Friday, June 14th
Pick some lavender, Sharp’s Crossing Lavender Farm (1495 County Rd 2300 N, Champaign), 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., prices vary
This is the 9th annual U-Pick Lavender event, and I’m embarrassed to say that I didn’t even know that we had a lavender farm. In addition to picking some lavender, you can also enjoy lavender foods and drinks, purchase lavender products, and ask for growing advice. (JH) Photo from Facebook event page
Drink beer, doodle with Ralph Roether, and get a coloring book, Pour Bros. Taproom, 5 p.m., prices vary
White Oak Brewing will be taking over the Pour Bros. tap. Ralph Roether, local illustrator and Pour Bros. doodler extraordinaire, will be showcasing his new coloring book. It only costs $4, and, proceeds go to support Boneyard Arts Festival — so go and buy one. Plus, a commemorative White Oak coloring page will be yours for free. Let the fine brew loosen up your inhibitions and remember how much you love to color. (DD)
See live music outside all over downtown Champaign, 6 p.m., no cover
Friday Night Live is in full swing for the summer, so you can catch a variety of street-side performances throughout the evening all around the downtown area. Performances are held at the intersections of Neil & Church, Neil & Park, Market & Taylor, and Walnut & Chester in Downtown Champaign. Check out their Facebook event page for weekly lineups and more information about the event. (NL)
Check out the lovely botanical art by Secret Gardens CU, Cafe Kopi, 6 to 8 p.m., free but bring $ to shop
Kudos to Kopi for inviting local visual artists to host pop-ups during Friday Night Live Champaign. This week’s guest is Secret Gardens CU, whose whimsical garden boxes make springtime memories last forever. (DD) Photo from Secret Gardens CU Facebook page
Saturday, June 15th
Celebrate Vegan Gelato Fest, Red Bicycle Ice Cream, noon to 8 p.m, prices vary
Red Bicycle’s monthly gelato fest is honoring vegan gelato again this month — vegan varieties are 25% off. The vegan gelato is made with a coconut base, which will lend itself to a creamy and rich consistency. If the weather is nice, you can take a bike ride out there, and then scooch over to Meadowbrook park for a leisurely ride/walk. (JH) Top photo from Facebook event page
Celebrate Juneteenth, Douglass Park, 12 to 3 p.m., free
This is the annual celebration recognizing the day when the Emancipation Proclamation reached Texas, freeing the last enslaved people. Each year, the Champaign Park District and Douglass Branch Library fill Douglass Park with music, games, and lots of other family activities. “Abe Lincoln” will also make his annual appearance to read the Emancipation Proclamation. (JM) Photo by Angela Waarala
Eat strawberries in the park, Meadowbrook Park, 4 to 9 p.m., free
While you’re in party in the park mode, head on over to Meadowbrook. It’s time for Urbana Park District’s annual Strawberry Jam. Listen to some tunes, tour the prairie, look at the stars with the CU Astronomy Club, and of course enjoy some strawberries atop ice cream. There will also be kite flying and hayrack rides…basically a good old fashioned time at the park. You can find the full schedule of events here. (JM)
See a bunch of local favorites in Tolono at CobraFest 2019, Loose Cobra, 5:30 p.m., $15-$20 donation recommended
The summer fests continue with CobraFest 2019. Two stages and seven bands are on the ticket for this one (check the lineup here), including Elsinore, The Bashful Youngens, The Falbonauts, and more. From the fest’s Facebook event description: “Tiki bar. Food truck. Jello shots. Parking lot margaritas. Indoor and outdoor stages. Possibly some chafing. No official cover but a $20-spot in the glowing orange bucket, if you can afford it, will be much appreciated. Mostly, though, I just want you to come share your day with us!” (NL) Photo from Facebook event page
Have brunch, Clark Bar, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., prices vary
Starting today, Clark Bar will be open for Sunday brunch. The menu is pretty standard: eggs, bacon, biscuits & gravy, French toast, etc. Check out the Facebook event page for the menu. (JH)
Hang out at the pool for father’s day, Sholem Aquatic Center, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., prices vary/free for dads
The cliché of getting dad the ugly neck tie for Father’s Day just doesn’t cut it anymore. If you’re like me, what your old man really wants to do is spend time with you, and let’s face it, I can’t afford any of the gifts he really wants anyway. Sholem Aquatic Center in Champaign will be celebrating fathers on Sunday by allowing all dads in for free. There will be a cannonball competition between the dads, a picture drawing contest for kids ages 3-12, and half-priced root beer floats at the concession stand for pop as well. Visit the event’s Facebook page for more details. (SP) Photo from the Facebook event page
Watch a flick and raise money for St. Jude, Harvest Moon Drive-In, 5:30 p.m., prices vary
Celebrate the 30th anniversary of a local landmark and raise money for St. Jude Children’s Hospital at Harvest Moon Drive-In’s Kids Carnival on Sunday. Starting at 5:30 until the double features begin at 8:45 p.m., kids can enjoy face painting, carnival rides, and meeting Buzz & Woody from Toy Story 4. Playing on the silver screen that evening are The Secret Life of Pets 2 & Aladdin (screen 1) and Men in Black: International & Godzilla: King of Monsters (screen 2). 100% of the day’s proceeds go towards St. Jude’s and more details can be found on the event’s facebook page. (SP)
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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.