FRIDAY, November 4th
Cubs Parade, from Wrigley to Grant Park, 12 pm
Sure, this technically doesn’t count because the parade for the cubs is taking place in Chicago, not Champaign, but the crowd will practically stretch all the way to C-U, so it’s A-ok in my book. But you’ll need to hustle to get up there if you haven’t left already…(BH)
C-U Folk and Roots Festival, downtown Urbana, Thursday – Saturday, prices vary (many events are free)
The C-U Folks and Roots Festival returns this weekend and features over eighty different events consisting of music, dances, storytelling, jams, and much more. F&RF is more interactive than your typical festival, as it offers many cooperative activities and family-friendly fare. Events will occur at several different venues in Urbana in the same vein as Pygmalion. The fest kicks off with a few shows Thursday night and then continues Friday afternoon, with Saturday being an all-day affair. Most events are all ages, and lots of them are free. Visit the website for the full schedule and more details. (JM)
Homme / Emily Blue / Lightbody, Clark Bar, 7:30 p.m., $10
Tara Terra frontwoman Emily Blue has been making huge waves in C-U recently, both with her music and with her social involvement. Her album Another Angry Woman debuts today, and all of the proceeds from it will go to benefit the amazing local organization R.A.C.E.S. This show is a celebration for the album release, and will feature a full roster of talented indie-pop ladies. You can pick up Blue’s new album there, and donate to the excellent cause. (JM)
SATURDAY, November 5th
Final Market at the Square (for the season), Illinois & Vine, Urbana, 7 a.m. to noon, free
This is the last outdoor market of the season, so take advantage your access to the many vendors selling local produce and goods. The weather’s been warm, so there are still plenty of fresh veggies available. I’m sure you’ll be able to pick up some pumpkins and mums, too. You can also stock up on frozen meat and bacon. And don’t forget to treat yourself to breakfast from one of the food trucks. Photo by Jessica Hammie. (JH)
CUDO Plays Playtest Convention, Lincoln Square Mall, 1-6 p.m., FREE
Local board game designers have been hard at work for 6 weeks, making their ideas into playable realities. Vague notions have been put through a maker’s workshop and various other lectures about gameplay and design appeal. See the very early results of the labor, sit down to help work out the kinks. That’s my favorite part: reinforcing the idea that those who can’t, critique. (RK)
Pink Floyd Laser Light Show, Staerkel Planetarium at Parkland College, 9:30 p.m., $16 for both.
Little known fact: since Staerkel upgraded their display capabilities, it actually makes it harder to show the awesome, disorienting, immersive program that takes over your entire field of vision while playing classic rock. Honestly, IMAX has nothing on this thing. Still, they bring these shows back a couple times a year because they are so popular. Tickets are only available at the door, so plan to get there early. Dark Side of the Moon plays first, with The Wall following at 10:30. (RK)
SUNDAY, November 6th
Eat some Chicago foods, around town, or in your house, all weekend, prices vary
This week I learned that a lot of people around here like baseball, and many of them like the Cubs. So, congrats to you all. I suggest you celebrate by eating Chicago-inspired foods. Papa Del’s, while not officially Chicago-style pizza, is close enough, right? Or pick up the fixings for a Chicago dog. Stop by Flying Machine for a cup of coffee (there’s usually a Chicago-roasted coffee on the menu). Check the specials at your local restaurants, as many places are celebrating with food and drink specials. Drink Revolution or Half Acre beer. Eat at Baxter’s, C-U’s new steakhouse. Eat some local honey. Bears like honey, right? Photo by Jessica Hammie. (JH)
Run the Rattlesnake 5K, Meadowbrook Park, 9 a.m., $15 (no pre-registration)
The Rattlesnake 5K will benefit Grand Prairie Friends, a non-profit group committed to preserving and restoring tallgrass prairie and woodlands in east central IL. The Race begins on Race St. near Clark-Lindsey Village just south of Windsor Rd and ends at the Garden Pavilion in Meadowbrook Park. Park in the area near the Meadowbrook Garden Pavilion. The 10K race includes Meadowbrook and adjacent areas. All races end in a trail run. More information here. (SL)
Free documentary about youth addiction, The Art Theater Co-op, 7 p.m., free
Adiction is a huge social issue that affects youth living in all towns, cities and neighboorhoods. Destructive drug use is certainly an issue worth thinking about and this documentary, Generation Found, does just that. Watch the trailer here. The show is free and sponsored by the Prarie Center. Seating is limited to the first 250 guests all of which will recieve a free toat bag and a chance to win a raffel prize. (SL)
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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.