The Blues, Brews and BBQ Festival is a two-day event in downtown Urbana, Illinois on the third weekend in June. In the past, the main stage has featured major blues performers Pinetop Perkins and Sonny Landreth and up-and-coming blues artists such as Gina Sicilia and Lightnin' Malcolm with Cedric Burnside. The family-friendly festival features a variety of barbecue vendors and 24 types of beer.
Urbana Blues, Brews and BBQ Festival
Fluid Events
44 E. Main St., Suite 206
Champaign, IL 61820
217-359-6960
urbanablues.com
The Pheasant Hollow Winery in Whittington, Illinois holds its annual Cajun Festival the third weekend of May. In the past, featured performers at the two-day fest have included Dennis Stroughmatt and Creole Stomp, Paul Grigoire and Roux de Bayou and Hadley Castille. Castille is regarded as one of the greatest old-time Cajun fiddle players and he rarely travels outside of Louisiana. Festival goers can also enjoy wine, beer and Cajun food.
Pheasant Hollow Winery
14931 State Highway 37
Whittington, IL
618-629-2302
pheasanthollowwinery.com
The Gumbo Ya Ya Festival in downtown Rock Island, Illinois started in 1993. The festival, which is the second weekend in June, features Cajun, Zydeco and New Orleans bands. One of the mainstays is top Cajun artist Roddie Romero, who has played the festival every year. Tickets, as of 2011, are $8 for one day or $12 for both days.
gumboyayafestival.com
The CU Folk and Roots Festival is a new addition to the musical landscape in central Illinois. The festival features a wide variety of folk and roots music, including bluegrass, Irish, klezmer and jazz. The event is a three-day affair held on the third weekend in September. Tickets are $15, as of 2011. Children under 12 are free. Musical performances and events take place in a number of venues in downtown Urbana. There are also jam sessions and children's activities.
Champaign-Urbana Folk and Roots Festival
P.O. Box 331
Urbana, IL61803
folkandroots.org