While we encourage you to check out what’s happening around C-U this weekend, please use precautions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. If you are out and about, please wear a mask, social distance, wash your hands, and most importantly, respect the people around you, especially the employees that work at these establishments.
Friday, August 14th
Photo by Rebecca Wells.
Go eat food from the Taste of C-U restaurants, all weekend, prices vary
We shared all the participating restaurants earlier this week. If you haven’t tried one of the places on the list, this is your chance! Each of the restaurants has a special deal or special tasting option for C-U to try. From desserts to dinner, there’s something to taste for everyone. (AB)
Image from 40 North Facebook page.
Drive or walk by the new :lightbox window art installation, Weiskamp Screenprinting, anytime, free
If you find yourself in or around Downtown Champaign, take some time to experience, Disunion, a new installation by Gregory Stallmeyer. In life during COVID-19, we are especially lucky to have outdoor and outdoor-facing art locations to bring us color and inspiration when we need it most. (DD)
New Souls, Strick Lee, Rose Bowl Tavern, 7 to 10 p.m., donations encouraged
A band and a DJ duo hit the outdoor stage at Rose Bowl on Friday night. You’ll be able to contribute to the performers (check out how on the Facebook event page), and enjoy a socially distanced show in Downtown Urbana. (PS)
Saturday, August 15th
Photo by Jessica Hammie.
Wear your damn mask at Urbana’s Market at the Square, corner of Illinois and Vine, 7 a.m. to noon, free
Yes, you need a mask to enter the farmers market. That does not mean that you should take if off once you are given entry. Please leave your damn mask on, so people can go about their shopping and their selling without having to tell you to put your damn mask back on. If you don’t want to wear a mask, order your produce online. Have just a tiny bit of respect for other people. (JH)
Take a tour of Allerton Park’s gardens, 10 a.m., $5
Every third Saturday, Allerton Park hosts a tour of its 14 gardens. For $5, you’ll learn about Robert Allerton and the estate’s history. Tours are 45 to 60 minutes, and begin at the Greenhouse Cafe patio. Get your ticket here. (JH)
Image from Pens to Lens website
Stream the 2020 Pens to Lens gala and film festival, 12 noon, free
Yes, it won’t be the same without energy of a live red carpet event. But this year’s Pens to Lens festival, which focuses exclusively on films made (and not just written by) kids K-12, promises to deliver an afternoon of family-friendly film fun. Stay tuned to the Pens to Lens Facebook page and website for streaming details. (DD)
Visit the Urban Market, Champaign County Chamber of Commerce, 1 to 4 p.m., prices vary
Take the opportunity to check out a ton of Black owned businesses all in one spot. There will be food, accessories, clothing, beauty products, and much more. August is Black Business Month. What better way to honor the occasion than to support our community’s entreprenuers. (JM)
Sunday, August 16th
Photo by Alyssa Buckley.
Pick up a half dozen donuts, Ye Olde Donut Shoppe, 6 a.m. to 1 p.m., $10.02
There’s no better way to spend a Sunday morning than shoving donuts in your face. Ye Olde Donut Shoppe opens early and serves donuts until lunchtime, so no matter what time you wake up, you can get that morning donut fix. Buying assorted half dozen lets you pick a variety, and that means you can make your whole house happy. (AB)
Visit a forest preserve then remember that experience come November, whenever, free
My family has spent more time in Champaign County Forest Preserves since March than any other time in two decades we’ve lived here. In a time when our options are limited, they have offered a respite and welcome change of scenery. Most are pretty familiar with Homer Lake or Lake of the Woods, but maybe try a path less traveled this time at Riverbend or Sangamon River, or gaze at the stars at Middle Fork; an official Dark Sky park. Then, when you see the referendum on your ballot this November (or when you vote by mail or early vote) fill in the “yes” bubble to pay a tiny amount of increased tax to support these local gems. (JM)
Photo by Veronica Mullen.
Merry Travelers, Rose Bowl Tavern, 7 to 9 p.m., donations encouraged
Round out your weekend with a wind down show on Sunday evening by Merry Travelers at Rose Bowl. They’re a mixture of psych-pop and blues-soul, finding a place in between somewhere that fits. (PS)
Top photo by Addison McClure.
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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.