Friday, February 14th
Drop off the kids for your Valentine’s Day dinner, Orpheum Children’s Science Museum, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., $20-25
Have a Valentine’s dinner lined up but no babysitter for Friday night? Orpheum Children’s Science Museum in Downtown Champaign can entertain your little ones as you enjoy a night out. Each month, the museum hosts an evening drop-off program where kids can play with their favorite exhibits and have dinner provided. In keeping with the holiday, the theme this month is All about Hearts. The required pre-registration is $25 for non-members and $20 for members. (SP)
Photo from Facebook event page.
Enjoy a decadent dinner, Common Ground Food Co-op, 6 to 8 p.m. $40/person
Common Ground is hosting a four-course, candlelit Valentine’s Day dinner in the Flatlander Classroom. This meal will feature wine pairings, and meat, so plan accordingly. The entire menu is on the Facebook event page, and you’ll need to reserve your spot by purchasing a ticket here. (JH)
Heat things up at Latin Dance Night, Urbana Dance Company, 8 to 11 p.m., $10/$8 with student ID
Nothing says sexy (and fun) like a Latin Dance party. And the open-hearted community at Urbana Dance Company is just welcoming place to dance away your V-Day. Bring your sweetheart (or friend) for free. Snag a free dance lesson with Luz from 8 to 8:30 p.m. Open to all dancers of all abilities. Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages provided. (DD)
Celebrate hating this Hallmark holiday, Bentley’s Pub, 21+, 8 p.m., no cover
Bentley’s Pub is hosting an Anti-Valentine’s Day for all of you with no Valentine to speak of, or you couples who hate a holiday that is far more about capitalism than any type of love (don’t @ me all you “gift giving” love language people). The DJs will be playing a mix of metal, hardcore, punk, and goth to keep you raging. (BH)
Be your own damned valentine, all weekend, probably free, unless you count the emotional cost
Valentine’s Day is stupid. There, I said it. It’s a way to perpetuate heteronormativity and ideas of women as vapid, materialistic, and unrealistic. This weekend, do your own thing, that has nothing to do with capitalism and everything to do with you. Okay, maybe you should head out to the store on Saturday to buy a bunch of discounted candy, but you did that for yourself. You don’t need anyone to buy you things. You’re the boss of you. (JH)
Saturday, February 15th
Image from Facebook event page.
Celebrate the winter blues at ACME Elfworks art sale, 518 Lincoln Building, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., prices vary
Nothing cures the winter blues like scoring good art at an even better price. Stop by ACME Elfworks and get treat yo’ self to something that warms your heart. Enjoy your pick of “mixed media assemblages and wall pieces, photographs (framed and on metal and canvas) and assorted oddities.” (DD)
Try some Illinois beers, Pour Bros. Craft Taproom, 12 p.m. to 12 p.m., prices vary
Yeah yeah it’s Valentine’s Day weekend, but it’s also President’s Day weekend, and here in the Land of Lincoln that’s something worth celebrating. So why not tip our hats and our glasses to the 16th president. Pour Bros. will be loading their taps with brews from throughout the state of Illinois, some that may be hard to find otherwise, for their Land of Drinkin’ event. You can find the full list here.(JM)
Image from the Illinois vs. Notre Dame Facebook event page.
See some men’s tennis, Atkins Tennis Center, 6 to 8 p.m., free
The Fighting Illini Men’s Tennis team take on Notre Dame. It’s always little loud and rowdy inside Atkins–you’re able to make noise while play is happening, so it’s a very different experience than what you might see watching the pros on TV. The event is free, so bring the kids and get out to cheer on the Illini. (JH)
Image from Facebook event page.
Watch and learn the craft of drag queens, Spurlock Museum, 6 to 9 p.m., free
When you think of museums, don’t limit yourself to thinking they’re all quiet, pristine, and about decorum. In fact, this Saturday the Spurlock Museum will become a stage for How to Make a Drag Queen: The Drag Show. The performance is an extension of the In Her Closet exhibit which explores the history of drag and the wide range of techniques drag queens use to create their unique aesthetics. The show will not only be an opportunity to watch a drag queen in action but also teach you exactly how a drag queen is made. Performers will include Ceduxion Carrington and Sharon Sharealike among others. (SP)
See Twin City Theatre Company’s production of Bus Stop, SoDo Theatre, 7:30 p.m.
Spend a winter night watching Inge’s characters explore love and romance, among other emotions, while snowed in together at a local roadside diner. Dinner and a show make a perfect V-Day (or anti-V-Day) weekend outing. Get ticket information here. (DD)
Sunday, February 16th
Image by Will Doreza, taken from the Facebook event.
Decompress before the weekday stress at the choral Evensong, Emmanuel Memorial Episcopal Church, 4 p.m., free
You don’t have to be religious at all to enjoy this event. In my opinion, an Evensong service is one of the most beautiful musical events Christianity has to offer. This 45-minute service will be a great way to enjoy some beautiful music and decompress before the week begins. It will cost you nothing but your time. (BH)
Take in film #2 of the C-U Jewish Film Festival, Spurlock Museum, 5 p.m., free
The film, Leona, is the second in a four film series being presented by the Champaign-Urbana Jewish Federation. It’s a Spanish language drama about a woman in Mexico City torn between her Syrian-Jewish family and a forbidden love. Be aware, the film contains mature content and nudity. There will be a discussion following the film with Dara Goldman, Director of Jewish Studies. Can’t make this one? There are two more films in March. You can find the lineup here. (JM).
Top photo from Ye Olde Donuts Facebook page, graphic by Jessica Hammie.
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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.