FRIDAY, January 27th
Winter War Gaming Convention, Hawthorne Suites Champaign, Friday noon-Sunday 2:30 p.m., $10 daily or $35 full weekend.
Board, card, dice and role-playing game opportunities await at C-U’s convention that has been running since 1974. From instructional walkthroughs to timeslots for competent players to enjoy playing against others who have similar experience, you can try something new or prove your prowess. Following the event on Sunday, CUDO Plays will have its final pre-judging playtesting, which is a free event. (RK)
What does a Trump administration mean for science?, University of Illinois Chemical & Life Sciences B102, 4 p.m., Free
If you’re as worried as I am for a Trump administration and what effect it will have on scientific research as a whole, come out to this free talk on the U of I campus about what we can expect over the next few years. It’s gonna be a wild one. (BH)
The Great Cover Up (round two), The Accord, 8:30 p.m. (both Friday and Saturday), $10 per day/$35 full festival pass
With over twenty artists scheduled to perform, this second and last weekend of The Great Cover Up promises to be a doozy. Friday and Saturday are continuing this week’s round from Thursday evening, and they promise to be just as huge. The really “great” thing about TGCU is that music people get to get together and celebrate the tunes they love with other people that love them. Make sure you’re among those people this weekend. (JM)
SATURDAY, January 28th
Wine tasting, Grovestone, 1707 W Kirby Ave, Champaign, 2-4 p.m., free
Have you been to the new specialty olive oil and wine store, Grovestone? Here’s a chance to check it out, and sip on some wine while you do it. This new store offers a variety of Greek olive oil, as well as specialty and infused vinegars, wine, snackies, and all sorts of specialty items. You can read SP’s recent write up here. Image from Facebook. (JH)
Watch Illini basketball vs. Penn State, a bar of your choosing, 3:30 p.m., Free + beer
The U of I men’s basketball team is certainly in a must-win situation for this season to not be a total wash, and that includes needing to win road games, which are in particularly short order in the Big 10. So I guess it matters, at least a little bit. Who knows. It’ll be cold, cozy up at the bar and maybe we’ll win. (BH)
Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, Virginia Theatre, 7:30 p.m., tickets start at $29.50
When legendary bluegrass and country artist Ricky Skaggs was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 1982 at the age of 28, he was the youngest ever to receive that honor. Over his career, he’s had 12 no. 1 hits and been awarded 14 Grammys. Don’t miss the chance to see a classic country music staple when you can. See the event page for additional info. (JM)
Dancing Honeymoon Mark Morris Dance Group and Music Ensemble, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts Tryon Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $43 or less.
MMDG is a regularly returning group to the KCPA, and they never disappoint. This year’s program features original work coordinated between dancer Morris and musician Lou Harrison, as well as ensemble pieces set to a jazz-era soundtrack from the 20s & 30s which have been called “gently ribald” and “a wild romp.” Sounds like my kind of fun. (RK)
Escape room grand opening free escape, 200 S. Broadway, free
Love escape rooms? never tried one before? Now is your chance to try it out for free. This escape room will be offering free 10 minute escapes. In this room, you will help solve the disappearance of Dr. S and save the world. It is recommended that participants be 12 years and older and those 12-18 years need to be accompanied by an 18 year old “commanding officer.” See more on the website. (SL)
Noche De Discoteca, 1506 N. Cunningham Ave., $20
This translates to “night at the nightclub” according to google translate. Looks like it is going to be people getting together to hang out, dance, and have a good time with live music. This is sure to be an experience that will immerse you into local latino culture. Enjoy! (SL)
Louis the Child, Canopy Club, 8 p.m., $20 (sold out)
EDM/DJ duo Louis the Child return to Champaign-Urbana for the second time in the past six months — last time closing out The Pygmalion Festival’s main stage. This time, they are back in a familiar spot, The Canopy Club, where they’ve performed in year’s past on tour. Yes, the show is sold out, so you might have a hard time getting in the door, but if you had a good time at their Pygmalion set, this one might add some heat to your Saturday night. Check out the Facebook event (linked up top) for more details and ways to get tickets if you’re empty handed. (PS)
SUNDAY, January 29th
Make your restaurant week plans, across Champaign County, January 29th thorough February 4th, prices vary
Visit Champaign County has revitalized Restaurant Week, and the list of participating restaurants spans the entire county. There are lunch and dinner options available; prices are generally $15 to $35 per person. For more info and to see menus, check out the Visit Champaign County Facebook page or website. Image from Facebook. (JH)
Bowling, Old Orchard Lanes, 11 am-4:00 p.m. or 8:15 p.m.-10 p.m.
Trying to figure out something fun to do on a Sunday? Get over to Old Orchard and throw a ball down the lanes, and order some pizza and beer while you’re at it. There’s league bowling that takes place during the 4-8 p.m. hour on Sunday, but outside of that, this is something that might not jump out at you initially, but is a good way to spend a Sunday afternoon in January. (PS) Photo from Old Orchard’s website.
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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.