We are excited to welcome summer in Champaign-Urbana, and with that, a long list of events that make a great night (or day) out for adults. Check out our top picks for outdoor dining and our growing-by-the-day list of outdoor concerts, as these two activities are summer favorites. 

We also have a list of 75+ date night ideas that are not tied to a specific event this month. 

If you're looking for more ideas to dine out, you might check out our favorite places to dine for date night or our "destination restaurants". Both have great options for date nights. 

Chambanamoms thanks Krannert Center for the Performing Arts for presenting our date night newsletter.

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts is dedicated to the advancement of education, research, and public engagement through the pursuit of excellence and innovation in the performing arts. The 2026-2027 season will be announced on June 1; check the Krannert website for details soon!

Illinois Soul at Krannert: On Thursday, June 18, start off the Juneteenth celebrations with Raphael and Whitney at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. The pair captured national attention as contestants on Season 11 of America's Got Talent and have gone on to perform alongside global superstars including Alicia Keys, Ed Sheeran, John Legend, Common, and Giveon. Make it a date night and head to campus for dinner, too.

Check out the rest of the great events planned for Krannert here.

Mead at the Museum: Whether you’re a nature lover, history enthusiast, or curious foodie, Mead at the Museum offers a unique and memorable experience to celebrate Pollinator Week! On Saturday, June 27 from 5 - 8 p.m., see honeybees at work in an enclosed beehive, sample delicious honey from The Hive Honey Beetique, purchase mead from TreeHive Meadery, enjoy spirited storytelling rooted in local history, bask in the beauty of pollinator plants with a tour of the botanical garden, and more! This program is crafted to be enjoyed by adults. 

Stay tuned on social media for a full schedule of activities. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Free, no registration required.

For more info: (217) 586-2612 or jbien@ccfpd.org.

Bad Bunny Dance Night: Want a night out on the dance floor? Dance to your favorite Bad Bunny hits at 9 p.m. on Friday, June 5, at Gallery Art Bar and let loose to Latin Trap and Raggaeton vibes. Cover is just $5, free before 9 p.m.

National Drive-in Day: To commemorate National Drive-in Day on Saturday, June 6, there will be special events happening at the Harvest Moon Drive-In. The Gibson City staple has been named one of the 10 best in the United States. Of course, any night is a great night for the drive-in. Go all out and reserve the Truck Bed Experience: a stationary truck bed close to the concessions that's available to book in advance for those that want to sit in a truck to see the movie but don't own one. Premium radio, air mattress and clean sheets provided plus a reserved parking spot next to the truck bed for easy access to unloading and setting up. One one truck bed available per night.

Dexter O'Neal and Funk Yard at Rose Bowl Tavern: Check out live music at the Rose Bowl in Urbana every night -- literally, every night! -- but in particular we're excited about the weekend headliners in June, such as this Peoria cover band on Saturday, June 13. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 day of show.

Pride Month: There are a multitude of Pride month events at The Literary in downtown Champaign and all over the county. If we had to pick just one, we couldn't pass up the drag show headlined by Pix E along with some of her slayest friends. Join for a night of queer expression and fun on Wednesday, June 17! Cost is $5 per person.

Attention Jane fans!: Grab a pal and come along for a funny, fast-paced romp through the masterpieces of Jane Austen with The Complete Works of Jane Austen, Abridged, from June 18-28. Three actors take on all of Austen's beloved heroines, friends, and love interests -- and her incisive social satire -- in just 80 minutes. Perfect! At The Station Theatre. Tickets here.

Forest Bathing at Prairie Fruits Farm: If you've ever wanted to understand the concept of Forest Bathing, here's your chance on Saturday, June 20. Reduce stress -- count me in! -- and get grounded through nature at Prairie Fruits Farm. Participants will enjoy a gentle guided walk along the pond and creek paths before arriving at the woodland meditation site. Surrounded by trees, birdsong, and the sounds of nature, guests will take part in a guided meditation experience that encourages relaxation and sensory awareness through connection with the natural environment. $20 per person.

Riggs-Fest: Riggs Beer Company’s annual Riggs-Fest returns June 25-28, celebrating 10 years of farm-grown beer with four days of live music, local food, and community at the brewery. From performances throughout the weekend to a rotating lineup of food trucks, vendors, and activities, Riggs-Fest brings the energy of a full-scale summer festival to the brewery grounds.

Riggs-Fest is more than a celebration—it’s a reflection of what Riggs Beer Company has built over the past decade: a destination rooted in agriculture, community, and craft. Join the anniversary celebration and experience it all where it begins—because on their farm, they grow beer. 

Congrats to Riggs on its 10th anniversary.

Arthur Fireworks: There are many fireworks displays in our communities before Independence Day, and few are as spectacular as Arthur on Saturday, June 27. We're here to tell you that your kids won't know the difference so keep this one for the grownups. This year will have some special edition pyrotechnics in honor of America's 250th birthday.

Sunset Guided Paddle at River Bend Forest Preserve: Learn about the history and ecology of Champaign County's largest lake via canoe or kayak on Tuesday, June 30. Just $10 per person -- register soon, this will sell out. All equipment will be provided but please bring your own water to drink.

More Date Night Ideas

Don't forget to check our list of more than 75 date nights you can choose from any time of year - no specific dates for these!

Looking for a restaurant? We have a list of our favorite date night restaurants, too.