Friday, June 29th
Open Studio Summer Educator Micro-Residency, Flagg Hall, 5:30-7 p.m., free
Did you know that the University of Illinois’ College of Fine + Applied Arts hosts a Summer Educator Micro-Residency Art Program? Every summer educator-artists come together for a week-long intensive experience which offers K-12 educators the chance to engage in artistic practices, get to know one another, and work with Art + Design faculty. Participants in the 2018 program will open their studios and share their experience with the public. There will be live jazz and complimentary wine. Stop by and see what art educators, from across the country, have been up to here in C-U. (AB) Photo from Facebook
Check out a movie, Harvest Moon Drive In, Gibson City, 6 p.m., $8 -$18
Watching a movie at the drive-in theater might be as American as apple pie. Harvest Moon is the only theater in the area. This weekend it’s showing the latest Jurassic Park movie and Incredibles 2 (which was great). Pack the kids and the friends into the car and make the drive out there—it’s too hot to be doing anything else. (JH) Photo from Facebook
Our Landmark, Patriot Patrol, Colonel James Presents, Cowboy Monkey, 9 p.m., $5
Our Landmark released a record at the end of last year, and a new video a few months back for you to check out. Here’s a three band local bill at Monkey worth your time — Our Landmark is joined by Patriot Patrol and Colonel James Presents. (PS)
Sun Stereo, Blackbird, 10 p.m., $7
Blackbird is turning one this week, and they are throwing a party to celebrate. Sun Stereo just released their first new track in four years last week, and they are going to ring in the second year of business for this venue in Downtown Urbana on Friday night. (PS)
Saturday, June 30th
Learn about the C-U Woodshop, 1401 Parkland Ct, Champaign, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., free
Stop by C-U Woodshop Supply to learn more about woodworking. This open house is an opportunity to check out the space, meet the folks who run it, and learn more about taking woodworking classes. Channel your inner Nick Offerman and see how you can work with your hands. (JH) Photo from Facebook
Stand up for families, Champaign Public Library, 12:45 p.m., free
In response to the continued horrific treatment of families crossing our southern border, there will be nationwide marches and rallies happening in an intitiative called Families Belong Together. C-U will be having their own version, beginning at the library, continuing to a rally at the corner of Green and Neil. Dig out your sharpies, make some signs, and make your voice heard. If you get up and moving a bit earlier that day, start off with the Building the Blue Wave event at 10:30 a.m. at the library and talk strategy leading up to these now ever more crucial midterm elections. (JM) Image from Facebook
Celebrate happy hour, Crudo, 4 to 7 p.m., prices vary
One rarely encounters a happy hour on a weekend, so when you stumble upon that unicorn, it’s special. Crudo hosts a Saturday happy hour each weekend, featuring $5 beer, wine, and spritz specials. Order a little cheese board and make it a little snack hour before heading out for dinner or more drinks. With the excessive heat warning this weekend, I think we’ll all be needing a little spritz. (JH) Photo (at the the of the page) by Katie Simpson
Sunday, July 1st
Check out Jason Patterson’s artwork, Art Coop, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., free
Jason Patterson’s artwork is currently on view at Art Coop (Lincoln Square Mall), where he also has a studio space. This exhibition is Patterson’s last in the area for some time; he’s moving out of C-U. The exhibition is on view through July 5th. More info is available on Facebook. (JH) Photo from Facebook/Jason Patterson
Eat some ice cream for a good cause, Common Ground Food Co-op, noon to 3 p.m., $5/person
Common Ground’s annual ice cream social is a fundraiser for Eastern Illinois Foodbank. This year, Red Bicycle Ice Cream will be providing the ice cream (with vegan options, too). Pay what you can, but the suggested donation is $5. Common Ground will provide the toppings. This family-friendly activity will feature live music, so it’s bound to be a nice little outing. (JH) Image from Facebook
Time machine: planets, stars, and the moon, Spurlock Museum, 1 – 3:30 p.m., free
The Spurlock Museum invites you and your whole family to learn more about what to watch for in the skies during these summer nights as special guest Dave Leake from Parkland’s Staerkel Planetarium gives a sky news update and leads a hands-on workshop featuring meteorites you can touch. Listen to folktales from local storyteller Kim Sheahan and connect your minds with worlds beyond. This free and family friendly event is sure to provide extended entertainment as you connect the museum’s celestial objects and imagine how these objects relate to our lives, the summer, and the sky. (AB) Photo from the Spurlock Museum 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.