Friday, May 25th
Go eat and/or drink outside somewhere, locations and prices vary
One of my very favorite things about summer is eating and drinking outside. While I thoroughly enjoy doing this on my own deck, I’m also a big fan of venturing out to take in the community vibe on the patio scene. There are a ton of options…sliders at Seven Saints, slushes at Watson’s, pasta and wine at Nando, brews at Sipyard or Triptych...to name a few. Plus it’s always great for people watching. (JM) Top photo by Julie McClure
Go meet Betsy Dirkson Lodrigan, Quality Beer, 5 to 6:30 p.m., free
Ms. Londrigan is officially our hope for getting our friend Rodney out of office, so take this opportunity to go find out more about her. The event is being hosted by the Champaign County Young Democrats. (JM)
Jeremy Pinnell, Becky Levi & Mike Vanier, Kenna Mae, The Iron Post, 9 p.m., cover
Cleverly titled Offchute Opry — this is a pre-Hogchute Opry show of sorts happening at the Iron Post later this week. Hogchute isn’t for a few weeks, so to tide you over, here’s Kentucky musician Jeremy Piennell, Becky Levi and Mike Vanier out of Chicago, alongside local Kenna Mae. (PS)
Saturday, May 26th
Prepare for your cookouts/potluck/parties, local food markets, prices vary
Chances are you are attending or hosting some kind of gathering with food this weekend. As you are preparing to make your contribution to that event, support local businesses and growers. It’s Urbana Market at the Square day, so that’s a good place to start. The Co-op is right there if you need to supplement. Strawberry Fields, Fresh International Market, and World Harvest are a few other options. (JM) Photo by Jess Hammie
Learn about and taste some teas, BrewLab, 10 to 11:30 a.m., $15
BrewLab is hosting Spirit Tea, a Chicago-based tea distributor. The class is $15 and requires tickets/registration (do that here). You’ll learn about a variety of different teas and how to properly brew them at home. More info is available on Facebook. (JH)
Learn to make your own kombucha, Common Ground Food Co-op, 2 to 4 p.m., $10/$15
Kombucha, a fermented beverage, offers a variety of benefits for digestive health. It’s having a moment in the mainstream, and you can find all sorts of flavors and brands at almost every grocer. It’s not cheap; 16oz bottles can cost upwards of $4. Learning to make your own is going to save you money, and that’s what this class will offer you. Learn to brew it, and you’ll leave with your own scoby, which is the slimey stuff that turns your liquid into kombucha. (JH) Photo from Facebook
Sunday, May 27th
Eat some Pizzeria Antica, Pizzeria Antica, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 5 to 10 p.m., about $14 per pizza
Pizzeria Antica: the best pizza in C-U? It’s certainly a contender. The Neapolitan style is chewy and fresh and delicious. Antica is one of my favorite places to get pizza in this area, and it should be yours too. You really need to eat it in the restaurant, fresh; this isn’t your rubbery, sad delivery pizza. Antica has gelato, too, so save room for dessert. (JH) Photo by Jessica Hammie
Learn old-timey games, Spurlock Museum, 1 to 3:30 p.m., free
The Spurlock’s new exhibition, “Past Time Pastimes: Vintage Board Games,” features a selection of old board games. Museum staff will be on hand to teach you indoor and outdoor games of the past (for the young and the old!), which is bound to be a little weird and hilarious. Bring the kids, as this is a family-friendly event, and learn something new you can teach the neighbors. (JH)
Kilborn Alley, the Loose Cobra, 5 p.m., donation suggested
Whether or not you’re working tomorrow, you can attend this show at the Loose Cobra to celebrate Memorial Day weekend. Kilborn Alley Blues Band has been at it for quite a long time here in C-U, and they will ring in this holiday at the Cobra. (PS) Photo from the Facebook event page
Monday, May 28th
Beat the heat, various locations, prices vary
I was all set to recommend heading to some local parks on this extra day off, but apparently going to be July on Monday. So find some ways to cool off, if you feel like venturing out of the air conditioning. Both Sholem Aquatic Center and Crystal Lake Pool will be open. We know you all love some ice cream and the like, so grab some cool treats at Jarling’s, El Oasis, Cocomero, Sidney Dairy Barn, etc. Just be sure to check hours before you go. (JM) Photo from Facebook
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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.