Friday, October 4th
Get some hot chocolate, your favorite spot in town, all weekend, prices vary
It’s finally cool enough for hot beverages, and why not start with some hot chocolate, or a mocha? There are a number of places in town to get one; check out our recent article with a bunch of mocha suggestions. And of course you need to order it with whip — is it a hot chocolate without it? (JH) Photo of hot chocolate at Bossa Nova Cafe by Matthew Macomber
Have a beer or two at JT Walker’s in Mahomet, all weekend, the price of your tab
This weekend, I am heading just next door to Mahomet to drink at the JT Walker’s taproom. Head Brewer Doug Hodge has been cranking out some wonderful beers since taking over as head brewer in January 2018. I am a personal fan of the Key Lime Pie Gose (4%, 10 IBUs). Head west my friends, we’ve got some beers to drink. (BH)
See the new Comrades in Art show at Art Coop’s gallery, Lincoln Square Mall, Urbana, 5 to 7 p.m., free
One of the highlights of the fall art season is seeing the annual Comrades in Art (CIA) show at Art Coop’s gallery. And this show does not disappoint. Featuring work by Judith Baker-Barrows, Debra Bolgla, Beth Chasco, Linda Jordan, Sarah Marjanovic, Donna Monfort, Pat Baron Monigold, Cinda Pettigrew, Lynn Smith, Sara Taber, Betty Willis Wendland, and Martha Willi. (DD) Photo from Facebook event page
Saturday, October 5th
Learn about past and present activism at U of I, Smith Memorial Hall, 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Inspired by the release of the book Radicals in the Heartland: The 1960s Student Protest Movement at the University of Illinois, there will be a series of panels and lectures about student activism at the University. The author, Michael Metz will be speaking about the book, and there will be numerous other contributers adding to the discussion. There are several events happening Friday as well, including a walking tour of Vietnam War protests sites on campus with those who lived it. You can find the full schedule here, and read our interview with Metz here. (JM)
Explore the maker movement and go DIY, Lincoln Square Mall, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., free
Be inspired by talented makers, get empowered by learning new skills at a series of demos, meet up with other DIYers. Stop by and see just how much making is happening in our town. Experience everything from letterpress, textiles and origami to board game making and graphic design. Check out the Heartland Maker Fest website for more details. (DD) Photo from Facebook event page
Buy books and support Books to Prisoners, Independent Media Center, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., prices vary
It’s time for the Book to Prisoners semi-annual book sale, and this year it coincides with the IMC’s open house. There will be tons of books priced 50 cents to $2, and this is a major fundraiser for the organization, which allows them to keep doing the work of fulfilling prisoners’ requests for books. There will also be tours of the IMC, a café, and storytellers. (JM)
Go Greek, Greek Festival, Three Hierarchs Greek Orthodox Church (Devonshire + Fox, Champaign), 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., prices vary
This all day affair features all thing Greek: food, music, and dancing. (Plus a bouncy house for kids). It’ll be a very fun way to hear some Greek music, eat some hopefully delicious Greek food, and learn more about a different Greek community than the one you find on the U of I campus. (JH) Photo by Jessica Hammie
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the CU Potters Club, 900 S Race St, Urbana, 2 to 6 p.m., free
Can you believe the CU Potters Club is about to celebrate their 50th anniversary? This open house reception is a chance to explore (and maybe purchase) some of the great work they’ve been creating. Enjoy demos, kid-friendly activities and, of course, cake! And if that isn’t enough analog fun for one day, you’ll get a sneak peek at the new CU Potters Club website. (DD) Photo from Facebook event page
Oktoberfest, Downtown Champaign, 3 p.m. to midnight, $5
The 5th annual Oktoberfest hosted by DSC will be a fantastic time. It’s a fundraiser for the organization, so your money goes to a good cause. There will be plenty of local beer and German food for your enjoyment. There will also be polka, live music, and white people wearing dirndl and lederhosen. (JH) Top photo by Jessica Hammie
Keep the Unemployed Architects in business, Clark Bar, 6:30 p.m., free show
The Unemployed Architects, based out of Bloomington, have been out and about the Midwest touring this summer. This Saturday at 6:30 p.m. you can catch them at Clark Bar. Check out their material, including their latest single “When You’re Gone,” here. (BH)
Sunday, October 6th
Go see some animals, U of I College of Veterinary Medicine, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., free
The U of I College of Veterinary Medicine will be holding its annual open house this Sunday. More than 300 veterinary students will setup 40+ exhibits and there will be plenty of animals to see, and some to interact with. Animals from last year included: pigs, horses, cows, snakes, and birds. For a full list of demos/exhibits and schedules, visit here. (SP) Photo from Facebook event page
Check out the U of I Black Chorus, Krannert Center, 3 to 5 p.m., $15
With the show Steady Beat since 1619 the Black Chorus will present a musical history of Black America over the past 400 years, from the traditional to the contemporary. If you’ve never seen them perform, you’re missing out. It’s a powerful experience. You can find your tickets here. (JM)
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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.