Friday, May 27th
Call or write your representatives, all weekend, free
Are you as sick and tired and heartbroken as me when you look at what American exceptionalism is? Contact Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, and Representative Rodney Davis and tell them to act on gun legislation, on abortion rights, on any other number of things they are not, in fact, acting on. Need a script? Use this website. Don’t want to talk to people? Adapt that script and use this texting service. (JH)
Photo from Hamilton Walker’s Facebook page.
Order some grilling meat for your Memorial Day BBQ, Hamilton Walker’s, 4 to 8:30 p.m., $9-$32
The Downtown Champaign steakhouse offers raw meat on the takeout menu, and this weekend will be a good weekend for grilling. Order some to go burgers or fish and chips on Friday night and add the meat you’ll want for the long weekend. The grilling meat options include a four-pack of burger patties, bone-in ribeye, filet mignon, Atlantic salmon, bacon, and more. (AB)
Saturday, May 28th
Photo from the Urbana Free Library Facebook page.
Check out the School’s Out Garden Party, Cunningham Township Gardens, 12-3 p.m., free
This celebration of the end of the school year is all about providing opportunities for the community. Pick up free seed packets to start your own garden while enjoying music by Brandon T. Washington. Information about services for food and rent assistance will be available along with a free lunch. (DD)
Listen to East Asian music, Spurlock Museum, 2 p.m., free
Recognize Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a concert with Ru Huang and Yarong Guan. They will play traditioanl East Asian music, as well as some popular and jazz songs, on the piano and erhu. (JM)
Image from Rose Bowl Tavern’s Facebook page.
Hear music from new up and coming composers, Rose Bowl Tavern, 4 p.m., free
New Music Mosaic is made up of C-U’s emerging composers and their recent works. This lineup includes Matthew Reeder on flute, Suzanne Segredo on oboe, Jack Thorpe on sax, Briar Schlenker on cello, and Drew Farrar on guitar. (SW)
Sunday, May 29th
Photo by Yobu (Arthur) Zou.
Take a trip for beer and brunch, Big Thorn Farm & Brewery, noon to 8 p.m., prices vary
There’s no better time than the weekend to make your way out to Big Thorn Farm & Brewery for some cold beer on draft and brunch on a farm. The 15-acre farm and brewery offers a big menu of beers, and there is a food truck onsite. The brunch menu includes French toast, breakfast tacos, and grilled cheese. Read Xiaohui’s review that published yesterday to learn more. (AB)
Hear some flute and fiddle music, Rose Bowl Tavern, 4 p.m., free
Playing original, traditional, and modern flute and fiddle music from North America, Ireland, Scotland, and Scandinavia, Mean Lids is going to keep you entertained. (SW)
Knit at Nite, The Literary, 5 p.m.
If you’re tired of knitting at home alone, The Literary is offering a chance for social knitting. Open to knitters of all experience levels. Knit at Nite is a monthly meet-up on the last Sunday of every month. (DD)
Monday, May 30th
Photo by Jessica Hammie.
Vote early, all weekend, check locations and hours here, free
Early voting for primaries is underway. Go vote, please. All national problems are evident at the local level, and we need elected officials who will work to build a better society, not just enrich their own lives. (JH)
Hit the pool, Sholem Aquatic Center or Crystal Lake Aquatic Center, hours vary, prices vary
Both C-U pools open this weekend, and it’s going to be toasty. Grab your towel and your sunscreen and go cool off. My personal favorite is the lazy river at Sholem. Be sure to check the website for specific hours and prices. It’s bit more if you aren’t a resident. You can also still purchase season passes or punch cards if you’re planning to go throughout the summer. (JM)
Top photo from Sholem Aquatic Center 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.