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
3 hours ago
What's Happening in Chambana: May 16-19
3 hours ago
3 hours ago
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
Thursday Apr 17, 2025
What’s Happening in Chambana: April 17–20
Thursday Apr 17, 2025
Thursday Apr 17, 2025
Heading into the holiday weekend, Carly & Terri share various fun ways to get out this weekend in the Champaign-Urbana area. Live theatre, fashion with plants, plant sales, and all the Egg Hunts you can imagine are all on tap. Tune in 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/
Parkland Theatre presents The Wedding Singer: https://www.parkland.edu/Audience/Community-Business/Parkland-Presents/Theatre/Events/Theatre-Season/2024-2025-Theatre-Season/The-Wedding-Singer
A Botanical Excursion Into Fashion: https://www.champaignforests.org/events/details/a-botanical-excursion-into-fashion
Nite Lite Egg Pursuit: https://champaignparks.org/event/nite-lite-egg-pursuit/
Hudz Family Fun Zone: https://www.facebook.com/events/1417284722983370
Monticello at Forest Preserve: https://www.facebook.com/events/1016799786997191
Eggstravaganza: https://champaignparks.org/event/eggstravaganza-egg-hunt/
Spring Plant Sale: https://www.delightflowerfarm.com/events/spring-plant-sale-1
Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/
Experience Champaign-Urbana Calendar of Events: https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Episode 63: A Pint of Science
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
What do you really know about what scientists do and how it impacts our daily lives? University of Illinois plant scientist, Katie, shares with Carly and Terri that a worldwide event, Pint of Science, is coming to Champaign-Urbana this May and that we’re guaranteed to walk away with some brilliant new knowledge. Stay tuned in to make your weekend plans around the Champaign-Urbana 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/
Vegan Chef Challenge: https://veganchefchallenge.org/champaign/
Pint of Science: https://pintofscience.us/events/urbana-champaign
Allerton Trail Races: https://runallerton.weebly.com/
2025 School of Art & Design Master of Fine Arts Exhibition: https://kam.illinois.edu/exhibition/2025-school-art-design-master-fine-arts-exhibition
Industrial Donut’s 6th Birthday Celebration: https://www.facebook.com/events/954096323500231
Plant Appreciation Day: https://champaignparks.org/event/plant-appreciation-day/
Egg Hunt with a Splash: https://www.urbanaparks.org/calendar/events/egg-hunt-with-a-splash
Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend Volunteers: https://illinoismarathon.com/get-involved/volunteer/
Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/
Experience Champaign-Urbana Calendar of Events: https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events
Thursday Apr 03, 2025
What's Happening in Chambana: April 4–6
Thursday Apr 03, 2025
Thursday Apr 03, 2025
This weekend brings an abundance of big events! Get out and explore campus and the community for the Engineering Open House, Boneyard Arts Festival, University of Illinois Mom’s Weekend, and the Festival of Quilts. Start your weekend with the Urbana Park District’s MLK March for Peace.
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/
MLK March for Peace: https://www.urbanaparks.org/calendar/events/mlk-march-for-peace
Engineering Open House: https://eohillinois.org/
Boneyard Arts Festival: https://boneyardartsfestival.org/
Mom’s Weekend: https://calendars.illinois.edu/list/8069
Festival of Quilts: https://cunningham.org/get-involved/events/festival-of-quilts/
Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/
Experience Champaign-Urbana Calendar of Events: https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events
Thursday Mar 27, 2025
Episode 62: Be Kind
Thursday Mar 27, 2025
Thursday Mar 27, 2025
Glass-blower and owner of Prairie Fire Glass, Jim Downey, took a serendipitous path to discover his creative outlet in life. Terri & Carly talk with him about these happy accidents and why being kind gives back tenfold. Enjoy this light-hearted conversation, plan a day-trip to Monticello, and plan your weekend events in this week’s episode.
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/
Prairie Fire Glass: https://prairiefireglass.com/
Make It Monticello: https://makeitmonticello.com/
Small Shop Stroll: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572920242443
Meadowbrook: A History Walking Tour: https://www.facebook.com/events/1515626589123558
Illini Get Pickled Pickleball Tournament: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/picbal
41st Annual Lincon Square Train Show: https://www.illinoisterminaldivision.org/show/show.htm
Babies and Brunch: https://www.exploretock.com/prairie-fruits-farm/event/533130/babies-and-brunch
Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/
Experience Champaign-Urbana Calendar of Events: https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events
Thursday Mar 20, 2025
What's Happening in Chambana: March 21-23
Thursday Mar 20, 2025
Thursday Mar 20, 2025
As spring break starts to wind down, Carly & Terri share some ideas for enjoying a University of Illinois gem while students are away, as well as several other community events in the Champaign-Urbana area. With locally-made games, youth theatre, live music, and a film screening, you’ll enjoy a perfect early 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/
Spring Break at Krannert Art Museum: https://kam.illinois.edu/event/spring-break-krannert-art-museum-were-open
CPD Youth Theatre Presents: The Lightening Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical: https://champaignparks.org/series/cpd-youth-theatre-presents-the-lightning-thief-the-percy-jackson-musical/
CUDO Plays Season 11 Grand Exhibition : https://www.cudoplays.com/events/season11-grand-exhibition
Saturday Music with Keith & Kathy Harden: https://www.facebook.com/events/1157358299107293/
9 to 5: The Story of a Movement: https://champaign.org/event/9-to-5-the-story-of-a-movement-12084405
Chambana Proud: https://www.chambanaproud.com/
Experience Champaign-Urbana Calendar of Events: https://www.experiencecu.org/events/calendar-of-events
Thursday Mar 13, 2025
Episode 61: In Chambana Weather We Trust
Thursday Mar 13, 2025
Thursday Mar 13, 2025
Spring feels like it’s here! But is it? Will winter weather return? Will it feel like summer for the rest of March? Carly sits down with Andrew Pritchard, aka Chambana Weather, to discuss his passion for meteorology, how he got into this work, and the community’s inherent trust in his predictions. While storms are predicted for Friday, Terri & Carly run down the weekend events so you can get out and enjoy all our community has to offer.
Stay tuned for a weekend of fun events throughout the Champaign-Urbana 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/
Chambana Weather: https://www.chambanaweather.net/
Illinois Public Media: https://will.illinois.edu
IHSA Boys State Basketball: https://legendsplayhere.com/ihsa-boys-basketball/
Pie Day Celebration at The Brown Bag: https://www.facebook.com/events/1643903879584508
Patrick’s Day Festival at Savoy Recreation Center: https://www.facebook.com/events/1549743952328396
Bee Lucky Fairy Garden Workshop: https://www.thehivemahomet.com/workshops
90’s Daughter St. Patrick’s Day Party: https://www.facebook.com/events/569698372570479
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.