FRIDAY, June 2nd
Eat some pie, Courier Cafe, 7 a.m. to midnight, about $4
A few weeks ago I posted this SPlog about Courier Cafe’s pies. They look (and taste) insanely delicious, and the restaurant posted some more pie photos earlier this week. Treat yourself. You deserve it. Photo from Facebook (JH)
Open Office Hours with Rep. Rodney Davis, 2004 Fox Drive, Champaign, 1 p.m., free
He’s baaaaaaaaaaaack – everyone’s favorite missing congressperson, Representative Rodney Davis, is back to having open office hours again, and we can’t wait. If it’s anything like last time, he’ll allow small groups in to sit down with him and ask him questions – maybe you can even get an answer that’s not a generic Republican talking point! (BH)
Urbana First Fridays, Downtown Urbana, 4 p.m., admission is free
It seems like each session of FF is better than the last. June’s first installment will include an impressive lineup of activities and participants, such as an extensive artist showcase, an “instrument petting zoo,” tons of food and drink specials, and the return of the fabulous Main Street Carnival. See the event page for the full rundown and make sure to take full advantage of all the things that downtown Urbana has to offer. (JTM)
Angie Heaton at Friday Night Live, downtown Champaign, 6-7 p.m., FREE
Tomorrow on your way home from work, I encourage you to ask yourself a question: how long has it been since Angie Heaton played in this town? If the answer is (as it should be) “Too damn long”, then take yourself over to 10,000 Villages and listen to some good ol’ music by one of C-U’s best. It’d be a good time to grab a bite at Kopi… or maybe even Esquire, and still be able to hear. (RK)
SATURDAY, June 3rd
Homer Soda Festival, Downtown Homer, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., free entry, VIP tickets $20/unlimited soda wristband $15, or 10 tastings for $4
The 5th Annual Homer Soda Festival is a celebration of the sweet, syrupy, carbonated beverage that is undoubtedly contributing to America’s obesity epidemic, and it’s wonderful. It’s an intense afternoon of soda shots, barbecue, ice cream, and crowds. The last few years it’s rained, and this year’s event will likely have rain, too. Don’t let that deter you! It’s a quirky festival that’s pretty fun, and if you aren’t really a soda drinker (like myself), it’s a fun way to indulge. For a preview of what’s in store, check out our reviews from 2014, 2015, and 2016. Photo by Jessica Hammie (JH)
Go to the pool, Crystal Lake Park (Urbana) or Sholem Pool (Champaign), all day, price varies
With a scorching high of 88 degrees on Saturday, it’s becoming rapidly apparent that Summer is truly bearing down on us. The best way to remedy this, of course, is by going down some water slides and chilling in a lazy river. Luckily, both Champaign and Urbana have awesome pools, and Saturday just may be the right day. (BH)
Block Party- Takin’ it To the Streets, Tremont and 4th Street, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., free
The C-U Area Project, Moms Demand Action, and several other local organizations are throwing a block party to bring community members together and raise awareness about gun violence. There will be free food, activities for kids, resource tables, giveaways, and a live remote from WBCP. Attendees are encouraged to wear orange to support the national Wear Orange initiative to end gun violence. (JEM)
Hogchute Opry, Kalyx Center for Sustainability (near Monticello), 1 p.m., $10
Usher in the summer the right way with this year’s Hogchute Opry, which has been condensed into one super packed day that boasts almost TWENTY different musical acts. This mini-fest takes place in a barn that is basically in the middle of a grassy and scenic nowhere, which is a perfect place to host the best local folk and roots music. It’s suggested that you camp (at no additional charge), and you’re also welcome to bring along your favorite acoustic instrument and jam with the acts. It’s BYOB / grill plus meats, and a food truck will be there for additional victuals. Oh, and there’s a bonfire. Don’t miss this event, which is quickly becoming a classic. (JTM)
SUNDAY, June 4th
Sunday Splash at the Spurlock Museum, 1-3:30 p.m., 600 S. Gregory, Urbana, free
Spurlock Museum hosts Sunday Splash on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sundays now through September. According to their website, “this event allows you to wade into world culture with mini-tours of special artifacts and exhibits, dip your toe into some new multicultural board games, and create a splash with a themed art project. Sample projects include Indonesian batik watercolors, Chinese brush painting, Roman mosaics, and global constellation art.” This is meant for 18+, so leave the kids at home. (JEM)
Listening Session with Carol Ammons, Champaign Public Library, 2-4 p.m., FREE
Unlike some representatives at the national level, State Rep Carol Ammons wants you to know exactly where she is: here, and wanting to hear what we have to say. It’s easy to get caught up in the Big Bad that’s going on in D.C., but we’ve had our own econo-sized evil for even longer — IL still doesn’t have a budget after 700 days, so she has some important work to do for us. (RK)
———
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.