Chambana Proud
Join Carly & Terri every week as they chat about all things Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, otherwise known as Chambana. These self-proclaimed Chambana gurus will highlight everything from local businesses and events to people and must-know stories. Brought to you by Experience Champaign-Urbana and the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation.
Episodes
4 days ago
What’s Happening in Chambana: June 27–29
4 days ago
4 days ago
A busy summer weekend is on tap (pun intended)…kicking off with Riggs Fest! Terri & Carly run down family-friendly events from rocket launches with the Champaign Park District to the MLK Jettie Rhodes Day Celebration to Tolono Fun Days. Don’t miss the CU Pride Fest from Uniting Pride at Rose Bowl Tavern, and get your 4th of July celebrations started with the Arthur Freedom Celebration & Fireworks!
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/
Riggs Fest: https://www.facebook.com/events/1183395886083054/?acontext=%7B
Great Annual Rocket Launch: https://champaignparks.org/event/great-annual-rocket-launch/
MLK Jettie Rhodes Day Celebration: https://www.urbanaparks.org/calendar/events/mlk-jettie-rhodes-day-celebration
CU Pride Fest presented by UpCenter: https://www.rosebowltavern.com/#calendar-1
Tolono Fun Days: https://tolonofundays.org/
Arthur Freedom Celebration & Fireworks: https://illinoisamishcountry.com/wp/illinois-amish-country-and-arthur-area/arthurs-freedom-celebration-and-fireworks/
Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/
Experience Champaign-Urbana Calendar of Events: https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events
Thursday Jun 19, 2025
Episode 68: A Local Food Source, By the Community, For the Community
Thursday Jun 19, 2025
Thursday Jun 19, 2025
Common Ground Food Co-op is not just a grocery store, it is a community service. Serving local and regional farmers, bringing programing to the community, and helping non-profits, this downtown Urbana stop does good for all. Tune in as Carly and Terri learn about the history of the co-op, how they work, and the impact they make on our region. Stay tuned for info on Juneteenth celebrations, and ways to spend your summer 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/
Common Ground Food Co-op: https://www.commonground.coop/
Juneteenth Concert Featuring Afro D & Global Soundwaves: https://champaignparks.org/event/juneteenth-concert-featuring-afro-d-global-soundwaves/
Cedar Oak Farms June Dinner: https://cedar-oak-farms.com/product/june-2025-farm-dinner/
The Drowsy Chaperone: https://monticellotheatre.org/the-drowsy-chaperone/
Garden Walk at Krannert Art Museum: https://kam.illinois.edu/event/garden-walk-2025
Toast to Taylor Street: https://www.facebook.com/events/2494252250749898
Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/
Experience Champaign-Urbana Calendar of Events: https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events
Thursday Jun 12, 2025
What's Happening in Chambana: June 13–15
Thursday Jun 12, 2025
Thursday Jun 12, 2025
Get an early start on celebrating Juneteenth in Champaign this weekend! Round out the weekend with live music, theater, pop-up escape rooms, and ALL the soda! Don’t forget to celebrate dad among all this weekend’s brilliant events!
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/
Twin City Theatre Company Presents Space Girl: https://twincitytheatreco.ludus.com/index.php
Lost in Time: 150th Anniversary Escape Room: https://urbanafreelibrary.libnet.info/event/13270096
Mahomet Soda Fest: https://www.visitmahomet.com/new/index.php/events/soda-fest
Juneteenth at Douglass Park: https://champaignparks.org/event/juneteenth/
Urbana Pops Orchestra Presents Circus Kaleidoscope: https://www.urbanapops.org/
Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/
Experience Champaign-Urbana Calendar of Events: https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events
Thursday Jun 05, 2025
Episode 67: Come Get Your Kombucha
Thursday Jun 05, 2025
Thursday Jun 05, 2025
What started as a small passion project coming out of the pandemic is now ubiquitous around the Champaign-Urbana area. Carly & Terri chat with Aimee from Cloud Mountain Kombucha on how their popular brews came to be, their dedication to local ingredients and sustainability, and their big move with big plans. Stay tuned for ways to celebrate Pride month, and take part in many more weekend activities in the area!
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/
Cloud Mountain Kombucha: https://www.cloudmountainkombucha.com
Love for (All)erton: https://allerton.illinois.edu/events/love-for-allerton-2025/
Yoga in the Park: https://www.urbanaparks.org/calendar/events/yoga-in-the-park
Pour Bros. Beer Festival on Market St.: https://www.facebook.com/events/1355720738957158
Anthem Pride Market: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552622206919
Women’s Premier Soccer League: https://wpslsoccer.com/teams/junction-fc
Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/
Experience Champaign-Urbana Calendar of Events: https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events
Thursday May 29, 2025
What’s Happening in Chambana: May 29–June 1
Thursday May 29, 2025
Thursday May 29, 2025
Summer programming is in full swing with the return of Friday Night Live and The Beat on Market Street! In addition to outdoor live music, Terri & Carly round up a few of many fun events in the Champaign-Urbana area, from film festivals to film under the stars alongside some culture with ballet at The Virginia Theatre.
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/
Friday Night Live: https://40north.org/our_programs/friday-night-live/
Savoy Lumiere 2025 Film Festival: https://2025lumiere.chambanafilmfestival.org/
Moo-vie Nights at Prairie Farm: https://champaignparks.org/event/moo-vie-nights-at-prairie-farm/2025-05-30/
Dance Arts Presents Peter Pan: The Ballet: https://thevirginia.showare.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=1022
Funk Night at the Beat:https://thebeatchampaign.com/schedule/
Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/
Experience Champaign-Urbana Calendar of Events: https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events
Thursday May 22, 2025
Episode 66: You Belong Here
Thursday May 22, 2025
Thursday May 22, 2025
For the Urbana Park District, their slogan, “You Belong Here” is not just a tag line. It’s a mission. Tune in as Terri & Carly talk with Tim Bartlett, Executive Director, about the goals of the park district and their efforts to be inclusive and sustainable. Stay tuned in for a weekend of fun events over the Memorial Day holiday!
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/
Urbana Park District: https://www.urbanaparks.org/
Candlelight Serenade: https://www.urbanaparks.org/calendar/events/candlelight-serenade-at-the-lake-house
Take Me Fishing: https://www.champaignforests.org/events/details/take-me-fishing-middle-fork-river-forest-preserve-2025
Esquire’s 50th Birthday Party: https://www.facebook.com/events/1054851999817859
Summer Soul Festival: https://www.facebook.com/events/1173531967477456
Sholem Aquatic Center: https://champaignparks.org/places/sholem-aquatic-center/
Crystal Lake Park Aquatic Center: https://www.urbanaparks.org/crystal-lake-family-aquatic-center
Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/
Thursday May 15, 2025
What's Happening in Chambana: May 16-19
Thursday May 15, 2025
Thursday May 15, 2025
While Illinois Commencement is celebrated this weekend, there are also many ways to get out and explore the CU area! Terri & Carly share some highlights including theatre, drawing Pokemon, honoring bees, a good ole cruise through Paxton, and a little bit of science. Tune in to make your plans!
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/
Dance Nation: https://stationtheatre.com/
World Bee Day 2025: https://www.facebook.com/events/1608505140035570
Paxton’s Draggin’ Main: The Cruise on Market: https://www.facebook.com/events/1618613615459474
Young Artist’s Studio: Drawing Pokemon with Hua Nian: https://urbanafreelibrary.libnet.info/event/12786640
Pint of Science: https://www.pintofscience.us/events/urbana-champaign
Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/
Experience Champaign-Urbana Calendar of Events: https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events
Thursday May 08, 2025
Episode 65: Lights, Camera, Action!
Thursday May 08, 2025
Thursday May 08, 2025
Our community is filled with creators and innovators, so it’s no surprise that film production has found a home in the Champaign-Urbana region. Terri & Carly speak with Sarah & Robert from The Line Film Company and Flyover Film Studios about the growth of film in our region and how the community can play a role…even if it’s not acting!
Stay tuned in to learn about a weekend of outdoor events as we celebrate Mother’s Day 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/
The Line Film Co.: https://meetthelinefilmco.com/
Flyover Film Studios: https://www.flyoverfilmstudios.com/
Bokeh Background Casting: https://www.bokehbackground.com/
Champaign County Film Office: https://experiencecu.org/film-office
Whites of Spring: https://www.facebook.com/events/944683201210170
International Migratory Bird Day: https://www.champaignforests.org/events/details/international-migratory-bird-day-mist-netting-demo-2025
Toast to Taylor Street: https://www.facebook.com/events/1378514703488686
Blippi—Join the Band Tour: https://www.statefarmcenter.com/events/detail/blippi
Mother’s Day Bike Ride: https://www.urbanaparks.org/calendar/events/mother-s-day-bike-ride
Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/
Experience Champaign-Urbana Calendar of Events: https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events
Thursday May 01, 2025
What’s Happening in Chambana: May 2–4
Thursday May 01, 2025
Thursday May 01, 2025
It’s May and Carly is away…so Terri sits down with Jordan to talk about this weekend’s events. Bluebells, Sangria, an interactive expo on campus, and the return of outdoor markets all make for a brilliant spring 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/
The Farms: Bluebell Festival: https://allerton.illinois.edu/events/bluebellfestival2025/
Prairie Research Institute Expo: https://expo.prairie.illinois.edu/
Alto Vineyards 2nd Annual Spring Sangria Festival: https://www.facebook.com/events/616651464685154
Market at the Square : https://urbanamarket.org/
PostMark: https://www.facebook.com/events/1236237781557977
May Market on the Square: https://www.facebook.com/events/637035332329701
Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/
Experience Champaign-Urbana Calendar of Events: https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events
Thursday Apr 24, 2025
Episode 64: Placemaking for All
Thursday Apr 24, 2025
Thursday Apr 24, 2025
As warmer weather approaches, outdoor dining and live music are on the horizon in #chambana. Terri & Carly talk with Lacey from the City of Champaign on the new Downtown Plaza and how this public space will be available for all to enjoy, with more development to come. Tune in to learn more, and plan for the busy weekend ahead!
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/
Downtown Champaign Plaza: https://engagechampaign.org/downtownplaza
Ebertfest: https://ebertfest.com/2025-films
Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend: https://illinoismarathon.com/
Fighting Illini Baseball: https://fightingillini.com/sports/baseball
Misery: https://monticellotheatre.org/tickets/
Country Arbors Nursery Garden Party: https://www.facebook.com/events/2523087254703075
Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/
Experience Champaign-Urbana Calendar of Events: https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events

Chambana Proud
Think you know all about Champaign-Urbana? Think again. With the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign as our anchor, this area is bursting with impressive people, vibrant arts and culture, tantalizing local flavors, exciting sports, and endless activities. Carly from the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation, and Terri from Visit Champaign County—two self-professed community gurus—catch up every other week on what’s going on and things you need to know. Good things happen in Chambana every day, so give Chambana Proud a listen to catch up with the many people, places, and events that will make you proud to live in the C-U area. Brought to you by Visit Champaign County and the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation.