Friday, March 25th
Photo from the 40 North Facebook page.
Celebrate the arts at Untitled, Orpheum Theater, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m., $55 for single ticket; $100 for two tickets
40 North’s Annual Fundraiser is happening after a two year pandemic hiatus. The theme for this party is game night; feel free to attend in costume. Here’s what’s included in your ticket: “snacks and complimentary cocktails, custom screen-printed t-shirts, a whiskey-spirits wall, custom caricatures, an original art sale featuring local artists, a raflle featuring unique experiences and local flavors, and a mysterious murder mystery experience from Champaign-Urbana Adventures in Time and Space.” (JH)
Meet and celebrate Urbana’s first youth poet laureate, Lincoln Square Mall, 7 to 8:30 p.m., free
The inauguration of Danyla Nash as Urbana’s first youth poet laureate is definitely worth a full-on celebration. Stop by Lincoln Square Mall, in the corridor by Common Ground Food Coop, and catch some of her poetry and her plans for her working with C-U youth poets. (DD)
Image from Rose Bowl Tavern’s Facebook page.
Honky Tonk it up, Rose Bowl Tavern, 8:30 p.m., free
See three of some of the best country acts in the area, including Neoga (formerly Neoga Blacksmith), Minor Moon, and Clayton Deering. If you’re looking to have a few drinks and dance a bit in a laid back environment, head to the Rose Bowl on Friday. (SW)
Saturday, March 26th
Photo by Alyssa Buckley.
Eat a Girl Scout cookie donut, Pandamonium Doughnuts, 8 a.m. until sold out, $2.75
This Samoa doughnut from Pandamonium was amazing. The yeast doughnut had toasted coconut, house-made caramel glaze, and a chocolate drizzle on top. There are other Girl Scout cookie-inspired doughnuts: Thin Mint, Tagalongs, and Lemonades. These special doughnuts will only be available during March, so this is your last Saturday to pick one up. Make sure you pre-order, so you can start the weekend in a sweet way. (AB)
Photo from the 8 to Create Facebook page.
Watch art get made in real time, Link Gallery, 500 E Peabody, Champaign, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., free
8 artists will each make 8 works of art in 8 hours. 8 to Create is a live version of the reality show art fans need. Watch artists throughout their entire processes. Non-artists will get a real behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to make art, while artists are bound to get inspired and pick up some tips. (DD)
Discover Indian culture, Foellinger Auditorium, 5 to 9 p.m., free
The Indian Graduate Students Association is hosting their annual spring event, Discover India. Immerse yourself in the diverse elements of Indian cutlure for a few hours. There will be cultural exhibits in the lobby as well as dance, music, and theater performances in the auditorium. The night will wrap up with a Bollywood DJ and dance party. (JM)
Attend Following and hear the playwright speak afterward, Station Theatre, 7-8:30 p.m., free ($5 donation suggested)
Following is about a hotshot app designer who is being stalked. Playwright Ben F. Locke will be present after the show to talk and answer questions. The Station Theatre requires masks and proof of vaccination. (JH)
Image from Virginia Theatre’s Facebook page.
Catch some comedy, Virginia Theatre, 10 p.m., $30+
Comedian Hasan Minhaj is performing at the Virginia Theatre as part of his King’s Jester tour. Known for his Netflix show The Patriot Act, Minhaj has become one of the most popular comedians of this era. He is doing two shows on Saturday night. His 7:30 p.m. show is already sold out, but tickets are still available for the 10 p.m. show, so get them while you still can. (SW)
Sunday, March 27th
Photo by Alyssa Buckley.
Go out for brunch, Watson’s, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., $12
What’s not to love about a fried chicken sandwich on a Sunday morning? I love this sandwich so much for lunch — and I love it for brunch, too. If you want something besides Watson’s crispy chicken sando, the brunch menu offers chicken and waffles, avocado toast, bacon-egg sandwich, biscuits and gravy, black bean bowl, and more. (AB)
Check out some model trains, Lincoln Square Mall, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., free
If you dig trains or have kids that do, the Urbana Train Show has returned. There will be a bunch of operating layouts, vendors, and informational tables on the history of the railroad in our area. You can also do a make and take activity. The event is sponsored by the Illinois Terminal Division of the National Model Railroad Association. (JM)
Top photo from Indian Graduate Students Association 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.