FAQ text

Frequently Asked questions

A Downtown Festival District allows customers of participating downtown restaurants and bars to purchase and take open containers of alcohol from the licensed premises and consume the beverage in the public right-of-way located within a designated area and limited timeframe. Alcohol must be purchased from a participating downtown business. To learn more, click HERE!

Market Street thrives on community participation, and there are countless ways for you to jump in! Calling all musicians, comedians, and entertainers with a captivating stage presence! Share your talents with the community by filling out our performer interest form HERE.

Just here for the fun? No problem! Market Street is open to everyone. No tickets are needed, just bring your enthusiasm and get ready for a fantastic time. We can't wait to see you there!

You must be 19 years or older to enter market street on Friday and Saturday evenings after 9:00 PM. During the day when regular programming is being held, all ages are welcome and encouraged to come!

We want you to focus on having an amazing time downtown! We have a three tiered approach that includes the Champaign Police Department, a security firm and safety monitors to ensure a secure environment.

We also have clearly marked exits and entrances throughout the area. As you enter, you'll pass through security where you will be wanded and your bags will be checked for items not allowed. Our friendly staff will also be easily identifiable, ready to assist you with any questions or needs.

In the heart of Downtown Champaign running north-south between Main Street and University Avenue.

Downtown parking is plentiful with metered parking, several parking lots, and the covered Hill Street Parking Deck. Click HERE to see all the nearby parking options when you’re visiting The Beat Downtown Champaign.

Entertainment on Market Street will vary based on the various types of events that have been scheduled. Please visit our CALENDAR page for the list of upcoming events. On Friday and Saturday nights a Downtown Festival District will be held from 9:00 pm - 1:00 am on Market Street. Entertainment on the Market Street stage will generally take place starting at either 10 or 11 pm and running until 1:00 am on Friday and Saturday nights through October 19, 2024. Please note: Entrance into market street stops at 12:45am.

The City of Champaign expects all Downtown visitors to be safe and to act responsibly. Click HERE to review the Market Street Code of Conduct.

No, there is no cost to enter the Market Street Entertainment District or to enjoy the live music and other entertainment provided by the City of Champaign.

The Hyatt Place hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Downtown Champaign at 217 N. Neil Street. There are also plenty of other wonderful hotels in Champaign to choose from. Click HERE to see a full list of area hotels compiled by our friends at Experience Champaign Urbana.

Scheduled entertainment may be delayed during inclement weather or possibly cancelled if the rain is forecasted to persist. Artists’ performances may be postponed to a future date. If necessary, cancellation announcements will be posted on The Beat’s social media pages (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram). You check them all out through the icons at the bottom of the page!

Legal-age adults can consume open containers of alcohol in public only during Downtown Festival Districts. A Downtown Festival District allows customers of participating downtown restaurants and bars to purchase and take open containers of alcohol from the licensed premises and consume the beverage in the public right-of-way located within a designated area and limited timeframe. Mayor Feinen has established Downtown Festival Districts to be held this year in conjunction with Friday Night Live and the late-night entertainment on Market Street on Friday and Saturdays. For full details, including maps of the designated areas and dates/times of the Downtown Festival Districts, please click HERE.