Taste of Champaign-Urbana 2018
Friday, August 17, 2018 ● Saturday, August 18, 2018
5:00 – 11:00 pm ● 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
West Side Park
Vendors 2018
Food Vendor Information and Application
Artist Vendor Information and Application
Admission
Admission to Taste of Champaign-Urbana is FREE, however a $5 suggested donation will help support the festival.
Taste of CU food, beer, beverages, and activities require tickets. Tickets are sold in sheets of 5 for $5 and are not refundable. Tickets can be purchased by cash or credit at the Ticket Tent in the center of West Side Park.
Arts & Crafts may be purchased using cash, checks, or credit cards at the discretion of the artist.
Getting There
The following streets will be closed during the Taste of CU through Sunday, August 19.
- Elm St from University Ave to Church St
- State St from University Ave to Church St
Public Transportation
For travel information, visit www.cumtd.com
Parking
Street parking is available throughout downtown Champaign and in the parking garage located at Hill and Neil St. See http://champaignil.gov/public-works/parking/parking-maps/ for public parking information.
Biking
Bike parking is available at the bike corral, near the northeast entrance.
Accessibility
Handicap accessible parking is located at Emmanuel Memorial Episcopal Church (100 N. Park Avenue at State Street). For more information on specific accessibility, please contact zoe.stinson@champaignparks.com or call 217-819-3931.
Food and Beverage
Food and beverage tickets are sold in strips of 5 tickets for $5.
Smaller “Taste of Portions” are available at each food vendor and are between 1-2 tickets.
Beverage tents are located throughout the event and feature Pepsi soft drinks and bottled water. Visit out Beer and Craft Beer tents west of the fountain, and purchase specialty drinks from various vendors.
Medical Attention
Medical attention is available at the First Aid Trailer located northwest of the fountain.
Music
Volunteers
We are looking for some help this year at Taste of Champaign-Urbana! It takes volunteers like you to make this event happen, and we are so appreciative of your time! There are tons of volunteer opportunities at many times to fit into your busy schedule.
- General Volunteer Opportunities – Volunteer to help with Vendor Check-In, Ticket Sales, Volunteer Table, and Vendor Loading Attendant.
- Beer Volunteer Opportunities – Volunteer to work in the beer tent. PLEASE NOTE – All volunteer in the beer tent MUST be TIPS trained. We will be offering free TIPS training classes for all volunteers.
- Nonprofit Entrance Monitor Volunteers – This year at Taste we will be asking for donations at the entrances. Nonprofits looking to volunteer and fund raise are invited to apply to manage and entrance during the festival, and in return receive a percentage of the total entrance money donated. To apply, complete and submit the application.
- Pie Run Course Volunteers – Volunteer for set up, registration, and helping throughout the race course!
Pie Run
Pie Run will take you on a 3.14 mile course that starts and ends at the Taste of Champaign-Urbana in West Side Park. Along the way we’ll treat you to water and pie stops provided by your favorite local bakeries and restaurants. At the end of the race, you’ll choose to finish either “pie free” or “flying pie.” Grab your jogging shoes and bring your sweet tooth – this fun event is sure to win the hearts of runners and pie lovers alike!
Sponsors
FAQs
- What items are prohibited from being brought onto festival grounds?
- Alcoholic Beverages
- BBQ Grills (Open Flames)
- Fireworks or Explosives
- Illegal Substances & Weapons
- Large Coolers or Bags
- Pop-up Tents/Canopies
- Beach/Picnic Umbrellas
- Flag Poles
- All Pets (except Service Animals)
Failure to comply with the above may result in entry being denied. All containers will be subject to search. Bicycles may not be ridden throughout the park due to increased foot traffic.
- Can I bring a folding chair and blanket into the festival? Absolutely!
- Can I bring a tent into the festival? Personal tents and canopies are NOT allowed.
- Are there restrooms? Restrooms are provided near every entrance. We also have provided privacy tents on the north and west sides of the park for changing stations.
- Can I bring my dog with me into the festival? No. For your dog’s protection and for the public’s safety, all dogs (except service animals) are restricted from the festivals and you will be asked to leave the festival with your dog.
- Is there an admission fee to get into the festival grounds? Admission to Taste of Champaign-Urbana is free, however a $5 suggested donation will help support the festival in future years.
Cancellation Line (Rain cancellations, delays, etc)
Photos from Taste of CU 2016:
