This page tries to keep track of all contra dances in Illinois including dance camps and weekends along with other events in Illinois which include contra dancing. Because most of the information is gathered from web sites and the listings are not updated as frequently as the web sites, dancers should visit the web sites for up-to-date information. If you are aware of any dances, dance series or other events that should be included on this list, please e-mail me.
Bishop Hill - Midsommar Music Festival: is a one-day series of events in mid-June which includes a dance. Web site: http://www.bishophillartscouncil.com/Events/.
Carbondale: April through October Barn Dances from 4:00pm to 6:00pm on 4th Saturdays (5th Saturday in May) with live music in the Back Room at the Longbranch Coffeehouse just across the tracks on the Square in Downtown Carbondale. We do contra and square dances to live, old-time music. All moves taught. Everyone welcome -- no partner, costume, or experience necessary. Kids welcome but please keep an eye on them. There's no charge but a hat will be passed to give the musicians and caller something for their time and effort. Longbranch Coffeehouse is in downtown Carbondale at 100 E. Jackson, one block north of Main St (IL 13 West) and a half block east of Illinois Ave (US 51 North). (It's just east of the RR tracks.) For more information: Barb Sibert (618) 549-1595 or FTMD2000@hotmail.com or Joe Surdyk at (618) 457-2166 or jsurdyk@siu.edu. Web site: http://www.childgrove.org/carbondale.html or http://lbchouse.com.
Chicago - Abbey Pub: Dances on occasional Mondays at The Abbey Pub, 3420 W. Grace, just off Elson Avenue. Street parking. Monday dances start at 8pm and go to 11pm. (Beginners' workshop at 7:30.) Dances are $7 at the door. Call 312-405-9173. The Chicago Barn Dance Company sponsors and supports contra dance, traditional square dance and old-time music in the Chicago area. Our old-fashioned barn dances are open to the public, with no costume, partner or experience necessary. Beginners are welcome and should arrive early in the evening, when the dances are usually easier and taught more completely. To contact us, send email to info@ChicagoBarnDance.com or call 847-329-9173. Web site: http://www.chicagobarndance.com/.
Chicago - Bethany: Dances most, but not all Mondays at 8pm (generally a beginners' workshop at 7:30pm) at the Bethany United Church of Christ, 4250 N. Paulina in Chicago (1 1/2 blocks south of Montrose; one block west of Ashland). Usually $7 at the door. Call 312-405-9173. The Chicago Barn Dance Company sponsors and supports contra dance, traditional square dance and old-time music in the Chicago area. Our old-fashioned barn dances are open to the public, with no costume, partner or experience necessary. Beginners are welcome and should arrive early in the evening, when the dances are usually easier and taught more completely. To contact us, send email to info@ChicagoBarnDance.com or call 847-329-9173. Web site: http://www.chicagobarndance.com/.
Chicago - Charnel House: Dances infrequently on Mondays at 8pm (generally a beginners' workshop at 7:30pm) at the Charnel House, 3421 W. Fullerton. Usually $7 at the door. Call 312-405-9173. The Chicago Barn Dance Company sponsors and supports contra dance, traditional square dance and old-time music in the Chicago area. Our old-fashioned barn dances are open to the public, with no costume, partner or experience necessary. Beginners are welcome and should arrive early in the evening, when the dances are usually easier and taught more completely. To contact us, send email to info@ChicagoBarnDance.com or call 847-329-9173. Web site: http://www.chicagobarndance.com/.
Chicago - Epiphany: Dances on some Mondays at 8pm (generally a beginners' workshop at 7:30pm) or Sundays at 4:30pm at the Epiphany Episcopal Church, located at 201 S. Ashland, corner of Ashland and Adams.). Usually $7 at the door. Call 312-405-9173. The Chicago Barn Dance Company sponsors and supports contra dance, traditional square dance and old-time music in the Chicago area. Our old-fashioned barn dances are open to the public, with no costume, partner or experience necessary. Beginners are welcome and should arrive early in the evening, when the dances are usually easier and taught more completely. To contact us, send email to info@ChicagoBarnDance.com or call 847-329-9173. Web site: http://www.chicagobarndance.com/.
Chicago - Contradance Leadership Weekend: Dances, and workshops for callers and musicians. Web site: http://fac.uchicago.edu.
Chicago - Dance Weekend: The University of Chicago Folk Arts Community sponsors an annual dance weekend in mid-April. Web site: http://fac.uchicago.edu/danceweekend.html.
Chicago - Folk and Roots Festival: held each year in July at Welles Park - between Montrose and Sunnyside along Lincoln Avenue, directly across from the Sulzer Library. Sponsored by the Old Town School of Folk Music. Web site: http://www.chicagofolkandroots.org.
Chicago - Folk Festival: The University of Chicago Folk Festival is held annually in early February and includes a bit of dancing.
Chicago - Hyde Park: The the University of Chicago Folk Arts Community sponsors monthly dances, generally, but not always, on the 1st Saturday, with a lesson at 7:30pm and a dance from 8:00pm to 11:30pm at Ida Noyes Hall, 3rd floor theater, 1212 East 59th Street or Shoreland Hall, 5454 S. South Shore Drive. Web site: http://fac.uchicago.edu/.
Chicago - Stan Mansion: Dances on some Mondays at 8pm (generally a beginners' workshop at 7:30pm) or Sundays at 4:30pm at the Stan Mansion, located at 2408 N Kedzie, 2 doors north of Fullierton on the west side of Kedzie). Usually $7 at the door. Call 312-405-9173. The Chicago Barn Dance Company sponsors and supports contra dance, traditional square dance and old-time music in the Chicago area. Our old-fashioned barn dances are open to the public, with no costume, partner or experience necessary. Beginners are welcome and should arrive early in the evening, when the dances are usually easier and taught more completely. To contact us, send email to info@ChicagoBarnDance.com or call 847-329-9173. Web site: http://www.chicagobarndance.com/.
Chicago - FIZZ: The Fizz Bar & Grill is located at 3220 N. Lincoln in Chicago, just north of Belmont on Lincoln. Street parking. Dances on some Mondays at 8pm (generally a beginners' workshop at 7:30pm). Usually $7 at the door. Call 312-405-9173. The Chicago Barn Dance Company sponsors and supports contra dance, traditional square dance and old-time music in the Chicago area. Our old-fashioned barn dances are open to the public, with no costume, partner or experience necessary. Beginners are welcome and should arrive early in the evening, when the dances are usually easier and taught more completely. To contact us, send email to info@ChicagoBarnDance.com or call 847-329-9173. Web site: http://www.chicagobarndance.com/.
Chicago - Square Dance Party: A casual afternoon of squares from 3pm to 6pm, at 5627 N. Bernard (near Kimball and Bryn Mawr). This is an opportunity to give new callers practice in calling squares. This is an apartment on the first floor of the building. Jamming space is available. Snacks are welcome. For more info, call Jo at 773-279-9938 or Shari at 773-520-4434. Web site: http://www.chicagobarndance.com/.
Chicago - Duncan Mitchell Memorial Dance and Gathering: At the YMCA at Touhy and Western from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. Web site: None.
Downers Grove: The Plank Road Folk Music Society holds periodic dance parties on Saturdays 7:00 at the Two Way Street Coffee House, 1047 Curtiss Street, Downers Grove, 630-969-9720. Reels, squares, line dancing, waltzes and more, plus music of our great band. Fun for the whole family! All dances taught and called. No experience, costume or partner needed.
Elsah: Dances from 7:00-10:00 PM. Live music. All dances will be taught - no experience or partner necessary. Farley's Music Hall, 37 Mill Street. Cost: $5 per person, $15 max per family, students with ID 1/2 price. Light refreshments provided. All ages welcome! For more info, contact Eric Schreiber: eric.j.schreiber@gmail.com or 618-374-2024. Sponsored by the Historic Elsah Foundation. Web site: http://www.childgrove.org/elsah.htm.
Evanston: Dances, generally one Monday each month at 8pm (generally a beginners' workshop at 7:30pm) at S.P.A.C.E in Evanston - 1245 Chicago Avenue in Evanston, just south of Dempster. Monday dances are $7; the waltz workshop is $5. The Chicago Barn Dance Company sponsors and supports contra dance, traditional square dance and old-time music in the Chicago area. Our old-fashioned barn dances are open to the public, with no costume, partner or experience necessary. Beginners are welcome and should arrive early in the evening, when the dances are usually easier and taught more completely. To contact us, send email to info@ChicagoBarnDance.com or call 312-405-9173. Web site: http://www.chicagobarndance.com/.
Geneva - Fox Valley Folk Music and Storytelling Festival: is held at the end of August/beginning of September at Island Park in Geneva with a variety of music, storytelling and dance stages. http://www.foxvalleyfolk.com/.
Hudson Square Dance: occurs on a Saturday about once every three months (along with a special dance on New Year's Eve) at the Hudson Town Hall, 107 Walnut St. Hudson. Web site: http://www.myspace.com/hudsonsquaredance.
Ingleside - Breaking Up Thanksgiving: is an old-time music and dance weekend held near Chicago over the weekend following Thanksgiving. The program is produced by volunteers. Web site: http://www.chicagobarndance.com/thanksgiving/.
Monticello: Special Barn Dance with a potluck at 6:00pm, and a dance at 7:00pm with an open stage band at the Kalyx Center, 442 E 1300 North Road. Web site: http://www.Urbana-Contra.org.
Monticello/Urbana - Illinois All-Weekend Barn Dance: features two evenings and an afternoon of dancing and other activities during the weekend at two locations. Web site: http://www.urbana-contra.org/barn_dance_weekend.html.
Morris: Old Time Dances usually held on the 4th Tuesday of each month except when there is a conflict with a major holiday or if the venue is only available on a different date. Time is always 7pm to 9:30pm. Location is Peace Lutheran Church, 101 Candlelight Lane in Morris. All dances are subject to cancellation if there are not enough confirmed registrations by the cut off date which is normally 1 week before the date of each dance. To register, please email diane@dianeippel.com. The suggested donation is $6 per adult. Children are free. Web site: http://www.dianeippel.com/OldTimeDance.html.
Morris - Gebhard Woods Dulcimer Festival: is a weekend music festival in mid-June at Gebhard Woods State Park with at least one dance during the weekend. Web site: http://www.gwdf.org/.
Oak Park: The 19th Century Club at 178 Forest Avenue, Oak Park sponsors contra dances on the 2nd and 4th Thursday (but not on holidays) of the month from 8:00pm to 10:30pm. The Club presents old-fashioned barn dances which are open to the public; no costume, partner or experience necessary. Admission is $8, Students $6. Come out and enjoy Southern, Western, and New England Contra, Circle, and Square dances to live string band music. We welcome beginners, and suggest they arrive early in the evening when the dances are just getting started, and are less complex, and the teaching is more in-depth. All dances are walked through slowly at the beginning. Live Country Music, Air Conditioned, Parking Available. Call the Club at 708-386-2729 for more information. Web site: http://www.19thcenturyclub.com/.
Rock Island: Illowa Community Folk Dance sponsors Contras, Squares and Circles on 1st Fridays from 7:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. at the Singing Bird Nature Center, Black Hawk State Historic Site, 15th St. Off of Black Hawk Rd. All dances taught: no partners necessary (the dances are usually danced in couples, but we change partners frequently); children welcome with adult participation; come once, come often. Cost: Donation to cover costs for Bands, hall and publicity. For information: Drew and Maura McGrath Nagle, dance leaders at 788-8986 or 788-5143. Web site: http://illowafolkdance.tripod.com/index.html.
Rockford - Spring Awakening Gathering: is a one-day series of events sponsored by the Severson Dells Nature Center in March which includes a dance. Web site: http://seversondells.com/index.php.
Urbana - Anderson: The Urbana Country Dancers host contra dances to live fiddle and string band music with featured callers in an atmosphere friendly to singles, couples, groups, and families. All dances are taught (walked-through) prior to dancing. We ask dancers to wear clean, soft soled shoes to protect the lovely sprung-wood dance floor. Comfortable clothes are also recommended. Dances are generally from 8 to 11 P.M., though we occasionally offer pre-dance workshops. A $5.00 donation is requested for most dances to fund the fees for the bands, callers and dance hall. A higher contribution may be requested for special events. This dance is held at Tom and Kathy Anderson's home, 2206 N. Brownfield Road. Web site: http://www.Urbana-Contra.org.
Urbana - Illini Student Union: The Urbana Country Dancers host contra dances to live fiddle and string band music with featured callers in an atmosphere friendly to singles, couples, groups, and families. All dances are taught (walked-through) prior to dancing. We ask dancers to wear clean, soft soled shoes to protect the lovely sprung-wood dance floor. Comfortable clothes are also recommended. Dances are generally from 8 to 11 P.M., though we occasionally offer pre-dance workshops. A $5.00 donation is requested for most dances to fund the fees for the bands, callers and dance hall. A higher contribution may be requested for special events. This dance is held at the Illini Student Union, Room 314, 1401 W. Green. Web site: http://www.Urbana-Contra.org.
Urbana - Marchfest: The Central Illinois English Country Dancers, Illini Folk Dance Society and the Urbana Country Dancers hold a weekend of English and American dance and music at the Illini Student Union, 1401 W. Green Street, Urbana, on the campus of the University of Illinois in mid-March. Register in advance for a discount. Web site: http://www.centralillinoisecd.org/weekend.html.
Urbana - Jan Jam: The Urbana Country Dancers sponsor the annual Chambana Jan Jam, a special weekend of music and dance at the Phillips Recreation Center, 505 W. Stoughton, including plenty of dancing along with open mic calling, open stage bands jamming and a community potluck on Saturday night. Web site: http://www.urbana-contra.org/jan_jam.html.
Urbana - Phillips Recreation Center: The Urbana Country Dancers host contra dances to live fiddle and string band music with featured callers in an atmosphere friendly to singles, couples, groups, and families. All dances are taught (walked-through) prior to dancing. We ask dancers to wear clean, soft soled shoes to protect the lovely sprung-wood dance floor. Comfortable clothes are also recommended. Dances are generally from 8 to 11 P.M., though we occasionally offer pre-dance workshops. There is a new dancer orientation workshop at 7:30 prior to most dances. Admission $5 (students $4; under 13 free). Special events may have a higher admission price. Dances are at the Phillips Recreation Center, 505 W. Stoughton. Web site: http://www.Urbana-Contra.org.
Urbana - Champaign-Urbana Folk and Roots Festival: combines performances, street-dances, jam sessions, and workshops with national, regional, and local artists in a variety of genres such as Cajun, bluegrass, blues, old-time, Mexican conjunto, salsa, and jazz, among others. The Festival will also include street performances, storytellers, and art-making in special locations. The celebration will take place in and around downtown Urbana annually at the end of September. Web site: http://www.cufolkandroots.org.
Warrenville - Fermilab - 2nd Sunday: The Fermilab Folk Club sponsors regular monthly barn dances to promote and preserve traditional square and contra dancing with 2nd Sunday Dances from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., September through June. All dances are held in the Kuhn Village Barn. Admission is $6. Children under 12 are free. 12 to 18 year olds and people over 65 are $3. The Village Barn is located near the east entrance to Fermilab. Web site: http://www.fnal.gov/orgs/folkclub/.
Warrenville - Fermilab - 3rd Sunday: The Fermilab Folk Club sponsors regular monthly barn dances to promote and preserve traditional square and contra dancing with 3rd Sunday Dances from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., November through April. All dances are held in the Kuhn Village Barn. Admission is $6. Children under 12 are free. 12 to 18 year olds and people over 65 are $3. The Village Barn is located near the east entrance to Fermilab. Web site: http://www.fnal.gov/orgs/folkclub/.
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