Friday, March 15th
Check out some wheelchair basketball, State Farm Center, times vary, free
Illinois has a storied history of wheelchair basketball — this is the 50th anniversary of the men’s team winning the national championship — and this year we are hosting that very tournament. This is an awesome and FREE opportunity to see some highly skilled athletes compete. Illinois men are playing at 12 p.m. today, and the women are playing at 10 a.m. on Saturday. If you want to find out more about the program here at Illinois, read up here. (JM) Top photo by Scott Wells
Visit Campustown for a meal, all weekend (and next week), prices vary
Spring break is here! It will be super quiet and you will easily be able to access your favorite restaurants and bars. I have plans to go to NAYA, and maybe Cocomero for hot taro bubble tea, or this pastry shaped like a fish. How about some tots at Murphy’s? Or a bowl of ramen at Sakanaya? With the students gone, the parking possibilities are endless, and the risk of vehicular homicide nearly zero. (JH) Photo by Jessica Hammie
See Hot Sauce Universe, Neil St. Blues, 6 p.m., free but be sure to buy food and/or drinks
Bloomington-based band Hot Sauce Universe is bringing their compelling stage chemistry and soulful, improv-groove to Neil St. Blues this Friday. The show commemorates the married duo’s anniversary, and promises to spread the love with good vibes and funky beats. Check out their EP for free here. (NL) Photo from Facebook
Saturday, March 16th
Create your own art from the wide range of materials, The Idea Store, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., prices vary
Look at these amazing vintage cards and imagine what you could create with them along with all of the other arts, crafts and vintage items you’ll get for a song. (DD) Photo from Facebook
Hear traditional Irish music, Lincoln Square, 10 a.m., free
If you’re feeling festive this weekend, you can get your fix of traditional Irish music on Saturday at Lincoln Square Mall. Port Mor has been playing traditional Irish tunes in Champaign since the mid-90’s, and are a solid addition to any St. Patrick’s Day celebrating you have planned. The show is part of Art In the Square (an Urbana Public Arts effort), and will be family friendly. (NL)
Founders Spring Cookout, Crane Alley, 1 p.m. to 2 a.m., prices vary
Crane Alley will host this special Founders Brewing spring cookout, featuring “a special food menu with a variety of meats smoked using a KBS barrel” and a bunch of Founders beer on tap. Saturday looks to be sunny, if not particularly warm, but right now sunshine is a precursor to spring, and I will take it. (JH) Photo from Facebook
Experience some hops, Allerton Park, 1 to 11 p.m., $5-89
Immerse your self in all things beer at Allerton’s annual event. Spend the day learning with workshops and tastings, then maybe stay for their four course beer pairing dinner and cash bar. Since you might want to not drive home after all of this imbibing, you might consider staying over then participating in their Boots-and-Brew Hike the following morning. (JM)
Road trip to Decatur and check out the Art is Dead exhibition, Donnie’s Homespun Pizza, 6 p.m., bring $ to buy pizza, beer, and art prints
Mixed media artist Alec Goss will bring his brand of pop surrealism and up-and-comer Downtown Suzi Brown will showcase her editorial photography and pop art. All you need to do is bring money for the essentials: food, gas, adult beverages, and, of course, art. (DD)
Or take a road trip to see the Danville Symphony Orchestra/Danville Musical Theatre’s production of Beauty and the Beast, Dick Van Dyke Auditorium, 7:30 to 10 p.m., $20 to $40
A collab featuring over 60 local performers and 40 professional musicians from the Illiana area. If you prefer your Disney stories performed live and set to a full symphonic orchestra this is a performance well worth the trip. (DD)
Sunday, March 17th
Eat something green, all day, wherever, prices vary
My favorite green thing in C-U might be the lemon garlic greens salad at Bread Co. It’s just perfect. In honor of St. Patrick Day’s, I intend to eat something green, because it might be fun. Other green things I enjoy eating: fried okra at Watson’s, pistachio gelato at Pizzeria Antica, garlic green beans at Golden Harbor, the salsa verde at Maize and La Mixteca, and the green chutney at Kohinoor. (JH) Photo by Jessica Hammie
Go old school for St. Patrick’s Day, Emmanuel Memorial Episcopal Church, 4 p.m., free
Emmanuel is hosting a 1662 Choral Evensong, a regular liturgical tradition in the Anglican church, and this one will “honor St. Patrick and the Celtic spirit.” I don’t know, with all of the busy-ness and noise of life, sitting in a lovely space in “calm contemplation” seems rather wonderful, regardless of your religiousity. Then you can go have your corned beef and cabbage or Guinness or whatever. (JM)
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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.