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Located in the heart of downtown Urbana at 119 W Main St, Blackbird Urbana has a rich history as a small downtown bar and music venue. After evolving through phases as NOLA’s Rock Bar, a New Orleans–themed bar, the space reimagined itself in 2023 as Gallery Art Bar, focusing on immersive arts programming. Whether you’re catching live performances, immersive installations, or special events, this venue offers a unique cultural hub in the Champaign-Urbana area. Capacity details aren’t publicly published, but Box Office Ticket Sales lists seating charts for Gallery Art Bar events, providing insight into the available seating options.

Plan your visit with trusted local parking options, reliable transit, and nearby hotel and dining recommendations to make your night easy and enjoyable. We’ve got you covered with practical details and insider tips to help you secure your seats and experience the scene.

Seating at Gallery Art Bar varies by event, with seating charts available for many performances. If you’re attending immersive or themed events, arrive early to select your preferred seating arrangement. Parking is often available behind the building after 7pm, and nearby lots and street parking can be found with a short walk. Urbana’s bus network, Champaign-Urbana MTD, provides convenient transit access, and campus services have returned to pre-pandemic levels, offering reliable options for students and locals alike.

Nearby Hotels

  • Hilton Garden Inn Champaign/Urbana — 1501 S Neil St
  • Hampton Inn Champaign/Urbana — 1200 W University Ave
  • TownePlace Suites Champaign Urbana/Campustown — 603 S Sixth St

Nearby Restaurants & Affiliates

  • Local eateries and nightlife partners often host or sponsor events in the area. Check affiliate recommendations for curated dining experiences near Gallery Art Bar.

Want a smooth night out? We’ve got trusted partner suggestions to help you book hotels and dining that pair perfectly with your event at this Urbana venue.

Good to know

Seating, Parking & Venue Information

  • Location/address: 119 W Main St, Urbana, IL 61801.
  • Original venue name and rename: Blackbird Urbana; renamed to NOLA’s Rock Bar in July 2020.
  • Closure: NOLA’s Rock Bar closed on December 11, 2022.
  • Current occupant: Gallery Art Bar opened at 119 W Main St in 2023 (announced Apr 2023; opened by Sept 2023).
  • Venue evolution: from a small downtown bar/music venue (Blackbird) to a New Orleans–themed bar (NOLA’s Rock Bar) to an art-focused bar/venue (Gallery Art Bar) with immersive programming.
  • Notable events hosted: NOLA’s Rock Bar hosted drag shows and Pride events (e.g., Pride Official Pre-Party in 2022); Gallery Art Bar has hosted immersive arts events such as Immersion Festival (Sept 2024).
  • Capacity/seating: Public capacity not publicly published; Box Office Ticket Sales lists seating charts for Gallery Art Bar events, but no official capacity is published.
  • Parking: Local reports indicate some parking behind the building after 7pm; Encanto’s site notes parking available nearby.
  • Transit: Located in Urbana with access via Champaign-Urbana MTD bus routes; campus bus service returned to pre-pandemic levels in 2024.
  • Nearby hotels: Hilton Garden Inn Champaign/Urbana (1501 S Neil St), Hampton Inn Champaign/Urbana (1200 W University Ave), TownePlace Suites Champaign Urbana/Campustown (603 S Sixth St).