Friday, May 20th
Hear Vivian Krishman read from her new book, The Literary, 6 p.m., free
Kula in the Sky tells the story of “a young Fijian girl who faces challenges with growing up and growing apart from her older sister” and features adventure and discovery. Following the reading and discussion, members of the Illinois Bat Conservation Program will be talking about their work. (DD)
Photo by Julie McClure.
Catch a flick at the drive-in, Harvest Moon Drive-In Theatre, gates open at 6:30 p.m., $7-10
Going to the drive-in is one of my must-do summer things. This weekend they are showing Encanto and the new Dr. Strange. The movies start at 8:30 p.m., but get there early to grab your spot and spend some time hanging out with your friends and/or family. I always like to spend a little more and reserve a front row spot. Find everything you need to know about your visit, and purchase tickets, on their website. (JM)
Album cover by Kamila Glowacki.
Hear Nectar’s new album live, Exile On Main Street, 8 p.m., $5 suggested donation
Nectar put out a fantastic new album last week, which they’ll be playing live in full on Friday. You can read our review of the record here. Joining them and opening up the evening is Soft and Dumb, whose newest song “Be Better” seems to get stuck in my head every day. (SW)
Saturday, May 21st
Get some strawberries, Market at the Square, 7 a.m. to noon, prices vary
Saturday, May 21st is National Strawberries and Cream Day, and I think we should celebrate this holiday. This year, it coincidentally lands on market day. Many of the farmers will have Illinois-grown strawberries for sale, but they will sell out. Visit the Market at the Square earlier rather than later to get the best pick of the berries. (AB)
Shop at The Crow at 110’s Spring Open House, 1-3 p.m., price vary
Bring home some new art, candles, t-shirts, and other handmade item made from a variety of local artists, including those served by the Developmental Services Center, who sponsors and operates this gallery space. (DD)
Sunday, May 22nd
Photo by Alyssa Buckley.
Order this alpastoricito dish, Huaraches Moroleon, 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., $11.99
The alpastoricito dish at Huaraches Moroleon is my new favorite order for the Urbana restaurant. Marinated pork with grilled pineapple chunks served with slivers of softened white onions and topped with cilantro and a few strings of shredded cheese plus rice, beans, and tortillas (choice of corn or flour). If you love al pastor, you will love this dish. (AB)
Photo by Julie McClure.
Take a hike, locations vary, anytime during daylight hours, free
Sunday is going to be a pretty temperate day, and our area trails are in full bloom. Mara has reviewed a few of the longer hikes, if you have a few solid hours. On the other end of the spectrum, Busey Woods is nearby and a good place to go if you’re looking for more of a stroll than a hike. (JM)
Photo from the Champaign County History Museum Instagram page.
Take a walking tour of historic theaters in Champaign, Champaign County History Museum, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., $15
The Champaign County History Museum is doing walking tours of Downtown Champaign again. This Saturday, you’ll take a walk through Downtown to explore the “current and forgotten theaters.” As we know, there is only one current theater — the Virginia — but Downtown was once more culturally vibrant. Learn all about it on this walking tour. Plus, the museum is celebrating 50 years this week, so there will be snacks: popcorn, lemonade shake-ups, and cake! (JH)
Watch NCAA Championship tennis, Atkins Tennis Center, 3 p.m. + 7 p.m., $17
The NCAA Men’s and Women’s DI Tennis Championships are being hosted right here in C-U. The competition runs from May 19-28, with team and individual competitions (quarterfinals and up). Though the Illini are not participating, there are plenty of very, very good teams and players. You never know which up-and-coming player you’ll see — this year’s Australian Open Women’s Finalist, Danielle Collins, for example, was a two-time NCAA singles champion before she went pro. Tickets are good for the entire day. (JH)
Attend a concert from Amasong, McKinley Memorial Presbyterian Church, 4 p.m., $20 suggested donation
Amasong will be hosting two concerts, with a theme of women’s strength in the face of adversity and danger. This is the second concert of the two. Masks are required to attend. (SW)
Top photo by Alyssa Buckley.
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