Friday, November 1st
Eat an adorable and delicious cookie, Rick’s Bakery, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., about $3
Rick’s Bakery always makes yummy cookies that are decorated in adorable ways. This week, there are some Día de los Muertos cookies that are so charming. If that’s not your thing, there are other adorable cookies available, so treat yourself. (JH) Top photo from Rick’s Facebook page
See some local art, 914 Harrington Drive, 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., free
Art @ 914 is a pop up show happening in Champaign this weekend. There will be artwork from several local artists, including James Colvin, Kathy Micek, Phil Strang and Jeannie Vansickle. The show is hosted at the home of Lori Colvin and Mike Woodley. Can’t make it Friday? They will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday as well. (JM)
Sample some holiday foods, Common Ground Food Co-op, 5 to 7 p.m., free
Common Ground’s second fall holiday sampling event will offer the items you’ll find at the Thanksgiving salad-bar takeover. It’s a good way to try before you buy; if you like the stuff, it’s an easy thing to just pick up a container to bring to your Thanksgiving celebration in a few weeks. (JH)
Go see Titus Andronicus, Krannert Center, 7:30 p.m., $10-25
Immerse yourself in the Illinois Theatre adaptation of this Shakespeare play, which most significantly turns the work on its head by casting both a deaf man and a hearing woman to play the title role. As our own Arts Editor says, this piece is not for the faint of heart, but if you read through her review, you may very will be intrigued enough to handle a little intensity. (JM) Photo by Darrell Hoemann
Continue your Halloween celebrations with Mank & Sass, Watson’s Shack ‘n’ Rail, 10 p.m. – 1 a.m., the price of your dinner and/or drinks
If you didn’t have an opportunity to celebrate Halloween on the 31st, then you have at least one more opportunity to throw on your favorite costume and get spooky. Local duo Mank & Sass will be playing a two-hour set for patrons at Watson’s. The costume contest goes until midnight, and winners will receive a $50 gift card. (BH) Image from Facebook event
Saturday, November 2nd
Check out a new-to-you specialty grocer, all over C-U, all weekend, prices vary
Have you been to any of the specialty grocers in C-U? We have so many options: Ashar African Market, Am-ko, Bombay Market, Fresh International, Green Onion, El Progreso, plus many more. You could also argue that places like Grovestone and Art Mart are specialty grocers, too, but I’m willing to bet you’ve been there before. Why not stop by a new-to-you store and pick up one or two things you’ve never tried before? The internet is full of information, so you’ll definitely be able to figure out what to do with those items. Use the Grocers & Shopping tag as your guide. (JH) Photo by Rashmi Tenneti
Watch pumpkins get chucked into the sky, Rantoul National Aviation Center, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., prices vary
While it may sound like a bunch of preteens up to no good, the World Champion Punkin Chunkin highlights the innovative ideas and designs used to catapult pumpkins high into the sky. Teams from around the country will gather and compete for the best design/performance of their pumpkin launcher while spectators look on. The event will raise money for scholarships and local community programs focused on youth. Tickets and camping information can be found here. The event will also take place Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (SP) Photo from Facebook page
Get a head start on your holiday decorating and gift-getting, Wyndham Garden Hotel, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., $5
While I realize we are but a few days removed from Halloween, (in my opinion) it’s never too early to get started on the winter holdiays. This year, the Chris Cringle Arts & Crafts Show celebrates 40 years of holiday artistry. This year’s event will feature over 60 vendors — one of the largest show in the area. Admission is $5 for adults and children over 12, but youngins have free admission. The event is also happening from 3-9 p.m. (BH)
Check out some woodworking, CU Woodshop Supply, Inc., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., free (though there will be items for purchase)
Have you ever visited CU Woodshop Supply? It’s tucked back on Parkland Court, just off Bradley Avenue, and this is a great weekend to check it out. They are hosting their annual Fall Woodworking Festival, where you’ll be able to learn more about woodworking, do a little shopping, and see items made by professional woodworkers. It’s also open Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (JM) Image from Facebook event page
Test out games, Lincoln Square Mall, 1 to 5 p.m., free
CUDO Plays is having their annual Playtest Convention, where they invite community members to come test out the games their members have been working on. You even get the chance to provide some feedback on their prototypes. So enjoy some free refreshments and try some new locally designed games. (JM) Photo from CUDO Plays Facebook page
Sunday, November 3rd
Listen the Marching Illini indoors, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, 3 to 5 p.m., $10
You will be able to listen to one of the greatest university marching bands in the nation, all in the comfort of the indoors this Sunday. The Marching Illini will be performing at their annual Dad’s Weekend concert featuring a few Illini classics and some new tunes from this year. The robust music will no doubt fill Foellinger Great Hall and have you literally feeling the music. (SP)
Make wearable art, Spurlock Museum, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., free
Go browse the museum’s “In Her Closet” exhibit, featuring the history of drag in C-U, and then use that inspiration to create some wearable garments of your own. All ages are welcome! Want a preview of the exhibit? Take a look at our article from September. (JM) Photo by Cope Cumpston
Enjoy some wonderful choirs while you raise funds for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 3 p.m., all donations accepted
Come and enjoy performances of seven local high school choirs as well as Parkland College Chamber Singers all while raising funds to benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. The selections for the concert will range from arrangements of popular songs, to world music selections, and classical choral compositions. This concert is free to attend, but all donations benefit St. Jude’s. (BH)
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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.