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, July 10th
Take a drive for some ice cream, Geschenk Boutique, Dewey’s, Sidney Dairy Barn, all weekend, prices vary
Apparently July is National Ice Cream Month, so celebrate with some ice cream. There are several options in the surrounding towns. Check out Geschenk in St. Joe this weekend to save 50 cents off ice cream floats, or head to Dewey for a burger and a cone. Sidney Dairy Barn is another favorite; you could probably ride your bike there, if you’re into that sort of thing. (JH)
Photo by Larry Gates.
InstaGates listening party, virtually on Instagram, 8 p.m., free
Larry Gates is releasing the first new Curb Service album in seven years tonight, and its called Ready Set Ghost. He’ll be hosting a livestreaming party of the new record, which you can tune in for so you can hear the album for the first time alongside other fans of the band. Head over to his IG to participate. (PS)
Watch the Alfred Hitchcock Hour at the virtual Virginia Theatre, online, free
If you’ve enjoy seeing films at the Virginia, here’s the next best thing. Check out the schedule for a variety of TV and film offerings available for streaming. In Friday night’s episode entitled “The House Guest,” “John Mitchell (Macdonald Carey) gets more than he bargained for when he offers a young man a new start in life. Featuring: Robert Sterling, Peggy McCay, Billy Mumy, Karl Swenson, Adele Mara, Robert Armstrong.” While this series is free, other offerings may reuqire a small rental fee. Plan ahead and stop by the theatre for curbside concessions service to get the good popcorn. (DD)
Saturday, July 11th
Photo by Alyssa Buckley.
Buy some vegetables, Urbana’s Market at the Square, 7 a.m. to noon, prices vary
We all could use some more vegetables in our diet. Go shop the Urbana farmers market for all kinds of vitamin-rich, locally grown produce. Wear a mask, let the vendors handle your product, and give other shoppers space. If you buy enough veggies, you definitely deserve to buy some baked goods or something from one of the food trucks. (AB)
Shop small on the sidewalks of CU, locations, hours, and prices vary
Photo provided by Canopy Club.
What’s Goin’ On?, The Canopy Club (virtually), 2 p.m. (Saturday and Sunday), free
Though going to shows inside venues isn’t a thing we can do safely right now, the Canopy Club and a variety of other organizations, artists, activists, and more have banded together to celebrate the vibrant scene. The goal is to of course check out a bunch of solid artists that, during a normal time, you could probably watch on a stage somewhere in person in C-U, but for now, the virtual streaming event seeks to raise awareness for a bunch of worthy organizations here in C-U. (PS)
Photo from the Delight Flower Farm Instagram page.
Pay a visit to Delight Flower Farm, 1472 CR 500 E Champaign, 5 or 7 p.m., $15
Delight Flower Farm has a new location, a five acre property just west of Champaign. The 30 minute tour covers the flower and hemp fields, and you’ll learn a lot about how the farm is run and is sustainable. Tours include a 15 minute Q & A session, so bring your questions. Refreshments are included, and you’ll have a chance to check out the Delight Flower Farm store at the end. Event is rain or shine, and all participants must wear a mask. Register here. (JH)
Sunday, July 12th
Check out some goats and buy some cheese, Prairie Fruit Farm, 1 to 4 p.m., free to see the goats, bring $ for cheese
Wear your mask and come shop at Prairie Fruits Farm this weekend. The working goats are social distancing, so you can watch them from a distance. The Farm store will have cheeses and gelato for sale to go and for enjoying outside. This is a delicious way to get out of the house on Sunday afternoon. (AB)
Photo from the Urbana Arts and Culture Program Facebook page
Go see the new mural by BLACKMAU at the Cunningham Township Office, downtown Urbana, anytime, free
Get outside and enjoy In the Sunshine, the new mural created by BLACKMAU (Kamau Grantham and Stacey Robinson) as part of the 2020 Mural on Glass program. This testament to the power of public art is timely as it is glorious. Learn more about the piece and the program which supported it here. (DD)
Photo by Julie McClure.
See some classics on the big screen, Harvest Moon Drive-in, gates open at 7:30 p.m., prices vary
Our family has already visited the drive-in three times this summer, as we try to seek out some outdoor entertainment where we can stay distanced from others. This weekend the drive-in is celebrating 66 years, so they are doing double features, one of which is Empire Strikes Back (obviously the best film in the franchise) and Space Jam. Okay maybe the latter isn’t exactly a classic, but if you’ve recently watched The Last Dance on ESPN you may be in the mood for a little more Michael. Just be prepared for a long night. First film will start around 8:40. (JM)
Top photo 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.