My nightlife ventures didn’t stop after uni! 😎 *Insert a really cool guitar riff here*
And that’s because… Drum roll please… I’ve never participated in university nightlife. Hah! got you!
Ok but in all seriousness I’m not a nightlife person. I’m usually in my bed with a book in hand by 9 pm, buttttttt Champaign and Urbana’s infamous Nightlife scene tempted me.
I was pleasantly surprised to find out how fun and vibrant nightlife here can be so without further ado, I present to you my Unofficial Guide to Champaign and Urbana’s Nightlife (for newcomers!).
For all of you who might have difficulty which place to choose, I prepared a FREE GUIDE, trust me on this one!
The Blind Pig Brewery
So, there I was at The Blind Pig Brewery, right in the heart of downtown Champaign. This place, let me tell you, it’s like stepping into that cool uncle’s basement you never had, but with way better beer. They brew everything on-site, which is pretty neat if you’re into that sort of thing.
I’m there because, honestly, where else can you get a beer that tastes like a chocolate cake or a pine tree? And yes, those are real flavors, not my dinner.
The vibe is as laid-back as a Sunday morning. The interior’s got this rustic charm that makes you want to start whittling wood or something. Then there’s the outdoor beer garden, which is basically a backyard party without the awkward small talk.
Last time I was there, I ended up in a deep conversation with a stranger about whether ducks have feelings. Spoiler: we didn’t figure it out, but the beer sure helped the debate.
Price-wise, we’re talking $5-$7 a pint, which isn’t too shabby considering each sip is like a journey to some far-off land or, you know, a bakery. Just depends on the beer.
Cowboy Monkey
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The Canopy Club
Oh, The Canopy Club. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel cooler than you are just by walking in. Last time I was there, I had convinced myself I was just going for a casual night of music. You know, blend into the background, nod my head along to the beat, maybe sip on something that made me look sophisticated.
But there’s something about The Canopy Club’s vibe that doesn’t let you stay a wallflower for long. The sound system? It’s like being hugged by a giant subwoofer.
The lighting? Makes you wonder if you’ve accidentally stepped into a music video. And the space is so versatile; one moment you’re in a crowd watching a band that could be the next big thing, and the next, you’re in a cozy corner feeling like the artist is performing just for you.
The ticket prices are reasonable, which is great because my budget usually consists of finding loose change in my couch cushions. They’ve got these early bird specials that make you feel like you’re getting away with something.
Let’s just say the night ended with me, on the main stage, air guitar in hand, completely forgetting the “casual” part of my plan. And no, I don’t play the guitar, but in that moment, under those lights, I might as well have been a rock star.
The Red Lion
Silver Bullet Bar
The Accord, oh boy, that’s a whole other level of nightlife. Last time I went, it was with the intention of just “checking it out.” You know, pop in, see what the fuss is about, maybe nod approvingly at the sound system, and leave. But here’s the thing about The Accord—it doesn’t let you just “check it out.” You walk in, and suddenly, you’re part of the scene.
There was this one night, an electronic dance music event. I’m not usually one for EDM; my playlist is more “coffee shop chill” than “club banger.” But there I was, in the middle of a sea of pulsating lights and bass drops so deep my drink was vibrating on the table. The sound system at The Accord? It’s like it’s alive. You don’t just hear the music; you feel it in your bones.
And the crowd, it’s this eclectic mix of people you wouldn’t imagine together in any other scenario—like if a software developer and a fashion influencer decided to start a dance crew. That’s The Accord for you.
As for the price, yeah, it’s a bit steep. But when you’re standing there, amidst the best sound system this side of anywhere, watching a drag queen absolutely owning the stage, you start to think maybe, just maybe, it’s worth every penny.
So, my “quick check” turned into a whole night affair, leaving me with a ringing in my ears and a newfound appreciation for EDM. And maybe, just maybe, a bit lighter in the wallet. But hey, who’s counting?
