Friday, June 17th
Photo by Rafay Khan.
Savor some breakfast cake, Aroma Cafe, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., $3
You deserve a slice of cake, don’t you? I say you do. This slice of carrot cake was part of Rafay’s review of Aroma Cafe in Downtown Champaign. He liked the crunch of the nuts in the cake and loved the cream cheese frosting best. Spend your Friday morning on the patio before it’s too hot or enjoy the indoor seating. (AB)
Enjoy dinner outdoors and hear some live music, Downtown Champaign, 6 p.m., free
Friday Night Live is finally back in full swing, with musicians playing all around Downtown Champaign. I always love finding a dinner spot outdoors in the shade, and chowing down while watching and listening to music. Is there really any better combo than food and music outdoors? (SW)
Photo from the Station Theatre Facebook page.
Go see By the Way, Meet Vera Stark, The Station Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $10-$25
Playwright Lynn Nottage’s work has been making the rounds of our town. And this particular production promises to be well worth the wait. Until further notice, all attendees must be fully vaccinated (or show a negative COVID test within 72 hours) and wear a mask while in the Station Theatre space. Rated PG-13 for mild profanity and some mature content. Get tickets here. (DD)
Saturday, June 18th
Photo from Tuscola GSA Booster Club Facebook page.
Support Pride in Tuscola, Tuscola Community Building, all day, cost varies
Did you catch our article featuring the Tuscola GSA Booster Club? The group was started by the mom of a high school student who decided the school’s Gay Straight Alliance needed some adult to show up and support them. You can support them by participating in the Pound the Pavement for Pride Color 5K Run/Walk, attending the pancake breakfast after, or attending the Queens of the Corn Drag Show in the evening. If you want to stick around Tuscola for both, the Odd Market is happening throughout the day. Check out more than 20 makers that will be there sharing their work. Follow the links for info on each event. (JM)
Screenshot from YouTube.
Check out some fancy gardens, south and west sides of Champaign, south Urbana; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., $10/$12
The U of I Extension’s Garden Walk is back after pandemic hiatus. You’ll see six private home gardens and two public ones. It’s perfect for inspiration for your own gardening hobby, or something nice to look at if you have zero interest in that sort of work. (I see you). Tickets are cheaper in advance, and kids under 12 are free. Additional details and a link to buy tickets are on the website. (JH)
Take advantage of a second record store day, Exile on Main Street, 11 a.m., free
Record Store Day got split into two days this year, with this June date being the second date. Exile is hosting a party with 10+ bands playing all day and into the evening. There will be even more exclusive record store day drops, so swing by, listen to some live music, and shop some rare vinyl. (SW)
Celebrate Juneteenth, multiple locations, times vary, free
The Champaign Park District and Champaign Public Library are hosting their annual Juneteenth celebration at Douglass Park from 12 to 3 p.m. The family friendly event will have arts and crafts, a bounce house, music and dance performances, and community vendors. This is the first year the celebration is back in person after two years of going virtual. Over in Urbana, HV Neighborhood Transformation will be kicking of their 40 Days of Peace and Community Building with a Juneteenth gathering at Crestview Park from 12 to 7 p.m. There will be food, music, activities for kids and adults, and live performances. (JM)
Sunday, June 19th
Photo from Neil St. Blues’ Facebook page.
Attend a Juneteenth brunch, Neil St. Blues, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., $25
This Sunday, check out Neil St. Blues’s Juneteenth buffet brunch. The celebratory meal will feature tasty Southern cuisine the restaurant is known for: fried chicken, waffles, fried catfish, hand-cut collard greens, mac ‘n cheese, shrimp ‘n grits, hashbrown casserole, Britt’s rum bread puddin’, and more will be available. The brunch is $25 a person, and there is an hour and a half table time to ensure all can enjoy. (AB)
See a matineé performance of Sister Act, Parkland’s Miner Theatre, $12-$17
The annual Kathy Murphy Student Production offers both a chance to honor the late Champaign-Urbana Theatre Company founding member and to support the next generation of local theatre stars. This production of Sister Act guarantees some great music and some much needed feel-good feelings. Get ticket information here. (DD)
Photo courtesy of Japan House.
Hear some music at Japan House, eat delicious shaved ice, Japan House, 4 to 6 p.m., free (but you can register)
Every third Sunday, Japan House hosts a Shinrin Yoku (forest bathing) event. No, we don’t really have a forest, but you get the idea, right? This Sunday, listen to rawsugar (starting at 4:30 p.m.), and stop by the Matcha Cafe for some delicious treats (get there early for the largest selection). Additional details are available here. (JH)
Top photo from Champaign Park District Facebook page.
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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.