Friday, August 12th
Eat in Campustown, Green Street, all weekend, prices vary
Students return for fall semester next week, so enjoy one last slower weekend on Green Street. Meet up for a sushi lunch with a friend at Sakanaya. Get spicy Korean chicken at Yogi or enjoy boba tea. Try Thai Fusion, Nanjing Bistro, or takeout sushi from Sushi Man. I love the lunch special at Evo Cafe and the build-your-own rice bowls at Shawarma Joint. There are so many restaurants on Green Street, and this weekend is a smart time to go. (AB)
Celebrate Irish Fest, Allerton Park, 6 to 9 p.m., free, but donations kindly requested
Irish Fest is happening at Allerton Park. The festival features two bands: Broken Brogue of Decatur, Illinois and Téada from Ireland. The Greenhouse Cafe will be open until 6 p.m. for you to grab drinks and snacks before the music. Additional information is on the Allerton website. (JH)
Enjoy the break in hot weather, Downtown Champaign, 6 p.m., free
The weather has finally cooled down a bit — knock on wood — and it’s set to be a beautiful weekend. Head downtown on Friday night for Friday Night Live to hear some great music outdoors. The lineup this week is great, with Anika Emily, Wildwood, Church Street Ramblers, and more. Come grab dinner and hear some tunes. (SW)
Saturday, August 13th
Photo from Champaign Park District Facebook page.
Swing by CU Days, Douglass Park, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., free
This annual family friendly event brings the community together for music, special activities for kids and seniors, food, and more. There will be numerous giveaways from participating vendors, and it’s a great opportunity to pick up free school supplies for kids. (JM)
Photo from the Champaign Public Library Facebook page.
Explore African-American Oral Histories, Champaign Public Library, Douglass Branch, 2 to 3:30 p.m., free
Exploring African American Oral Histories offers an opportunity to experience the Doris K. Wylie Hoskins Archive’s collection of Champaign County African American oral histories. Community leaders will be on hand to discuss the collection and to help contextualize its contents. Don’t miss this significant opportunity to witness underrepresented voices and perspectives from our county’s history. (DD)
Photo by Alyssa Buckley.
Eat barbecue chicken ranch pizza, Flour & Fire Pizza Truck, Riggs Beer, 4 to 8 p.m., $12.75
This pizza is one of my favorite pizzas in town, and this Saturday night, find Flour & Fire’s pizza truck parked at Riggs Beer Company. The barbecue chicken ranch pizza has smoked chicken, real bacon, and cheese over a barbecue sauce base with a drizzle of ranch. Come on, doesn’t that sound good? The chicken on the pizza is the best part, and Food + Drink writer Nina called it “magic chicken” in her review of four pizzas from the food truck. It’s delicious every time. The truck is responsive on socials if you have allergy questions; they are able to cook a safe pizza for my child with allergies, which is awesome. (AB)
Hear some country, Bentley’s Pub, 7 p.m., free
Cole Bridges is a local favorite, a founding member of The Fights, he’s now performing some solo music. Joining him for this show is John Calvin Abney from Tulsa, who is touring in support of his new album, Tourist, which is a beautiful folk/country album. The weather is supposed to be gorgeous, so come hang out on the patio. This show is 21+. (SW)
Check out some comedy, Lodgic, 8 p.m., $20
Hangover Comedy, a local live comedy production company, is presenting Vik Pandya, Peyton Ruddy, and Claire Sundbye at Lodgic Everyday Community. Doors are at 7 p.m., the show starts at 8 p.m. Drinks and small plates/snacks will be available. Get tickets ahead of time as they will be more expensive at the door. (JH)
Sunday, August 14th
Photo from the Independent Media Center Facebook page.
Attend the opening of Monk in Retrospect, Independent Media Center, 2 p.m., free but there will be art available for purchase
An exhibit of silkscreens, photographs and memorabilia honoring David Monk opens at the IMC on August 14th and runs for two weeks. The opening reception will be hosted by The Prairie Dogs and includes music from the Night Groove, Ther’Up.Y, Dorothy Martirano & All-Star Friends, and more. (DD)
See a movie on the new turf, Memorial Stadium, 7 p.m., free admission
Illinois Athletics and Busey Bank are hosting a family movie night at Memorial Stadium. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and there will be athletes on hand from the volleyball, soccer, and football teams as well as inflatables for the kids. Spider-Man: No Way Home will begin at 7 p.m. There will be some concessions for sale: popcorn, pretzels, candy, soda, and water, and you are encouraged to bring your own food and drink (just no alcohol). (JM)
Top photo by Alyssa Buckley.
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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.