FRIDAY, May 12th
Get some food delivered, all weekend, prices vary
This weekend is U of I’s graduation and Mother’s Day, which means if you’re out and about and trying to casually grab a bite to eat, you’ll likely be waiting for a while. Why not get some take out and stay in? Or grab something to go and enjoy a nice meal at one of C-U’s beautiful parks? There are a ton of places on Order Up and Grub Hub, so consider checking those sites to see if your favorite restaurant delivers. Photo of Vinny’s Pizza by Jessica Hammie (JH)
Hank Williams Tribute, Rose Bowl, 8 p.m., $10
The C-U Folk and Roots Festival Collective brings you this evening of a tribute to Hank Williams, the musician who many consider to be the father of country music. A large group of local honky tonkers will play Williams’ songs, as well as those of many other country greats. Your $10 will go to support the 2017 Folk and Roots Festival, an all-volunteer run fest that functions on the contribution and help from members of our community. (JTM)
C-U Comedy, Soma Ultralounge, 8:30 p.m., $15 for two tickets
After this week’s news (really every week’s news) I’m seriously in need of a laugh. C-U Comedy is hosting shows every Friday night at Soma, a shift from their usual Wednesdays. This Friday’s show is featuring Justin Golak and Ron Ervin, both acts from Chicago, as well as local comedians. Right now on CiSaves you can get two tickets for $15, or you can email jessie@cucomedy.com to reserve tickets. Tickets purchased in advance get you a reserved booth, otherwise it’s open seating. Doors open for happy hour at 6 p.m., show begins at 8:30. Photo from Facebook. (JEM)
Tell Mama’s final show, Cowboy Monkey, 9 p.m., 19+
It’s hard to do sometimes, but this Friday night we bid farewell to Tell Mama, an act that has been building a solid buzz in Champaign-Urbana for the better part of a year. Come on out to Monkey tomorrow to bid farewell to this local favorite, one last time, for old time’s sake. (BH)
SATURDAY, May 13th
Buy some herbs, Lincoln Square, 8 a.m. to 1p.m., prices vary
The Champaign-Urbana Herb Society is hosting their annual herb sale at Lincoln Square. This is their once a year fundraiser, and the money raised will support book donations to area libraries, mini-grants to schools, and their public herb garden at Meadowbrook Park. The list of available plants is extensive, so whether you need a last minute Mother’s Day gift or you’re looking to get started on your own garden (which this reluctant gardener seriously needs to do this weekend), this is a great way to get that accomplished and support the community. Photo from Facebook (JEM)
Learn to make a flower-crown, Old Town Flowers, Champaign, 2 to 4 p.m., $30
This adults-only workshop will teach you how to make a really beautiful crown of fresh flowers. All of the flowers and other supplies are provided, so you just need to show up with a little creativity. The crowns are bound to be beautiful; have you seen Old Town’s flowers? They’re stunning. Even if you’re not interesting in wearing a crown for an extended period of time, surely these circular arrangements of flowers would make a nice centerpiece at your Mother’s Day brunch/lunch/dinner. Get your tickets here. Photo from Facebook (JH)
Ripped Genes / The Dry Look / Puzzle Quest, Blips and Chitz, 7 p.m., $5 donation for the touring band
Ripped Genes sort of remind me of the band Low, in that they are able to rock heavy while still remaining sparse and plaintive. For this gig, the Missouri band will be accompanied by local garage punkers The Dry Look and Puzzle Quest, who never fail to throw down in true DIY fashion. All that and more awaits at this solid Blips show that is sure to please. (JTM)
Bones Jugs, The Iron Post, 5 pm
C-U favorites Bones Jugs return to the hallowed Urbana grounds of The Iron Post on Saturday to bring their own brand of folk jams to the people. It’s an early show, so make sure to get there before the sun goes down for optimal enjoyment. (BH)
SUNDAY, May 14th
Visit Allerton Park, open 8 a.m.-7 p.m., free
I paid a visit to Allerton a few weekends ago, and I am very glad I did so — it is just such a great way to spend a day outdoors around C-U. You don’t even need to truly plan your visit, you show up, you walk around and relax, or check out the gardens, walk some trails — you can spend hours there doing very little and soaking in a ton at the same time. Weather forcast on Sunday? 70 degrees, y’all. (PS) This is my photo.
Try to get in Maize, 116 N. Chestnut St., Champaign, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., prices vary.
I missed my detour turn this morning and witnessed firsthand the mess that is happening at the corner of Green & 1st Streets in Champaign. It’s opportune that Armando Sandoval has part of the train station location ready to serve. The menu you love, with the booze you’ve been missing, all available at a larger location with marginally more parking. Still, it’s better than orange barrel slolem, and palomas are a perfect brunch beverage. (RK)
Riggs’ Mother’s Day Picnic, 1901 S. High Cross Rd., Urbana, 2-7 p.m., free admission.
Maybe your mom is too cool for downtown-brunch…or you did that and are getting hungry in the evening. Either way, Riggs Brewery is hosting a potluck and/or catered picnic late lunch. Since the weather should be nice, there will be lawn games, community cats, Gregory Street Catering, and locally-crafted beer. If I were a mom, that’s where I’d want to be. (RK)
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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.