Friday, August 2nd
Take a road trip for dinner, Dewey’s, Just Hamburgers, Sidney Dairy Barn, or your locale of choice, Central Illinois, all weekend, prices vary
The weather will be gorgeous this weekend, so why not take a short drive for a meal? Last weekend I went to Dewey’s Drive-In and I’m thinking about going back this weekend. That ice cream? So good. The burger? Really, it’s delicious. We have a whole bunch of little eateries like this surrounding C-U, and many of them you can even get to on bike. Scroll through our F&D Travel section, and see what strikes your fancy. (JH) Top photo by Jessica Hammie
Do all-things-Irish at Allerton, Allerton Park and Retreat Center, 6 to 9 p.m., free ($5/$10 donation suggested)
Come celebrate Irish culture this Friday at Allerton Park and Retreat Center. The U of I Community Credit Union will be hosting Irish-Fest, an evening of great food and even better fun. You can enjoy stew with soda bread, a pint of Guinness, live music, and an Irish dance performance. Food will be available from local food trucks and drinks can be purchased at the Greenhouse Cafe located in the park. Those choosing to take the rare opportunity to camp overnight in the Allerton meadow can register here. (SP) Photo from the Facebook event page.
Celebrate the Dancing Illini graduation and get a free dance lesson, Channing-Murray Foundation, 7 to 10 p.m., free
If your dance moves need a little help, this event has your name on it. Get a free mini dance lesson from 7 to 7:30 p.m. and watch the Dancing Illini in action after. Then head out for a bite or a beverage in Campustown while it’s still quiet. (DD) Photo from Facebook event page
Saturday, August 3rd
Check out the premier of Urbana’s new art fair, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Crystal Lake Park, free admission, bring $ to shop
More than thirty artists working in a variety of media and styles will bring their work to scenic Crystal Lake Park for this new annual juried art fair co-created by 40 North and the Urbana Park District. There’ll be interactive art activities and lots of amazing work to buy and cool artists and makers to meet. Find out more in my event preview. (DD) Photo from Facebook event page
Attend a patio party, Pour Bros., noon to close, prices vary
Pour Bros. is hosting Revolution Brewing, the Chicago brewery that makes some really nice beer. My personal favorite, Rosa, will be on draft. There will be other Revolution brews available, too, as well as games and swag. Live music is from 2 to 4 p.m. and 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. (JH) Photo by Jessica Hammie
Attend the Gen Con pop-up at Titan Games, noon to 7 p.m., $5
Gen Con is a tabletop gaming convention happening this weekend in Indianapolis. If you can’t make it out there you can still get together with people who share your interests. This nationwide pop-up is a cool way to meet people in your own community and get take advantage of some of the perks of the convention, like pre-ordering convention-release games before they hit the market. Additional details and registration info is here. (JH) Photo from Titan Games’ Facebook page
Hang out at a cat café, BrewLab, 1 to 4 p.m., prices vary
BrewLab and Yoga4Cats are collaborating on a pop-up cat café. As you sip your caffeinated beverage, you can make friends with a whole bunch of adoptable cats. Fill out an application for adoption pre approval here. If you’re allergic to cats, maybe get your coffee somewhere else today. (JH)
Svenstock, 280 County Road 300 E, Sadorus, $15, 3 p.m.-12 a.m.
The annual fundraiser, Svenstock, is on Saturday afternoon through the evening. There’s a ton of live music, a bunch of bands are lined up to perform: Terminus Victor, LLYN, The Bashful Youngens, WIngclipper, and many more which you can check out over at the Facebook event page. If you’re interested in camping, there’s an option for that too (with a pancake breakfast the next morning, no less). That, plus a bags tourney, you have a few options at Svenstock to help benefit Imerman Angels. (PS) Photo from the Facebook event page
Enjoy cool cars and cooler treats, Red Bicycle Ice Cream, 5 to 8 p.m., free, plus cost of ice cream
Enjoy some delicious ice cream and see some unique cars in Urbana this Saturday. Champaign Cars & Coffee, a group of car enthusiasts that meet regularly to discuss and exhibit their autos, will be hosting Ice Cream Cruise Night at Red Bicycle Ice Cream. The family-friendly event allows you to look up-and-close at a wide variety of collectors’ cars and, of course, enjoy some delectable hand-dipped ice cream. (SP) Photo from the Facebook event page
The Menzingers, The Sidekicks, Queen of Jeans, The Castle Theatre in Bloomington, $18 advance/$20 day of show, 6:30 p.m.
This punk show is happening at the Castle Theatre in nearby Bloomington, but is worthy of a note here in the Weekender. The Menzingers are prepping for the release of their new record Hello Exile, which comes out in early October. (PS) Poster from the Facebook event page
Sunday, August 4th
Check out the International Friendship Festival, CUPHD, 201 W Kenyon Rd, Champaign, 2 to 5 p.m., free
Celebrate the vibrancy of our community and the friendships formed with people who grew up in a place different from you. There will be food, there will be family and kid friendly activities, there will be fun to be had. You’ll also have an opportunity to take advantage of free health screenings. You might even make some new friends. (JH) Photo from Facebook event page
Tractor Kings, Ant Hattie, Loose Cobra, $5 suggested donation, 5-7 p.m.
Sunday funday action here for you: An afternoon at the Loose Cobra in Tolono, which is just a mere 10 minutes south of C-U. Alt-country outfit Tractor Kings heads this one, alongside trio Ant Hattie, which features Tim Trailer of Lonely Trailer. (PS) Photo by C-U Bands & Fans
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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.