SPlog

It’s a little unsettling to be able to breeze down Green St. for two months without having to slam brakes and dodge random students who find new and creative places and ways to cross. Sometimes …

Curtis Orchard will begin their apple-picking season on Saturday, August 6th. Yes, it’s only the beginning of August, but apples are great year-round, and this is your chance to taste the first crops of the …

If you love coffee (and who doesn’t?), there’s a fairly good chance you’re acquainted with Flying Machine Coffee in Downtown Urbana. Generally, the shop has a pretty simple (and good) menu, but in a rare …

Here is some insight into the Fu Dogs at Allerton Park — which provides a pretty cool history lesson: “Over the years, Robert had showcased the Fu Dogs separately in various gardens, but in 1932 …

There’s obviously very cool technology being developed here in Champaign-Urbana — drones being one of them. Beckman Institute posted this awesome aerial footage captured, so enjoy: Nice day for a sky-high view of campus! @Illinois_Alma …

C-U hip-hop/EDM artist Mishul had released a new song and video entitled “Dream Team.”  Originally from India, Mishul started producing and recording his own music when he moved to the US at the age of …

UPDATE: Thursday August 4th at 5:00 p.m.: According to the post in the News-Gazette, it is official:  Chicago-based Giordano’s will bring its famed stuffed deep-dish pizza to Market Place Mall, a corporate spokeswoman confirmed Thursday to …

Both of Champaign-Urbana’s farmers’ markets (Urbana’s Market at the Square andChampaign’s Land Connection Market) are teaming up next week to celebrate National Farmers’ Market Week. A tic-tac-toe card for both markets will be included, where …

The good folks at First Federal Savings Bank and Neutral Cycle are teaming up with a bunch of other local businesses to present an Urbanalove Summer Movie Night next Saturday, August 13th, which will feature My Neighbor …

Urbana-native Erin Fein’s project Psychic Twin announced her new album and signing to Polyvinyl a little while back, and just today debuted the video for her song “Lose Myself”. Watch it below, and read more …

Visit Champaign County has announced an inaugural Tourism Summit. The theme is “Telling Your Story,” and two tracks will be offered on August 16, 1:00– 4:30 p.m. and August 17, 8:00–11:30 a.m. at the Hyatt Place. …

The Champaign Public Library is running a contest called Reading is So Delicious, in which you, the library patron, borrow cookbooks, snap a photo of the dish you made, tag CPL, use the special hashtag …

A “give-back” market for handmade goods and small businesses has been announced. It will take place November 5, 2016 at the Sodo Theatre in Champaign.  All participating vendors must donate at least 10% of their profits to …

Classic television gameshow Jeopardy! has had its fair share of streaking winners over the years, and one that has taken off as of late is Pranjal Vachaspati — a PhD. student at the University of Illinois. …

Shad Khan is the ultimate rags-to-riches American Dream — U of I graduate, Flex-N-Gate founder, Jacksonville Jaguars owner, and of course, a chill-ass dude and uber billionaire. Please enjoy this new advertisement from Bud Light: H/T to …

The Toast of Champaign (once called the Champaign Craft Beer Festival) beer drinkin’ event is taking place on Saturday, August 20th at the Blind Pig Brewery in Downtown Champaign. This is happening that weekend, in addition to …

Of course, Champaign Urbana History is crushing the game on Facebook once again. I dug this one up for sharing on SP because this is really cool. Photos courtesy of John Mies and Mike Moran. …

Year after year, it is a veritable ritual for the filmmakers of Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, and outlying cities to anticipate the Call for Entries to the New Art Film Festival (NAFF) and they will be happy …

You may start seeing people walking in the streets or standing in front of local businesses this month, in various stages of turnout gear, holding large empty boots. Don’t cross the street or call the …

The Olympic Games in Rio start soon, and with that — lots of promotion ahead of it. Thankfully for us, Josh George is a badass and featured in another BMW spot, which was filmed here …

It’s hard to name a more notable alumnus from the University of Illinois than Netscape co-founder Marc Andreessen, who was massively influential in the burgeoning of the internet, all from Champaign-Urbana. His influence in tech, …

If Downtown Champaign’s Miga is known for one thing, it’s for constantly keeping up on global food trends, and then adapting them to Champaign-Urbana. Today, they announce yet another awesome dish with cutting-edge ingredients. This …

The fourth annual Pens to Lens gala is almost upon us! The red-carpet event celebrating 18 young screenwriters and their professionally-realized films will be held on Saturday, August 13th, beginning at 1 p.m. Tickets are …

Triptych Brewing will be hosting a dinner where they pair their very special beers with another great American past time: food. This time, the nourishment comes from Biaggi’s restaurant, located on South Neil St. in …

Grovestone Olive Oil will open up its doors next month at the Old Farm shopping center at Mattis and Kirby in Champaign. This gourmet olive oil store will likely offer infused olive oils and vinegars, …

With Champaign-Urbana being a fairly international community (thanks to the University of Illinois, largely), it fairly naturally transitions into a melting pot of different cultures. Along with this myriad of cultures comes a wide breadth …

If you’re politically progressive and living in Central Illinois, one of the shining stars of our area is certainly Carol Ammons. Ammons, who was endorsed by Bernie Sanders earlier this year, was in Philadelphia for …

The former Champaign Mayor Jerry Schweighart was spotted at the Champaign County Fair, sporting this piece of Donald Trump merch, enjoying himself. None of this behavior is surprising, sadly. It is, after all, Republican Day at the …

If you’re not familiar with Bitchy Waiter — check it out. A quick description: This is a blog by a bitchy waiter in New York City who blogs to keep from poking customers in the …

Alternative rock darlings Tara Terra are getting ready to kick off their fall tour. Starting on August 1st with a Chicago gig, the tour covers the Midwest and parts of the East Coast, and features …

Today, the City of Urbana was named a “Green Power Community” by the United States’ Environmental Protection Agency. This accolade comes as a result of Urbana’s continued commitment to zero-emission electricity, usually that which his …

The Farmers’ Market at Country Fair takes place on Mattis between Springfield and Church in Champaign (near the old Taffie’s) each Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.  It’s not a big market, but there’s an …

If you’re searching for a little good news in this crazy world in which we live, here’s some: The U of I Community Credit Union has collected 100 backpacks full of school supplies that they’ll …

For those of you interested in starting a small business, the City of Champaign will be hosting a (totally free) small business development information session on Friday, July 29th from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at the Illinois …

With the news that Portillo’s is “considering” opening in Champaign-Urbana after news broke they were opening in Bloomington — this mysterious Craigslist posting has appeared. Full text: Portillo’s coming to Champaign, IL in 2016!!!! Ever …

One of the many assets we have for live music in the greater Champaign-Urbana is Allerton Park, which has been throwing some awesome concerts of all genres (and for all ages) for the past few …

Punk-shoegaze outfit Teenage Ghosts are releasing their first new material in five years. Entitled Revelations, the new EP will be off of C-U’s own Heirship Records. The label will also be releasing the band’s 2011 …

C-U nonprofit, The GOALS Project, is excited to announce they made it to the final round of voting for the R.K. Dixon “Make My Nonprofit Better Contest,” where they have a chance to win a …

For those of you who love the theatre (and specifically, The Virginia Theatre’s stacked lineup this year), the Champaign Park District has announced a sweet program. Regular single-show tickets go on sale August 19th, but …

Jay Moses has dropped a new EP, The Thirst Vol. 1, via TheGr8Thinkaz Soundcloud page. The project runs seven songs long, features production from TheGr8Thinkaz’ own Rokmore on five songs and frequent collaborator H. Kal-El …

Sad news, Illini fans. During an interview with WCIA, University of Illinois Athletic Director Josh Whitman has revealed that of all the things facing the embattled U of I athletic programs, alcohol sales at Memorial …

Singer and saxophonist Crofton Coleman, formerly of Church Booty, has announced that he will be putting out a solo EP this August. Entitled Love Affair 1984, Coleman says that this release is inspired by Marvin …

Take a drive on North Randolph Street in Champaign. You’ll pass the Virginia Theater on your left, the parking garage on your right, and then you’ll get into some residential areas. Soon, about a block …

As a resident of Champaign-Urbana (and the greater Central Illinois area), we are lucky enough to be entitled to a ton of free concerts. A week from today, on July 28th, yet another one of …

Check out the Christmas in July Spooktacular Mini Fest, taking place Sunday, July 24th at 5 p.m. This show is one of the first to be held at Ghost Planet, the new incarnation of none …

Applications are now open for free and reduced lunch for students and families in Champaign’s Unit 4 School District, and you can do it all online. For full instructions and details, check out this info …

Bacaro’s latest wine dinner is featuring summer’s favorite pink drink: rosé. On Monday, July 25th, you have an opportunity to enjoy a seven course meal with rosé pairings. Tickets are $115 per person; contact the restaurant to …

Are we still doing that? Is that still a thing? Oh, good.  Urbana Public Arts acquires artworks, sometimes on a temporary basis. Turns out, five of them are expiring between now and the end of …