Ebertfest to Return to Champaign for 'One Last Dance' in April

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

After a 26-year partnership with the University of Illinois' College of Media, the Ebertfest film festival has announced it will return to Champaign, Illinois for one final edition on April 17-18 at the Virginia Theatre. The festival, which was founded by the late film critic Roger Ebert, will feature eight films, special guests, and signature Q&A sessions before concluding with a farewell brunch at Steak n' Shake on April 19.

Why it matters

Ebertfest has long been a beloved cultural institution in Champaign-Urbana, celebrating independent, international, and overlooked films that may have been overlooked by mainstream audiences and critics. The festival's departure from its longtime home at the University of Illinois marks the end of an era, but the community's request for its return has allowed for one final celebration of cinema.

The details

Ebertfest was founded by the late film critic Roger Ebert and has been hosted by the University of Illinois' College of Media for the past 26 years. However, the university, like many other institutions across the country, had to make changes that led to the end of this partnership. After the community asked for Ebertfest to return, the festival has decided to come back for one final year, featuring eight films, special guests, and the signature Q&A sessions that have turned screenings into shared experiences.

• Ebertfest will take place from April 17 to 18, 2026.
• A farewell brunch at Steak n' Shake will be held on the morning of Sunday, April 19, 2026.

What’s next

The eight films that will be featured at the final Ebertfest will be announced at a later date.