2009 Taste of Champaign Urbana

Friday June 19, 5:00 – 9:00 pm
Saturday, June 20, 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Sunday, June 21, 11:00 – 6:00 pm

• Entertainment Schedule
• Map [PDF] - Includes food vendors locations/prices and entertainment schedule. Note: Subject to change. Check at Taste Central for up-to-date map.
• Sponsors

Feel the excitement!
Discover the fun that awaits you at the 39th Annual Taste of Champaign-Urbana, the Champaign Park District’s premiere festival of the summer! It’s fun for the whole family and it benefits a great cause, the Champaign Park District’s Youth Scholarship Fund which provides opportunities for youth who are unable to participate in recreational programs because of economic hardship.

Taste something new!
Eat with a good conscience knowing you are supporting a great cause! 27 food vendors will be in the park to tempt your taste buds with everything from mouth-watering desserts to spicy BBQ. Try dishes from around the world or indulge in a local favorite.
All restaurants were reviewed by a committee to ensure the dish they offer is the best of its kind in C-U. And your taste tests give youth the chance to try something new too, like art, sports, or day camps!

Hear something great!
We’ve also got a feast for your ears! Taste of C-U offers free concerts from some of the best bands around with a sweet sound to meet everyone’s taste. Local and regional entertainers from throughout the Midwest will cook up something great for the whole family on our two exciting music stages.

Bilbrey Band Stand
The Bilbrey Band Stand will feature The Lincoln Bicentennial: A Tribute to the Era throughout the weekend. Stop by to hear storytellers and period music. Abe Lincoln himself will be there on Saturday afternoon.

Zone in on the Fun!
Experience the new fast-paced and fun Game Show Gurus stage all weekend long! Challenge your friends and family to Trivia Blitz or see who is smarter in Category Busters. Enjoy some playtime with Action Inflatables, take a ride on one of our ponies, and test your athletic ability in our Sports Zone.

See the sights!
Over 40 artists and crafters will showcase their work in West Side Park this weekend. Check out the unique and creative sights that await you and shop for pottery, paintings, photography, jewelry, ceramics, and crafts. Also, make sure to stop by our Demo Row to view artists at work as they demonstrate their craft!

Grab your tickets and go!
Start your tasty experience at two Ticket Tents, near the center of the park or located next to the Fun Zone. Tickets are sold in sheets of 6 for $5. Once you buy your tickets, there’s no need for cash since tickets are good for all food and activities throughout the event. Ticket sales end 30 minutes prior to the event closing each day.
Street parking is available throughout downtown Champaign, including the new parking garage located at Hill and Neil St. Handicap accessible parking is located at Emmanuel Memorial Episcopal Church (100 N. Park St. at State St.). Please note that State and Elm Streets will be closed for the event.

It IS Easy Being Green!
Please help us promote a healthy environment for all guests and our planet. We’ve made a conscious effort to be more “green” by using recycled paper for our tickets and materials, providing recycling bins throughout the park, and encouraging vendors to be green. Do your part by recycling, keeping our parks clean, and riding your bike to the event! As our thanks for riding your bike, you will receive a coupon for a free beverage at one of our Pepsi tents! A bike corral is located in the northwest corner of the park, so bring your lock. Please avoid riding bikes through the festival and refrain from smoking in the entertainment areas.

Thanks to you!
Thanks to our sponsors, volunteers, and patrons for making Taste 2009 fun for everyone!

Throw him a bone, leave Fido at home!
In accordance with Ordinance #494, dogs and other domestic animals will not be allowed at Taste. Please leave your pets at home.

Interested in volunteering at one of our events? Click here to find out more information!

Sponsors