To our Smile Politely readers: We’re facing a new thing here, and it feels a little strange to put out a Weekender column right now. There are still some things going on around town. That might change, so please check with these businesses before you venture out. If you do venture out, be cautious. Wash your hands. Be mindful of others.
Friday, March 13th
Plan for the next few weeks, your house, whenever, free
Look, things just got real in the past few days. We’re dealing with kind of an unprecedented situation here, and it’s totally valid to be anxious and worried. I am. Not as much about personal sickness — I’m fortunate to be a person who is healthy with a family that is healthy — but the uncertainty of what is going to happen tomorrow, next week, next month, is tough to take. So, take a breath. Take some time to plan ahead. No, don’t play your own version of Supermarket Sweep, but get what you need to chill at home for awhile. Look for opportunities to help provide for those who don’t get to chill at home. Don’t panic, but show concern for your community and pay attention to Champaign-Urbana Public Health because they are an amazing resource. We will get through this. (JM)
Image from the Facebook event
Put on your lace and get down with the bass, Blackbird, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., $5 cover
DJ Gumby and DJ fiDLin are will be laying down tracks for Blackbird this Friday night. This is the venue’s second go at their Bass & Lace Neon Party. So, if you’re not feeling like “social distancing” this weekend, throw on your finest lace and enjoy those $3 pours of Jameson. (BH).
Saturday, March 14th
Go vote, locations vary, times vary, free
In a matter of hours the election seems to have taken a backseat to a pandemic, but it’s still important to have your voice heard. If you vote early, you are more likely to avoid lines and such. I walked right into the Leonhard Center yesterday and was done in a few minutes. Check out early voting locations and hours here…there are places open on both Saturday and Sunday. (JM)
Shop the Market IN the Square, Lincoln Square, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., prices vary
Market IN the Square is still on inside Lincoln Square. Head to the Market to support local farmers, artists, and businesses. You can buy fresh produce, baked goods, arts and crafts, meats and cheeses, wines, and more. (AB)
Image from Facebook event page.
Take a vintage book art journal workshop, Her Creative Collective, Mahomet, 9 to 11 a.m., $30
Join Dana Overman for an opportunity to turn a vintage book cover into a custom journal or sketchbook. Make a gift for a friend, or create a uniquely beautiful home for your thoughts and images. No previous experience necessary. Open to ages 13+. Find out more or sign up here. (DD)
Photo from Facebook event page.
Celebrate Pi Day, locations vary, times vary, prices vary
Yes, it’s Pi Day. That day when we celebrate math by eating dessert. Oh Honey Pie food truck is planning to be out and about selling their delicious pies at various locations around town. Check out the Facebook event for specific info about hours, locations, and menu options. Grabbing some pie and curling up on the couch with fork and some Netflix sounds like a great way to hunker down this Saturday. (JM).
Enjoy a St. Patrick’s Day high tea, Sylvia’s Irish Inn, 2 to 4 p.m., $35
Syvlia’s Irish Inn is offering a relaxing afternoon tea for $35. Guests will enjoy a glass of champagne punch on arrival, beautiful Celtic music and storytelling, and a traditional tea and desserts. The menu includes pear pecan ricotta crostini, Irish egg salad sandwiches, Irish soda bread, Bailey’s cheesecake, and bread pudding. Buy your tickets here at Walnut Street Tea’s website. (AB)
Image from the Facebook event.
Come check two local acts (and one from Chicago), Rose Bowl Tavern, 8:30 to 11:30 p.m., $10 adv., $13 door
Chicago’s Ratboys (post-country, indie) will be performing music from the recent LP, Printer’s Devil, which was released on February 28th. They will be joined by C-U favorites, Take Care and Gnarly Beth. Take Care goes on first, followed by Gnarly Beth and Ratboys. You can get tickets early on the Facebook event page, or just pick them up at the door. (BH)
Sunday, March 15th
Image from Facebook event page.
Learn the art of acrylic paint pouring, Yellow & Company, Mahomet, 2 to 3:30 p.m., $25
Join the folks from Paint Like Me for a fun and accessbile opportunity to get in on the pour phenomenon. Learn how to make gorgeous, flowy, pour patterns using the the strainer method. This method creates meditative abstract images based around a grounding focal point. Open to ages 14+. Get more information or register here. (DD)
Sign up for a CSA, your house, all weekend, about $500 for a 24-week share
Did you catch our CSA guide that published earlier this week? If you’re on the fence, of haven’t done a CSA before, I can’t recommend it enough. This year there are plenty of selections for those who eat a lot and those who eat few veggies. There are ones for fruit. There are ones for flowers. Look over the guide and sign on up. (JH)
Top photo by Jessica Hammie.
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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.