FRIDAY, July 3rd
Audiofeed Music Festival, Champaign County Fairgrounds, starting 10:30 a.m.
Back for year three after a revival of sorts for Cornerstone Festival, Audiofeed Festival is back and happening throughout the weekend. Tons of good music to be seen and heard with this and Spindependence Day (plus more), and if you’re unfamiliar with some of the artists playing, check out Maddie’s preview of the festival. Here are set times — and as you can see, there are performances happening throughout the weekend. (PS)
Reuben sandwich, bacaro, 11 a.m. to sold out (or 2 p.m.), $15
I think we’re all in agreement here about the deliciousness of bacaro’s lunches. This week it’s a reuben with Triple S corned beef. A lot of it. So ring in the holiday weekend with some corned beef on rye. Photo from Facebook (JH)
Triptych’s weekend Independence Day bash, various times, starting at 3 p.m. on Friday
So, I realize that Jess mentions going to Triptych on Sundays because it is now open on Sundays and it wasn’t previously. That’s definitely something you can do. This isn’t a full-on love fest of Triptych, but it’s turning out to be because they’re having a weekend bash surroudning the 4th of July. On Friday, they’ll be open from 3-11 p.m. and Dragon Fire Pizza will be there. On Saturday, they’ll be open 12-11 p.m., and their beer garden is open. It’s no secret that we are fans, as you probably recognize, but that’s what’s happening. I won’t apologize for the duplicate post, friends. (PS)
Spindependence, Highdive, 5 p.m.-2 a.m., $5 for the weekend
Spindependence, a DJ festival featuring 40+ local and regional DJs, continues on Friday and Saturday. The lineup is here. Also, there is BBQ! Check out our interview with Delayney on Smile Politely Radio to learn more about what to expect. (RP)
Thoughts Detecting Machines and Mitchell Kent Dietrich, Mike N Molly’s, doors at 6:30 p.m., $7
Rick Valentin of legendary Champaign band The Poster Children has a cool synth-based solo project called Thoughts Detecting Machines. Ghost Track has the inside scoop on it. (MR)
Loose Cobra Summer Jam #2, Loose Cobra, 7 p.m., $5
The lineup is awesome: We The Animals, Centaur, DIBIASE, and The Dirty Feathers. There’s a tiki bar that opens at 4 p.m. And if you were at the Cobra for the Robbie Fulks and Bobby Bare Jr. show a few weeks ago then you know this is a time you won’t want to miss. (TP)
Dalipop and Chachi and the Bandidos, Mike N Molly’s, doors at 9:30 p.m., $7
Already at Mike N Molly’s for the Thoughts Detecting Machines show? Splendid. You’re in the right place to catch Dalipop, a new band with Kenna Mae at the front. She killed it at the Blues, Brews and BBQ fest last weekend with The Fights as her backing band, and I’d imagine it’ll only get better. (MR)
SATURDAY, July 4th
Be careful with your fireworks
About 300 people each year end up in the emergency room with firework related injuries. Some things to remember are: never allow young children to ignite or play with fireworks, never place your body directly over a firework while lighting the fuse, never re-light a firework, and keep a bucket of water nearby. Read more safety tips here. Enjoy and have fun! (SL)
Snatch a freedom CroNut, Pekara Bakery, Urbana Market at the Square, 7 a.m.-12 p.m., $2ish
They’re not actually called that. Just CroNut. But, you know, the mixing of French and American, and the Statue of Liberty, and patriotism and, oh, whatever. I admit, I was tempted to roll my eyes when I saw that Pekara was selling CroNuts. I regret that impulse. These things are delicious. At the Market, they have chocolate, lemon, raspberry, and maple bacon on hand. One of each please, and hold the judgement. (AH)
Champaign County Freedom Celebration, 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
Here is the breakdown of events happening surrounding the 4th of Julycelebration:
- 8:30 a.m. Youth race around the State Farm Center. Register here.
- 9:05 a.m. 5K race/walk
- 11:05 a.m. Parade. Click here for a map.
- 7 p.m. Captain Rat and the Blind Rivets band at the corner of Kirby and 1st St.
- 9:15 p.m. Fireworks
E.T., Art Theater Co-Op, 11:30 a.m. ($8.25) and 10 p.m. ($8)
Not into the usual holiday hulaballoo? Escape the crowded, oppressive heat and noise and retreat to the cool dark of a theatre to see Spielberg’s classic E.T. on the big screen for the first time, or the first time in a long time. Filled with its own unique national commentary, two showtimes allow you to either skip the parade or the fireworks. (RK)
SUNDAY, July 5th
Have a beer, Triptych, 1702 3 Woodfield Dr, Savoy, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., about $5
That’s right, Triptych is now open on Sundays. You’re bound to be hung over after 4th festivities on Saturday night, there’s no better cure for a hangover than some more alcohol. Maybe you should also pick up a burger and fries from Meatheads, too. (JH)
Loaded fries, Joe’s Brewery, 706 S. 5th Street, Urbana, 11 a.m.-2 a.m., $5
Fireworks keep you up all night? Loaded fries will turn that frown into a foodsick-grimace. Every Sunday, Joe’s Brewery puts their world-famous (source: me) loaded fries on special for just $5. If you like your friends, feel free to share with them. But it is only $5, so they can probably get their own. (AH)
Read in the Park with Urbana Free Library, Carle Park, 3-4 p.m., free
It’s July, so it’s time to get serious about your summer reading list. This Sunday, bring your book and a lawnchair or blanket and head to Carle Park in Urbana. After sitting under the trees to relax and enjoy some reading, the Urbana Free Library will provide lemonade and cookies and an opportunity to socialize with friends. All ages welcome. (RP)
Women’s World Cup Final, Derailed 57, 6 p.m.
Join the Champaign American Outlaws and cheer on the USWNT as they take on Japan in the World Cup Final. If you haven’t been watching, this is a rematch of the 2011 final featuring two of the top teams in the world. This should be a great way to finish off your holiday weekend. (TP)
Mary’s Wedding, The Station Theatre, 8 p.m., $10
Distorting the laws of space and time, Mary’s Wedding tells the story of two lovers separated during a war, where a dream reunites Mary and Charlie before they are to marry. Starring two young actors the director describes as “wonderful…full of passion”, this staging promises to be unique. (RK)
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