Urbana Farmers Market expanding to Thursday nights

URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Two Urbana organizations are partnering to launch something new to celebrate the last bit of summer.

The City of Urbana’s Arts and Culture Program and the Market at the Square are expanding the latter’s operations by adding Thursday night events. Each week until Oct. 10, the usual farmer’s market at Vine and Illinois Streets will be combined with food trucks, art and craft vendors, live painting and performances by local and regional bands.

“For a long time, I had kind of wanted to do one, just we didn’t always have the time,” said Market Coordinator Bryan Heaton. “And then this year, the market itself on Saturday has been so busy, we figured there was more than enough demand. So, we figured we try it, get some live bands and spice it up a little bit for Thursday evening.”

The music line up includes:

• September 5: Samba Soul
• September 12: Panc8s
• September 19: Bourema Ouedraogo and Jason Finkelman
• September 26: Rory Book & the Volumes
• October 3: Forebeat
• October 10: The Slaps

The Night Market at the Square will run from 6 to 9 p.m. Parking will be available next to Lincoln Square Mall and organizers advised bringing chairs or blankets.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.