The Krannert Center offers a year-round program of concerts, plays, operas, and ballet. Internationally renowned artists are frequent guest performers. Opportunities for participation both on- and offstage are open to all students. Besides cultural activities sponsored by the university, Urbana-Champaign has local semiprofessional theater groups and a community symphony. The community also offers many recreational activities.
Local parks are available for picnics and games.
An intramural sports building, one of the largest of its kind, has facilities for swimming, handball, squash, and track. The university also has two golf courses. The university airport offers flying and gliding for novice and experienced pilots. Indoor and outdoor ice skating is available, and hockey and soccer are played by some physics students. Sailing and canoeing are possible on nearby lakes and rivers.