FRIDAY, April 8th
Playing Indian: A Panel Discussion on Chief Illiniwek at the University of Illinois, Illini Union Courtyard Cafe, 2:30 p.m., free
The Chief is long gone, but his presence still marks the University of Illinois. Hear a group of panelists discuss the issue Chief Illinwek since the 1990s through the 2007 decision to the present. Panelists will address how to continue to support the university’s decision and mission of an inclusive institution. (RP)
Wieners and Wine, Sleepy Creek Vineyards, Fairmount, 5-8 p.m., about $5
Wieners and Wine is back! If you’re unfamiliar, here’s the scoop. You drive to Sleepycreek Vineyards and purchase a glass of wine or wine slushie, or a bottle. Then you sit outside around the bonfire roasting hot dogs and eating them. Hot dogs and toppings provided. Photo by Chelsea Fisher. (JH)
The Common Mind Experience at Boneyard Arts Festival 2016, Fluid Events Center, 6-11 p.m., and Saturday from noon until midnight, free
Come check out this cool event where there will be plenty of interesting art on display. There will also be plenty of live music from local bands like Penny Horses, Hot Hand Luke & The Sound, and many more. (JK)
The Victory Lap: Kanye Vs. Taylor, The Accord, 11 p.m., FREE
I know what you’re all thinking and I have to agree: it’s about damn time Champaign-Urbana had a Kanye West-themed dance party. Plus, DJ Mingram is on the decks, so I know the playlist will be on point. (BH)
SATURDAY, April 9th
Try something new, anywhere, all weekend, whatever price is comfortable foryou
There are so many places and edibles in this town that it’s hard to try everything while also being easy to fall into the same patterns. Why not go to a place you haven’t been before? Here are some suggestions: Carmella’s Doughnuts (bring cash); the cheese danish at Mirabelle; pepperoni pizza from Dragon Fire Pizza; a milkshake from Meatheads; a vegan cupcake from Strawberry Fields; the parm fries at MIGA. The possibilities are endless. Photo by Sam Logan. (JH)
Japan House Spring Open House, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., free
This is a great time to check out the Japan House and gardens if you haven’t seen them. Witness a traditional Japanese tea ceremony or just take a tour of the gardens. There will be a presentation about Kokeshi Dolls at 1. (JK)
Local Artisan Pop-Up Shop, Pizza M (208 W. Main, Urbana), 12 p.m., free
Join local artists elizaBeth Simpson, Lara Orr, Michael Hannah, Joan Jach, and Maya Bauer at an affordable art sale. All items will be $50 or less; artworks will include pottery, fiber art, botanical art, postcards, and prints. (RP)
Watch Baseball, any television or sports bar, all day
Yes, friends, it’s back. The Cubs are finally good, the Sox don’t look as bad as everyone thought, and the Cardinals are (as of right now) winless. All is right in the world. Why not celebrate by having a few brews, maybe some grilled food, and watching some baseball on a Spring Saturday. (BH)
Twin City Derby Girls and beer, The old YMCA on Church St, 500 W. Church st., 5 p.m., $12
TCDG are back and in a new location. Get this, they’re going to be skating in bottom of an old lap pool in one of Champaign’s oldest building that used to be a mansion, then a YMCA and now a royal battle ground for some touch chicks on skates. PLUS there is beer and popcorn. More info on their Facebook event page. (SL)
In the Blood, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts (Studio Theatre), 7:30 p.m., $24 or less.
An impressive adaptation of a classic, Illinois Theatre’s production of In the Blood made quite an impact on our reviewer. Take an open mind and a hankie to the last installment of the “Freedom of Speech:CENSORED” season. (RK)
SUNDAY, April 10th
$1 movie, Savoy 16 Goodrich Theater, 10 a.m.
Max is playing this weekend for just $1. It’s a movie about a highly trained dog who’s owner is killed in the Afganistan war. The dog comes back to live with it’s late owner’s family and they start to process their grief with the help of man’s best friend. For $1 this could be a nice way to spend your late Sunday morning. (SL)
Run a 5k for veterans, U of I South Quad, 10 a.m., $35
Tis’ the season to be running. And here is another 5k for you jogging fools to get up early on a Sunday for. This one is to support the Chez Family Foundation Center for Wounded Warriors. Check out this video of last year’s race. Register here. (SL)
Tito Carrillo Group, Champaign Public Library, 2 p.m., FREE
UIUC professor Tito Carrillo has been a staple in the Chicago Latin Jazz scene for nearly 25 years, making regular appearances at the famous club The Green Mill, but his style isn’t limited: post-bop, Afro-Cuban, you name it, he plays it on the trumpet. See his ensemble perform as part of National Library Week and CPL’s multilingual event series (¡en Inglés y Español!) (RK)
———
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.