Friday, April 8th
Attend the Engineering Open House, throughout the U of I campus, times vary, free
This wildly popular event is back in person for 2022, and there are so many ways that you can be a part of it. There are exhibits, panels, speakers, demonstrations, and interactive displays happening throughout Friday and Saturday. Some highlights: Concrete Crusher, LabEscape, Train Simulator, the Physics Van, and of course the Tesla Coil Concert at 8:30 p.m. on the Engineering Hall patio. It’s truly mind boggling how many cool things are happening in the College of Engineering. Check out the open house website for the full list of exhibits and events, as well as information on where to park. (JM)
Photo by Alyssa Buckley.
Order a Barcelona, Punch! Bar, 4 p.m. to midnight, $10
This pretty cocktail tastes as good as it looks. Made with gin, rhubarb liqueur, strawberry liqueur, elderflower tonic, strawberries, orange slices, juniper, and thyme, this cocktail has bright, fruity flavors balanced by herbaceous notes of thyme and elderflower. It’s worth a try this month. Punch! has a whole new menu of spring drinks if this gin cocktail isn’t your thing. (AB)
Attend a lecture by Bea Nettles, Krannert Art Museum (Room 62) and on livestream, 5:30 p.m., free
Bea Nettles, U of I alum and professor emerita, will give a lecture on her career as an artist. The recipient of the 2020 Distinguished Alumni Award, Nettles is a photographer. Visit her website for examples of her work. (JH)
Saturday, April 9th
Shop for books and support Books to Prisoners, Independent Media Center, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., prices vary
Urbana-Champaign Books to Prisoners is hosting it’s Spring Book Sale, where you can buy cheap used books, help them clear some of their inventory, and help fund the mission of getting free books in the hands of people incarcerated in Illinois. There will also be t-shirts and tote bags for sale, so you can help promote their work throughout the community. (JM)
Salem H. Turchan, Becoming Baseboards and Window Trim, 2021. Mixed Media necklace. © Salem H. Turchan. Photo from the Krannert Art Museum website.
Explore the work of the School of Art + Design MFA candidates, Krannert Art Museum, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Experiencing the capstone projects of this year’s MFA candidates is like stepping into future of art and design. With work in sculpture, painting, industrial design, and design for responsible innovation, this exhibition promises compelling new technologies and themes. Of particular note is Salem Turchan’s long-awaited Museum of Gender Divination. (DD)
Check out the Season 8 CUDO Plays Great Exhibition, Broadway Food Hall, 12 to 7 p.m., free
CUDO Plays teams have been finalizing their games for months, and this seven-hour event is the moment of truth. There’ll be games for all ages, tastes, and skill levels. Games and game accessories will be raffled off at 3 p.m. and the awards will be presented at 6 p.m. (DD)
Photo from Lucinda William’s Facebook page.
Rock with a legend, Virginia Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $29+
The legendary Lucinda Williams is stopping by Virginia Theatre with her band. With a few Grammy awards and forty plus years of writing and performing under her belt, Williams knows how to put on a show. Check out our interview with Williams for an insight into the iconic artist. (SW)
Get awakened, Krannert Center, 7:30 p.m., $25
A new concert series at Krannert, New Awakenings, aims to focus on issues of social justice in America. Musical director and series creator Barrington Coleman will conduct for the evening, and the performers include the Jupiter String Quartet, the Varsity Men’s Glee Club, Chamber Singers, and Black Chorus. (SW)
Sunday, April 10th
Photo from Riggs’ Facebook page.
Work out and drink beer at Beer Camp, Riggs Beer Company, 11 a.m., $10
Meet up at Riggs for a beer after a full body workout. Fitness trainers Ali (Blended Balance Fitness) and Jess (Jessica Schluter Fitness) will lead a 45 minute outdoor workout that finishes with a beer, wine, or other beverage included in the ticket price. Bring a water bottle and a mat. (AB)
Photo from the Asha for Education — UIUC Facebook page.
Celebrate Holi, U of I Arboretum, noon to 5 p.m., $18
Join Asha for Education — UIUC as the group hosts a Holi celebration. Holi is the Hindu celebration of Spring; you may recognize the colorful celebrations. Tickets are $18 at the door, and it’s a family-friendly event, so bring the kids. Details about rain dates are available on the Facebook event page. (JH)
Top photo by Sam Logan.
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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.