events/detail/wgym
Women’s History Month Drag Show: https://www.literarybookbar.com/
Giovanni Rocco’s Mob Stories: https://www.thevenuecu.com/promotionsandevents
Sunday Morning Bird Walk: https://www.urbanaparks.org/calendar
Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/
Experience Champaign-Urbana Calendar of Events: https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events

Shopping Sustainably with 217Flea

Are you in on the thrifting trend? You should be, and 217Flea is making it easy! Terri talks with Emily at 217Flea and Resistance Threads on her very popular markets, how she managed to get students off campus, and why shopping for used clothing is so important for social, environmental, and economic purposes.
 
Stay tuned in for ideas on how to spend your spring break weekend in the Champaign-Urbana area.
 
Listen at chambanaproud.com or wherever you podcast.
 
This episode is sponsored by Krannert Center for the Performing Arts and supported by Busey Bank.
 
Show links:
Krannert Center for Performing Arts: https://krannertcenter.com/
Busey Bank: https://www.busey.com/
217Flea: https://217flea.com/
Resistance Threads: https://www.facebook.com/p/Resistance-Threads-61574054032432/
IHSA Boys State Basketball Tournament: https://legendsplayhere.com/
Lucky Dog 5K: https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Champaign/LuckyDogChampaign
The World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade: https://mix945.com/2026/02/12/its-official-again/
Embroidery 101 Workshop: https://thetwistedcoloringbook.com/products/embroidery-101-march-14-2026
Community Seed Exchange: https://www.facebook.com/people/PondStreet/100092404190488/
Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/
Experience Champaign-Urbana Calendar of Events: https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events