FRIDAY, April 29th
CUDO Birthday Bash, Sipyard (204 W. Main, Urbana) 6 p.m., free
CUDO is turning seven years old, and the organization is eager to celebrate another year in the community as well as its new space in Urbana’s [co][lab]. Stop by Sipyard for drinks, pizza, board games, and more information about how CUDO is changing. (RP)
Kilborn Alley Blues Band 16th Anniversary, The Iron Post, 9 p.m., cover
Kilborn Alley, which remains one of the most entertaining C-U bands, is returning from a hella long tour in Europe and across the U.S. They’ll be celebrating their sweet sixteen at The Iron Post. Come for the music; stay for the cold, dirt-cheap beer. (RP)
Illini baseball vs. Minnesota, Illinois Field, 8 p.m., Free
Sure, it’s not the Major League, but Big Ten baseball is still a little exciting, plus it’s an Illini sports team with a winning record and it’s FREE, so as far as entertainment with no cost goes, this would round a Friday night pretty nicely. (BH)
SATURDAY, April 30th
Illinois Marathon, all over town, starts at 7 a.m., free to watch.
It’s no secret that the Illinois Marathon has become one of the biggest events in Central Illinois lately, and take it from anyone who needs to drive anywhere on Saturday morning/afternoon, it’s gonna be packed. If you’re trapped inside the zone like I am, why not just put out a lawn chair and cheer on some elite runners? Seems like a win/win. (BH)
Babies and Breakfast, Prairie Fruits Farm 4410 N. Lincoln Ave., Champaign, 9 a.m.-noon, prices vary upon menu
It’s the very last opportunity to see the baby goats while eating delicious farm-to-table food, and last week they promised rhubarb muffins. See how the goats have grown since you were last there, or go for the first time the last time. (RK)
Cahoots:NI presents Egg, Krannert Center Colwell Playhouse, 10:30 a.m., $5
Uniquely beautiful music, wordless physical theatre, and themes of independence balanced with friendship. It honestly is appealing to the whole family, and costs less than taking them all to the movies. (RK)
Bones Jugs Album Release Show, The Accord, 8 p.m., $8 in advance, $10 at the door.
Local Americana group Bones Jugs are releasing their second full length album Don’t Waste a Drop this Saturday with a show over at The Accord. Here is a track from the upcoming album- “The Nurse Is In” to get you hyped. (JK)
Bourbon, Beer & Bacon Festival, Fluid Event Center, Champaign, 2 to 10 p.m., $5
This alliterative festival is back for the second time, and will feature over seventy five whiskeys, forty breweries, a bacon eating contest, and a few panel discussions. There will also be music and food eating contests. Check out our coverage from last year’s event here. Image from Facebook. (JH)
Quality’s five year anniversary celebration, Quality Beer, 3 p.m. to 2 p.m., prices vary
Downtown Champaign’s Quality is turning five, and to celebrate is tapping a bunch of beer (look at that list!). This is a great location for post-marathoners looking to unwind with some booze (and a lot of food, so get take-out). There are board games and although when busy the place can get pretty loud, it’s a relaxed atmosphere sharing a drink with some friends. (JH)
SUNDAY, May 1st
Ashley Gibson Benefit Show, The Accord, 8 p.m., $10 donation
After the terrible tragedy that has occured with the recent death of Ashley Gibson, artists are banding together to help raise funds for her service on Monday. Plenty of hip hop to go around to help stir some noise for the cause — Chase Baby, Young Blu and more lined up. (PS)
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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.