Friday, October 26th
C-U Jazz Festival, various venues, prices vary, all weekend
The 4th annual C-U Jazz Festival started up yesterday, but it runs through Sunday. The festival features a ton of different shows and workshops in a bunch of venues all over town. This takes place just a week after a similar style festival, C-U Folk & Roots Festival, finished up. Head to the website’s schedule (linked above) to see what the programming looks like this year. (PS)
Spend a night at the opera, Tryon Festival Theatre, KCPA, 7:30 p.m., $10-35
Lyric Theatre at Illinois will be bringing the classic La Bohème to Krannert this weekend, under the direction of Nathan Gunn. I plan to attend, and this will be my first operatic experience. I don’t naturally gravitate towards that sort of music, but I enjoy the theatre, and I am familiar-ish with the story (thank you Rent), so I am looking forward to the opportunity to be fancy and try something new (JM). Top photo provided by KCPA
See a Halloween-ish movie, locations, times, and prices vary
It is the weekend before Halloween, therefore there are a few options out there for films that will get you in the mood. Of course the new Halloween is out in wide release, but if you’re looking for something more old school, then check out Rocky Horror Picture Show (costumes welcome, participation is encouraged) at the Virginia, The Howling or The Blob at The Art Theater, or The Shining at Savoy 16. Heck, go see one each day if you’re feeling ambitious. Check their respectives website for days and showtimes and such (JM). Image from Facebook
Saturday, October 27th
Visit the penultimate market, Urbana’s Market at the Square, Corner of Illinois & Vine, 7 a.m. to noon, prices vary
The outdoor market season is coming to a close, so take this opportunity to visit the market on a chilly and uncrowded fall morning. Treat yourself to some food truck breakfast, maybe grab some mums, and stock up on frozen meats for your slow cooker. it also happens to be Market at the Scare weekend, so there will be some added Halloween elements that the kids might enjoy. (JH) Photo by Jessica Hammie
Go to The Office Halloween, Barrelhouse 34, 7 p.m., drink prices vary
My family is somewhat obsessed with The Office, so honestly the fact that the tagline for this event was “Identity theft is not a joke, Jim” sold me. So, dress up like a Dunder-Mifflin employee (or in any costume) and go hang out with some other Office-obsessed nerds and have some drinks (JM).
REZN, Terminus Victor, Shazu, Llyn, Loose Cobra in Tolono, 8 p.m., $5-$10 donations
Here’s a rad, heavy show taking place on Saturday night to celebrate Halloween 2018. Chicago’s metal outfit REZN heads down our way, and they are joined by local staple Terminus Victor, Teddy Lerch’s project Shazu, and Llyn to open things up. Loose Cobra celebrating this holiday? Sign me up. (PS)
Sunday, October 28th
Get cozy, your house, all weekend, prices vary
We’ve already suggested you go pick your pumpkins and apples. Now’s the time to cozy in for a night (or day). There are plenty of interesting things on streaming services, or you can pick up a movie from the library. Slow cook some meat, or make some soup, or drink your Curtis Orchard apple cider. Order some delivery (Kohinoor is a favorite of mine; Sticky Rice pictured above), and chill out. (JH) Photo by Jessica Hammie
Visit The Idea Store, Lincoln Square Mall, 12 to 5 p.m., free (unless you find some random stuff that you need, which you probably will so bring money)
This week The Idea Store opened up the doors to its new location in Lincoln Square Mall, move that I think will ultimately a good one for them and for their customers. Head on over and peruse the new space and find some treasures. If you think you might have some stuff that you’d like to donate, check out their donation list and clear out some clutter. (JM) Photo by Melinda Edwards
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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.