Friday, November 4th
Get some doughnuts, various C-U businesses, check business hours, cost varies
This Friday is National Doughnut Day, and you best believe I’ll be celebrating. Not sure where to get doughnuts? Check out my list of half dozen doughnuts from half a dozen places in Champaign-Urbana featuring doughnuts from Rick’s Bakery, Industrial Donut, Ye Olde Donut Shoppe, Pandamonium, and Carmella’s Creme. (AB)
Photo courtesy of the Champaign Urbana Design Organization.
Experience the art of graphic design at the CUDO Pro Show, Independent Media Center, 6 p.m., free
The field of graphic design doesn’t always get the gallery treatment it deserves. The CUDO Pro Show, which opens on Friday after a six year hiatus, elevates the work of local designers to the art form it is. Enjoy the live music, snacks, and cash bar at the opening, or see the exhibition before it closes on November 18th. (DD)
Photo from Defy Gravity’s Facebook page.
Check out Defy Gravity’s Fall Showcase, Defy Gravity or live streaming, 6 and 8 p.m., $20
Defy Gravity’s showcases are always a blast. This weekend’s showcase features a whole lot of performers (about 9 each time). Students perform on Friday, and the instructors perform in a show at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday. The determination, athleticism, and elegance of these performers is inspirational – you might even be inspired to sign up for a class yourself! (JH)
Hear some beautiful songwriting, Channing Murray Foundation, 8 p.m., $35 adv, $40 door
Singer-songwriter and actor Bonnie Prince Billy will be performing at Channing Murray on Friday evening. I can’t think of a better venue for him to play at, as his songs are gentle and gorgeous and will sound amazing echoing off the chapel walls. If you’re a fan of Bill Callahan, Sun Kil Moon, Nick Drake, this is the show for you. (SW)
Saturday, November 5th
Photo by Jorge Murga.
Shop the winter market, Lincoln Square Mall, 7 a.m. to noon, cost varies
This Saturday is the opening weekend for the Winter Farmers’ Market. Since C-U’s outdoor market season ended last Saturday, The Land Connection hosts a winter market that runs inside Lincoln Square Mall every Saturday morning from now until the end of April. Buy bread, lettuce, baked goods, and more and maybe even stay for a sando lunch at Baldarotta’s. (AB)
Create and chill, IMC, 2 to 5 p.m., free
Stop by the Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center for this month’s Create & Chill. DJs BLA(CK)MAU will be spinning. Bring something creative to work on, or just relax and soak in the vibes. Enjoy the free coffee. This month’s event will also include a Zine Library meet up. More details on the Facebook event page. (JH)
Photo from Spurlock Museum website.
Learn about pow-wow culture, Spurlock Museum, 4 to 6 p.m., free
November is Native American Heritage Month, and Spurlock has a great opportunity to learn about one aspect of Native American culture. Bizhiki Culture and Dance Company will be there sharing about the history, etiquette, styles of dance, and the regalia worn for a modern pow-wow. (JM)
Catch The Thanksgiving Play, Station Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $15
Larissa FastHorse’s satire explores what happens when good intentions meet ridiculous assumptions as a group of “woke” teaching artists seek to find a way to celebrate both “Turkey Day” and Native American Heritage Month. Directed by Christiana Molldrem Harkulich, The Thanksgiving Play runs through November 13th. Get tickets here. (DD)
Sunday, November 6th
Vote early, various locations, 1 to 4 p.m., free
It’s crunch time. The November 8th midterm election is next week, and here in Champaign County we are voting for several important offices: IL-13 rep, governor, Champaign County Clerk…just to name a few. Our editorial board shared some thoughts on this election a couple of weeks ago. You don’t have to wait for the 8th to vote. Send in your mail in ballot, or drop it one of the very convenient drop boxes. Find an early voting site. Just don’t be apathetic. (JM)
Photo from Bright Eyes’ Facebook page.
Hear one of indie rock’s most influencial bands, Castle Theatre, 7 p.m., $40
Bright Eyes is performing at the Castle Theatre in Bloomington on Sunday night. I had to include this show here, but I’m a little biased, as Bright Eyes was the first ever concert I went to back in 2011. They sounded amazing, and they’re still going strong 11 years later. They’ll be supported on Sunday by Hurray for the Riff Raff, which is equally exciting. (SW)
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All event information is accurate to the best of our abilities, but sometimes we make mistakes and sometimes event information, times, prices, etc., change after we look them up. Whenever possible, we’ve provided a link to the original event page; you should always double-check the source before you make any firm plans. Thanks for your understanding.