FRIDAY, May 27th
Rushmore, 7 p.m., The Virginia Theatre, $4
It’s Wes Anderson Week at The Virginia, and for the low low cost of four dollars, you can go and watch Jason Schwartzman in one my (and at least a few others’) all time favorite films. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll probably be happy you went. (BH)
Mike N Molly’s farewell party, 7 p.m. til last call, Mike & Molly’s, no cover
Of all SP editorial staff, I probably clock the fewest hours at MNMs, but I’ve been going there for longer than any of them other than Seth, and it’s a big part of my CU memories. At some part of your Friday, walk in for DJs, an open mic to freestyle about what MNMs means to you, and blowout prices on booze, it will be a perfect Irish sendoff. Raise a glass to Murph. (RK)
Strip loin at bacaro, about 9 p.m., bacaro, $38
Spending money on a meal out is always a predicament for me. I feel like I cook certain things well enough that the idea of ordering it at a restaurant is sort of just a waste of coin. But every now and again, you just want to be served and you just want to eat something done perfectly. The strip steak on the menu at bacaro is a perfect example. It’s genuinely perfect. Yes, it’s pricey, but if you consider that this cut of beef is something you wouldn’t be able to get at your average grocer around town, that all starts to fade away into the salty, buttery finish that Chef Drew Starkey provides every time. It’s Memorial Day Weekend. It’s grillin’ season. But for tonight, let someone else handle the work for you and just enjoy. (SF)
Watch Kung-Fu Panda outside, 8 p.m., Washington St. & Freemont St. parking lot, about $5,
Under the Stars is a group that shows outdoor movies during the summer. Tonight they’re showing Kung Fu Panda. The event is BYOC meaning bring your own chair. You should probabl pack a blanket and snacks too. Watch this movie on a large projector! (SL)
SATURDAY, May 28th
The Reading Room w/ Zeke Jarvis + Janice Harrington, 5 p.m., The Accord, Free
The Accord’s Reading Room series is a very intimate event where different authors come to share their work. This Saturday’s rendition will feature Zeke Jarvis, a professor at Eureka College, and Janice Harrington, a poet and professor at the University of Illinois. I can vouch for the latter’s work — she truly is a talent, and, one of the best professors I ever had in college. (BH)
Check out Urbana’s Market at the Square, 7 a.m. to noon, Illinois & Vine, Urbana, prices vary
We’re now a few weeks into the market season, and Urbana’s Market at the Square is a Saturday morning must. You can pick up some fresh produce, or some local meat for your grill, or simply stop by for breakfast from one of the food trucks. Photo by Jessica Hammie. (JH)
Rocket Launch, 11 a.m., Dodds Park, free
The Central Illinois Rocket Club is hosting a free rocket launch. Fliers with rockets of all sizes, large and small, will be welcome and all spectators are invited to come and watch. (RP)
Hike to Triptych, Burwash Park, 350 Burwash Ave, 3 p.m.
Drive over to Burwash park and meet up with the Hike it Baby group as they walk to Triptych to taste some beers. Not only will you get to check out a new park, get a walk in and taste some beer but you’ll be able to make some new friends. Strollers and carriers welcome and the walk is about half a mile. The group does this regularly so check out their calendar. (SL)
Take the kids to a BenchWorx class at the CU Woodshop, Times Vary, 1401 ParklandCt. Champaign, $29
The BenchWorx mobile education unit from Schrock Custom Woodworking will be at the CU Woodshop hosting events to teach kids the basics of the craft. With three different classes divided by grade level, there’s sure to be something for every young person interested in this indispensible art. (EJ)
SUNDAY, May 29th
American Idiot, 2 p.m., Harold & Jean Miner Theatre at Parkland College, $15
You may have noticed, but I enjoy a Sunday matinee at the theatre — you can either brunch beforehand or early dinner afterwards and have a great time out. If you choose the former, this show is in no danger of letting you succumb to a food coma, making it an even better option. (RK)
SWIM SWIM, all day long, Sholem or Crystal Lake pools, $6 for residents, more if you are from Savoy
It’s back! So I am gonna take my extra 25 lbs and horrible back tattoos from the 90s to the pool with my son who is still deathly afraid of going under water with me to the pool and start this season off right. Both pools offer sweet amenities like splash pads, lazy rivers (in Champaign), huge buckets of water being dumped on you (in Urbana), and water slides (some of which are fucking FAST). There’s no better way to remind yourself that THIS IS THE MOMENT. Soon enough, it will be football season, and there won’t be any outdoor pools open, so embrace it. Season passes available for like, not very much money. (SF)
Sounds at Sunset: DR Dixie Band, Turnberry Ridge Park, 6 – 8 p.m., free
All summer, the Champaign Park District will offer free live music in parks around the community. This weekend’s concert, at Turnberry Ridge Park (910 Cobblefield), features the old-timey jazz of DR Dixie Band. Grab a chair or blanet, or maybe even a picnic, and prepare to enjoy C-U in the summer. More information on Sounds at Summer, including the full concert lineup, is available here. (RP)
MONDAY, May 30th
Hog Roast, Barrelhouse 34, 34 E Main St, Champaign, noon, $20
Barrelhouse 34 and bacaro have paired up for a Memorial Day Hog Roast. Tickets are $20 at the door, and include a meal and a koozie. Not into pork? No worries. There will also be chicken and side dishes, and of course, a full bar. Image from Facebook. (JH)
Lest We Forget Range Competition, High Caliber Training Center and Indoor Range, 1414Triumph Dr., Urbana, 11 a.m., $10 per person per division
The first day of High Caliber’s 3-day competition (it ends June 1st), contestants may sign up for rimfire, stock semi-auto, stock revolver, or optic divisions. Each contestant must complete the range safety requirements and waivers, and bring their own serviceable firearm and safe firearm, range approved ammunition, ID and FOID, ear and eye protection. Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 in each division. Contact the range for more information. (EJ)
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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.