FRIDAY, August 5th
Cosmic Colors, William M. Staerkel Planetarium, Parkland College, 2400 W. Bradley Ave., 8 p.m., Admission is $6 adults; $5 students, seniors, and children under 12.
Cosmic Colors will take you on a wondrous journey across the entire electromagnetic spectrum. Discover the many reasons for color—like why the sky is blue and why Mars is red. Take a tour within a plant leaf and journey inside the human eye. Investigate x-rays by voyaging to a monstrous black hole and then back at your doctor’s office. (SL)
Jesse W. Johnson, The Acme Principle, Penny Horses, Brass Rail, 9 p.m., free
I love this dive bar, and you should too. I only wish they had more shows… Wait, what’s that? Music on Friday, you say? It’s true – time to catch an elusive show at the Brass Rail, featuring visiting Chicago rocker Jesse W. Johnson and some sweet local punk and rock favorites as well. Make sure to check out this rare event when you can. (JM)
SATURDAY, August 6th
Mini Triathalon, Centennial Park, 7:30 a.m., $30
Its too late to register, but it’s not too late to watch! Watch r internal runners tes thier fortitude and athletic ability at the the Champaign Park District’s 34th annual Mini-Triathlon. This chip-timed event will consist of 3 of the most popular fitness exercises in the world: swimming, running, and bike-riding. They will be tested with a 200-yard swim, a 6-mile bike ride, and a 2-mile run. (SL)
Have an ice milk, Jarling’s, 12-10 p.m., about $5
It’s no secret that I’m not a huge fan of Jarling’s (it’s not custard, people). But that doesn’t mean that I don’t like to get down on some snowstorms every now and again. The place always looks and is crowded; keep in mind that there are three lines, so don’t forget about that window in the middle of the shop. Just imagine how busy it’ll be when the students come back in a few weeks. This week’s flavor is Butter Pecan, and the special is fifty cents off tortoise sundaes. Photo by Jessica Hammie. (JH)
Beer & Cheese Pairing, Common Ground Food Co-Op, 2-3:30 p.m., $15-20.
Wine and cheese, sure, that’s classic, but even after working for a year at a winebar, I’m still not much for the grapes. More my speed is this particular workshop that pairs craft beers with quality cheeses. I can just imagine a fresh manchego with something citra-hoppy, it makes total sense to me and sounds delicious to boot. (RK)
SvenStock, D’Stillher Farm in Sadorus, 3 p.m.–midnight, $10 suggested donation
SvenStock is a huge festival that is definitely worth the trip to Sadorus. Put together by Sven Johnson, the lineup features a whopping ten local bands, including Finer Feelings, Kurt Bielema, Kenna Mae and so many more. The fest will donate proceeds to C-U’s R.A.C.E.S., an excellent organization and cause. With camping, a food truck and even some two-dollar beers available, you really can’t lose. (JM)
Summer Escalada, Urbana Boulders, 5 p.m.-12 a.m., $10 to climb / $2 for shoe rental
Urbana Boulders is hosting an evening of games, refreshments, music, and, of course, climbing. They will be running RANDORI augmented reality climbing games all afternoon and evening, which sounds super high-tech, and have prizes for those donning the most “Summer/Tropical/Beachware” costume. (RP)
Elsinore, We The Animals, koalasarevicious, Memphis on Main, 9:30 p.m., $7
A trio of locals will stack this one on Saturday evening at Memphis on Main. Party in Downtown Champaign in the middle of your weekend, and listen to a few of the best bands in town. (PS)
Bat Boy! the musical, Station Theatre, 8 p.m., $15
It’s closing night on the Celebration Company’s last show of the season, which sometimes means higher energy and more goodtimes. Figure in the fact that this show is weirder than most, with an unusual take on a very ancient theme, and it might just surprise. It’s also a humanitarian reminder to not judge people by how they look…unless they drink human blood to survive, then you’re probably right to stay away. (RK)
SUNDAY, August 7th
Apple doughnuts, Curtis Orchard, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., about $5
Look, I know what you’re thinking. It’s only just August, and stop pushing fall flavors. I get it. But those apple doughnuts are so good, that there’s no reason to wait for the temperature to drop to have them. Go on, treat yourself and your family to some of those sweet and soft cakey doughnuts. Throw them on the grill, and it’ll feel like summer. Image from Facebook. (JH)
Wine and Yoga at Alto Vineyards, 2-4 p.m., $20
Alto Vineyards is hosting a wine tasting and all-levels yoga class. The cost of admission gets you a glass of wine during yoga, three samples of wine after yoga, and a free glass. No previous yoga experience necessary. Call 217-356-4784 to register. The tasting begins at 2 p.m. and yoga begins at 2:30. (RP)
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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.